tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546878696588539272024-03-05T14:49:24.979+05:30Contemplations !Thinking Deep...Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-87328006951133461262014-01-10T13:39:00.000+05:302014-02-04T00:12:24.080+05:30Taking A Stand In Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Jn_-jhVcB09yfh1VPi0tf71yIqypJlRqzTbpeGaKamDJ7WUVTUJNPgFyNynsKnY33NFvYKNSjYZuay4PTrplRW6nKxWuzzdWFNlhKv28iM2OzEr5d5aL8FfTzfVMKyY3reY-ZinjUg/s1600/imagesCAJ076HW.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Jn_-jhVcB09yfh1VPi0tf71yIqypJlRqzTbpeGaKamDJ7WUVTUJNPgFyNynsKnY33NFvYKNSjYZuay4PTrplRW6nKxWuzzdWFNlhKv28iM2OzEr5d5aL8FfTzfVMKyY3reY-ZinjUg/s320/imagesCAJ076HW.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720033691774141122" /></a><br />To Kill a Mockingbird is a heart warming story told by a child, showing the innocence of children. It carries a message towards the society, to shun all the prejudices. Along with this, the book is a journey of the characters coming of age. The best part is the feelings of a child being shown. One connects with the childhood instantly and a fresh perspective evolves towards the evils in society. The concept of justice has been exemplified. Most of all, To Kill a Mockingbird is a morality tale of how injustice must be fought —a story which should awaken the society from its deep slumber.<br /><br />The story is set in an old tired town of Maycomb, Alabama, where Scout Finch (6 years old, The Narrator) lives with her father, a lawyer and widower named Atticus and her elder brother Jem. Scout and Jem meet Dill who visits Maycomb to stay with his aunt for the summer. The first part of the story revolves around the fascination that these children have with a scary character "Boo Radley”, a man in his thirties who has not been seen outside of his home in years. They think of Mr. Radley as being a charlatan. <br /><br />Then comes the part where a black man, Tim Robinson is wrongly accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman, daughter of Bob Ewell. Atticus sets an example by fighting for the justice despite being ridiculed for helping a man not of his race. That is when Scout realizes the prejudices of the society and says “It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived”. Atticus on his part tells the children “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”<br /><br />The theme of the story is explained in a line “Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy... but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird”, which depicts how gruesome is it to hurt someone who is innocent. The coming to reality from a dream world of the children is another aspect shown. A world with sin like rapes and racism. That the society is not perfect and they would have to face the challenges. There are lessons learnt by Scout from Tim Robinson’s tale and through the demystifying of Boo Radly’s character at the end.<br />The story ends with Bob Ewell looking for revenge for the shame he had to face due to Atticus, and how the scary Boo Radly does something special and unexpected. The serendipity of the gifts coming from unexpected quarters summarise the ironies present in life.<br /><br />Finally, Atticus is a character who would remain an inspiration for the generations. The manner of portraying the concept of injustice is marvellous. The innocence of children oozes out and the dawning of the reality on them is just right. The beauty of this narrative, To Kill a Mockingbird, is that each character has flaws, just as in real-life. This helps the readers connect with the characters. To Kill a Mockingbird is enormously touching and powerful in its being a simple story. The book in my view is a must read to appreciate the essence of being a human being.Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-91927590404568804752013-06-12T00:48:00.000+05:302014-02-04T00:13:34.764+05:30Ambush Ambush Ambush - Why Why Why !<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTdJ41iYJxQSCPhJjRcgFUSxrumVsw0JvPQ8H96Gyh2d1wT5XRzy5YrvILNQT3AnXz1upb1pomTuzMbQJPKetSGK-NvcDUswegMFGalB7WmauDlSCSv7UK-Uwc88PayL_NzDhY007Tg/s1600/Ambush-marketing-3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTdJ41iYJxQSCPhJjRcgFUSxrumVsw0JvPQ8H96Gyh2d1wT5XRzy5YrvILNQT3AnXz1upb1pomTuzMbQJPKetSGK-NvcDUswegMFGalB7WmauDlSCSv7UK-Uwc88PayL_NzDhY007Tg/s320/Ambush-marketing-3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705733928273709794" /></a><br />What’s wrong with these people? What is all this insecurity about? Don’t they trust themselves and have faith in their product? Did they not have an option to showcase themselves in a better way? Is creativity in bed with hungry corporate honchos? Is it all justified? Too many questions!<br /><br />Well, these questions come swarming into my mind when I see, what I would call a mudslinging fest being played on our TV channels intermittently. Are they funny? – Yes they might be, but it does leave a bad taste when brands try to run each other down in such a blatant manner. You might get a increase in your sales, yes the graph is exponential, but is it something you have earned or is it just Ambush Ambush Ambush !! O Lord is this the way of life. <br /><br />Where is the Love …Where is the Love …Hold your breaths…Wait for it…This is Brand Wars!!!<br /><br />The examples have been too many to count. “Have I made it large” – I bet no one would ask that question to his/her self now ……”Pepsi, Nothing Official about it” got etched in the history though. We have seen some serious confrontations like Complan vs. Horlicks, Rin vs. Tide, Sprite vs. Mountain Dew etc. The latest one to join the ranks is The Hindu vs. The TOI with The Hindu saying that “Stay ahead of The Times”, rather too pugnaciously. So, did they mean to say that everyone who reads the TOI (Beeped in the Ad) does not know the name of the Vice President of India?? <br /><br />Not that I have my loyalties with either of them, but this again brings me back to the same question. Why do you have to fight it like this? When I think more, I relate this to the how things work in the corporate world and human nature in general. Now, here we see people putting each other down to bring themselves up. It seems to be the mantra of a few to speak about the flaws of others all the time. The unforgiving corporate world runs on perceptions. So you ruin someone else to rise above. <br /><br />Someone had told me once that if people are talking about a person, then that person has left an impact on their lives. Thus, the people/companies who have to talk about others to gain, who ambush others to rise, must realize that they are in some way or the other lending credibility to the other person/brand.<br />There have been innumerable brilliant advertising campaigns which have left their indelible mark on our psyches, touched our hearts, tickled our funny bones, inspired us and all this without deriding the competition. Few of them would include: Fevicol’s campaign , “Har ek friend zaroori hota hai” by Airtel, “Hamara Bajaj, Hamara Bajaj !!” by Bajaj Autos, The 2 minute Maggi Noodles campaign, “Doobara Mat Poochna” by Chloromint and so on…..In this light, the companies should keep faith in their products, have an honest creative Ad strategy and success should be in their hands. <br /><br />All this reminds me of the famous Metallica lines:<br />So close no matter how far <br />Couldn't be much more from the heart <br />Forever trust in who we are <br />And nothing else matters<br /><br />Going into the realm of ethics and morality would again border on subjectivity, but till there is Ambush Ambush Ambush…there would be Why Why Why !!!Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-67827734868118505572013-02-21T23:22:00.000+05:302014-02-04T00:14:27.610+05:30A Thousand Splendid Suns – Splendid Indeed!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglx4P1dbMy9FOwYCAxIOTqy6TAgnbsWjd22FUsZhC6z0PFxUNyQaxvSp4OtmmLQD3LxSrqmPgAUn4YVWybh-YPIGvbDZWYlqpPcPSc2R9XPfPBF-Im0qBxr7EIDr5LyCaOBkxK5u7baQ/s1600/imgA+Thousand+Splendid+Suns3+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglx4P1dbMy9FOwYCAxIOTqy6TAgnbsWjd22FUsZhC6z0PFxUNyQaxvSp4OtmmLQD3LxSrqmPgAUn4YVWybh-YPIGvbDZWYlqpPcPSc2R9XPfPBF-Im0qBxr7EIDr5LyCaOBkxK5u7baQ/s320/imgA+Thousand+Splendid+Suns3+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703486229042908354" /></a><br />A Thousand Splendid Suns is a heart wrenching story of the pain that some women have been going through due to conflict and culture in Afghanistan.<br />It is a farewell ode to the city of Kabul<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs<br />Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.</span><br /><br />Khaled Hosseini has the gift of making the characters come alive. It is like you are living a life, feeling the tenderness of the characters, the surroundings become all the more familiar. <br />He had indeed set high standards with “The KiteRunner”, but this particular book would not leave you disappointed.<br /><br />The innocence of a child, the playfulness, the mystic beauty, the curiosity and the urge to be loved – all these feelings are what you get submerged with. The characters have to leave their home places due to tragic events, invasion by Soviets and the infighting among the Afghan Warlords.<br /><br />The agony of Mariam at being called a ‘harami’ since a child, her longing for gifts from her father and the tragic death of her mother sets the tone of the book. She suffers through her life with a dominating and somewhat savage husband. The pain of miscarriages and abuses fills her life with misery. Another girl named Laila grows with dreams of bright future, just to be taken away by the conflict. Family dies, love of her life has to leave her and she ends up being the wife of the same husband as Mariam.<br /><br />Among the wild bushes lay some flowers as well. There are small joys, small bouts of happiness accosted to these girls. They try to find joy in the beautiful valleys, the flowing streams, and the thrill of running away from the pain in the end. Killing of an unjust and cruel man was liberating.<br />What amazes one is how early are the girls forced to marry (15) and expected to follow so many rules and regulations. The Purdah system, a woman cannot go out without taking a man along with her, the biased rules of the society towards men, the in-numerous beatings that a wife takes, the curses sprayed on them for not bearing a boy child. <br /><br />The fear of being stoned at a man's allegation of a bad character and if they escape this fate, to please their husbands remains the fait accompli. Education is treated as an offense for them.<br />The writ of Taliban holds strong. No one dares to disobey. TV and Music is banned. Cosmetics are forbidden. Painting pictures, writing books and dancing are forbidden. Any interpretation of the holy book these people make is to be followed as writing in the stone.<br /><br />A Thousand Splendid Suns will moisten your eyes, the respect for a democracy and liberalism in our country increases many folds even if it is not perfect here.<br />All in all, it was really splendid reading this book.Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-65371633890885554872012-01-16T00:43:00.005+05:302012-01-16T00:57:28.534+05:30The Big Oil Game<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEzMXWV73suHjGEnKlehmz-AC7g5dIullmwz1tWuy_vdCcjgQkWR6IBxeh_YgQmJkrcc1AeOgBgSsLgpGWDY1Hp_qxlkXxITCsFRZILPpa3hpJTjMHzr8ScJqcMKEhoHiukFDemcRcw/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 96px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEzMXWV73suHjGEnKlehmz-AC7g5dIullmwz1tWuy_vdCcjgQkWR6IBxeh_YgQmJkrcc1AeOgBgSsLgpGWDY1Hp_qxlkXxITCsFRZILPpa3hpJTjMHzr8ScJqcMKEhoHiukFDemcRcw/s320/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697939410932697282" /></a><br />“Oh Indians, Wake Up….Wake Up and Conserve the OIL <br />Or You would find it difficult to live on this soil<br />So, Toil Toil and Toil<br />To Conserve the OIL!”<br /><br />The above is a quotation I had written to start my speech while participating in a declamation in an Oil Conservation Week in the school.<br />It got refreshed in my mind with the recent news regarding how an embargo by US on Iran can disturb India with regards to its oil import. Also, I have had a few discussions with my friends on the same.<br /><br />India is one of the main importers of Oil and our over-dependence on the same is a problem for our economy. With tensions rising between America and Iran, it does not bode well for us. Iran has said that they would block the Strait of Hormuz in case the USA continues with its sanctions. EU has already said that they would put a ban to oil import on Iran. The interesting point is that one fifth of world’s oil flows through this passage of which India is a major part.<br />This brings to fore a big game that US is construed to be playing with regards to its policy for countries like Iraq and Libya. This meddling in affairs of other countries some times on the pretext of biological weapons or human rights violations or dictatorships, has led to many unanswered questions and intentions of west comes under the scrutiny. Although we cannot change their policy, but we can definitely try to strategize and be prepared for any drastic situations.<br /><br />In India, we have faced around 11 Oil price hikes since June 2010. For how long can we hide behind the excuse that “global forces play a big role in this”. Maybe we need a more aggressive approach to finding new sources of oil in our country or pursue good relationships with more and more countries.Energy is a big need and our move towards Nuclear energy is a step in the right direction.<br /> <br />We need to keep on looking for alternatives as in one way of the other we might get affected by the world politics. <br /><br />Also, it becomes incumbent on each one of us to save each drop that we can. Each drop matters then !Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-62830678115379776452011-11-24T01:21:00.004+05:302011-11-24T01:34:39.833+05:3012 Angry Men - Awesome and Must Watch.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cpMJqii69YQhi51dyC4nkTkSO0VnCfUMI2AsrhccnfviJwZVcqi2UqBN8Gqedv8toyz2eIjtcj7WHaNPQwVqtEyCYBPORw9I_Rcte2-xNLV2SEMnP3npZnSfdK4RHXe7L7loPWGR7Q/s1600/consensus.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cpMJqii69YQhi51dyC4nkTkSO0VnCfUMI2AsrhccnfviJwZVcqi2UqBN8Gqedv8toyz2eIjtcj7WHaNPQwVqtEyCYBPORw9I_Rcte2-xNLV2SEMnP3npZnSfdK4RHXe7L7loPWGR7Q/s320/consensus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678283273790822626" /></a><br />I thoroughly enjoyed watching the movie - 12 Angry Men recently.<br /><br />The movie is inspirational in the sense that it makes you understand the importance of how to take a stand in life and how to live by your own convictions rather than be swayed away by the thoughts of others which may be misleading and superficial at times. Reaching a consensus is so difficult in some situations, but still it can be achieved : 12 Angry Men proves this.