Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Profile of an Aspiring Wife
I guess love, and the search for it, does strange things to us. I have come across some very interesting portrayal of those looking for their partners on India's biggest matrimonial sites. Most are uncomfortable when it comes to writing about themselves, but for some, it is a literary pursuit.
Here is a very beautiful self description of a, I am sure beautiful, aspiring wife.
It is honest, deep, thought provoking and profound. I hope she gets an equally nice man.
"Hi, I am quiet, rather shy, independent, usually patient, gentle, light hearted, kind spirited, and generally optimistic. I vacillate between craving the safety of my four walls and being terrified by them. I love being busy, but sometimes tire more quickly than I anticipate. I am always striving to be better tomorrow, but am never unhappy with who I am today. I try to make smart and informed decisions, but I tend to learn best from my mistakes. I am constantly wondering about the people around me and reminding myself that the world does not, in fact, revolve around me. I believe it is good to keep a perspective.
I somehow manage to be simultaneously cynical and optimistic. I would say I'm a realist with positive tendencies. I am attracted to others that take care of themselves and their responsibilities. I'm really very mellow, so if you're out dancing every night. I'd really rather not. Which isn't to say you can't...
I'm looking for someone unafraid to feel. With love, the possibilities are endless, and I want to experience it all. I am a firm believer in equality and balance. I will be your rock, but will require your stability at times too. Actions are more powerful than words... tell me what you feel, but more importantly.. show me."
Here is a very beautiful self description of a, I am sure beautiful, aspiring wife.
It is honest, deep, thought provoking and profound. I hope she gets an equally nice man.
"Hi, I am quiet, rather shy, independent, usually patient, gentle, light hearted, kind spirited, and generally optimistic. I vacillate between craving the safety of my four walls and being terrified by them. I love being busy, but sometimes tire more quickly than I anticipate. I am always striving to be better tomorrow, but am never unhappy with who I am today. I try to make smart and informed decisions, but I tend to learn best from my mistakes. I am constantly wondering about the people around me and reminding myself that the world does not, in fact, revolve around me. I believe it is good to keep a perspective.
I somehow manage to be simultaneously cynical and optimistic. I would say I'm a realist with positive tendencies. I am attracted to others that take care of themselves and their responsibilities. I'm really very mellow, so if you're out dancing every night. I'd really rather not. Which isn't to say you can't...
I'm looking for someone unafraid to feel. With love, the possibilities are endless, and I want to experience it all. I am a firm believer in equality and balance. I will be your rock, but will require your stability at times too. Actions are more powerful than words... tell me what you feel, but more importantly.. show me."
Monday, April 16, 2007
LCD or PLASMA..?
With two powerful giants fighting out in the open – Sony stands for LCD and Panasonic openly vouching for Plasma – the general public, like me, is all too confused when it comes to buying a TV Panel now. Which one should I buy – LCD or PLASMA…?
After struggling for couple of weeks and talking to numerous sales men – each one vouching for a different product depending on which company has paid him the bigger baksish – I finally settled down for a 42” LCD from LG for AED 7000 (USD 1900).
These days, you can get 42” LG with a built in 80 GB Hard Drive for instant recoding for less than AED 6500 (USD 1770) – a far cry from what they were two years ago, when the prices were in the range of 25,000 Dirhams for models with much lower configuration.
So if you are one of those struggling to make a decision like I was 6 months ago, may be this will help.
LCD and PLASMA - PROS and CONS
Size
Both Plasma and LCD produce panels in varying sizes.
Plasma Screens are available from 32 inches and LCD screens are available from 13inches up.
Panasonic has launched a 103” plasma screen while LG has come out with 100 inch LCD screen. Both are prohibitively expensive for general consumers.
If you are looking for small space viewing – LCD is most definitely the only choice.
Life Span
Lifespan, the number of viewing hours a television provides before dimming to half brightness, used to be one of the biggest advantages LCD has over plasma.
