Team in Training and LLS

OVERVIEW

WHO: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. Founded in 1949, we are relentless in pursuit of our mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

WHAT: Investing in blood cancer research: LLS has invested more than $750 million in research, approximately $72 million in fiscal year 2010 alone. Programs like the Specialized Center of Research (SCOR), which brings together teams of scientists from different disciplines and our Translational Research Program, which funds research with a high probability of producing innovative patient treatments in an accelerated time frame, have directly contributed to many breakthrough cancer treatments.
Research funded by LLS has led or contributed to advances such as chemotherapy, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation and new, targeted oral therapies such as Gleevec®, Rituxan®, Velcade®, Thalidomid®, Revlimid®, Dacogen® and Vidaza®.
Providing critical information and support for patients and their families: We made 4.7 million contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals in fiscal year 2010, through our Information Resource Center (IRC), our award winning Web site and community-based patient service programs. We put people together with experts through Web-casts and teleconferences, and provided professional education through seminars, to extend the latest findings to a broader professional audience. Advocating for issues impacting blood cancer patients: With more than 50,000 advocacy volunteers throughout the country, our voice is being heard by those responsible for legislation to fund blood cancer research and educational programs.

WHY: The need is critical: An estimated 957,902 people in the United States are living with,or are in remission from, leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma. Every four minutes, someone new is diagnosed with blood cancer. Every 10 minutes, someone dies.
Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children under the age of 20. Lymphomas are the most common blood cancers and incidence increases with age.The survival rate for myeloma is only 38.5 percent. Incidence is nearly twice as high among African Americans as for all other races.

HOW: As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.Seventy-five percent of our total expenses support cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services. Major, annual fundraising campaigns include Team In Training®, Light The Night® Walk, School & Youth ProgramsSM, Man & Woman of
the Year and The Leukemia Cup Regatta.

WHERE: In addition to our national headquarters in White Plains, NY, we have a network of 59 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Information on blood cancers and support is available through our IRC and at www.LLS.org.


Stories of Hope: Eva Hooten

Man Proposes but Nature Disposes

Man has been endowed with reason, with the power to create, so that he can add to what he's been given. But up to now he hasn't been a creator, only a destroyer. Forests keep disappearing, rivers dry up, wild life's become extinct, the climate's ruined and the land grows poorer and uglier every day
- Anton Chekhov

Here's an interesting article on a mud volcano that started from a Gas drilling site but is now affecting the whole district in Indonesia.

NY Times article on Mud Volcano in Indonesia

Satyam or Asatyam

You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time. - Lincoln

Here’s a recap of what happened in the past month.

December 16: Software major Satyam decided to buy Maytas Properties for USD 1.3 billion & 51% stake in Maytas Infra for USD 0.3 billion. Satyam’s ADR plunged 55%

December 17: Satyam called off the deal; stock was down 30%, Maytas locked at 20% down circuit

December 18: Satyam announced Board meeting on December 29 to consider buyback

December 19: Post Maytas U-turn, Upaid filed motion against Satyam for USD 1.1 billion. Earlier in October, Satyam had filed a case against Upaid alleging it of ‘business disparagement’

December 23: World Bank admitted to put a ban on Satyam for data theft

December 25: Mangalam Srinivasan, Non-executive and independent Director resigned

December 26: Maytas ended its downward journey of six consecutive circuits

December 28: Prof. Krishna G Palepu, Non-executive Director and Mr. Vinod K Dham, Non-executive and independent Director of the company resigned

December 29: Satyam Board meeting postponed to January 10

January 3: A sale of pledged shares by lenders of the Ramalinga Raju family led to the family’s stake in Satyam falling to 4.4% from 8.27%

January 6: Satyam clarified news item of merger with Tech Mahindra; ILFS announced sale of 2.45 crore equity shares of Satyam

January 7: Mr. B Rama Raju, Managing Director, admitted fraud; resigned; Satyam books inflated of Rs 5040 crore; DSP Merrill Lynch terminated its engagement with the company. Satyam down 78%

In this period, Satyam has lost market cap from Rs 15183 crore to Rs 2662 crore, a fall of 82%. It has certainly raised questions on corporate governance standards of Indian companies. If one looks at the whole scenario, then it is clearly visible that Satyam never had cash of USD 1 billion. By buying Maytas, Raju wanted to transfer company’s dummy entry of cash reserves from Satyam’s book to Maytas balance sheet. However, strong opposition evident from its ADR fall forced Raju to take a U-turn and then the stock started falling like a pack of cards. Raju revealed that balance sheet figures were manipulated for the last six quarters. It is indeed a sad day for the Indian markets. Satyam’s historic journey ends on a tragic note.

Following is the text of the letter Raju wrote to the Satyam board:

From B. Ramalinga Raju
Chairman, Satyam Computer Services Ltd.
January 7, 2009.

Dear Board Members

"It is with deep regret and tremendous burden that I am carrying on my conscience, that I would like to bring the following facts to your notice:

1. The Balance Sheet carries as of September 30, 2008,
a) Inflated (non-existent) cash and bank balances of Rs 5,040 crore (as against Rs 5,361 crore reflected in the books);
b) An accrued interest of Rs 376 crore, which is non-existent
c) An understated liability of Rs 1,230 crore on account of funds arranged by me; d) An overstated debtors' position of Rs 490 crore (as against Rs 2,651 reflected in the books);

2. For the September quarter(Q2) we reported a revenue of Rs 2,700 crore and an operating margin of Rs 649 crore(24 per cent of revenue) as against the actual revenues of Rs 2,112 crore and an actual operating margin of Rs 61 crore (3 per cent of revenues). This has resulted in artificial cash and bank balances going up by Rs 588 crore in Q2 alone.

The gap in the balance sheet has arisen purely on account of inflated profits over several years (limited only to Satyam standalone, books of subsidiaries reflecting true performance).

What started as a marginal gap between actual operating profit and the one reflected in the books of accounts continued to grow over the years.

It has attained unmanageable proportions as the size of the company operations grew significantly (annualised revenue run rate of Rs 11,276 crore in the September quarter, 2008, and official reserves of Rs 8,392 crore).

The differential in the real profits and the one reflected in the books was further accentuated by the fact that the company had to carry additional resources and assets to justify a higher level of operations thereby significantly increasing the costs.

Every attempt made to eliminate the gap failed. As the promoters held a small percentage of equity, the concern was that poor performance would result in the takeover, thereby exposing the gap. It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten.

The aborted Maytas acquisition deal was the last attempt to fill the fictitious assets with real ones. Maytas' investors were convinced that this is a good divestment opportunity and a strategic fit.

One Satyam's problem was solved, it was hoped that Maytas' payments can be delayed. But that was not to be. What followed in the last several days is common knowledge.