<br /><br />Well, 12 Angry Men is a thrilling, dramatic movie which makes you realize that once a man is firm on his opinion, he has the power to change the opinion of the world. <br />In the movie, one person holding a different view stands upto 11 other men who have contrary views to that of his. But he is not deterred by their truculent behavior and shows tenacity and guts to prove his point. One by one each one of them gets convinced and finally all of them change their opinions and agree with him!<br /><br />The movie brings to mind a few adages like the ones mentioned below and these appear to be so true in its context:<br />“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”<br />“All that glitters is not gold”<br />“Attention to detail is important.”<br /><br />All in all, it is a superb portrayal of characters and a mesmerizing watch.Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-65028171724116233022011-04-17T18:16:00.006+05:302011-04-17T18:30:21.375+05:30Is Money so important?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEkFUlHZESex6gOT6DEz8Cd26NhBaUJPgREqCaBevanQoyuvmWsSxrKthfHuM0uT9WGT6Bfxz-4ScXQrS0qJRgCBPbzY5yToAHzppxebQhZ_idpK570YGVb2-mkU2CWA407crCVBfwg/s1600/1240395.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEkFUlHZESex6gOT6DEz8Cd26NhBaUJPgREqCaBevanQoyuvmWsSxrKthfHuM0uT9WGT6Bfxz-4ScXQrS0qJRgCBPbzY5yToAHzppxebQhZ_idpK570YGVb2-mkU2CWA407crCVBfwg/s320/1240395.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596535157443058050" /></a><br /><br />These days a lot of thoughts frequent my mind regarding the realities of life.<br /><br />One of the most curious one’s is regarding the value of money in one’s life. If seen from the perspective through which I am seeing at present, everything in life is linked to money. In fact the whole life seems to be based on running after it.<br /><br />I mean, from the start we are incorporated with the importance of success in our lives. A rat race is on.<br /><br />Why do people live away from their loved ones for long? Being an engineer, an MBA, an IT professional onsite or having a successful spouse …everything for what? <br /><br />There is a struggle everyday.<br /> <br />There is something you run after, sometimes you even don’t know why, but you are running. Would you go to office if you get a million dollars a month by just sitting at home?<br /><br />Once in an interview I was asked, what would I do if I get a hell lot of money and there would be flow of it as and when I need? I think it is one of the most pertinent questions of our life.<br /><br />Isn’t there a harsh difference between being born super rich and born poor? (Although there are examples of people doing superbly well in adverse circumstances)<br /><br />People talk about how important it is to be happy. But isn’t happiness linked to money as well? Money can buy you a lot of things which will make you happy!<br /><br />May be I am missing the point altogether, hopefully I will get the answers, but still there are sayings which will live forever, like…Money hai toh Honey hai !!!Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-26427194776912927642010-10-04T00:53:00.006+05:302010-10-04T01:40:34.346+05:30I am in HeavenI have continuously gazed at a bridge built in the sea, at the smiling palm trees and a picturesque landscape. It was a pleasant evening, with cool breeze blowing. I was walking down the road along the gushing waves of the Arabian Sea. A long stretch of road along the contour of the sea. There was a boat moving ever so slowly right in the middle of the sea. The orange sun setting and making for an awesome view. As far as my eyes could go, it was all water. The sky made up of a mix of blue, pink and orange. An aircraft was swirling along at a length seeming so far. This was nothing short of a poet’s imagination. Better than a painter’s painting and more like a dream. The serene air moving all around making me feel feather light. I was at peace with myself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXIT7HnQcICb8CsoGCaGhTEg8AGffHFGHa4BVYLoXfD3sFL-5gh9fqXk-UF9XJPl-EWUpYbdVjGl0KFRoIBlJHXe7lCWTM9OsHqeUwS0LAEV6tUE7PXpVJoanWLmH6jpIDIGg-y6oFw/s1600/Photo0088.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXIT7HnQcICb8CsoGCaGhTEg8AGffHFGHa4BVYLoXfD3sFL-5gh9fqXk-UF9XJPl-EWUpYbdVjGl0KFRoIBlJHXe7lCWTM9OsHqeUwS0LAEV6tUE7PXpVJoanWLmH6jpIDIGg-y6oFw/s200/Photo0088.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523904122884625586" /></a><br /><br />I was sitting near the waves. They kept splashing on the black rocks and small drops falling on me from time to time. I closed my eyes, feeling the atmosphere, hearing the sounds the waves were making. I have no one close to me. No one to seek an answer from and no one to ask a question to. It’s all me and me alone. I could feel myself breathing, realizing an activity ever so unnoticed. The muscles around my eyes went totally loose. I am in total control of myself. My mind is blank with no stress. Finally, I am with myself totally relaxed! ….I am in heaven.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyBh_Md4iauM6FFctoEMRUg7OzkV-VCuYapVE63TBM8nE5jvMy6cfl-lmGgKcQS-cUEHW_1-EJPa2Z2LBAZXEVa8en4sJsptQ_SVMheqDAVwglOiWDzNImw7o6nU1ZNSPzPZBH0kx-Q/s1600/Photo0094.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyBh_Md4iauM6FFctoEMRUg7OzkV-VCuYapVE63TBM8nE5jvMy6cfl-lmGgKcQS-cUEHW_1-EJPa2Z2LBAZXEVa8en4sJsptQ_SVMheqDAVwglOiWDzNImw7o6nU1ZNSPzPZBH0kx-Q/s200/Photo0094.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523904813499482834" /></a><br /><br /><br />This place is bandstand (Bandra,Mumbai)…I have found a place to be with myself. Hope you have found/will find yours ….Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-6931967474955079312009-03-25T12:10:00.001+05:302009-03-25T13:10:53.624+05:30Indian Political League<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKY3RL_iHpIMs2_jXr2i2-0wljeO7vKO2JGndufqWFzDVP_PDf8LWTQvxOhSNKynYKsvSz270SQGcDb3Vd8KJpB7LTfIhLjkQJys4Y6VBPUuGnBoUpa7JuaFkbMkDUONUbXHixXGE-Aw/s1600-h/29das1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKY3RL_iHpIMs2_jXr2i2-0wljeO7vKO2JGndufqWFzDVP_PDf8LWTQvxOhSNKynYKsvSz270SQGcDb3Vd8KJpB7LTfIhLjkQJys4Y6VBPUuGnBoUpa7JuaFkbMkDUONUbXHixXGE-Aw/s200/29das1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317012018357537138" /></a><br />Its Election time.Clearly the Indian political league has taken over the Indian Premier League as Cricket has to move to South Africa now.Though it’s a bit disappointing but better safe than sorry.(The concerns are genuine when we don’t even have enough security forces to guard elections with looming threat of terrorism)<br /><br />Now talking about the Elections,as a voter we have three choices broadly in front of us,namely :<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">United Progressive Alliance(UPA,Congress the leader)<br />National Democratic Alliance(NDA,BJP the leader)<br />Third Front(Left parties are the mainstay)<br /></span><br />The following factors can influence voters when they cast their votes for the 543 seats of the 15th Lok Sabha,from 16 April to 13 May:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1</span>.The win on the Diplomacy front of the UPA(Pak accepting its soil used for terror).When NDA was in power and attack on parliament happened,all it did was to mobilise forces in operation Parakaram,which resulted in nothing but waste of money.