On earlier models of Plasma the lifespan used to 20,000 – 30,000 hours while LCD gives a guaranteed 60,000 hours.
However, the newer versions of Plasma – although the numbers vary among the different brands - generally last up to around 60,000 hours.
At an average rate of 5 hours of viewing a day – 20,000 hours translates to 10 years of use. At the pace technology is developing, in 10 years we would be ready for holographic televisions (Televisions capable of displaying 3D pictures)
Burn -In
One of plasma technology's known issues is something called burn-in. It happens when your television shows a still image or an icon for so long that its "ghost" remains on the screen. For example, if a logo of the television channel sticks on the top side of your display, that area will be burned into your set.
Many newer versions of Plasmas have built in technology to overcome this inherent problem with Plasma screens.
LCD screens do not suffer from burn-in. They are also best suited if you live in mountainous regions.
Plasma’s are not particularly suitable for viewing in low pressure areas as the pressure difference between the tiny gas tubes that are packed into the screen and the atmospheric pressure create problems.
Picture Quality
When it comes to picture sharpness, Plasma screens have a slight edge over LCDs. This is because plasma screens can display blacks more accurately than LCDs can, which means better contrast and detail in dark-coloured television or movie scenes.
With LCD technology, on the other hand, where a backlight shines through the LCD layer, it is hard to achieve true blacks because there's always some light leakage through the layers. This is steadily improving with every new generation of LCD.
LCD screens have a tendency to blur images, particularly during fast moving scenes in movies or in sports. However, newer models have improved significantly and have as good a refresh-rate as Plasmas.
LCD screens tend to have higher native resolution than plasmas of similar size, which means more pixels on a screen. This means, that in your living room, the LCD may look much better than Plasma.
Power Consumption
LCDs also tend to consume less power than plasma screens with some estimates indicting a saving of up to 30 per cent less than plasma. LCDs are also generally lighter and thinner than similar sized plasmas.
Price
The biggest advantage plasmas have now over LCD is price. Plasmas are a good 30% cheaper than LCD, particularly in the large screen end of the market.
Computers & Game Consoles
Most plasma and LCD TVs can double as computer monitors. They'll also hook up to a game console without any problems. From a performance standpoint, it's hard to pick a winner, but because of plasma's burn-in risk, LCD is the safer choice for computer work and gaming.
So...which is better value for me right now: Plasma or LCD?
If you are looking for a big screen television - 42-inches and above - then plasma is a safe bet economically. You get more for your money with Plasma screens. While LCDs can give you better resolution, the price difference is currently too wide.
However, if money's not an issue and you want the sharpest image in town, then I recommend that you go for a large LCD. If you are looking for screens between15" to 36", LCD is the only way to go if you want something slim and tasteful. And the best thing is that LCDs are getting cheaper all the time.
The question is how long you are prepared to wait.
After struggling for couple of weeks and talking to numerous sales men – each one vouching for a different product depending on which company has paid him the bigger baksish – I finally settled down for a 42” LCD from LG for AED 7000 (USD 1900).
These days, you can get 42” LG with a built in 80 GB Hard Drive for instant recoding for less than AED 6500 (USD 1770) – a far cry from what they were two years ago, when the prices were in the range of 25,000 Dirhams for models with much lower configuration.
So if you are one of those struggling to make a decision like I was 6 months ago, may be this will help.
LCD and PLASMA - PROS and CONS
Size
Both Plasma and LCD produce panels in varying sizes.
Plasma Screens are available from 32 inches and LCD screens are available from 13inches up.
Panasonic has launched a 103” plasma screen while LG has come out with 100 inch LCD screen. Both are prohibitively expensive for general consumers.
If you are looking for small space viewing – LCD is most definitely the only choice.
Life Span
Lifespan, the number of viewing hours a television provides before dimming to half brightness, used to be one of the biggest advantages LCD has over plasma.
On earlier models of Plasma the lifespan used to 20,000 – 30,000 hours while LCD gives a guaranteed 60,000 hours.