I would like the board to know:

1. That neither myself, nor the Managing Director (including our spouses) sold any shares in the last eight years - excepting for a small proportion declared and sold for philanthropic purposes.

2. That in the last two years a net amount of Rs 1,230 crore was arranged to Satyam (not reflected in the books of Satyam) to keep the operations going by resorting to pledging all the promoter shares and raising funds from known sources by giving all kinds of assurances (statement enclosed only to the members of the board). Significant dividend payments, acquisitions, capital expenditure to provide for growth did not help matters. Every attempt was made to keep the wheel moving and to ensure prompt payment of salaries to the associates. The last straw was the selling of most of the pledged shares by the lenders on account of margin triggers.

3. That neither me nor the managing director took even one rupee/dollar from the company and have not benefited in financial terms on account of the inflated results.

4. None of the board members, past or present, had any knowledge of the situation in which the company is placed. Even business leaders and senior executives in the company, such as, Ram Mynampati, Subu D, T R Anand, Keshab Panda, Virender Agarwal, A S Murthy, Hari T, S V Krishnan, Vijay Prasad, Manish Mehta, Murli V, Shriram Papani, Kiran Kavale, Joe Lagioia, Ravindra Penumetsa, Jayaraman and Prabhakar Gupta are unaware of the real situation as against the books of accounts. None of my or managing directors' immediate or extended family members has any idea about these issues.

Having put these facts before you, I leave it to the wisdom of the board to take the matters forward. However, I am also taking the liberty to recommend the following steps:

1. A task force has been formed in the last few days to address the situation arising out of the failed Maytas acquisition attempt. This consists of some of the most accomplished leaders of Satyam: Subu D, T.R. Anand, Keshab Panda and Virendra Agarwal, representing business functions, and A S Murthy, Hari T and Murali V representing support functions. I suggest that Ram Mynampati be made the chairman of this Task Force to immediately address some of the operational matters on hand. Ram can also act as an interim CEO reporting to the board.

2. Merrill Lynch can be entrusted with the task of quickly exploring some merger opportunities.

3. You may have a 'restatement of accounts' prepared by the auditors in light of the facts that I have placed before you.

I have promoted and have been associated with Satyam for well over 20 years now. I have seen it grow from few people to 53,000 people, with 185 Fortune 500 companies as customers and operations in 66 countries. Satyam has established an excellent leadership and competency base at all levels. I sincerely apologise to all Satyamites and stakeholders, who have made Satyam a special organisation, for the current situation. I am confident they will stand by the company in this hour of crisis.

In light of the above, I fervently appeal to the board to hold together to take some important steps. Mr. T.R. Prasad is well placed to mobilise a support from the government at this crucial time. With the hope that members of the Task Force and the financial advisor, Merrill Lynch (now Bank of America), will stand by the company at this crucial hour, I am marking copies of the statement to them as well.

Under the circumstances, I am tendering the resignation as the chairman of Satyam and shall continue in this position only till such time the current board is expanded. My continuance is just to ensure enhancement of the board over the next several days or as early as possible.

I am now prepared to subject myself to the laws of the land and face the consequences thereof.

(B Ramalinga Raju)

Copies marked to: 1. Chairman SEBI 2. Stock Exchanges.

Satyam Computers Chief Ramalinga Raju's revelations about a Rs40 billion fraud committed by him have sent shock waves across the corporate world. India Inc's biggest fraud is bound to have a ripple effect on many sectors. The Indian IT outsourcing industry, which is thriving on the goodwill and reputation it has built over a period of time among the global clients, is expected to bear a major brunt of the Satyam episode in coming quarters.

The market capitalisation of Satyam fell to Rs 1,607.04 crore today from Rs 15,262 crore at the end of trade on December 16, 2008, the day when Satyam announced an $1.6 billion acquisition deal of two firms promoted by the kin of IT firm's former chairman Ramalinga Raju. However, the company aborted the deal hours later after the investors dissent. The meltdown in the scrip wiped off as much as Rs 13,655 crore in just 19 trading sessions.
The share price of Satyam plunged to Rs 23 from over Rs 200 levels on December 16, when the fiasco began. Investors received a rude shock on January 7, when Ramalinga Raju tendered his resignation and confessed to close to Rs 7,800 crore accounting fraud in the company. The stock had nosedived close to 80 per cent to Rs 39.95 after the starking revelations on that day.

At least 12 class action lawsuits have been filed in the US Federal Courts on behalf of shareholders who purchased American Depository Receipts (ADRs) of Satyam Computer Services between January 6, 2004 and January 6, 2009.

The Govt. had to step in, dissolve the board and has nominated noted banker Deepak Parekh, IT expert Kiran Karnik and former SEBI member C Achuthan to Satyam Computer's Board. The new board will meet at Hyderabad to chart out the future course of action.

With a big questions mark on its cash position and a minimum outgo on salary estimated at Rs 500 crore a month, Satyam may lay off over 10,000 employees next month, says a recruitment firm. On the day the scandal was unearthed, 15,000 resumes were uploaded on the net on job websites.

The Auditing firm PWC has tried to stay away and has not made a lot of public statements. It is not possible to do a scam of this magnitude year after year without having the auditors in cohots. PwC does not seem to have learned anything with Enron, MCI and others that they are yet again in the eye of the storm. The RBI has blacklisted PwC in the list of recommended auditing firms for the banking industry.

With no companies seeming to be coming forward to take over Satyam, the future of Satyam seems bleak.

Nostalgia is like a grammar lesson: you find the present tense, but the past perfect!

They say 'Nostalgia is a seductive liar'.... but it feels so good. 9 Years out of MIT.... A look at a MIT video always opens up a smile of the good old days that is now just a memory........

Hats off to the creative team behind this video..Mighty Mighty MIT !

The world is full of people whose notion of a satisfactory future is, in fact, a return to the idealized past. I guess I'm just one of them :)

It's not Personal; It's Strictly Business

Ranbaxy is being sold to Daiichi for $4.6 Bn as Malvinder cannot succumb to the family saga.
The Ambani brothers are back at fighting it out over the MTN deal.
There's rumors that the Sanghi brothers might split....

Hearing all these news within a week makes me wonder... I can think of two quotes:

It's not personal, Sonny. It's strictly business ~ God Father

Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in their power, which no subsequent connections can supply... ~Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

Do these quotes really hold true today!!!


The family business seems to be killing the family relationships as well as the business prospects. It takes deep commitment to stay in business and also maintain relationships.

Business is turning to be massive corporations listed on stock markets across the globe and owned by desperate investors. On the other hand, the family managed firms is often portrayed as an early part of a corporate lifecycle that is soon bound to outgrow the ability for the family to finance and manage.

