What does the CTO do?

As a person playing the role of a CTO along with my Delivery management activities, I feel - first and foremost - would be the Technology suitable for the product/service a client would be benefited from. No two clients pay the same, but they get their value for money - in tweaks for them. The second best, would be shaping up the resources (most of them need training and a roadmap - a path for success) to get up fast from mistakes, with proper training, which is an investment. Finally, whatever we do, the management buy in is very much needed. After all they are the ones, who have the business running, and they have to give the returns back to the customers/shareholders.

Introduction to Python

It started with 'C', then C++, then java, then perl and many more…

Technology gets better day by day, and it's easy to get started with Python in few minutes.

• Python is a very high level language.
• Programmers, who have used c, c++ or java can smell the familiarity, while appreciating the ease of coding.
• Python can also be used as a object oriented notation.
• Python is a interpreted language. (each line is read @ runtime)
• Python is extensible from other languages and also to other languages.
• The code looks simple and less complex, compared to other base technologies. For instance, there is no open curly brace and close curly brace, defining a block, but a tab would do.
• Python can be used with GUI too.
• Python coders can use data structures effectively for design and implementation, than in any other language.

Downloads Required :

python download (available for windows, mac and unix)

A must see full python tutorial, which is cool!

Why Python?

It is a high level language and you cannot just keep going on with C and C++, for the whole of your life. A more convincing reason - Google search is coded in python, and so are so many other Google products.

Lets get started. (I assume you have downloaded Python and put the IDE shortcut on your desktop)

You must add the python directory to your class path. In windows, you right click My computer -> Properties -> (Advanced Tab) -> System Variables ->

Add or edit variable "path" to append your python directory path.

Or simply in DOS (requires restart of DOS)

set path=%path%;C:python24

Lets get started with the code..

Resisting the temptation to print a "hello world" , which you can achieve by just saying "hello world" (enclosed in double quotes or in single quotes) and pressing the return key (I told you, its simple), we ll write a function to print the Fibonacci series up to n.

def fib(n):
   a, b = 0, 1
   while b < n:
         a, b = b, a+b
         print b,

>>> fib (10)
1 1 2 3 5 8
>>> fib (100)
1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 34 55 89
>>>

Things to notice:

1. This must go first actually, the code looks simpler and less complex than c or java.

2. The >>> is the prompt, which you can change like in unix or solaris.

3. The def command declared a function, by getting its signature and there are no irritating return types or even data types for that matter.

4. The tab after the first line specifies that, all code inside it, are enclosed in a block. The same holds good, when we implement the while loop.

5. After the while command, I did not specify any braces to enclose the condition. Python is more intelligent to know it by itself. The return type need not be a boolean (actually there is no boolean).

6. I did not compile or do any thing to the program and it got executed fine.

7. The print command spits the value of the variable to the screen and a return feed ("\n" in java). The comma that follows it, overrides it to maintain the output in the same line.

Beware of drug laws in UAE!

Amazing, how Mohamed Asif the cricketer was caught for having small traces (minute) of a banned drug in his wallet. Lucky him, thanks to the Pakistan Ambassador's push, etc... he is getting deported. God Saved him!

Traveling via or to UAE, please read this carefully...

Here is a list of banned drugs, 374 to be precise (no painkillers that are sold over the counter in India).

http://uae.usembassy.gov/restricted_medication_.html

Also read this article. (man.. 3 minute Poppy seeds on bun to get you 4 years, tough luck! Also by mistake if you stamp on Charas/Hasish and if a thread is stuck on your shoe, another 4 years... sends shivers!)

http://www.ameinfo.com/147878.html

I am just wondering how does Alfa & Parwaaz Biriyani gets exported from Hyderabad to UAE? (KazKaz = Poppy seed powder, typically found in Biriyani mix)

Note - Now I wonder why my Amrutanjan and Vicks vanished from my handbag, when they were checking my bag at Dubai during 2003.

Spelling Bees on Sport Channel

They might be kidding, yes it was true, ABC program Spelling Bee was aired on ESPN (?) on Monday evening. Indian American guy won the prize in that though.

Why do those guys.... have braced teeth and weight on the paunch and bespectacled?

In India we don't mind crooked teeth (thethu pallu looks cute ella?) and squint eye. But USA guys do. Better looks and knowledge is enough to gain respect, get good schooling and live with a decent job ever after.

An ABCD I know - 2nd gen - fitting your descriptions - in IBM has survived from 1989, voila! Multimillion $ mansion overlooking Hudson and timeshare on a bizjet and all... with same description offsprings, 3rd gen (visa thakolri Dodamma, namodu US barubodu)

Obvisously the games they play are on XBoxes, inducing less sports & physical activity. Ban them!

Will Obama win?

Absolutely no chance, as there are only 12% of population, who are African American, who could swing the democratic votes, with due respect

I did a quick survey on the most populated states in the USA (mostly southern), by African Americans, who were tortured to the core by inequality till 1964, would give Obama a 67 delegates lead in November (130 in all, but needs 270 plus). Never mind Bill Clinton who won all these states, and continuously Al Gore and John Kerry have carried too.