However, the newer versions of Plasma – although the numbers vary among the different brands - generally last up to around 60,000 hours.
At an average rate of 5 hours of viewing a day – 20,000 hours translates to 10 years of use. At the pace technology is developing, in 10 years we would be ready for holographic televisions (Televisions capable of displaying 3D pictures)
Burn -In
One of plasma technology's known issues is something called burn-in. It happens when your television shows a still image or an icon for so long that its "ghost" remains on the screen. For example, if a logo of the television channel sticks on the top side of your display, that area will be burned into your set.
Many newer versions of Plasmas have built in technology to overcome this inherent problem with Plasma screens.
LCD screens do not suffer from burn-in. They are also best suited if you live in mountainous regions.
Plasma’s are not particularly suitable for viewing in low pressure areas as the pressure difference between the tiny gas tubes that are packed into the screen and the atmospheric pressure create problems.
Picture Quality
When it comes to picture sharpness, Plasma screens have a slight edge over LCDs. This is because plasma screens can display blacks more accurately than LCDs can, which means better contrast and detail in dark-coloured television or movie scenes.
With LCD technology, on the other hand, where a backlight shines through the LCD layer, it is hard to achieve true blacks because there's always some light leakage through the layers. This is steadily improving with every new generation of LCD.
LCD screens have a tendency to blur images, particularly during fast moving scenes in movies or in sports. However, newer models have improved significantly and have as good a refresh-rate as Plasmas.
LCD screens tend to have higher native resolution than plasmas of similar size, which means more pixels on a screen. This means, that in your living room, the LCD may look much better than Plasma.
Power Consumption
LCDs also tend to consume less power than plasma screens with some estimates indicting a saving of up to 30 per cent less than plasma. LCDs are also generally lighter and thinner than similar sized plasmas.
Price
The biggest advantage plasmas have now over LCD is price. Plasmas are a good 30% cheaper than LCD, particularly in the large screen end of the market.
Computers & Game Consoles
Most plasma and LCD TVs can double as computer monitors. They'll also hook up to a game console without any problems. From a performance standpoint, it's hard to pick a winner, but because of plasma's burn-in risk, LCD is the safer choice for computer work and gaming.
So...which is better value for me right now: Plasma or LCD?
If you are looking for a big screen television - 42-inches and above - then plasma is a safe bet economically. You get more for your money with Plasma screens. While LCDs can give you better resolution, the price difference is currently too wide.
However, if money's not an issue and you want the sharpest image in town, then I recommend that you go for a large LCD. If you are looking for screens between15" to 36", LCD is the only way to go if you want something slim and tasteful. And the best thing is that LCDs are getting cheaper all the time.
The question is how long you are prepared to wait.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Dear White Fella ....
I came across this "poem" while surfing the net - truly hilarious...
Dear white fella
Couple things you should know
When I born, I black
When I grow up, I black
When I go in sun, I black
When I cold, I black
When I scared, I black
When I sick, I black
And when I die, I still black.
You white fella
When you born, you pink
When you grow up, you white
When you go in sun, you red
When you cold, you blue
When you scared, you yellow
When you sick, you green
And when you die, you grey.
And you have the cheek to call me coloured?
(Anonymous)
Dear white fella
Couple things you should know
When I born, I black
When I grow up, I black
When I go in sun, I black
When I cold, I black
When I scared, I black
When I sick, I black
And when I die, I still black.
You white fella
When you born, you pink
When you grow up, you white
When you go in sun, you red
When you cold, you blue
When you scared, you yellow
When you sick, you green
And when you die, you grey.
And you have the cheek to call me coloured?
(Anonymous)
Monday, January 29, 2007
A Shaadi Profile with a difference : Interesting & Honest
A few months back, I attended a seminar for e-commerce enthusiasts and novices.
When the presenter asked a question about the most visited site in India, someone said “shaadi.com”. The crowd giggled, the majority of them being from the subcontinent.