The reason most business tend to split is because the families are not making a mental leap to separate management from ownership. In the world of Mergers & Acquisitions, competitive pressures and rapid rate for Concept to market is extremely important. The search for talent and ability to retain talent is the key to success. Well educated and hard working people can outperform the staff brought in on grounds of nepotism.

To be continued....

Star Dust

The Bollywood tinseltown seems to be at it's glory as it did the IIFA awards in Bangkok this weekend. I couldn't help but think about the politics within the Tinseltown. I seem to be at a loss to understand what is the definition of Bollywood and what constitutes a Bollywood movie.

SRK seemed to rule with Chak De and his home production Om Shanti Om. Of course no award ceremony is complete without the Bacchan family being there. However, what seemed amiss was the Best movie of 2008 - "Taare Zameen Par". Amir Khan has been the rebel in Bollywood who hasn't cared for the Filmfare award and I guess hasn't been to one in over a decade. He is an idealist who does not care for the fancy publicity stunts. He is now ostracized not just from the Filmfare but also from IIFA!!!

Is it fair to not consider the good movies because of the politics or is the award just another staged reality show!!!

Funny Ad - iBeer

IPL - Viva La Carnival

Indian Premier League (IPL), the mega melodrama starts this April and will go on for 6 weeks at prime time. The franchise for the eight city has been sold to some of the most respected names in the Business and Bollywood. The best of the players have been bought in auctions and the media rights have been sold to Sony for a sweeping 1 billion USD for a decade.

The advertising slots for the main sponsor is about 2.5 crores with a 200 min ad slot and the last minute ad slots might be as steep as 4-5 lakhs..

The matches will be held across India with entertainment package in the intervals. You can see shows from the bollywood stars, some of whom own these teams to the cheer leaders. If shah rukh can perform for his team.. am sure Vijay Mallya can hold wine tasting sessions during the break or organize a fashion show with the KF calendar gals...

The cricket is packaged to be a family entertainment than a sport.. welcome to the carnival.


Download IPL Match Schedule 2008!





Match Schedule

History ka Mystery - Jodhaa Akbar

Definition:
HISTORY, n. An account mostly false, of events mostly unimportant, which are brought about by rulers mostly knaves, and soldiers mostly fools.
- Ambrose Bierce

Historical sense and poetic sense should not, in the end, be contradictory, for if poetry is the little myth we make, history is the big myth we live, and in our living, constantly remake.
Robert Penn Warren

Anyone who believes you can't change history has never tried to write his memoirs.
- David Ben Gurion

I happened to watch Jodha Akbar this weekend inspite of all the controversies around it.
After awesome movies like Lagaan and Swadesh, I had better expectations from Ashutosh Gowrikar. The movie was worth a watch but not as thought provoking as Swadesh nor had the chutzpah of Lagaan.

The movie has been banned in Rajasthan, MP and a few other states. Historians (read politicians) claimed that history has been distorted in this case.

History definitely is not one of my strong points and I used the tool I use the most for my research.. Google :)

While Wikipedia showed Jodha as Akbar's wife and Salim's mother; other sites talked about the controversy being discussed. I could not get a real site that has documented history.

Some excerpts that I found are:

Abul Fazal wrote the Akbar Nama, Abdul Qadir Badayuni wrote the Mutakhabutawarikh and Nizamuddin Ahmed (also called Nizamuddin Bakshi) wrote the Tabqat-i-Akbari. None of them have mentioned 'Jodhabhai' in their books.


None of Akbar's 34 wives were named Jodhabai. Akbar married the former maharaja of Amer, Bharmal's elder daughter Karkbai alias Heer Kumar in Fatehpur Sikri on Feburary 6, 1562. Prince Salim was born in 1569. Jodhabai was the daughter of Moteraja Udai Singh and she would have been three years younger than Salim and hence, in no way could she have been his mother.

With all these controversies, I guess the movie should start with the disclaimer:
All roles played in this movie are fictitious. Any similarity to any person living or dead is just co-incidential ;)


On the other lines, it is true that Akbar did bring in a lot of reforms for the aam admi (with the budget a week ahead aam admi and taes are in everybody's mind). He tried to bring in religious harmony. His openess for the quest of truth in religion led to his founding of Din-i-ilahi.
Was Jodha bai the woman behind the tranformation of Akbar and the thought process leading to Din-i-ilahi!!!

The Best of Cricket Sledging

Viv Richards v Greg Thomas
This incident took place during a county championship match between Glamorgan and Somerset. Glamorgan paceman Thomas had beaten Richards' bat a couple of times and informed him: "It's red, round and weighs about five ounces, in case you were wondering."
The very next ball Sir Issac Vivian Andrews Richards gave him the royal treament and smashed the ball out of the ground, into a nearby river - at which point he piped up: "Greg, you know what it looks like. Now go and fetch it."



When Botham took guard in a Ashes match, Marsh welcomed him to the wicket with the immortal words: "So how's your wife and my kids?"

Worth remembering Ian Botham's reply"The wife's fine. The kids are retarded !"



Sunil Gavaskar
Once, during the tour of West Indies, a young bowler was trying to get under Gavaskar's skin by sledging. Gavaskar, a senior player retorted "Son, don't waste time sledging at me. I have been sledged at more often than you have taken a piss".


Glenn McGrath & Eddo Brandes
Glen McGrath, employing gamesmanship tactics tried to get under the skin of Zimbabwe player Eddo Brandes. He ran up to Brandes during a follow through and enquired: "Oi, Brandes, why the hell are you so fat?" Without missing a beat, Brandes replied "Cos every time I f**k your wife she gives me a biscuit"



Mark Waugh standing at second slip, the new player (Adam Parore) comes to the crease playing and missing the first ball. Mark - “Ohh, I remember you from a couple years ago in Australia. You were sh it then, you’re f (_)cking useless now”. Parore- (Turning around) “Yeah, that’s me and when I was there you were going out with that
old, ugly sl(_)t and now I hear you’ve married her. You dumb cuuntt”.


Yet another Australian witticism with this time porky Sri Lankan batsman Arjuna Ranatunga the victim. Shane Warne, trying to tempt the batsman out of his crease mused what it took to get the plump character to get out of his crease and drive. Wicketkeeper Ian Healy piped up, “Put a Mars Bar on a good length. That should do it.”


Malcolm Marshall was bowling to David Boon who had played and missed a couple of times. Marshall : “Now David, Are you going to get out now or am I going to have to bowl around the wicket and kill you?”