What about other states? Hillary has won handsomely (pun!) and indeed would be a better choice! If Democrats don't nominate, she should contest as an independent and there are more takers for her to win (50% vote guaranteed).

So what is the final outcome? John McCain winning over Obama by few points, if Hillary doesn't contest. May the winner help India.

I have to set my mood to check with KP System.

Contacts in life and biz perspective

Maximize ROI

Lower total cost of ownership

Reduce integration costs

Speed time to market

Get closer to customers

Sustain & accelerate profitable growth in a growing economic environment

Bringing up Kids

I dont know how my parents managed to bring me up. I learnt myself, from the time I knew about me. Hard work other than work at home.

My kids nowadays are behaving so average, dumb, like idiots and stupids, watching TV cartoons all the time, reminds me of the USA kids I rant about, and dont bother about the studies etc. I cannot get a cheaper school than MITRA academy other than Kannada medium schools. I might have to rob or steal to put them in decent schools run by big thiefs.

I am worried how they would end up studying and eventually make a living? Cry baby cry!

My son does not talk Kannada our mother tongue (forget about reading or writing) or Tamil (he grew up in Chennai - so expected to speak a bit). It is always English (cartoon way!) and he does not get words to express himself. All he wants is TV and food (junk, most of the times).... overweight like me already! May be he has dyslexia or ADHD. I have to spend some time and money to find about it. They are toppers in their respective classes.

My daughter wants to do all the stuff my son wants to do, but gets tired of playing, and gets stuck to TV. Eat junk and cry always for small small things.

Both of them dont get along with the kids at all, and get beaten up if they go to play. So I had put them in Karate in the apt. complex only to know that, it is an Indian version. Stupid!

Luckily they were able to learn swimming, the only achievement this Summer.

Petrol Price hike and issues

Everyone most often complains that petrol is very expensive in India, and thus whenever the government hikes fuel prices there is always a hue and cry. It is the middle class who is affected. The so called common man, aam admi like me, do no get affected at all, as we sort of walk to work around 2kms, hardly drive and ensure shop locally and kids study in walking distance.

Today, I filled up my car's fuel tank, and I thought fuel has become really expensive after yesterday's price hike. But then I compared it with other common liquids and did some quick calculations, and I felt a little better. (I drive to my farmland site near Hosur, every month, and on the way I fill the tank - mostly 30 litres, which saves me now Rs 6.84 * 30 = Rs 205, saving me 3.5 litres and costing me only 7 kms - give or take 1 litre)

But look at the statistics below. In fact, petrol is cheaper than the Coca Cola you drink. It is not just petrol; most liquids that you daily use are more expensive than vehicle fuels.

I know why, see the results below – you'll be surprised at how outrageous some other prices are!

Diesel in Bangalore: Rs.39.84 per litre
Petrol in Bangalore: Rs. 58.78 per litre
Coca Cola 330 ml can : Rs.20 = Rs.61 per litre
Dettol antiseptic 100 ml Rs.20 = Rs.200 per litre
Radiator coolant 500 ml Rs.160 = Rs.320 per litre
Pantene conditioner 400 ml Rs..165 = Rs.413 per litre
Medicinal mouthwash like Listerine 100 ml Rs.45 = Rs. 450 per litre
Red Bull 150 ml can : Rs.75 = Rs.500 per litre
Corex cough syrup 100 ml Rs.57 = Rs. 570 per litre
Evian water 500 ml Rs. 330 = Rs. 660 per litre. Rs. 500 for a litre of WATER???!!! And the buyers don't even know the source (Evian spelled backwards is Naive.)
Kores whiteout 15 ml Rs. 15 = Rs. 1000 per litre
Cup of coffee at any decent business hotel 150 ml Rs. 175 = Rs. 1167 per litre
Old Spice after shave lotion 100 ml Rs. 175 = Rs. 1750

Now let us talk about the real sufferers..... Govt has given only Rs 800 as conveyance allowance from 1980s, which is not increased at all, this has to be taken care by P Chidambaram. (notice, he never came to media - even with tax cuts - it was only Petroleum minister doing the talk)

Amitabh Bachchan Blog

You can visit here... Very beautifully written.

http://blogs.bigadda.com/ab/2008/05/28/day-38/#comment-37526

he he I have a comment there.

Some Microsoft humor (found on the net!)

They are the biggest co. on the world. Well dont they know to write software?

See this image.... (how can you hit the key, when it is defunct?)

The curious case of Benjamin Button, by David Fincher

It has the same story line, written by Scott..... aging backwards. Sujatha would have loved to write on it. The story of a man who is born as 85 years old and aging backwards to 5. Fun!

The curious case of Benjamin Button... for you....

P/E – What is it all about?

P/E – What is it all about?

The most commonly used valuation metric by investors is the price to earnings ratio or commonly referred to as the P/E ratio. Though commonly used, it is also misunderstood for various reasons. Here is an attempt to simplify this valuation metric.

How is P/E calculated?

It is calculated by dividing market price of a stock by EPS (earnings per share). EPS in turn is calculated by dividing the net profit of the company by the number of shares outstanding.

Having calculated the P/E, what does it stand for?