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2</span>.The strong will of Congress led to Indo-US Nuclear Deal coming into effect.Though the foundation of this deal was laid by the NDA.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3</span>.The unemployment is an issue with 5 Lakh jobs lost in India.Mostly it can be blamed on world recession,but people need solutions from our leaders.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4</span>.The prices of food commodities have remained high for most part of the rule of UPA and they are still high though we are staring at Deflation.(Some say its just Disinflation).My mother says price rise was mostly never an issue when NDA ruled.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5</span>.The BJP has raised its communal head again with Varun Gandhi's hate speech and Hindutva being an issue.Now,it may work in their favour but on the moral grounds BJP has lost already in my point of view.On the other hand Congress works all out to introduce caste base quotas and minority appeasement!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">6</span>.Everyday the semantics of politics is changing in India.BJD has left NDA.Laloo and Ram Vilas Paswan are virtually fighting against congress in Bihar.So,is Samajwadi Party in UP.PMK has also left UPA.The old partners of NDA like Jayalalita and TDP are moving towards the Third Front!!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">7</span>.There are too many candidates for the post of Prime Minister.Advani and Manmohan Singh are the front runners.But you never know with Mayawati,Sharad Pawar,Prakash Karat and even Deve Gowda lining up for the post.Now the voters have to keep in mind that who is most trust worthy and able among them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">8</span>.Development is a key issue as we have already seen how Sheila dixit came to power in Delhi and Shiv Raj Chauhan in MP purely on the development plank.The voters are waking up to the performance of the government.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">9</span>.Lastly,a stable Govt at the centre is a must.Because if it’s a khichdi Govt then no one can take a stand.The regional aspirations should not over rule the National agenda.This is the key.So,even if a regional party candidate has done well,you may want to vote for a national party x because you want to see it in power and making national policies.<br /><br />Above were the issues that randomly came to my mind.If you have some more then do tell me as I may cast my precious vote this time.I hope you do the same :)Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-51999479527207370962009-02-28T00:05:00.000+05:302009-03-25T12:29:06.752+05:30How Duckworth Lewis method actually worksI have been following cricket passionately over many years.There have been many matches where there have been stoppages due to rain and suddenly,magically we get to know what is the new total that is to be chased by the team.Out of curiousity,I researched how this method actually works and here is the result…<br />The D/L method was devised by two English statisticians, Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis. It was first used in international cricket in the second game of the 1996/7 Zimbabwe versus England One Day International series, which Zimbabwe won by 7 runs and was formally adopted by the International Cricket Council in 2001 as the standard method of calculating target scores in rain shortened one-day matches.The D/L method works using the notion that teams have two resources with which to make as many runs as they can<br /><br />1. The number of overs to play<br />2. Number of wickets in hand.<br />A table, based on the scores of the past ODI’s, which gives the percentage of resources that are available to a team at the end of every bowl and every wicket has been made. Its like a log table<br /><a href="http://in.yimg.com/icccricket/pdfs/d-l_table.pdf"></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Case 1</span><br />India has scored 250 runs in 50 overs. Australia has lost 7 wickets in 40 overs scoring 180(yeah, in my dreams). Now rain God shows mercy on Australians and the match is not played further. Lets see who is the winner.<br />Did India have any interruptions while batting? No. So the resource at its disposal was 100%.<br />When Australia started batting, it had complete resources. 100%<br />After 40 overs and 7 wickets down, the resources left with Australia = 20.6 %(Acc to the Table)<br />Now since, no play is possible further, can Australia use this remaining resource? No.<br />So Australia used 100 – 20.6 = 79.4% of its resources.<br />Now lets see how much India would have scored with 79.4% resources available.<br />Plain and simple mathematics, isn’t it?<br />250 * (79.4/100) = 198.50 which is rounded off to 198 and Australia needed 199 to win.<br />But how much did they score? 180. So India wins the match.Now let me state the rule corresponding to this example.<br />Note the resource % team had at the start of the innings. (Here both India and Australia had 100%)<br />Using the table calculate the resource % lost due to each interruption. (Australia lost 20.6 %)<br />Calculate the resource percentage available (Australia had 79.4% available)<br />Reset the target set by the first team using the %resource available to the second team.<br />With 100% resource India scored 250.<br />With 79.4%, it would have scored 250 *79.4 /100 = 198.50<br /><br />The previous case is applicable when the team batting first is not interrupted at all.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Case 2</span><br />India is playing first and the match is already made a 40 overs match due to rains.<br />Lets say India scores 200 runs. (With what % of resources? 90.3%. right?)<br />Australia scores 150 runs in 30 overs and has lost 5 wickets. The play is interrupted again. Now only 5 overs are remaining.<br />After 30 overs, Australia is 150/5.<br />How much are the resources left? 5 wickets in hand and 10 overs = 27.5%<br /><br />Now 5 overs are lost due to rain. And only 5 overs are remaining. So with 5 wickets in hands and 5 overs remaining, how much Australia has? 16.4%<br />Clearly Australia has lost 27.5% - 16.4% = 11.1% due to rain.<br />So the Resource available to Australia is 90.3% - 11.1% = 79.2%<br />Now reset the target set by India considering they played with 79.2% resources.<br />200 * 79.2/90.3 = 175.42. So India’s score is 175 and Australia needs 26 more runs in 5 overs to win the match.Lets formulate the rule now.<br /><br />If team 2 has less resources than team 1(Australia had 79.2% available to India’s 90.3%),<br />Calculate the ratio of the resources available to the two teams. Reset the Team 1’s score using this ratio.Simple right?<br />This rule is applicable when the rain has affected the number of overs in a match before the match started. And then again when the team batting second is batting.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Case 3</span><br />India is batting first and the score is 200/7 at the end of 40 overs when Rain halts the play. Now there is sufficient rain to make the match a 40 overs affair. Clearly Australia cant be asked to score 201 in 40 overs since that would be disadvantage to India which went into play thinking it has to play 50 overs. Had it known it has to play 40 overs, it would have started hitting at the end of 33 over or so. Right?