The year was 1989, the little master had recently made his debut in Pakistan. Sachin not even old enough to get a driving licence Sachin Tendulkar was facing the best bowlers in the business. As the Pakistani crows jeered and mocked Sachin holding out the placards saying ""Dudh Pita Bhachcha ..ghar jaake dhoodh pee", (hey kid, go home and drink milk), Sachin sent the then young leg spinner Mustaq Ahmed hiding for cover (he had hit two sixes in one over. The frustaded mentor of Mustaq Ahmed the legendary Abdul Qadir challenges Sachin saying "Bachchon ko kyon mar rahe ho? Hamein bhi maar dikhao` (`Why are you hitting kids? Try and hit me.`).
Sachin was silent, since then we all have come to know that he lets his bat do the talking. Abdul Quadir had made a simple request and Sachin obliged, and how. Sachin hit 4 sixes in the over, making the spinner look the kid in the contest. The over read 6, 0, 4, 6 6 6, David had felled Goliath ... and a legend was born.


Mark Waugh was standing at second slip, Adam Parore relatively new to cricket came to the crease played & missed the first ball.
Mark Waugh- "Ohh, I remember you from a couple years ago in Australia. You were sh*t then, you're fu*king useless now".
Parore- (Turning around) "Yeah, that's me & when I was there you were going out with that old, ugly sl*t & now I hear you've married her. You dumb c*nt". “


In one of the tour matches in South Africa, Australia played Hansie Cronje's province. Cronje was at the non strikers end, there was a short chubby batsman on strike.
Ian Healy yelled to Warne, "Bowl a Mars Bar half way down...We'll get him stumped"
The Aussies and Cronje were all in hysterics, all this was before a classic reply from the batsman.
The exact words: "Nah, Boonie (David Boon) fielding at short leg will be onto it before I can move."


In an England v Australia Test during early 1960's Trueman was fielding close to the gate from the pavilion. As a new batsman came out he turned to shut the gate,
Trueman said "Don't bother son, you won't be out there long enough."


In the 1980's Ian Botham returned early from a tour of Pakistan, and on radio joked "Pakistan is the sort of country to send your mother in-law to." Needless to say the Pakistanis did not find this amusing, and when Pakistan defeated England in the 1992 World Cup Final, Aamer Sohail told Ian Botham "Why don't you send your mother-in-law out to play, she cannot do much worse."




Freddie Trueman & Raman Subba Row
Fearsome English fast bowler Fred Trueman extraced an edge from the batsman, which flew straight into the hands of Raman Subba Row at first slip. The ball however went right between Row's legs to the third man boundary. Fred didn't say a word. At the end of the over, Row ambled past Trueman and apologised sheepishly. "Sorry Fred. I should've kept my legs together". Trueman retorted in classic fashion "Not you, son. Your mother should've!"


Ravi Shastri v/s the Aussie 12th man , Mike Whitney
Shastri hits the ball towards Whitney and tries to steal a single. Whitney snaps up the ball quickly avoiding the single and yells "Get back into your f***ing crease or I'll rip your f***ing head off". Unfazed, Shastri responds, "Mike, if only you could bowl as well as you can talk, you wouldn't be the f***ing 12th man"


Bill Lawry & Richie Benaud
While commentating during a match in which Pakistan was faring badly in all departments of the game, Bill Lawry, offering a solution said "I think Pakistan's problem is they've got to relax", to which
Benaud replies nonchalantly, "I don't agree. I think Pakistan have got to learn how to bat, bowl and field. It's a simple game."


David Hookes & Tony Greig
Centenary Test in Melbourne 1977. A young David Hookes makes his way to the crease in his debut test. The English captain was South African born Tony Greig.
Greig : "When are balls going to drop sonny"
Hookes : "Don't know but at least I'm playing Cricket for my own country"


James Ormond & Mark Waugh
James Ormond (England) had just come out to bat on an ashes tour and was greeted by Mark Waugh(Australia).
Mark Waugh :"F*** me, look who it is! Mate, what are you doing out here? There's no way you're good enough to play for England"
James Ormond : "Maybe not, but at least I'm the best player in my family"






Daryll Cullinan & Shane Warne
South African Daryl Cullinan was making a comeback into the team after spending 2 years on the sidelines due to injury and poor form. As he made his way to the wicket at the start of his innings, The "porky" Aussie leggie Shane Warne tried to unsettle him and play on his nervousness "I have been waiting 2 years for this opportunity to humiliate you in front of your own crowd". Cullinan, not new to such tactics replied "Looks like you spent it eating".

The spontaneous retort sent even the aussie slip fielders into delirium who were seen lying on the ground clutching their stomach all the while as McGrath retraced his steps to the start of his run-up for his next delivery


Robin Smith & Merv Hughes
During 1989 Lords Test, Smith plays and misses a few, at which Hughes comments: "Robin, you can't f**king bat". As luck would have it, Smith dispatches the next ball to the boundary and replies "Hey Merv, we make a fine pair. I can't f**king bat & you can't f**king bowl."


Merv Hughes & Javed Miandad
During 1991 Adelaide Test, Javed Miandad called Merv a fat bus conductor. A few balls latter Merv dismissed Javed and as he ran past the departing batsmen in his victory celeration, called out "Tickets please"


Merv Hughes & Viv Richards
During a test match in the West Indies, Hughes at the end of every delivery would stare at Richards without saying a word. After a few of these stares, Richards chides Merv saying "This is my island, my culture. Don't you be staring at me. In my culture we just bowl." Merv didn't reply, but sure enough, had him dismissed and announced to the batsman: "In my culture we just say f**k off."


Ian Healy & Arjuna Ranatunga
Arjuna Ranatunga called for a runner on a particularly hot night during a one dayer in Sydney. Seizing a chance to indulge in mind games, Ian Healy made the legendary comment which was picked up by the Channel Nine microphones for all the world to hear: "You don't get a runner for being an overweight, unfit, fat c**t!!!"





Steve Waugh & Parthiv Patel
This happened during India's tour of Australia in 2001. The series was level at 1-1. It was the 5th and final test at Sydney and India was 4 wickets away from a historic series victory on Aussie soil. However, the aussie Captain, Steve Waugh was proving a thorn in India's back. Playing in his last test match (as he had announced retirement), he mounted a rear-guard action and was fighting for a draw, and was the only one who stood between India and victory. In an attempt to induce him to do something foolish, the 16 year old Indian wicket keeper chirps " Hey Steve, how about one of those famous slog sweep of yours before you leave forever?". Waugh, a veteran of such tactics replied " Sonny! You better show some respect! You were pooping in your diapers when I made my debut"




McGrath to Ramnaresh Sarwan: “So what does Brian Lara’s dick taste like?”
Sarwan: “I don’t know. Ask your wife.” McGrath (losing it): “If you ever F(_)cking mention my wife again, I’ll F(_)cking rip your Fing throat out.”

How Stock Market works

This short story is doing the rounds on the Internet.

