The Year 2006 A.D
Saturday, December 31, 2005
2006 (MMVI) is staring at us, a common year starting on a Sunday of the Gregorian Calendar. It has been designated as :
* International Year of Deserts and Desertification
* The Mozart Year
* The Tesla Year .... and many more.
Events to lookout for :
* Jan 17th - NASA will launch the New Horizons spacecraft on its 1st mission to PLUTO.
* Jan 25th - Palestinians vote in the Parliamentary Elections.
* Mar 28th - Israeli Parliamentary Elections (probable date)
* Oct 24th - NASA's messenger spacecraft to MERCURY makes the first of two Venus flybys.
* Oct 26th - Diwali ( Hindu festival of lights)
Apart from the usual New Year happenings, if we peek at 2006 in Fiction, this is what we would find :
* Mar 28 to 29- The events of Dr. Who episodes Aliens of London and World War Three take place.
* The events of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory take place
Data coutrsey wikipedia
Posted by Rajesh @ 2:02 AM; PERMALINK,
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Deatball - Not Pron
Thursday, December 29, 2005
I dont know why suddenly today felt like posting this today. After about 11 months suddenly felt the urge to mention this puzzle out here. Although some of my previous posts did have some hint/inclination about "Deathball - not pron"..
The most amazing and claimed to be one of the toughest puzzle on the net can be found at http://deathball.net/notpron/ . I dont know how many sleepless nights I spent trying to solve this, and some wasted day-time too. But then after all it was worth -- on 26th Jan 2005 I was able to crack the Level - 80 of the puzzle. Its been about a year (as I said before) and I guess David has extended this to 160 odd, but I didnt get time nor had the patience to sit down again. Am sure it will catch hold of me again pretty soon.
Now, I was able to complete it and was 75th till then :D ... and was the first person from the sub-continent (or the continent) to complete it ... probably 'cause many were not aware ?? Anyways you can find the old rankings @ http://deathball.net/notpron/ranking.htm
Turn me on Dead Man !!!
Posted by Rajesh @ 9:34 PM; PERMALINK,
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How many lives per gallon ?
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Its Quite evident from the figures ... 2172 now... that its not gonna be an easy task to get out. Now that the elections are over, their need has gone up. The year marked protests against the so called "war". Its pretty common to find " how many lives per gallon" stickers and banners floating around. But is anyone paying attention ? Are they being listened to ?
Saw this documentary on Discovery today "Gunners Palace". It is by far the year's most critically acclaimed contenders for the best documentary award. Its a 2 hour presentation and provides an insight into the dangerous and chaotic war . Michael Tucker ( the producer) spent 2 months out there capturing the lives and lifestyle of the soldiers. And not to say - it was scary !!
Let's see what decision would be made 'cause as for now all depends on the new government and I bet it wouldn't be easier to pull out. But having said that what are we losing ? Lives ... Innocent lives of both civilians and soldiers !!!
The photo below found its way to the TIME - Best Photos of the year 2005 and shows a civilian flight on its arrival in Reno, as passengers looked on the flag draped body of a Marine - 2nd Lieut. James Cathey.
Photo courtsey TIME
Posted by Rajesh @ 8:30 PM; PERMALINK,
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Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Although, not much of a celebration for me, what's wrong in joining the crowd. We all know how it goes ... When in Rome ... do .... anyways ... thought of spending this X-mas out of Boston. Hopped on to reach NYC. Hangout for a day or two and back before the New Year fever grips the city..
Right now ? Enjoying the KEG with pals and all set for tomorrow - havent figured out what's the POA but will pretty soon. BTW anyone noticed the Google Holiday Doodle ? Could find one @
http://www.google.com/doodle10.html not 4 the 1st time though ..
Posted by Rajesh @ 11:06 PM; PERMALINK,
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Shot glasses and Ceramic cups
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
L-R: Statute of Liberty, D.C, United Nations, WAshington, New York ( Manhattan)
L-R: Rock & Roll hall of fame, NY-Manhattan, 6 Flags, Statute of Liberty, D.C, Smoky mountainsLooks like I am picking up on my shot glass and ceramic coffee cup collection ... added a few more to the count !!
And so has my Pink Floyd wallpaper collection ( that and much more l8r) ...
Posted by Rajesh @ 10:58 PM; PERMALINK,
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Secret santa gift
Sunday, December 18, 2005
So X-mas is almost here.. you guys would definitely have an office get-together. Well, we had one last Friday (16th Dec). Actually it was decided a coupla weeks before - that we would be having one.