Lets assume a stock is trading at Rs 100 and its EPS is Rs 20. The P/E multiple is 5 (100 upon 20). Assuming that the company's EPS is likely to be Rs 20 each year, it will take 5 years for the investor to realize Rs 100. Of course, the assumption here is that the company's EPS is not growing at all.

Now taking the example of commonly traded stocks like Infosys and Tisco. While the former trades at a P/E multiple of 25 times, the latter trades at 7 times. Why is it so? It is believed that the stock price of a company tracks its long-term earnings growth potential. In an economy, some companies (or sectors) are likely to grow at a faster (like say software or pharma) rate. So, the P/E multiple of companies from these sectors are likely to be higher and vice versa. Depending upon growth expectations, the P/E multiple could vary.

There is one crucial factor here i.e. expectations. Though Infosys may be trading at 25 times earnings, if EPS is expected to grow by 25% per annum, the investor could realize the money in four years.

P/E – Is it a discount or a multiple?

There are two ways of quoting P/E valuations:

1. Tisco is currently trading at Rs 350 discounting its earnings by 5.5 times

2. Tisco is currently trading at Rs 350 at a P/E multiple of 5.5 times

Which is right? The answer to this lies in the formula for calculating P/E itself.

P/E is Market price divided by EPS. If we were to reverse the formula,

Market price = P/E multiplied by EPS. Stock prices reflect future earnings potential and not past performance. Discounting the current price with historical EPS is not a right way to analyse companies.

Take a hypothetical case. If Tisco's EPS for the next year is expected at Rs 50 and the growth in EPS is around 15%, the market price is calculated by multiplying Rs 50 with 15 times i.e. Rs 750. When determining the stock price, one does not discount earnings but multiply earnings.

What is the 'right' P/E multiple for a stock?

The answer to this question is not easy. In the previous example, we have assigned a P/E multiple of 15 times because EPS is expected to grow by 15% in the immediate year. Is this the right way? Not necessarily. Here, it is important to understand industry characteristics of the company.

For a commodity stock like Tisco, EPS tends to grow at a faster rate when steel prices are recovering or are at the peak and the EPS is likely to decline at a faster rate during downturns. To qualify this statement, if we look at EPS growth of Tisco from 1994 to 2004, the compounded growth in earnings is 17%. However, the CAGR growth in the last three years was 193% (the recovery phase). So, if one believes that steel demand is likely to trace long-term economic growth and that 15% growth is unsustainable, the P/E multiple should be ideally much lower than 15 times. Similarly, the long-term growth prospects for software companies could be much higher than commodities. So, the P/E multiple for software stocks could be at a premium.

Determining the P/E multiple for a stock/sector also depends on:

1. Historical performance – Why does Infosys trade at a higher P/E multiple compared to Satyam? By historical performance, we mean, focus of the management (without unrelated diversifications), ability to outperform competitors in downturn/upturns and promise vs performance. This can be gauged if one looks at the last three to five year annual reports of a company.

2. The sector characteristics – Margin profile, whether it is asset intensive and intensity of competition. Less asset intensive sectors (say, FMCG) are considered defensive and therefore, could trade a premium to the overall market.

3. And more importantly, expectations. Take the case of textile stocks. Expectations of significant growth opportunities post the 2005 quote regime phase out has resulted in upgradation of P/E multiple of the textile sector.

When is P/E not useful?

1. Economic cycles - In FY02, Tisco was trading at a P/E multiple of 20.5 times its FY02 earnings. Was it expensive? Based on FY05 expected earnings, Tisco is trading at a P/E multiple of 5 times its earnings (at Rs 250). Is it cheap? If one ignored Tisco in FY02 on the basis that it was 'expensive' on the P/E multiple in FY02, the opportunity loss is as much as 350%. Businesses operate in cycles. During downturn, EPS will be low but P/E will be inflated and vice versa. At the same time, during expansionary phase, corporates invest in capacities. In this case, high depreciation costs suppress earnings. P/E, in this context, may mislead investors.

2. Not actively tracked – There are number of companies in the Indian stock market that are not actively tracked by investors, analyst and institutions. For example, Infosys' average price was Rs 2 in FY94 and the P/E multiple was 17 times. At times, P/E multiple may be lower because some sectors/stocks are not in the limelight.

3. Expectations – On the downside, some stocks may be trading at a significant premium because earnings expectations are higher. High P/E also does not mean a good stock to buy. What if the expectations are unrealistic? One needs to exercise caution to this extent.

4. Means little as a standalone number – P/E, as a standalone number, means little. Besides P/E, it is also important to look at margins, return on net worth, cash generating ability and consistency in performance over the years to assign a value to a stock.

5. Market sentiment – During bear phases or when interest in stocks is low, valuations could be depressed. Since equities are considered less attractive during these periods, valuations are likely to be below historical average or below earnings growth prospects.

When is P/E useful?

A powerful metric – Unlike metrics like discounted cash flow method and so on, P/E is relatively a simple and at the same time, a powerful metric from a retail investor perspective. Though the factors behind determining the 'right' P/E multiple are important, a historical perspective of a stock's P/E could make this exercise less complex.