It was autumn, and the Red Indians on the remote reservation asked their New Chief if the winter was going to be cold or mild. Since he was a Red Indian chief in a modern society, he couldn’t tell what the weather was going to be. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, he replied to his tribe that the winter was indeed going to be cold and that the members of the village should collect wood to be prepared.

But also being a practical leader, after several days he got an idea. He went to the phone booth, called the Weather Bureau and asked, “Is the coming winter going to be cold?”

“It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold indeed,” the meteorologist responded. So the chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more wood. A week later, he called the weather bureau again. “Is it going to be a very cold winter?” “Yes,” the man replied, “it’s definitely going to be a very cold winter.”

The chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every scrap of wood they could find.
Two weeks later, he called the weather bureau again. “Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be very cold?” “Absolutely,” the man replied. “It’s going to be one of the coldest winters ever.” “How can you be so sure?” the chief asked. The weatherman replied, “The Red Indians are collecting wood like crazy.”

This is how stock markets work!

And they call themselves Secular !!!!

Here's an interesting article written by TJS George for newindpress:


WE live in a racist world. At immigration counters, we accept this as routine. But at the higher levels of international finance and business, manifestations of racism do cause surprise in this age of globalisation.

The world saw a nasty example of colour-culture discrimination when L.N. Mittal tried to take over Arcelor in Europe. He was already the ‘steel king of the world’, yet an executive of Arcelor refused to deal with ‘monkey money’. That was a crude reminder of Europe’s white football hooligans who put on monkey imitations when black players score goals. That the executive had to eat his words and watch Arcelor becoming Arcelor-Mittal is another story.

Perhaps more significant is the mentality that made the US-listed luxury hotel chain Orient Express ridicule Tata’s suggestion of a tie-up. The CEO of that company, appropriately named Paul White, explained that ‘any association of our luxury brands with your brands would result in a reduction in value of our brands’. White Saheb took umbrage that, despite an earlier rebuff by Orient Express, Tatas dared to write again expressing an interest in the alliance. Hence his expression of contempt for
`your predominantly domestic Indian’ chain.

A week earlier an American automobile chief had scorned Tata Motors’ bid for Ford’s luxury models. ‘I don’t believe’ he said, ‘that the US public is ready for ownership out of India for a luxury-car brand such as Jaguar’. He said ‘there are unique image issues’ with Tatas and Mahindras that the third bidder, a white American, did not have.

All of which is of course asinine white rubbish. For one thing, Tata is a globally respected brand. For another, the US public last week was ready for Vikram Pandit as the boss of Citigroup, America’s largest financial conglomerate, just as it was ready for Indra Nooyi as head of Pepsi, a symbol of American nationalism. Before them Rajiv Gupta was GM of Hewlett-Packard, Arun Netravalli was President of AT&T, Rajat Gupta headed McKensey, Rana Talwar led Stanchart, not to mention Vinod Dahm who created the Pentium chip, and Sabeer Bhatia who founded Hotmail.

Clearly, when it comes to brainpower, the White man wants what the Brown man has, and there is no image issue there. But when it comes to simple racial arrogance, even bureaucratic factotums in American consulates show their colours. Not long ago scientist Kesavan, duly called for visa interview in Chennai, was made to wait an hour in the midday sun, then two more hours inside, before he was given a questionnaire and told, ‘fill it up or you won’t be interviewed’. Scientist Govardhan Mehta was told that he was lying about his research; visa denied.

Perhaps the fault is ours. Finance Minister Chidambaram recently complained that America discriminated against Indian banks that wanted to open branches there. Instead of complaining, would he make American banks run from pillar to post when they come to do business in India? Remembering how Defence Minister George Fernandes was body-searched in Washington, will our Sarkar subject Condoleezza Rice to a frisking in Delhi?

The way to get respect in this mixed-up world is to do unto others what others do unto us.

Articles on Mangalore

Here's an article on Mangalore in the Time Magazine:

http://www.time.com/time/asia/covers/501060619/mangalore.html

Pakistan's Sanity Hangs by a Thread

The common dogma [of fundamentalists] is fear of modern knowledge, inability to cope with the fast change in a scientific-technological society, and the real breakdown in apparent moral order in recent years.... That is why hate is the major fuel, fear is the cement of the movement, and superstitious ignorance is the best defense against the dangerous new knowledge. ... When you bring up arguments that cast serious doubts on their cherished beliefs you are not simply making a rhetorical point, you are threatening their whole Universe and their immortality. That provokes anger and quite frequently violence. ... Unfortunately you cannot reason with them and you even risk violence in confronting them. Their numbers will decline only when society stabilizes, and adapts to modernity.

On November 3, Pakistan's President Musharraf declared a state of emergency and martial law in Pakistan, suspending the Pakistan constitution, stating that Pakistan's sovereignty was at stake.

Reasons:
This emergency declaration was made as the continuing growth of power and influence of the Taliban has turned the area of Swat into a mini-state within Pakistan, as Pakistan army and police are surrendering to Taliban, and as the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. (NWFP) government has publicly offered to meet the demands of the Taliban to enforce Shariah throughout the Swat area.

This grim news also comes after repeated polls taken among the Pakistani public which shows between 60 to 76 percent of those polled favor the growth of Islamist Shariah law throughout Pakistan, as well as news reports of growth of Pakistan Taliban armaments and tolerance of Taliban in major cities within Pakistan.

This emergency declaration also comes less than a week after a suicide bomber attack near the heavily-fortified Pakistani Army HQ in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, which houses President Musharraf's office. Pakistan's internal security has been challenged in the past several months with a continuing series of suicide bombings and attacks, including one on Benazir Bhutto's convoy last month that killed 145 people.

Threats from Fundamentalist groups:

The September 2006 peace pact between Pakistan and the Taliban has allowed both the Taliban and Al Qaeda to regroup in Waziristan and carry out terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In August 2007, while President Musharraf was holding meetings with Taliban representatives, encouraging the Taliban to become a mainsteam political organization, the Taliban has continued to solidify a base in the North-West Frontier (NWFP) Province of Pakistan.
This NWFP base of the Taliban is centered in the Swat area, where the Taliban and Al Qaeda have created a mini-state within Pakistan, where pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Fazlullah uses FM radio to broadcast the Islamist ideology of the Taliban to the public.

On November 2, the Pakistan NWFP government announced an initial appeasement to the Taliban to help it achieve its Islamist goals in enforcing Shariah throughout Pakistan -- the creation of a committee to enforce Sharia law in Malakand Division. The Pakistan Daily Times reported that the "provincial government has directed the committee to submit its report as soon as possible for swift implementation of Sharia law".

On November 3, prior to the emergency declaration, NWFP governor Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai announced that Pakistan was considering enforcement of Shariah in Swat valley to meet the demands of pro-Taliban militants, stating "[t]he government is considering the implementation of Sharia law in the view of the demands of the local people."