It is true; for the married and yet to be married, the site offers some sort of curious entertainment.
I visited the site for the system study for developing my new site: mangaliam.com.
I guess the seminar was successful in turning some “web novices” like me into “web-entrepreneur aspirants”.
I presume, the biggest aspiration and fixation of an Indian being matrimony, and close to 300 million people of marriageable age out there in the subcontinent, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to start one more site; although scores have already achieved the critical mass.
Most of the ads read and sound the same…but I came across this particular one which struck me as completely different and sounds damn honest besides being incredibly witty.
I wish this aspirant all the luck in her search for her perfect partner…I do hope she will find her Mr.Right very soon. No body deserves to be lonely!
“My Personality, Long-Term Goals, Partner Expectations, etc
Everyone on this site seems to be caring and sensitive. Everyone is beautiful. Everyone shows a quirky / exotic / intriguing / adventurous / combination side in their interests. It’s intimidating – where do I begin? I’m opinionated, independent and pigheaded. In spite of that, I’m easygoing 75 per cent of the time, and only bad-tempered for 25. I am not really a domestic goddess and the magic “woman’s touch” part is unreliable. I enjoy most things that fall under the broad umbrella of “the good life”. I’ve been happily single for the greater part of 32 years, but have been getting lonely lately. Perhaps it has something to do with being surrounded by married friends with lives full of interactions, involvements, plans, friction, stimulation, life, basically. I know it’s not all music and roses, but from where I’m standing it’s attractive, like when you see into other people’s living room windows at night. Or perhaps it’s just that I feel the need for someone – just like a friend, but a little more – to share the small stuff. Whatever it is, the last bastion that held out vehemently against shaadi.com has fallen. As for the way I look, I clean up good. I don’t mind sending a photograph if I like the response, but I’m new at this and not comfortable yet with posting pictures on public sites!
My Family
One younger brother, happily married
One pair of parents, also happily married, retired and living in Bangalore (this, incidentally, is also where I grew up)
One large dog (my father's, the latest in a long line of them)
A very large, boisterous and affectionate extended family, spread around the world”
When the presenter asked a question about the most visited site in India, someone said “shaadi.com”. The crowd giggled, the majority of them being from the subcontinent.
It is true; for the married and yet to be married, the site offers some sort of curious entertainment.
I visited the site for the system study for developing my new site: mangaliam.com.
I guess the seminar was successful in turning some “web novices” like me into “web-entrepreneur aspirants”.
I presume, the biggest aspiration and fixation of an Indian being matrimony, and close to 300 million people of marriageable age out there in the subcontinent, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to start one more site; although scores have already achieved the critical mass.
Most of the ads read and sound the same…but I came across this particular one which struck me as completely different and sounds damn honest besides being incredibly witty.
I wish this aspirant all the luck in her search for her perfect partner…I do hope she will find her Mr.Right very soon. No body deserves to be lonely!
“My Personality, Long-Term Goals, Partner Expectations, etc
Everyone on this site seems to be caring and sensitive. Everyone is beautiful. Everyone shows a quirky / exotic / intriguing / adventurous / combination side in their interests. It’s intimidating – where do I begin? I’m opinionated, independent and pigheaded. In spite of that, I’m easygoing 75 per cent of the time, and only bad-tempered for 25. I am not really a domestic goddess and the magic “woman’s touch” part is unreliable. I enjoy most things that fall under the broad umbrella of “the good life”. I’ve been happily single for the greater part of 32 years, but have been getting lonely lately. Perhaps it has something to do with being surrounded by married friends with lives full of interactions, involvements, plans, friction, stimulation, life, basically. I know it’s not all music and roses, but from where I’m standing it’s attractive, like when you see into other people’s living room windows at night. Or perhaps it’s just that I feel the need for someone – just like a friend, but a little more – to share the small stuff. Whatever it is, the last bastion that held out vehemently against shaadi.com has fallen. As for the way I look, I clean up good. I don’t mind sending a photograph if I like the response, but I’m new at this and not comfortable yet with posting pictures on public sites!