To conclude, valuation of stocks involves subjectivity. A person X may assign a higher P/E multiple to the stock as compared to a person Y depending on the risk profile and growth expectations. In the end, it all boils down to how the company is likely to perform.

It is not that stock market is always right when it comes to valuing a stock! As Mr. Benjamin Graham puts it "in the short term, the market is a 'voting' machine whereon countless individuals register choices that are product partly of reason and partly of emotion. However, in the long-term, the market is a 'weighing' machine on which the value of each issue (business) is recorded by an exact and impersonal mechanism". Watch the earnings!

Power of Web3.0

Here is the power of Web3.0

http://www.newweb30.com/registration.asp?8630686

Join and enjoy!

Fun @ Workplace?

Strictly you should know how to spend time at work and home. In the name of Team Building, you can have fun time at work (chat, games on PC or TT, or even Golf, if you are an Investment Banker). The question is driving the point, should the empoyees strictly work and not having fun while working and do the job. This is where the expectation management comes into play. Delivery strictures & timelines are to be created in a way, that people can also take some timeoff for personal things. In fact, no one wants to work as Robots.

What if the employee has stomach problems after one strong day of fun with food, as indulgence goes overboard at times in the IT culture. Buffetts. The person can take time off, or come to work, struggle and get the job done.

Do you want to be Rich or Poor?

Of course the question has nothing to do with any reality, but such questions are good for gaining perspective. Those that need perspective the most are people who are closest to those descriptions without the restrictions. I find that people with an abundance of luxuries, earned or inherited, are exposed to a life unlike any normal person will ever be. So, I know it sounds kind of cliche, but I have always enjoyed working with people, fighting the good fight, and making everything out of nothing, so I would have to say I would be the King that cannot take more than one vacation day, as the potential to affect the greatest number of people would be at my fingertips. The challenges of my charge would be enough to motivate me. I am a workaholic by nature, so solving the problems of my kingdom would consume me all of my days. It is a sad thing when people with money begin to feel that they are too big or too important to get their hands dirty. I came from a very poor household (after being rich for while, before my uncles and aunts of dad's side plundered the wealth - literally stealing and ran away) where we lived on roughly 500 Rs a month (those days early 80's) as my father was making lots of losses and was suffering from instability due to the unhelping nature of the brothers and sisters. Seeing and experiencing the suffering first hand in my life helped me to see the value in lifting a hand to help almost anyone I come across in my life that needs it. You cannot put a price on the smile and extremely overwhelming look of gratitude you get when you hold open a door for an older lady, grab a heavy bag off the conveyor belt at the airport/shop, or hand your last change in the purse to a mother with three children standing in the road because she is has no money to eat or no home. Now I am not saying that someone who comes from money wouldn't help that mother, but they really don't see her crying, because their lives are so consumed and their perspectives so different that their mind doesn't register that such an existence truly is there to see. They cannot phathom that a person could actually not have a single paisa to their name and be able to drive another foot or buy a candy bar to split between their children.

Take the time to talk to people, smile, be friendly to everyone. You never know what kind of friends you will make if you just give people a chance. People who come from money can never understand what it means to really have no money and nothing to eat and no means for getting something to eat. It is a terrible existence, at the time, but it makes the rest of your life a magical adventure, creating a world for you that no one else can possibly experience. It is the very reason that immigrants from poor countries go to America and flourish (or for that matter Bangladeshis in India). They actually see USA for what it really means instead of wasting their entire lives fighting against rulings, laws, and distractions created by 'normal' lives because they actually see the big picture and what those blessings really mean to them and their families. Just because you choose to overlook them do not mean that destitude people do not exist. Why would Mukesh Ambani build a 2 billion$ dollar home, while he can make sure with that money, he can eradicate the proverty in Mumbai (if not Maharastra or India)? So do not waste your life helping yourself when your life could be abound with the treasures of helping others. Possibilities only show themselves to those who lend an ear and look away from normality long enough to see them. Do not waster time taking about Yeddyurappa and Shobha Karandlaje or Dhoni and Lakshmi Rai. My daily goal is to affect one person in a positive way, daily. I hope that lending my weird perspectives helped at least one of you. Remember you can change 1000's of lives with one brief moment of your own. A simple smile, a hello, and a little eye contact, psychologically make people feel more important and especially from a stranger, so take the time to do so and you will see what I mean. Have a great day!

IPL T20 a flop show

Kudos to Chennai Super Kings for making it to the final and lasted till final ball. Balaji is a wonder find. Excellent temperament.

This IPL season should be started early at 7 PM next season. Luckily schools are closed. Vacation time.

The concept of the highest team bidder gets the hosting of final looks staged. They always wanted this to happen at Mumbai isnt it? Good show anyways!

My kids are growing up and hence, their time is invested in hockey and tennis TV shows - are coming up and I dont want cricket to spoil them.

I request BCCI to take inputs from me on how to spend those 350 crores for the betterment of people. I would start by helping farmers in Vidharba region.

Cricket: IPL : Chennai Super Kings win easily

Yesterday May 31st, was a super day, where Chennai Super Kings won easily!