Today November 10, The islamic fundamentalists have shown a repeat telecast of what they did at Bhamyan, Afghanistan by destroying another Buddhist Heritage.

Where are we heading:

Even though Musharaff's declaration of emergency seems to be displaying his autocracy. Considering the rise of fundamentalism, maybe his staying as the general makes sense. A known devil is better than an unknown friend.

Bhutto's alliance with Musharaf seems to be making some rough waves.

Sharif's call on suspending all contacts with musharaff and taking the country towards democracy is novel but does not seem to be promising considering the recent changes.

The failure of American leadership to have a policy on Islamism has prevented the ability to provide a pro-active coherent policy in Pakistan that addresses both the strategic issues of pro-Islamist Pakistani public sentiment along with support in areas of the government

Indian Govt seems to be supporting Musharaf as far as he can keep the fundamentalists at bay.

The industry whiz'z are preparing to take their stakes out of Pakistan as the country loses its stability yet again.

However, with all fairness to Musharaf, the avant garde general did help Pakistan increase its GDP, improve trade defecits (thanks to US aid) and did start a lot of development for Pakistan.

How long will Musharaf last!!!.... I guess my money is not on him

Mums the Word

Peace is not the product of terror or fear.
Peace is not the silence of cemeteries.
Peace is not the silent result of violent repression.
Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.
Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity.
It is right and it is duty.
- Oscar Romero

India has been silent on the human rights violation in Burma.

The issue began when the monks started demonstrating the 500% hike in the gas/power prices by the dictatorial junta. Over 150 political activist groups including the 88 generation student groups led the protest.The autocrat crushed the protest thr' brutal voilence which has caused a bug uproar in the international community.

This kind of violence is not new to the dictator genral Than Shwe. He had crushed the protest in 1988 by the university students and the had killed over 3000 people at that time.

While the UN Human Rights Council and the others have passed on comments. The EU has imposed more sanctions against the Junta. Japan, one of the biggest donors has threatened sanctions to the Buddhist nation. India and China, two of the largest trading partner of the Junta govt. have turned a blind eye to the whole affair.

Why is India, a peace loving nation, who in the past has supported the Dalai Lama, the Tibet cause, the Bangladeshi cause etc... silent on the whole deal.

Indian Govt. had a deal with the Junta a couple of years back that India would make it a trading partner. In return, they would help India in removing the training camps in burma that train the insurgents in the North-East. They would not support the rebel groups in the NE.

India trades with Burma on military supplies. Recently, India has sold a maritime defender from the 80's that India brought from the Brits. Other items also include the tanks and other artillaries. There are talks of selling that helicopters made at HAL. China has been their other major arms supplier which today supplies them the helicopters and the other artillaries.

Indian oil companies including ONGC has large investments in the Oil & Gas exploration in the burmese oil rigs.

India is already having different problems with each of its neighbor Pakistan, bangladesh and Nepal. Looks like it is reluctant to add one more to the list by
adding Burma to the list.

Should we stay mum or support the efforts of Aung San Suu kyi's democratic efforts?

Unforgiven
- Metallica

New blood joins this earth
And quickly he's subdued
Through constant pained disgrace
The young boy learns their rules

With time the child draws in
This whipping boy done wrong
Deprived of all his thoughts
The young man strugggles on and on he's known
A vow unto his own
That never from this day
His will they'll take away
Chorus

What i've felt
What i've known
Never shined through in what i've shown
Never be
Never see
Won't see what might have been
What i've felt
What i've known
Never shined through in what i've shown
Never free
Never me
So i dub thee UNFORGIVEN

They dedicate their lives
To RUINING all of his
He tries to please THEM all
This bitter man he is
Throughout his life the same
He's battled constantly
This fight he cannot win
A tired man they see no longer cares
The old man then prepares
To die regretfully
That old man here is me
Chorus


You labeled me
I'll label you
So i dub thee UNFORGIVEN
Never Free
Never Me
So i dub thee UNFORGIVEN
You labeled me
I'll label you
So i dub thee UNFORGIVEN

Indo - US N Deal

Over the last few months, the India- US N deal or the 123 Agreement seems to be in the headlines every other day thanks to the left.

This deal would get India recognized as a civilian nuclear power and the US will aid India with its status with IAEA and shall help in lifting the sanctions imposed against India.

In return, India, would have to:
i. identify and separate its civilian and military nuclear facilities and programmes;
ii. declare its civilian facilities to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);
iii.voluntarily place civilian facilities under IAEA safeguards;
iv. sign an Additional Protocol for civilian facilities;
v. continue its unilateral nuclear test moratorium;
vi. work with the United States to conclude a Fissile Material Cut Off Treaty (FMCT);
vii. refrain from transferring enrichment and reprocessing technologies to states that do not have them, as well as support international efforts to limit their spread;
viii. secure its nuclear materials and technology through comprehensive export control legislation and through harmonisation and adherence to Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and NSG guidelines.

All these seem to be fine.. So why are left creating Havoc on this?

Current Capability:
The 15 functioning reactors produce abour 3K MW. Of these, 4 of them are already under the IAEA safeguards. The US wants all the reactors including the Fast Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam to be under the IAEA scanner.

India's Stand:

Scientific Community:
Indian scientists are not willing to keep the Fast Breeder Reactor Programme under the scanner as they feel it would jeopardise our strategic interests; Leak our IPR on these reactors and could affect the scope of on going research in India

Political Community:
The left has vehemently opposed to the 123 agreement and have claimed that the Hyde act could affect india as they could use this as a pawn to steer India towards thier national interests.
They feel that operationalizing this deal could make India succesptible to the US policiies and could lead towards NPT
However, of late there have been some fagments within the left who have openly supported the bill
BJP has asked for a parliamentary committe to review this so that it is in the best interest in the country
Congress has favored this. Manmohan Singh took a great daring stand (for a politician) on the issue and sensationalised it. Since then Congress has been awry but taken small steps towards it. The recent move to have an open and non commital review with IAEA is one such step. Sonia's recent comments in Washington however have caught the wrath of the left.


Business Community:
With India's GDP growing at close to 10% Power and Infrastructure is at most concern to the Indian business community. We need to more than double our investment on Infrastructure and Power if we need to maintain this growth rate.

So it seems like the only opposition is coming from the Left and has caused enough damage that the Congress-Left marriage seems to be headed for a divorce. Will India sign the deal or will it go on hold.... Only Time can tell

We are the Champions

Here's an hilarious fictional version of the factors by which we became the world champions for T20.

Dhoni "Thanks Ravi, the match was pretty close encounter between two great teams and our guys held the nerve to win the game and cup."

Shastri, "Who was the main reason for this thrilling victory?"