Guess what .. these guys wanted a "Secret Santa" gift exchange ( idea courtsey our Mgr. ) We were asked to pick a name from a lot and present a gift to him/her on the day. Fortunately or Unfortunately I got the name of our very own .. Project Mgr. and was going nuts .. There was another catch .. no-one would spend more than $20 !!!
As you know I have a habit of keeping it for the last moment. Come Thursday and I went out to find something .. after about 2-3 hours of in-and-out of stores was able to get a cool tie from Filene's. Wrapped it up in a gift wrap and took it to work the next day .. We had a party and then the gift exchange ceremony .. went well ... one chap got "Chivas Regal" another guy got gift coupons to Barnes and Nobles then this lady got some sweets/candies .. and some Instant lottery tickets .... $2,$5, $10 worth ...
I got a bottle of Wine ( white wine) courtsey my Russian colleague .. Vodka would have been better but I won'tcomplain ;-) ... Mgr. was quite happy since the Tie looked awesome and he could now wear it to work. Anyways .. pretty good get-together !!
I hope they dont have anything lined up for the New Year. Oh !! they wont' because .. all of em are on vacation starting mid week !!! How's your X-mas celebration/vacation stuff coming along ???
Guess what .. these guys wanted a "Secret Santa" gift exchange ( idea courtsey our Mgr. ) We were asked to pick a name from a lot and present a gift to him/her on the day. Fortunately or Unfortunately I got the name of our very own .. Project Mgr. and was going nuts .. There was another catch .. no-one would spend more than $20 !!!
As you know I have a habit of keeping it for the last moment. Come Thursday and I went out to find something .. after about 2-3 hours of in-and-out of stores was able to get a cool tie from Filene's. Wrapped it up in a gift wrap and took it to work the next day .. We had a party and then the gift exchange ceremony .. went well ... one chap got "Chivas Regal" another guy got gift coupons to Barnes and Nobles then this lady got some sweets/candies .. and some Instant lottery tickets .... $2,$5, $10 worth ...
I got a bottle of Wine ( white wine) courtsey my Russian colleague .. Vodka would have been better but I won'tcomplain ;-) ... Mgr. was quite happy since the Tie looked awesome and he could now wear it to work. Anyways .. pretty good get-together !!
I hope they dont have anything lined up for the New Year. Oh !! they wont' because .. all of em are on vacation starting mid week !!! How's your X-mas celebration/vacation stuff coming along ???
Posted by Rajesh @ 11:28 PM; PERMALINK,
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Tagged by Se7ven
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Don't know if you guys watched the movie Seven. Hellofa movie it was ... Full credit to Kevin Spacey for a stupendous performance .. what about " The Usual Suspects" oh boy !!
But the Se7ven I would talk about here is something different. Have been "tagged by the 7" ... if that's what it's called ... here it goes ...
Seven things I plan to do before I die
* Start believing in myself
* Go on an Europe Vacation
* Watch WhiteSox win MLB again, and this time be at the stadium
* Drive a Ferrari - or atleast Test drive it
* Play in the World Series of Poker
* Understand how things work @ the Quantum level ( this has been bothering me for about 3 years now and its amazing .. Schrodinger's kittens ...)
* Reach a point where I'd feel that I've done justice to a human life.
Seven Things I can do
* Put a smile on ur face
* Relax
* Ever-ready
* Sit on the net/in front of the comp 24x7
* Become a nocturnal creature
* Stay put when needed
* Try my best
Seven Things I can’t do
* Lie bluntly ...
* Sit Idle
* Stop the way I am
* Imagine a world without www...
* Watch the usual drama in Hindi movies
* Stop being an optimist
* Miss Mindspot for 2 weeks in a row
Seven Things that attract me to the opposite sex
* Looks
* Ablity to get the point pretty easily
* Freq.
* 1st impression
* Respect for others and elders
* A goal in life
* Take it easy life
Seven Things I say most
* Damn
* Sup ( short for What's up?)
* Sheri
* Holy Fish
* Daivamey
* What's the POA ?
* Hi/Hiya/Hello/Howdy
Seven Celebrity Crushes
* Sonali Bendre
* Alicia Sylverstone
* Meg Ryan
* Helen Hunt
* Salma Hayek
* Brooke Shields
* Drew Barrymore
xxSevenxx Four People I want to take the quiz
* Arjun
* Sreeram
Phew ! I dont know how was I able to pull that up :))
Posted by Rajesh @ 8:59 PM; PERMALINK,
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'Remarkable Transformation'
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
12th December 2005, Philadelphia - Now this is where Mr. Bush, sorry ... President Bush was giving a speech 3 days before the new government polls in Erak, and offering his support for the political process out there.