Way to go Dhoni and men.

They will lift the cup for sure!

The TOI article today morning says the bookies have made Rs 22,000 crore so far. I told you so!

Liars in the family and X marks

I thought of writing this article about my wife's sister's son. Who passed X Matric at Sirumugai.

That guy studies well, apart from little bit of extracurricular & karate. 872668. http://tnresults.nic.in

Now he has gone to some mark mill school at Vidhya Vikas Kendra in Tiruchengode. (my wife talking about reserving seats for our kids now, Sharon in 3rd and Prithiv in 1st, there for their 10th and 8th, after my retirement at 45, is going on). Note that that school got state first in Plus Two and almost all in first group goes to Engineering or Medical (30%).

He was admitted in Plus 1 based on recommendation and a cost of about Rs 1 lakh per annum with hostel fees in first group, and he has finished one month of schooling (not sure whether that is illegal, even before the actual admission starts after results).

His parents were too worried about him passing History and Geography paper (did not sleep before that exam, and didn't want to write it, crying and all). He has given not so good opinion on it. He has got 94 marks! He has got 99 in maths owing to question paper printing error of 1 mark question (8 looks like 5, something of that sort), which was not taken for award of marks. With his horrible Tamil handwriting has scored 92, so he lost out to a girl (obviously good handwriting) on being school first by 3 marks. Talks about Kongu's (Kongunadu-Coimbatore area) and Kaambu's second meaning...

So when I called him to congratulate on 30th at 10AM, and asked him about lying, he said I had to give it back to my parents for the torture to make me slog and study without any play! Poetic Justice!

Gizmos and Cars

Hyundai is going to come with a rear wheel drive car! cool. (I hope it could have been a 4x4).

Catch it on this.... http://www.rediff.com/money/2008/may/31car.htm (Thanks to Biz Std.)

Something about books in biz on net

Some overrated and underrated books...

http://www.bnet.com/2406-13070_23-161115.html

Summary of good books... http://www.squeezedbooks.com/

Good link.... http://www.socaltech.com/Insights/showarticle.php?id=00033

(c) respective owners have their copyrights.

Kids and Lunch

Kids dont like greens? May be I was when I was a kid. Still I dont like Radish. My mom used to make Vendhaya Kolambu, for which I used to run away and take only rasam.

It has taken 1.5 hours to make them eat Rice with Radish Sambar and 2 poriyals (cabbage and b.beans)

They finally got their kesari and juice, only after finishing their quota of rice.

Amazing Spelling Bee kid from Indiana

Glad to know about the Indian Origin kids doing great in the contest. Well he is from "India"na? pun intended!
Way to go Sameer Mishra!
He spelt 'guerdon' to win .... http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/guerdon

Online Learning resources for Spanish/German/French?

Anyone aware of Online Learning resources for Spanish/German/French?

(I took some basic courses and forgot all along....)

Update...

Found a sharing resource site. http://www.italki.com/ I have signed up and will report the progress. (here a signed up member will help you grind the basics)

Someone pointed me to http://www.wayn.com, but you have to catch friends to learn there.

How luck takes one all along?

Recently I had some time and was searching for information of youngsters who made it big. These are the people, who never have had their success go thru their head. They take it easy (dont believe, I can talk anything, and get away with it).

Suhash of Kerala, the young CEO of world was one.... (now RVCE student)

A leading Tamil/Hindu singer, who dropped going to school after 10th, and in distance learning mode, being a multifaceted personality!

Micheal Dell

Bill Gates (a philanthropist now.)

... list to be added

Walking in one way road

Bangalore has too many one way roads. Never mind the barriers divided roads (like BTM to silk board).

 

Brigade one way roads and surroundings are too touch to cross. Almost certain bikewallahs would cross driving inteh wrong side, and also those traffic police guys who dont bother.... (they flout rules at times, but they are definitely conscious)

 

Why this post, well yesterday I saw some traffic cops, collecting hefty fines, cash or with bill, I am told the "month end" and collections are important.

Dr.Phil's Personality Test (I paid someone in 2003 to take this test!)

Dr. Phil gave this test on Oprah. Some folks pay a lot of money to find this stuff out. Read on, this is very interesting!

Here's something that you may find interesting ...psychological profile.

Don't be overly sensitive! The following is pretty accurate, and it only takes 2 minutes.

 

Don't peek but begin the test as you scroll down and answer. Answers are for who you are now..... not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready.

This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees.

It's only 10 simple questions, so ... grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers.
Ready?? Be Honest!

Begin..