Dhoni, "All us played well but I would say the main reason and man behind this great victory is Ajit Agarkar"

Shocked Shastri..., "Agarkar ? ? .. how come Agarkar... he didn't played in the final"..

Dhoni, "Yeaph.. that's the reason we won this low scoring match.. if he could have bowled in final, Pakistan would have scored the winning runs from his 4 overs...."

Shastri, "ok.. fine, To whom you want to thank for winning this final..."

Dhoni, "The team doctor deserves the credit... he really helped us to prepare for the final..."

Shastri, "Is it? ?.... how the doctor helped to prepare for the final...
he is not the coach or physical trainer...Dhoni.. I am getting confusion"

Dhoni, "Ravi... nothing to confuse... he has failed Sehwag in the fitness test according to our game plan and we managed to pick a good playing team.. thus we weigh the doctor's contribution as very high...
infact its better than our team effort in the field.. our game tactic worked well"

Shastri, "To whom you want to dedicate this World Cup?"

Dhoni, "The entire team including myself wants to dedicate this cup to Sachin, Dravid and Ganguly..."

Shastri, "I really really appreciate you... its good that you have so much respect to the seniors....and you ...." Dhoni interrupts....

"Ravi.. let me complete... India would have exited in the Group matches if they decided to play in the series... thank god they opted out and we managed to play cricket and won the cup.."

Shastri, "The match was thrilling encounter and was concluded by a single mistake of Misbah.. Isn't it? "

Dhoni, "Yes you are right, after lofting the ball Misbah told me that he has sent the ball to where there was no one....but he didn't know that there is a malayali in every corner of the world.... This single mistake has coasted the game and won the cup..."

Shastri faints and Dhoni receives the CUP and thats the end of the great Twenty-20 world cup...

Dhamaal Da Kamaal

I guess it is a little too late to write a review on the movie nor do I want to have just another review out there. I happened to see Dhamaal this weekend and this is certainly a hilarious laugh riot. What I liked about the movie was it was clean fun, simple jokes, a lot of PJ's; No Double meaning or cheesy stuff. Asrani and Javed Jaffrey were at thier best, they seemed too natural for thier roles. Arshad Warsi seemed to be a bit lost and was not his usual self. What I did not realise during the movie but something that struck me when I was driving back home.. was that the movie had no heroines.. which is pretty unique for a hindi movie.. I can't remember any other bollywood movie which did not have any heroine in it.
The movie certainly makes itself in the all time comedy list along with the likes of Andaz Apna Apna, Hera Pheri, Golmaal, Angoor and others...

The Bridge (Ram Setu)

Science is What we know; Faith/Philosophy is what we don't know

Now there is one outstandingly important fact regarding Spaceship Earth, and that is that no instruction book came with it.
- B Fuller

Ram Setu, the controversial Bridge at this time does not seem to be bridging the divide between the Govt. and the peoples opinion. The question might've been out there for ages, but it certainly seems to be gathering pace as it is going to become the biggest election slogan next to BJP, fully supported by their allied services like RSS, VHP and the likes. With the Congress- Left alliance seems to be heading for a divorce this issue could tilt the scale towards the NDA. This could be their biggest campaign slogan since the Ayodhya issue.


Rama Setu, is a chain of limestone shoals, between the islands of Mannar, near northwestern Sri Lanka, and Rameswaram, off the southeastern coast of India.
The bridge is 30 miles (48 km) long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). Some of the sandbanks are dry and the sea in the area is very shallow, being only 3 ft to 30 ft (1 m to 10 m) deep in places, which hinders navigation.
Sethusamudram, a project to create alternative shorter route for ships to cross the Gulf of Mannar, is a wonderful idea -- one which is more than 150 years old.

I've been reading a lot of opinions on the Ram Setu and the best report is the report done by the ex ADB exec Dr Kalyanaraman. This report digs into the various historic and scientific facts and lays out things that might've been missed by most researches.

Objective:
The official web site of the project says, 'Ships originating from the west of India and destined for Chennai, Ennore, Vishakapatnam, Paradeep, Haldia and Kolkata have to travel around the Sri Lankan coast resulting in increase of travel distance and time. Apart from this ships belonging to Indian Navy and Coast Guard need also to traverse around Sri Lanka. In order to reduce the steaming distances between the east and west coast of India and to improve the navigation within territorial waters of India, a navigation channel connecting the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay through Adam's Bridge has been envisaged so that the ships moving between the east and west coasts of India need not go around Sri Lanka.' The total cost of the project is Rs 2,427 crores (Rs 24.27 billion).

Here's the list of issues that is affecting this project:

Mythology:
Ramayana, is one of the religious epic which is very dear to every Hindus heart. Ram has been the center of controversy and the Ayodhya issue has certainly shown how the nation feels about it. That is yet another issue. This bridge is an important event in the rescue efforts of Sita and is hence an heritage from a religious perspective.
There are a lot of debates going on whether the Ramayana is a fable or a reality. There are no scientific evidence available that says that Ramayana did happen and is not another epic. The carbon dating has shown this bridge to be about 3,500 yrs old which kind of puts in inline with the age as described in the Ramayana. However, the Valmiki's description that describes the events of Ram's life does hit upon a number of places that do match historically in terms of the places and the events. So althought we do not have any direct scientific evidence, the events portrayed does point to physical heritiages across the nation.
The skanda purana, Brahma purana and the ramcharitamanasa all make references to this bridge. Whether factual or not, this certainly is a religious monument.

Economic:
Although this canal is supposed to help the shipping industry big way in terms of time and money, there are other related industry that could take a hit.
Local fishermen, Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike oppose the present route and are demanding alternative channels, which are available. They say the present channel would destroy marine life and corals. This will kill the trade in shankas (shells) that has a turnover in excess of Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.5 billion) per annum.
Invaluable thorium deposits would be affected, which are too important for our nuclear fuel requirements.
Costs of managing this area would have huge cost implication on the Indian Navy.

Environmental:
Tsunami assessment was not done
- Removal of the proven Tsunami protector in Rama Sethu
- Opens up serious potential damage of entire Kerala and Tamilnadu coast when next tsunami hits (per T.Murthy, leading Tsunami expert and advisor to GOI)
- Thorium deposits in Kerala (Aluva, Chavara), Tamilnadu (Manavalakurichi) that support nuclear power source for India will be desiccated
- Tsunami protection measures NOT incorporated in the project
Here's another opinion from Dr T S Murthy, an eminent tsunami expert:
"The Sethusamudram canal has many characteristics similar to the Alberni canal, and this is the reason I am concerned. In the March 28, 1964, Alaska earthquake tsunami, outside of Alaska the largest tsunami amplitude was at the head of the Alberni canal well inland and not at the open coast as everyone expected. Later, I explained this was due to (a phenomenon known as) quarter wave resonance amplification,"



Marine life:
Though there has been a demand from various quarters for the implementation of the project, there is also opposition to it from environmentalists. They point out that the dredging of the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar, by modifying habitats, could affect the ecology of the zone by changing currents. This could:
* cause changes in temperature, salinity, turbidity and flow of nutrients
* cause oil spills from ship and other marine pollution to reach the coastal areas and specifically the sensitive ecosystems of the Gulf of Mannar
* lead to higher tides and to more energetic waves, and hence to coastal erosion.
* affect the local sea temperature and thereby alter the pattern of sea-breezes and hence affect rainfall patterns.