When one woman asked about how many Erakis have died since the March 2003 invasion, Mr. Bush did what the Pentagon has been reluctant to do. He offered numbers. "I would say 30,000, more or less, have died as a result of the initial incursion and the ongoing violence ." We have lost about 2,140 of our own troops out there.
The recent figures show that the count is now 2151, as of 13th Dec 2005. Now, we are not talking about numbers over here, we are talking about HUMAN LIVES. It is scary as hell. The other day I was watching a documentary on TV - Frontline. It showed the difficulties faced by military and private body guards out there. Why then are they stationed out there. For the elections to go ahead smoothly? Would they be recalled once its over and the new government takes over?
Well that's what they say, but how much of it is true - needs to be seen !!!
Posted by Rajesh @ 11:07 PM; PERMALINK,
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Fortune Cookies ...
Monday, December 12, 2005
Had been to this restaurant - PF Chang. Pretty good food I must say and that we ordered it "spicy" it was pretty good.
Now Fortune cookies is a common ritual out there. Last time I was there I was deprived of one but today didnt have to ask for it ;-) . It said " You can't learn less". Couldnt stop myself from laughing the hell out. It sounds fine but then when you add the much needed "Tag Line" and the most common one, it's hillarious.
I dont think I have to explain the tag lines out here( if I have to .. am sorry .. can't do. Please do some research - prob. on google) ... Well, with or without them " Tag lines" its fine this time.
Posted by Rajesh @ 11:26 PM; PERMALINK,
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You can wear Storm Casuals ...
Friday, December 09, 2005
Sounds something unusual right ? Well thats what they call it out here in New England. Were allowed to wear Jeans for a change @ work - "storm casuals" they claim ... he he he. I read that yesterday and little did I realise what its gonna be.
* Wake up in the morning and peep outta my window, took me a while to realize what’s going on. But then been there out in the snow for 4 years now I knew how its gonna be.
* Reached work with some difficulty but frankly speaking didn’t expect this turnout today
* Was a short day I guess, went out for lunch – in the storm , came back and half the floor was empty. That’s when I realized that it would be pretty bad pretty soon..
Was raining, snowing, we even had ice-rain today !! But considering the predictions for the day, it was nothing unusual. Pretty bad I should say with about 7-10 inches pouring down at the rate of about 2” an hour at times .. was pretty gloomy.
There I was - walking my way through the Snow & Ice or whatever that was … reached home safe and sound, with just a hitch ... I seem to have lost my original voice. Sound like a guy who’s a chain smoker of Marlboro REDS …
Posted by Rajesh @ 8:06 PM; PERMALINK,
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Weathor Advisory ...
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
This was posted on my Co's Intranet yesterday, thought of sharing it with you, couldnt resist myself :-))
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With the change of season comes the risk of heavy snowfall and storms in New England, New York and Toronto! Please keep the following information in mind as winter approaches:
-You are expected to report to work on any day that the Co is open regardless of the weather conditions.The Co is officially open on any day for which either the New York Stock Exchange or Federal Reserve Bank of New York is open. There is very little chance of the Co being closed due to inclement weather.
-Check the employee emergency hotline (XXX-XXX-XXXX) for information concerning Co. operating conditions as well as where and when you are to report to work.
-Listen to local radio and TV for upcoming and current weather conditions.
With the change of season comes the risk of heavy snowfall and storms in New England, New York and Toronto! Please keep the following information in mind as winter approaches:
-You are expected to report to work on any day that the Co is open regardless of the weather conditions.The Co is officially open on any day for which either the New York Stock Exchange or Federal Reserve Bank of New York is open. There is very little chance of the Co being closed due to inclement weather.
-Check the employee emergency hotline (XXX-XXX-XXXX) for information concerning Co. operating conditions as well as where and when you are to report to work.
-Listen to local radio and TV for upcoming and current weather conditions.
-In the event schools are closed, make arrangements for child care in advance.
-Avoid driving and take public transportation.
-If you support a critical process such as core systems, fund transfer or securities settlement, consult with your manager as to whether overnight hotel arrangements are necessary.
Come on !!!!!!!!!!!