<br /><br />So we need to reset the target for Australia.<br />India has lost 7 wickets and 10 overs. So it has lost 20.6% of the resources due to the rains.They started with 100% resources. But they have used only 100% - 20.6% = 79.4%.Now Australia will start with 90.3% since it has lost 10 overs. The difference between the resources available to Australia and India is 90.3% - 79.4% = 10.9%<br /><br />So Australia had to be set a target of 200 + 10.9% of 200. Right? Not quite. From the statistics gathered over a period of time. The average score in a 50 full overs match has been found out to be 225.<br />So the reset score is 200 + 10.9% of 225 = 200 + 24.53 = 224.53 or 224<br /><br />So Australia would need 225 runs to win. (This 225 has nothing to do with the 225 used to calculate the additional runs required.)<br />Let us set the rule for this also.<br />If team 2 has more resources than team 1, find out the excess resource. (Australia had 90.3% to India’s 79.4%)<br />Add the excess as a % of 225(average runs scored in 50 overs) and add those to the total of Team 1.(10.9% of 225 is 24.53 and 24.53 + India’s score of 200 = 224.53)<br /><br />This rule is applicable when the team batting first starts with 100% resources but the game is shortened due to rains. And team 1 has less over than expected.<br /><br /> (Source-Cricinfo.com,Cricbuzz.com)Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-11221418593153241672009-01-29T15:17:00.000+05:302009-03-25T12:31:18.485+05:30Slumdog...A bitter pillWatched Slumdog Millionaire recently.Had to see what Danny Boyle had done to get 10 Oscar nominations with an Indian cast and a Mumbai based theme that we have not been able to achieve for long.Must say it’s a good one but at heart I believe there have been many a better movie made in Bollywood before.<br /><br />Slumdog has made the reality stand right in front of our eyes and shown us the stark side of India.It has started a debate over here,as to whether the poverty of India has been sold and depiction of our country has been made in a very poor light.Even people like Amitabh Bachchan and Arindam Chaudhari have been a part of this debate.Yes,we have slums,yes some people are rouge but to say that this is the “Real India” is I would say taking it too far,as the movie has shown.Can't but help the feeling that if this movie had an Indian name behind it instead of a British, it would not have been recognized the way it has been now.<br /><br />A positive..Thanks to Slumdog,the world has woken up to the genius of AR Rehman.He has been weaving magic since long :)<br />Finally, Danny Boyle and the team have done a superb job,but I would say a Taare Zameen Par(not even nominated) deserves an Oscar much more than a Slumdog Millionaire.Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-38999832328838152822008-12-03T11:15:00.001+05:302009-03-26T11:13:07.008+05:30Is Baar Nahin....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuWG8XmJsctBglDNCxRO_o5TP8Co5V-FFk1L_Ltgt7MCtlKJF8VL6HNyb9yhVEC2KZApvEMOqGEruFxzK0-qdTeoKFss9JvVUxAWzwPrGodv4L4KjdZJhZgbdCNSgEOSGlE51H6hAHQ/s1600-h/01vigil.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuWG8XmJsctBglDNCxRO_o5TP8Co5V-FFk1L_Ltgt7MCtlKJF8VL6HNyb9yhVEC2KZApvEMOqGEruFxzK0-qdTeoKFss9JvVUxAWzwPrGodv4L4KjdZJhZgbdCNSgEOSGlE51H6hAHQ/s200/01vigil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275226631745340306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p><strong><em>Is baar nahin</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Is baar jab woh choti si bachchi mere paas apni kharonch le kar aayegi</em></strong><strong><em><br /></em></strong><strong><em>Main usey phoo phoo kar nahin behlaoonga<br />Panapney doonga uski tees ko<br />Is baar nahin</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong><strong><em></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Is baar jab main chehron par dard likha dekhoonga</em></strong><strong><em><br /></em></strong><strong><em>Nahin gaoonga geet peeda bhula dene wale<br />Dard ko risney doonga,utarney doonga andar gehrey<br />Is baar nahin</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong><strong><em></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Is baar main na marham lagaoonga</em></strong><strong><em><br /></em></strong><strong><em>Na hi uthaoonga rui ke phahey<br />Aur na hi kahoonga ki tum aankein band karlo,gardan udhar kar lo main dawa lagata hoon<br />Dekhney doonga sabko hum sabko khuley nangey ghaav<br />Is baar nahin</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong><strong><em></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Is baar jab uljhaney dekhoonga,chatpatahat dekhoonga</em></strong><strong><em><br /></em></strong><strong><em>Nahin daudoonga uljhee door lapetney<br />Uljhaney doonga jab tak ulajh sake<br />Is baar nahin</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Is baar karm ka hawala de kar nahin uthaoonga auzaar</em></strong><strong><em><br /></em></strong><strong><em>Nahin karoonga phir se ek nayee shuruaat<br />Nahin banoonga misaal ek karmyogi ki<br />Nahin aaney doonga zindagi ko aasani se patri par<br />Utarney doonga usey keechad main,tedhey medhey raston pe<br />Nahin sookhney doonga deewaron par laga khoon<br />Halka nahin padney doonga uska rang<br />Is baar nahin banney doonga usey itna laachaar<br />Ki paan ki peek aur khoon ka fark hi khatm ho jaye<br />Is baar nahin</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong><strong><em></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Is baar ghawon ko dekhna hai</em></strong><strong><em><br /></em></strong><strong><em>Gaur se<br />Thoda lambe wakt tak<br />Kuch faisley<br />Aur uskey baad hausley<br />Kahin toh shuruat karni hi hogi<br />Is baar yahi tay kiya hai</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong><strong><em></em></strong></p> <strong><em>… Prasoon Joshi<br />(Source-Rediff.com)<br /></em></strong><p><br /><strong><em></em></strong><strong><em></em></strong><strong><em></em></strong></p> <strong><em></em></strong>Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-13441530373074371052008-08-24T15:11:00.000+05:302009-03-25T12:32:35.529+05:30Two Drops of Blood---Dream of Reality.Its been ages since I have written anything.But the dream of a reality comes back to me again and again.Its something that the innocent or perhaps the guilty child in me refuses to forget.So here is how it goes...<br /><br />I was in 5th class.Our school was that time upto 5th only,so I was in the senior most class.I was made the <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Head Boy</span> of the school (yes!,a 5th class boy).<br />I dont know why I had stood for the post as I did not know to play the drum, which I considered as important for a Head Boy to know.Anyways,I do remember the stage where I was given the Badge and how it was announced.....It was great and I felt I am the boss over every other child :)<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">But here is the point where the story took a turn....</span><br /><br />Few months later,on some day,there was a meeting of teachers that was going on and the teacher told me that I had the responsibility of keeping order and discipline....Lol!!!...I took a few of my friends and started to make rounds of different classes!! and entered a class of 4th I guess.<br />So,I was instructing students to keep quiet,but despite of my repeating one boy did not budge from talking.I gave him the punishment of standing in front.A couple of others were given the same punishment.