1. When do you feel your best?
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon & and early evening 
c) late at night 

2. You usually walk
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly

3. When talking to people you
a) stand with your arms folded
b) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with
a) a big, appreciative laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted; do you ...
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep, you lie
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for something or somebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:
1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone the should "handle with care". You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement your radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It'd really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything. They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

 

(c) Dr.Phil as found on http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/trivia/philtest.asp

IPL data clipped in display (refer my previous post)

Team IPL	RunsFor	Overs1	RR1	RunsAgai	Overs2	RR2	NRR
Rajasthan Royals	2245	261.1	8.6	2153	270.2	7.97	0.63
Kings XI Punjab	2352	259.5	9.06	2271	265.5	8.55	0.51
Chennai Super Kings	2241	264.2	8.48	2195	253.1	8.67	-0.19
Delhi Daredevils	2001	233.2	8.58	2031	246.4	8.24	0.34
Mumbai Indians	2080	249.1	8.35	2096	269.3	7.78	0.57
Kolkata Knight Riders	1845	242.4	7.61	1718	221.4	7.76	-0.15
Royal Challengers	1983	272.4	7.28	2205	261.3	8.44	-1.16
Deccan Chargers	2229	270	8.26	2307	264.3	8.73	-0.47

http://vijayashankar.blogspot.com/2008/05/about-ipl-and-matches.html

Go Chennai Superkings!

I did not write or support any IPL team. (except I mentally wantd Royal Challengers Bangalore to win).

Now it is a fashion to talk about some team.

Hence Go Chennai Superkings!

If they win Hurray! If not he he. :-)

About IPL and the matches

So many of you are writing to me on not writing about the IPL.

Somehow I believed that these matches are staged, and from the first match Brendon McCullum was fed with school-boyish bowling.

Now for Semi finals and Finals the rates are going at 25000 rs onwards for a seat! Obscene.

It was a forced to be a Mumbai affair, all along for obvious reasons, for people who control it, knowingly that we are sitting in the monsoon season!

Well some facts.... all the 8 teams have had a decent run rate. No one is above all. It is the matter of last few balls or overs. Well knit. In fact Deccan Chargers has a healthy run rate at the 6th position. Surpsingly Mumbai Indians has controlled matches well, with a lower run rate against than that they scored.

Team IPL	Games	Won	Lost	NR	Points	RunsFor	Overs1	RR1	RunsAgai	Overs2	RR2	NRR
Rajasthan Royals	14	11	3	0	22	2245	261.1	8.60	2153	270.2	7.97	0.63
Kings XI Punjab	14	10	4	0	20	2352	259.5	9.06	2271	265.5	8.55	0.51
Chennai Super Kings	14	8	6	0	16	2241	264.2	8.48	2195	253.1	8.67	-0.19
Delhi Daredevils	14	7	6	1	15	2001	233.2	8.58	2031	246.4	8.24	0.34
Mumbai Indians	14	7	7	0	14	2080	249.1	8.35	2096	269.3	7.78	0.57
Kolkata Knight Riders	14	6	7	1	13	1845	242.4	7.61	1718	221.4	7.76	-0.15
Royal Challengers	14	4	10	0	8	1983	272.4	7.28	2205	261.3	8.44	-1.16
Deccan Chargers	14	2	12	0	4	2229	270	8.26	2307	264.3	8.73	-0.47

TN Matriculation SSLC 2008 results declared

May 30th 2008, 10AM
TN Matriculation SSLC 2008 results declared
You can log on to http://tnresults.nic.in for results. Good luck!

Blogging Tips

Blogging Tips

Blogging can be a fun way to express your thoughts on anything you want from music to movies. But it's important to remember that information that is on the Internet can be read by anyone - including strangers. Follow these tips to keep yourself safe: Never put your last name or the full names of your friends or family online. Instead, use screen names or nicknames. Don't put your birthdate with your name. It could lead to identity theft. Never list your address, school, workplace or telephone number. It's an invitation for stalkers. Don't put pictures of yourself and your friends and never list who is in the picture. Anyone can use the online photograph to find you. If you have a teenager in the house, talk to them about their Internet usage. Not many teens want their parents to read their blogs, you can help them think of ways to use a blog while protecting their privacy. Blogging Facts: According to data from the Pew Internet and American Life Project, out of 24 million American teens between ages 12 and 17, 21 million, or 87 percent, use the Internet. Sixty-five percent use instant messaging and 44 percent go online every day. Another 29 percent of teens keep several instant message conversations going on at once, and 25 percent have even "IM'ed" people in the same room. Out of the 21 million teens who do use the Internet, the Pew study found that 57 percent have created their own blog and have posted stories, videos or photography online. source: Lydia Seabol, The Tuscaloosa News, Alabama

But why?

In the IT industry, idea and technology execution brings money. 

 

What has the product or service got to do, than others have to offer?

I submitted my proposals for a product development, and never got the funding required during 2001.

A cunning friend of mine who had heard about the idea from me over a cup of coffee in 2003, developed a prototype himself, and was able to get some funding and make it a success.

But why?

Retiring at 45, I wish

I always wonder when is the right time to shift gears and change careers.
I have personally made moves to many employers, owing to job satisfaction (10 till date). Obviously they gained from "one mans loss is others gain" theory. Even worked in the USA for around 5+ years, and a long career with a single employer. Now (I am in IT for the last 18 years), is it worth to switch to writing and research? (follow your heart where it takes?). Retire at 45 has been my goal (with passive investments), now I am 40 and 5 more years to go! You dont know whether you have done the right thing, unless you interact with others and understand and learn from their sucess!

Note - anyone with solid planning ideas, drop in a mail

Nostalgia of USA

I had lived in Reading, PA, USA during 95-99 and lots of memories....