My Family
One younger brother, happily married
One pair of parents, also happily married, retired and living in Bangalore (this, incidentally, is also where I grew up)
One large dog (my father's, the latest in a long line of them)
A very large, boisterous and affectionate extended family, spread around the world”
Saturday, January 27, 2007
We celebrated our 58th Republic Day yesterday.
My Son was participating in a drill at his school. We got up early to be at the school ground on time; even with the heavy head - thanks to the couple of drinks on the previous night. If it was any other Friday, I would have slept on for a couple of hours more.
This was important to my son....and therefore, very important for us.
The unfurling of the tri-colour flag is very emotional moment for me. Patriotism is a strong drug.
Jai Hind.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Racism ? : Shilpa Shetty in Big Brother
Racism…? I am afraid this hue and cry against the “apparent” racist remarks by Big Brother inmates against Shilpa Shetty – the bollywood siren – is diluting the larger issues of racism and discrimination that exist all over the world.
In being overly politically correct, we are also in the danger of diluting one of the most fundamental rights - the right to freedom of speech and expression.
What is happening in Big Brother is NOT racism. This is a bunch of self centred silly girls being just stupid & silly. Shilpa is a gorgeous woman with a drop dead figure. The reaction of Jade Goody and others is just a jealous reaction to the great looking Shilpa.
What has surprised me is the reaction of Indian politicians and public back home.
In India, where Shilpa’s numerous fans have taken to street and burnt effigies of Jade Goody etal, cast system still divide communities and people.
Indians should be the last to make an issue of discrimination given the fact that the problem is still at large and acute in their own country.
More than 160 million low cast hindu “untouchables” known as “dalits” face rampant human rights abuse on a daily basis.
“Dalit boy beaten to death for plucking flowers"; "Dalit tortured by cops for three days"; "Dalit 'witch' paraded naked in Bihar"; "Dalit killed in lock-up at Kurnool"; "7 Dalits burnt alive in caste clash"; "5 Dalits lynched in Haryana"; "Dalit woman paraded half-naked"; "Police egged on mob to lynch Dalits" are some of the common headlines in the mainstream national newspapers in India.
Dalits are not allowed to drink from the same wells, attend the same temples, wear shoes in the presence of an upper caste or drink from the same cups in tea stalls.
Shilpa Shetty famously asks her tormentor Jade Goody “Am I not human ? What about me is so different ?”
I ask Indian public and the politicians who are crying foul the same question……Are they not human..? What about them is so different..?
Please guys, put your house in order!!!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Water Lilies
I love this picture (courtesy : keralatourism.org)
It reminds me of my own childhood when I used to go plucking water lilies from ponds and paddy fields in the neighbourhood.
When I was in my late teens, I made a small pond in our garden to grow water lilies. We gathered white, violet and red lilies and planted them in my pond. The water lilies flourished and the pond eventually looked like a Monet canvas.
Work brought me to the United Arab Emirates. When I return to Kerala...I will build a bigger pond and grow lots of water lilies... (smile)
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy New Year
Okay….2007 is now two days old.
Sat here in Dubai - the most prosperous and open society in Middle East, although somewhat insulated – you still can not escape from the feeling of despair permeate you – the feeling of despair that is now a part of life in Middle East.
Let me not sound harshly sceptical…but nothing is tipped to change in 2007…No real hopes for lasting peace…No real hope for eradication of poverty…
But let us all hope, as we always do, and wish each other a Happy New Year.
Sat here in Dubai - the most prosperous and open society in Middle East, although somewhat insulated – you still can not escape from the feeling of despair permeate you – the feeling of despair that is now a part of life in Middle East.
Let me not sound harshly sceptical…but nothing is tipped to change in 2007…No real hopes for lasting peace…No real hope for eradication of poverty…
But let us all hope, as we always do, and wish each other a Happy New Year.
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