<br /><br />He stood there and still was talking behind my back.I dont know what happened but I turned suddenly and <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">slapped</span> him while turning.Then turned back to my normal position.After a few seconds I heard a small ahh..turned back...Blood coming from the nose,two drops fell..<br />I cant forget those two drops on the floor till now.....<br /><br />My friends did all the things to stop the blood and I rushed downstairs to inform the teacher who of course castisized me.Tears in my eyes I came back to my class.Some time later the teacher came and sat without looking at me...<br /><br />I was engulfed in the worst sense of guilt I ever had...My friend sitting beside me consoled a bit.The two drops still in front of my mind, I took off my Head Boy's badge and told my friend to please hand it over to mam as I cant face her.Yes... I was resigning on moral grounds!!!<br />He went after some persuasion..I couldnt hear what he said but suddenly mam threw the badge at me and I dont remember what she said...Later I remember she consoled me but the dream of the reality just doesnt complete.I just dont remember what happened in the following days,though my resignation was not accepted! I dont think I told this thing at home.<br />A few months later the school got over and after holidays I shifted to a new school.<br /><br />One thing that I learnt was that nose is really a delicate thing!<br />and one should keep one's head in responsibility.......I am cool now :)<br />I just could not sleep because of it right now, so thought of writing it out...<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Those two drops of blood on floor still haunt me...the dream of the reality never completes....</span>Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-80192315668683121222008-06-24T13:15:00.000+05:302008-06-24T01:38:52.909+05:30The Saint The Surfer And The CEO<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">This Book is truly <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Inspirational</span> and the one from which every person can learn something.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have gathered some of the Thoughts which I liked....<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>The top of one mountain is the start of the next.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>No matter how insignificant the thing you have to do,do it as well as you can,give it as much of the care and attention as you would give to a thing you regard as most important.For it will be by those small things that you shall be judged.</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; font-style: italic;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>Just start <span style="font-weight: bold;">writing</span> and keep writing without lifting the pen from the page.And then stop when you are clear and feel liberated.This exercise will work wonders for your peace of mind,for your inner power and for the best life that you are reclaiming. Write about all your irritations,the greatest desires of your heart.Write about the person you are and whom you would love to be.Just write freely-as days go by,you will go deeper and deeper.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><li>Morning Questions</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ol style="font-style: italic;"><li>How would I live out this day if I knew it was my last?</li><li>What do I have to be grateful for in my life?</li><li>What one thing could I do today to make my life extraordinary?</li><li>What can I do to make today incredibly fun?</li><li>How can I help someone today?</li></ol> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>All of us ,whether or not we are warriors,have a cubic centimeter of chance that pops out in front of our eyes from time to time.The difference between the average person and a warrior is that the warrior is aware of this and stays alert,deliberately waiting,so that when this <span style="font-weight: bold;">cubic centimeter of chance</span> pops out,it is picked up.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>There’s a place deep inside every single one of our hearts that knows answers to our biggest questions.Each one of us knows our <span style="font-weight: bold;">truth</span> and what needs to be done to create extraordinary lives of ourselves.</li></ul><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p style="font-style: italic;"></o:p><ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>Make thy <span style="font-weight: bold;">books</span> thy companions.Let thy cases and shelves be thy pleasure grounds and gardens.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>The real trick in life is to turn hindsight into foresight that reveals <span style="font-weight: bold;">insight</span>.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>Let your past serve you.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>Stop blaming others for everything you dislike about your life.Look in the mirror and regain some accountability over your life.That’s how personal change and <span style="font-weight: bold;">leadership</span> begins.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>Breakdowns always lead to Breakthroughs.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an <span style="font-weight: bold;">understanding</span> of ourselves.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>The place where your greatest fears lives is also the place where your greatest growth lies.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>In about the same degree as you are <span style="font-weight: bold;">helpful</span>,you will be happy.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>Who looks outside dreams.Who looks inside awakens.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Meditation</span> is nothing more than using your mind and its imagination to create a better inner life.It’s all about envisioning the way you would like to be in certain circumstances.Meditation is glorified visualization-mental concentration with a personal development twist to it.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pain</span> deepens you and reveals you to yourself.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>Whats the point of living a long life if you cant enjoy it by feeling good,strong and healthy-----<span style="font-weight: bold;">stay fit</span> as those who don’t make time to exercise must eventually make time for illness.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>Now is the time to raise your standards about what it means to be a person,to show the world who you really are.And if not now then when?</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>The <span style="font-weight: bold;">wise</span> man always does it at once what a fool does at finally.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>Leave a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Legacy</span>.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li>I wept because I had no shoes on my feet until I saw the man without any feet.</li></ul> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <ul style="font-style: italic;"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reflection</span> is the mother of wisdom.</li></ul><br /> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Thoughts Forever.....