Gimme a Break !!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Rajesh @ 10:50 PM; PERMALINK,
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It was all covered in white
Monday, December 05, 2005
It snowed almost all day Sunday, signalling the arrival of the much awaited NE snow season. Couldn't have asked more, it seems its gonna be a White Christmas after all.
Posted by Rajesh @ 10:47 PM; PERMALINK,
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Fosters .. Australian for Beer
Sunday, December 04, 2005
25.4 oz - a small can by standards, but then I couldn't find a smaller one, a 12 oz maybe. Who cares...all i wanted to do is to understand what the hell goes in making them ads that you see on TV .. they go "Hey mate I'll take it " ... and "I forgive you"
Taste - similar to most of the beers out there in the market. But not better than Holland / Mexico
Strong - nup ... not that much all.
Tonite when I lay down to sleep it would come back and hit me ( i'm quite sure of it ) that what the hell were those 1.99s , 2.06s for .. then I try to recollect my week-end saga and realise that it is good I was able to get out from the usual stuff; Mr. Bose couldnt have asked for much I guess, anyways I wasn't there to watch him play !!
Johnny was happy playing I guess but then come sunday and he was all sad.. Maybe 2-3 inches that was pouring down. I would have been happy had it been just water-droplets but could they have asked for more ? With earth covered white and wind blowing as crazy, there were times while I had to dodge the wind ... The 4 wheeler couldn't stay straight on a track or was it my driving ?
Agreed ... after I dodged the preposterous Boston driving junta, have designated myself to be an accredited driver. All these days sitting on the passengers seat, watching was fun but after driving 123.8 miles in Boston city I now have overcome my shortcomings ... skills have been honed and today driving in the heavy snow put a 120 V smile on my face ...
Now talking about driving, am destined to be a Taxi Service for about 2 months now .... you just have to look into your calendar and mark the weekends .. I will let you know in which part of this world I would be. You would definitely be awed by my presence.
Taste - similar to most of the beers out there in the market. But not better than Holland / Mexico
Strong - nup ... not that much all.
Tonite when I lay down to sleep it would come back and hit me ( i'm quite sure of it ) that what the hell were those 1.99s , 2.06s for .. then I try to recollect my week-end saga and realise that it is good I was able to get out from the usual stuff; Mr. Bose couldnt have asked for much I guess, anyways I wasn't there to watch him play !!
Johnny was happy playing I guess but then come sunday and he was all sad.. Maybe 2-3 inches that was pouring down. I would have been happy had it been just water-droplets but could they have asked for more ? With earth covered white and wind blowing as crazy, there were times while I had to dodge the wind ... The 4 wheeler couldn't stay straight on a track or was it my driving ?
Agreed ... after I dodged the preposterous Boston driving junta, have designated myself to be an accredited driver. All these days sitting on the passengers seat, watching was fun but after driving 123.8 miles in Boston city I now have overcome my shortcomings ... skills have been honed and today driving in the heavy snow put a 120 V smile on my face ...
Now talking about driving, am destined to be a Taxi Service for about 2 months now .... you just have to look into your calendar and mark the weekends .. I will let you know in which part of this world I would be. You would definitely be awed by my presence.
Posted by Rajesh @ 11:40 PM; PERMALINK,
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Read this ... started thinking
Thursday, December 01, 2005
I have listened to these many times but suddenly today I realised the depth in these lyrics. Listening to them soothes your mind but start following the lyrics and there you go .. surprise ... surprise.
Here are a few that I could recollect right now ...
Time - Pink Floyd
Here are a few that I could recollect right now ...
Time - Pink Floyd
The sun is the same in a relative way, but you're older...
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death
For whom the bell tolls - Metallica
Take a look to the sky just before you die,
its the last time you will !!
Photograph - Nickelback
Every memory of walking out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was looking for
It's hard to say it, time to say it .... Goodbye, Goodbye
Nothing Else Matters - Metallica
So close, no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are and nothing else matters
Wish you were here - Pink Floyd
So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell, blue skies from pain. Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell?
Hey you, out there on your own Sitting naked by the phone Would you touch me?
Hey you, with you ear against the wall waiting for someone to call out Would you touch me?
Motorbreath - Metallica
Living and dying laughing and crying
Once you have seen it you will never be the sameLife in the fast lane is just how it seems
Hard and it is heavy dirty and mean
Layla- Eric Clapton
What'll you do when you get lonely
And nobody's waiting by your side?
You've been running and hiding much too long.
You know it's just your foolish pride.
Of course there are many more, maybe sometime later ....
Posted by Rajesh @ 9:57 PM; PERMALINK,
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