They also point out that dredging the canal would stir up sediment the dust and toxins that lie beneath the sea bed, smothering corals and affecting marine life. The emptying of bilge water from ships travelling through the hitherto impassable areas could diperse invasive species through the ecosystems of the area.

These effects could endanger precious marine species and wealth. The Gulf of Mannar has 3,600 species of plants and animals and is India's biologically richest coastal region. Mammal species which abound in the area are sperm whales, dolphins and dugongs. The Gulf of Mannar is especially known for its corals: the portion in Indian territorial waters has 117 species of corals, belonging to 37 genera.Associated with these ecosystems are many varieties of fish and crustaceans. Marine life on the Sri Lankan side, which is better protected, is even richer. The Bar Reef off the Kalpitiya peninsular alone has 156 species of coral and 283 of fish; there are two other coral reef systems around Mannar and Jaffna. There are extensive banks of oysters, as well as Indian Chank and Sea Cucumbers, especially in the seas adjacent to Mannar. The pearl fisheries south of Mannar, which inspired Georges Bizet's opera Les Pêcheurs de Perles, have not been productive for many years, indicating the fragility of these ecosystems in the face of overfishing and of relatively minor changes in the habitat.

Despite these concerns, official environmental clearance has been given for the project. The contention that the Sethusamudram Canal will cut through coral reefs and disturb the ecology has been dismissed as a mistaken fear.

The Indian government has conducted various environmental studies which has concluded that such issues are overblown and not based on science. However, skeptics have noted that environmentalist objections remain, including:

* the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out by the Indian government was done by a body inexperienced in projects of this nature, was insufficiently detailed and did not consult with all the stakeholders, which included the government and people on the southern side of the proposed project,
* no proper survey has been carried out of the sea bed to be dredged, and
* no proper scientific modeling of the effects of the project has been carried out.

After environmental objections were made in Sri Lanka, the Indian government decided to carry out modelling, but this had not been done before clearance had already been given for the project. A modelling exercise carried out by Sri Lanka's National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) indicated that the project would increase the water flow from the Bay of Bengal to the Gulf of Mannar, disturbing the inland water balance as well as the ecosystems in the Gulf. There have also been judicial observations against this project.


Political:
The Current UPA Govt. did submit an affidavit to the Indian Supreme court stating that there was no scientific evidence of Ram. This has caused a huge uproar on the govt. They did withdraw the affidavit and amended the controversial lines to make it more amicable.
With the Congress-Left govt, headed for a seperation, an election seems to be in sight and this could be the issue changing the scales (as Congress seems to be having the upper hand at the moment). BJP might use this as thier trump card to victory.
Dr. Badrinarayanan, former director of Geological Survey of India and a member of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) says the Adam's Bridge was not a natural formation."Such a natural formation is impossible. Unless somebody has transported them and dumped them there, those reefs could not have come there. Some boulders were so light that they could float on water."

Security:
With the new canal, this could become the de facto border between India and Sri Lanka. We need to ensure that the Navy is up to speed as they would have to regulate the traffic here as well as potential conflicts/ Pirate ships/ Terrorist acts from LTTE are deterred. This would add additional load on the Navy as well as BSF to cover these areas.


With all these issues in the discussion, This project certainly has a lot of benefits but I would not expect this project to turn over any time in the next 10 years unless we decide on the alternate route that seems to be amicable to all parties and non controversial.



If you want to sign the online petition, here's the link.
http://www.petitiononline.com/ramsetu/petition.html

SOA: Is it just another buzz word

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.
~Charles Darwin

If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. ~Mary Engelbreit

Since, I've been doing only non technical blog.... I thought maybe I'll do a technical blog for a change.. hey, maybe my hit ratio might increase ... after all they don't need to come to my site to read just another stupid review on the latest movie!!!

Service Oriented Architecture popularly known as SOA has been making its buzz around for a while IT and corporate circles. Is it just another buzz word.. that people will forget in a year or two. Maybe yes, Maybe No; but SOA certainly promises to be the direction in which technology is headed.

What is SOA?
SOA is a collection of services that can be attributed back to business processes. These could be mutually exclusive calls having no realtions to each other but might follow the workflow in a particular scenario.
SOA is an architecture that aims at unifying business processes from a business perspective rather than what the techonologists think it should be. It structures large and complex application as ad-hoc chunks of small services.
SOA does not seem to have an exact definition which leads to the assumption that SOA is just another term for web services. Well, to a certain extent purley from a techincal aspect, I guess that's true.

How does it work?
SOA works on the basic integration framework. It advocates to be a loosely coupled integration although it can be a tightly coupled integration. The best of SOA can be leveraged when it is in a publish subscribe mode where we have a Service Provider, a broker and a requestor.
This also helps for the fact that if yet another external service requires the details of the service in question. It can subscribe to this service. This will not involve any changes on the host but only the changes on the requestor.
Although SOA can be implemented using SOAP, DCOM, CORBA etc.. the best in todays world is the web services. The WSDL breaks it down to a format that can be consumed by any language. So it does not matter whether your requestor is going to be on a .Net framework or a J2E framework.

Why SOA?
SOA is not a new invention or a revolution. It's just the evolution of services structured around business needs. The world has changed from choas to structured. It went from HTML to XML to WSDL on Protocols and from COM/DCOM to corba to SOA
This promises to be the cost effective way in this constantly changing and highly demanding market condition. SOA's guides its principles on Re-usability, modularity, encapsulation, efficient use of system resources and EAI.

What are the challenges that it would have?
As this becomes more technology centric, security would be a major concern especially if the broker is on a public domain.
A lot of buzz around reduced TCO maynot show up immediately making it difficult to justify the cost benefits.
As this could end up being a series of disparate systems calling each other, debugging an issue in production maynot be easy.
Infrastructure costs on maintaining system test and development environments would high, if we want to maintain exact replicas.
Performance of one system (especially older systems) could impact the overall performance in the workflow of the application. This could lead to a perception that the perception of the current system is bad although the issue lies with the legacy systems.

To conclude, SOA has been gaining grounds in its power to define business services and operating models and deliver IT against actual business requirements and adapt itself closer to the current business process.

The only thing certain in life is death and Change.
-Anon