</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><!--[endif]--><o:p><br /></o:p></p>Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-33908303036529653182008-05-16T13:58:00.000+05:302008-05-16T02:40:12.648+05:30Engineering over....Would Miss My College Days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-E98ICNODG3H1rpNsy9WCwfjqLmzQO7ArCn-xhX-NUMTmQKx8I-0YFZTKJtaAADH9vRsU3y2FlNgrwV5FyCVvHjHOsS7cngzA0qvmhu4aO9TCqc3msbW0gKSXlWVYrxdOY5oayg1NyA/s1600-h/Image013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-E98ICNODG3H1rpNsy9WCwfjqLmzQO7ArCn-xhX-NUMTmQKx8I-0YFZTKJtaAADH9vRsU3y2FlNgrwV5FyCVvHjHOsS7cngzA0qvmhu4aO9TCqc3msbW0gKSXlWVYrxdOY5oayg1NyA/s200/Image013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200714907734468082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well 4 years have passed and I have become an <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">engineer</span><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->! (though unofficially; exams just got over,result awaited :)) This brings me back to the day I visited my college CCET (located in heart of chandigarh) for the first time.The first look was that of pleasantness and <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">serenity</span> that surrounded the college….and which is there to date as well! Cant believe till now that I would be leaving the college..it makes me sad. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->If I look back at the 4 years passed in the college..the experience has been a good one and the one that would remain etched in some small room of my heart forever.Though me and my batch mates have sometimes criticized the college for various reasons but at the end of it I would say that we are surely going to miss this place. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->Rushing to the college on bike to be in time for the<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> lectures</span> or exams,especially the first lecture at 9 AM was fun (missed many of the first lectures due to sleeping habits)...My class mates are the ones whom I wont forget.The way there has been spirit and humour in the lectures has been superb.Someone would pass a funny comment and the whole class is laughing like anything…sometimes the teachers also amused! <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->Sitting in CCET’s <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">canteen</span> has been an experience in itself.The samosa and nimbu paani have been my favourites.(One cold drink per day had become a norm).The way this place brought people together in sharing their thoughts…cracking jokes…Having a laugh…etc,has been great!! <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">How can the long wait for <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">viva’s</span> be forgotten…yes our teachers took long time durations interrogating us (where sometimes you spoke what you hadn’t ever read with confidence.LoL!!) the non attendence of labs was fun..hehe...Going out with friends for lunch....assignments ko chepna!!!</p>I would miss playing <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">basketball,volleyball and cricket</span> with friends in college.(Was not very good at them,but did enjoy a lot!!!)<br />Running to the <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">tuck shop</span> (stationary shop)<span style=""> </span><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->to get the file covers...getting notes photocopied...will be a rememberance…Our senior batch was very good as well and would always remain an inspiration… <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p> <p class="MsoNormal">CCET has provided me with a job with <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Accenture</span> (The joining has not come yet)…Along with it are innumerable memories which I take… Would definitely visit this place some years down the line. ….One more thing....No more exams now...hehe....so for now the only thing on my mind is some rest and enjoyment!!! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_wv5ayHmaer2VL70hX-72XT8j9x_xVDeZ2zEFxkTFadAtVMK6rXw4fWQtlHhyaYQVAFRoYx4Sp7WQzi3-xLXQaGn69sk4-9ls4GBb1Yf1MZHTfoPlptFKrpL_OxomNx3ZE0DpUQZaA/s1600-h/Image033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_wv5ayHmaer2VL70hX-72XT8j9x_xVDeZ2zEFxkTFadAtVMK6rXw4fWQtlHhyaYQVAFRoYx4Sp7WQzi3-xLXQaGn69sk4-9ls4GBb1Yf1MZHTfoPlptFKrpL_OxomNx3ZE0DpUQZaA/s320/Image033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200687638987105746" border="0" /></a> </p> <p style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal">And yes Thank You CCET…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p>Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-22072848029226147392008-04-23T06:49:00.000+05:302008-04-22T19:00:25.990+05:30The Hockey Shame,Once Again<p class="MsoNormal">With the failure of Indian Hockey Team in qualifying for Olympics for the first time in 80 years still fresh in mind,one would have thought that it is the worst phase and it can get better only in the coming days…but what do we see….<span style="font-weight: bold;">Corruption</span>!!!!!!!.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->This is the last thing that one would have thought to be the reasons behind Indian team’s poor showing in the past years. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-style: italic;">The Shame…Disgrace</span>…the Secretary of IHF Mr. Jyothikumaran has been caught red handed accepting money to select a player for a prestigious tournament… on TV….And think he has been at this post since 1994 !!……If the allegations are true then he has definitely cheated this nation. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As it is,the problems with the National Game of this country have been too many to count….Mr KPS Gill,the super cop and the president of IHF has been refusing to resign despite the poor showing of the team and repeated demands of many hockey players and parliamentarians….The problem of the game losing its popularity to cricket has been growing.The working of IHF has been least transparent.Many teams new to Hockey are defeating the Indian team like China did in the Asian Games…The FIH is threatening to take away the opportunity that it has given India of being host to the Hockey World Cup in 2010.And the last nail in the coffin has been laid by the corruption………</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I believe Hockey is a very attractive game and personally I have been going to the stadium to watch the PHL matches regularly….The hands of Govt. are tied due to the Olympic Charter and Autonomy of IHF…….but if this rot continues I think the little interest that is left for this game in India would be gone too.<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">The hockey has been stinged…</span></p>Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-41126493560205769112008-04-18T23:30:00.000+05:302008-04-18T11:59:25.073+05:30The Karmyudh Begins!