I had been part of a local group of a community where I lived in.

Now the sub prime crisis has hit hard, people are selling houses, just like that, at the drop of the hat.

A house a friend of mine - bought for around $400K in 2000 is worth only $135K now. No logic. 3 Br, 2 Bath, with 0.75 acre individual home (trying searching houses for sale in 19606).

Cheaper than India. I think I am better off buying property in USA and retire. You know the local property tax is only 2% and a max of about $4K or so. This amount is completely deductible in the income.

Reading is a lovely and a safe place to live. Some small software co's are also there.

Election Results of Karnataka May 2008 an update

I am watching Karnataka Election news and bewildered how the angry planets work against certain parties.

Now the trend is certain, BJP is the clear majority party, with support of some independents.

Refer to the prediction that I had given on May 23rd, 2008.
http://vijayashankar.blogspot.com/2008/05/karnataka-may-2008-elections-results.html

Wait till 12 Noon, to have a complete picture emerge. The Bellary scene is quite different, as the big money lords are biting the dust (mine dust?).

It is no doubt that statistics and astrology cannot predict to the core of results, as many people are involved.

I think we have to randomly choose a number for each consituency and see the weightage of each party and see the results, which is laborious.

I did for world cup predictions and was wrong for India and right for Pakistan in all matches. Australis emerging as winner was foregone conclusion..... but there elections are different ballgame.

God help us all.

This is a single page MBA!

All you wanted to know about management... in a single page!

http://www.valuebasedmanagement.net/

Astonishingly most of the major topics have been learnt by me, already....

Is it possible to be an MBA without studying?

Is it possible to be an MBA without studying?

A million dollar question.

Check this http://www.personalmba.com/

If you read and sort of participate in all the discussions, you would have made it. Knowledgewise, YES.

Lots of things you gain in the work life. So MBA is an added advantage. Concentration (Camp?). Based on the NPV of investments, is the ROI worth it. http://www.mba.com/ says yes for most of the colleges (if you get a job). Few of my friends who have done part time MBAs didn't see any value add, after 10 years of experience. (there is a message for me)

Now what about Ross School, MIT Sloan, Wharton, Cornell and Columbia along with Yale and Harvard. They are definitely up there. But for folks you have been brought up, bright in good family environment, etc.... makes sense. Not for people like me, who at young age, looked literally forward for a good meal! from 1982, not even a single day has passed without me working and earning! 1982 was dual mode study, school and work till 1990. The whole family used to work! Never mind the good ole days at Kotagiri with Cloth Shop, Estates etc... and what losses can do to you...Days of Ragi puttu, very rarely idlies ,one time rice etc...Foreign was not new to us, as relatives were there and used to gift us, and we had a taste of it (chocolates etc.). My brother was also planning to go to Kuwait on hosiery work, when IRAQ captured it, so he returned back before even he boarded the flight - a sad story I will have to elaborate upon later. My family used to send me away to Grandparents, always during school vacations, it helped me and them. May be that made me a bit more successful. Education wise both my sisters are having multiple degrees now.

Well I did write GMAT in 1995 end and also ensured, in 96 attended at Reading campus 3 courses without completing finals (names forgotten ... Economics, ...Accounting and Decision....) costing me about $4500 USD @ $475 a credit hour - contact classes 3 days, including weekends. I think it is still the same now from LaSalle Univeristy. Heard that they are trying to recruit students in India. Those courses I took, come back to my memory, when I discuss about NPV, ROI etc with my wife for her MBA exams preparation.

May be my poor decision making of returning back to India (no one can kick me out, rain or shine principle, it's my own country man!) has made me change jobs at the drop of a hat, er... satisfaction. (I have decided it is next five years of work. That's it, then education/relaxing field or some easy biz - retirement) Money has never been the motivation. May Dad used to tell me, money will follow where the talent is. It is happening always and even today. He did see me a multi-millionaire in Rs. before he passed away, which he always wanted, the pride in him stayed on.

I am good in case studies, thanks to Business World, HBR and I think that quality helps along way in my current job too. I have handled enough MBAs from IIMs, UCB etc.. and always proved that I was a better task master.... If I can understand the M&A strategy and concepts, and some understudy assignment in Investment banking, I can pass off better than a proper MBA for sure! I don't have the looks or charm - may be that is the cultivation you get done in these league schools?

Do you guys know about the middle finger lecture of Indra Nooyi? click here...

Karnataka May 2008 elections results

Karnataka May 2008 elections results

 

(You heard it first here. Verify on May 26th morning with complete results. I have tried my level best to analyze astrologically).

 

Congress - Blessed with strong Jupiter on May 16th and 22nd. > 66% chance of victory. May 10th was a Sun victory, means, intelligent voters have been involved - correct - Bangalore has 28 constituencies and the days poll was for 69 seats.

BJP - favourite - Jupiter gave good start on May 10th and brought it down to 2nd level on May 16th and 22nd.  50% chance of victory.

JD(S) - Only on May 10th - some blessing from Saturn, transiting with Jupiter (only leader would win). 33% chance of victory in all.