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXxzjk6PzVQcgVPwA_fucRLu5S3nWk2x5XOc_8NvmnW4odf3Ojfw8FJdANARRUjD8qLT5pm-b11U1KcpLNOzC0NV0NYM3_FSoIqqXIINhmHaIP-44dZDiEepZuKvujHYsjb-HybHVbw/s1600-h/kings-xi-punjab_01042008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXxzjk6PzVQcgVPwA_fucRLu5S3nWk2x5XOc_8NvmnW4odf3Ojfw8FJdANARRUjD8qLT5pm-b11U1KcpLNOzC0NV0NYM3_FSoIqqXIINhmHaIP-44dZDiEepZuKvujHYsjb-HybHVbw/s320/kings-xi-punjab_01042008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190465524185738994" border="0" /></a><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->Wow….the ‘<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Karmyudh</span>’ of Cricket is about to begin today.Being a diehard fan of this game I am very much excited about the bonanza for cricket lovers!!! <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The prospect of a Sachin and Jayasurya opening together,then Brett Lee and Sreesanth bowling in tandem,Ganguly and Ponting batting together… will be mouthwatering.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->Similarly when Symonds and Hayden play against Harbhajan the contest would get more fired up because of the recent controversies.Dhoni kepping for Murali would be a spectacle too.Yuvraj playing against Ishant Sharma would be interesting. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->Looking at the teams …Hyderabad <span style="font-weight: bold;">Deccan Chargers</span> have got the fire in their batting with Gilchrist,Symonds, Afridi,Gibbs and Rohit Sharma in their ranks!!! This looks really Explosive. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delhi Daredevils</span> have got a lot of spin options in Daniel Vettori,Dilshan,Shoaib Malik and Sehwag.Also, there wont be too many runs on offering at the top by them with Mcgrath and Asif opening the bowling. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->The Kolkata <span style="font-weight: bold;">Knight Riders</span> have got a huge hype built about it with SRK doing a lot of advertisement himself.The think tank is great with the trio of Ganguly-Ponting-John Buchanan.The rest of the team doesn’t look great on paper with Shoaib Akhtar ruled out. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->The Banglore <span style="font-weight: bold;">Royal Challengers</span> have some experience to fall back on with Dravid,Kumble and Kallis in their ranks.Virat Kohli would be the player to watch out for.But they may struggle with their fielding. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mumbai Indians</span> have some very good match winners in Sachin,Jayasuriya,Harbhajan Singh,Robin Utthapa and Lasith Malinga.They are looking very strong.I think they have got the right mix and are the favourites. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rajasthan Royals</span> don’t have much star power apart from their coach cum captain Shane Warne…I must say they look the weakest on paper. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chennai Super Kings </span>have got a strong team with Dhoni,Murali,Hayden,Hussey,Oram,Suresh Raina and Balaji in their ranks.They can trouble the other teams a lot. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->My team <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kings XI Punjab</span> has got some very talented players like Yuvraj Singh,Brett Lee,Sangakkara,Jayawerdene,Piyush Chawla,Pathan and James Hopes.I am sure we are going to give tough competition to every team. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finally I think its going to be a great event…I am hoping to see close games and very good cricket.I believe Test cricket wont be affected by IPL as playing for the country is the biggest honour and we have seen in the past that ODIs did not impact the Test cricket as well…Though I do think that IPL would increase the following of this game by many folds.<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Let the play begin…………..</span></p>Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-18688384903347086682008-04-17T02:59:00.000+05:302009-03-25T12:02:39.572+05:30The Quota Conundrum<p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Are we moving forward or back? The days of ‘Divide and Rule’ are back or what? Has quality been compromised for votebank politics? Would Equality be achieved? Would my country gain from this? Would the youth rise? Is reservation the right tool? What is the future? Would we be able to solve this conundrum ever???????</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->All these questions have come to my mind and I am sure to many minds in recent days over the Quota Muddle.<br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The much awaited Supreme Court judgement on OBC reservation has arrived.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Keypoints</span>---> 27% reservation upheld and ‘Creamy Layer’ to be kept out.This makes it 49.5% reservation after including SC/ST’s .</p> <p class="MsoNormal">At first look it seems to be a judgement that has taken the middle path.<span style="font-style: italic;">Nice word…nice word…Creamy Layer……nice……</span>so the Court (with due respect) thinks that Economically forward people among OBC’s<span style=""> </span><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->don’t deserve this reservation thing….really appreciated....BUT!!!!….If that is the case then why bring caste to it.Does being from a particular caste or religion mean that the person is poor or rich??? If economic status is the criterion then what is the need to bring in the caste.Give reservation to the poor and no one complains.BUT!!!…again this but……when would this nation realize???.(Note the definition of Creamy Layer might be changed soon as per the wishes of political parties from 2.5 lakh limit right now to……) <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->When I went with my friends as part of ‘Youth For Equality’ in a rally and later to PGI where doctors were on hunger strike last year…I had seen hope….hope in the eyes of my friends that at least the Judiciary in this country cares….BUT!!! I must say there is disappointment now.I have nothing against anyone but how can a census done in 1931 be the basis of judging such an important issue.If the government really wants to do something for the people of this country then it should invest its energy and resources on the primary education.If resevation was a solution then the list of OBCs and other categories that need to be given reservation would have shrunk now instead of remaining the same. <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This thing has given only a fillip to the parties like MNS which has demanded reservations for Maharashtrians in the jobs,dividing Indians into North and South.Tomorrow you would see Quotas on the basis of caste in private sector jobs as well and a day would arrive when the cricket team of this country would have a quota too!!!!</p><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">When would this word 'Reservation' go.Its hurting this country big time….</p>Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54687869658853927.post-5066923463077069082008-04-17T02:40:00.000+05:302008-04-17T02:51:01.064+05:30Here We Go!!!<p class="MsoNormal">Finally!!!!!!!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The day has arrived when I would start Blogging.I have been thinking of doing this for months now…but at last :)<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;">Writing is a beautiful form of expression</span>!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I want this to be a place where I can write about anything I feel strongly about, put my experiences and share anything that I want to....<br /></p>Samir Maggohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858049645787828351noreply@blogger.com1