Others and Independents - Moon survives the Jupiter onslaught - so certain caste dominant areas give their own peculiar results, irrespective of their party allegiance. < 10% overall chace.

 

Now the seats and numbers, in my humble opinion

 

Congress - 123+

BJP - 80+

JD(S) & Others - 11+

 

Note - It is always necessary to analyze the planets positions on the day of the polling and prominent parties along with a desired result for them individually. It cannot be done before poll, as people will have to give their votes, to decide. To check results the event should have happened. That is why you can see most of the astrologers predicting past accurately, while being vague on the future. It is a God given gift to interpret. Else all politicians would be coming to me to decide, who the next CM would be.

Will the Airport Open soon! (they say May 24th, 2008)

Will the Airport Open soon! (they say May 24th, 2008)

Hopefully yes.

But for HAL to be running, God knows what kind of money these politicians will pilfer out of the system!

Long live Bangalore.

If you dont like, then move to Coimbatore (I have to make money on some land there!)

Six Steps to Service Level Management Success

Six Steps to Service Level Management Success

1. Assessing willingness and readiness
2. Implementing monitoring tools
3. Raising awareness and interest in the process
4. Running pilot projects
5. Expanding visibility through service/support metrics, and
6. Using SLM metrics to drive predictive planning and IT automation

What is Web2.0?

Here is a lift off on Web 2.0 (I am internalizing aka HOWGAL)

Someone wrote "Web 2.0 can do something. We really don't know what it is yet. But this is what I think it is" ha ha.

Reference from O' ReillyPublishing second hand stuff like this that weakly paraphrases what somebody else had attempted to phrase-it devalues other concepts such as 'salary' and 'newspaper-fame'. Let us talk fluff "so what. This is fluff?"

While this may impress 'give me 5 of those' type people and prompt them to do the web 2.0 thing - this could also inflict damage on intelligent readers, who aren't tuned into web 2.0, causing them to form theories that sound something like: "My physics teacher in Tiruppur didn't explain physics very well to me. So physics is all fluff". You got it?

Well if Web 2.0 helps online marketing and selling, I need not have helped my Dad carry (1980s) the heavy bundle of hosiery - manufactured (hard physical labor) and sold without any taxes - zilch - non so whatever - smuggling from Tiruppur to Erode Wholesale market within our own country! It was always nice to hear from Dad that he made Rs 100/- and more as profit, as that would mean we (siblings) can get some nice Cashew Pakoda and Cream buns. We can afford to give coffee (Neskappi) to friends, if they visit.

Shantaram - a wonderful novel by Gregory David Roberts

Facts or Fictions, your Shantaram stands out apart. Hats off Gregory David Roberts!

 

930+ pages of marvel. Wonderful descriptions.

 

I bought the novel at Chennai Airport, when I was moving from Chennai to Bangalore, on a new job - last April. Now that I have finished it yesterday (the Afghanistan scenes, seem to be of my memory that I have scene (seen) when I was living in USA 94 to 99), I searched for him on the net and emailing now.

**************************************************** 

  

This is what he writes about a novel (beautiful!), on the website http://www.shantaram.com (quoting with permission as he says...(refer end of snip))

 

What is a novel?

What are the elements that must be found in any piece of writing for it to be considered a novel?

I think it fair to say that traditional definitions of the word "novel" work along these lines:

A novel is a fictitious prose story of book length.

In my view, a novel has six basic elements:

1) It must have a society of characters;

2) They must be undergoing transformations;

3) And those must be in the course of a sustained prose narrative;

4) The sustained prose narrative must be impelled by a plot;

5) And it must be unified by clearly discernible central themes;

6) And to the extent possible, it must be universalised by a complex architecture of allegorical and symbolical sub-strata.

If I write those six basic elements into a single definition, I come up with this:

A novel is a society of characters, undergoing transformations, in the course of a sustained prose narrative, which is impelled by a plot, unified by clearly discernible central themes, and universalised by a complex architecture of allegorical and symbolical sub-strata.

You won't find that definition in a book, or on anyone else's website (unless they took it from mine, which they're welcome to do).

All about Fitness One & Gyms

Read this article...

http://money.aol.com/smoney/insurance/canvas3/_a/10-things-your-fitness-club-wont-tell/20061226122809990001

 

I wonder how I was a member of a fitness gym from Nov 95 to April 99, working out 1 to 1.5 hours a given day!
After returning to India, I tried to join Golden Gym at Kumar Park West, Bangalore - who were trying to charge @ Rs 10,000/- per annum.
Well I missed joining the Fitness One at TTK Road, 5 minutes from my home at Gopalapuram, between 2003 & 2007 for want of time, while I was slogging from 8 AM to 9 PM everyday! The Sunday beach walk, was the only thing that kept me sort of OK other than my 5 KMs on my excercycle, which I am religiously following everyday.
But still I gained 8 Kgs in the last one year, since I moved to Bangalore.
Will graduate to weights, when I move into the 40's club.

India looses in Azlan Cup Hockey final to Argentina 2-1

India looses in Azlan Cup Hockey final to Argentina 2-1

 

Well done, better luck next time.

 

Way to go Dhanraj & team.