- Learn car drive, music instrument(key board) and swimming
- Read atleast one book in a month
- Trim down fixed financial commitments (atleast by 20%)
- More postings in blog (minumum 20 in a month)
With Cheers
Naras
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2010 - Way Forward
This would be my last post in this year. Some of the wish lists for the year 2010
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Individuals promoted not on performance. Is it true?
Narasimhan A R
It was almost the fag end of the week, Saturday evening just before closing hours; HR manager came up with the task “Promotion for the year”. It is usual that at the end of each year employees are assessed on their performance. After having done performance, one of the difficulties on both HR and the supervisor part is to choose employees for promotion. The question here is “Why is it so difficult to decide promotion?”
Let us assume that an individual is promoted to the next level based on his performance. This evidences that an employee has met the standard. The issue is not stopped here. What is the guarantee that the promoted employee will perform well in his new job. That is the moot point to test in the given situation.
The Peter Principle “Promotions and declining productivity” suggests that the individuals performance will become worse after being promoted. This originates from the hypothesis that each individual can be identified in to three categories:
i. an individual performing worse,
ii. an individual performing bad, and
iii. an individual performing good.
An employee who fits in the first category will definitely be terminated soon; second one will often be under tremendous pressure to perform good thus striving hard to third category. Ironically, the probability of sustaining good performer for a longer period is less. Other things remains equal, this implies that those who do not get a promotion should do better after being turned down than they did before. Also it suggests that an individual who is good at one job may not always be good at another job.
Suppose a company decides to study the effect of giving promotions thus takes longer period to make such decisions then the impact would be one, on positive side the longer the Company waits to make a promotion decision, the better the information but on negative side wrong job will be with one individual for a longer time. This may end up maximum attrition. Then how to offset both extremes?
Promote individual at random. Statistics and history shows that giving promotions using computer model on random basis works most efficiently. This is based on the theory called Parrondo's Paradox. It is a game theory wherein each having higher probability of losing than winning. How it is proved this is the best model? Though it may ruining employee morale, (ie., performer may not be rewarded) when employees know promotions are at random, individuals like creativity most and work better.
Let us assume that an individual is promoted to the next level based on his performance. This evidences that an employee has met the standard. The issue is not stopped here. What is the guarantee that the promoted employee will perform well in his new job. That is the moot point to test in the given situation.
The Peter Principle “Promotions and declining productivity” suggests that the individuals performance will become worse after being promoted. This originates from the hypothesis that each individual can be identified in to three categories:
i. an individual performing worse,
ii. an individual performing bad, and
iii. an individual performing good.
An employee who fits in the first category will definitely be terminated soon; second one will often be under tremendous pressure to perform good thus striving hard to third category. Ironically, the probability of sustaining good performer for a longer period is less. Other things remains equal, this implies that those who do not get a promotion should do better after being turned down than they did before. Also it suggests that an individual who is good at one job may not always be good at another job.
Suppose a company decides to study the effect of giving promotions thus takes longer period to make such decisions then the impact would be one, on positive side the longer the Company waits to make a promotion decision, the better the information but on negative side wrong job will be with one individual for a longer time. This may end up maximum attrition. Then how to offset both extremes?
Promote individual at random. Statistics and history shows that giving promotions using computer model on random basis works most efficiently. This is based on the theory called Parrondo's Paradox. It is a game theory wherein each having higher probability of losing than winning. How it is proved this is the best model? Though it may ruining employee morale, (ie., performer may not be rewarded) when employees know promotions are at random, individuals like creativity most and work better.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Greatest shame to ICAI
Booth capturing is a type of electoral fraud, found primarily in India, in which party loyalists "capture" a polling booth and vote in place of legitimate voters to ensure that their candidate wins. - source : wikipedia
HBL Reports
The elections to the 21st Central Council and the 20th Regional Councils of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) ran into rough weather after a booth capturing incident.
At least four unidentified men, including one toting a pistol, stormed an ICAI election booth at Vaishali (near Ghaziabad) on Saturday, tampering the ballot box and stuffing ballot papers, sources said.
The returning officer to the elections and ICAI Secretary, Mr T. Karthikeyan, confirmed the incident and added that a First Information Report (FIR) had been lodged with a police station.
The ICAI President, Mr Uttam Prakash Agarwal, however, denied the booth-capturing incident. “No such instance of booth capturing has so far been brought to my notice,” he said.
Mr Karthikeyan declined to comment on whether any decision has been taken on re-poll at the same region. The polling booth, which was manned by a senior Deputy Director of the ICAI, came under the central region of the ICAI.
This polling booth had two ballot boxes — one each for the Central Council and the Regional Council. The officer in-charge informed the ICAI secretary about the booth capture.
The official is understood to have rushed to the Vaishali booth with officers of the Institute, sources said. The police were also called in.
It is learnt that only the Central Council box was tampered with. In all, 14 candidates from the central region are in the fray for positions in the Central Council.
The incident came as a shock to the chartered accountants fraternity. This was the first time in the history of the ICAI that a booth capturing incident had occurred at Council elections, a top ICAI official said.
This is another version of politics in a professional body.It looks to me very pathetic while I read the statement given by the president of the Institute.
HBL Reports
The elections to the 21st Central Council and the 20th Regional Councils of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) ran into rough weather after a booth capturing incident.
At least four unidentified men, including one toting a pistol, stormed an ICAI election booth at Vaishali (near Ghaziabad) on Saturday, tampering the ballot box and stuffing ballot papers, sources said.
The returning officer to the elections and ICAI Secretary, Mr T. Karthikeyan, confirmed the incident and added that a First Information Report (FIR) had been lodged with a police station.
The ICAI President, Mr Uttam Prakash Agarwal, however, denied the booth-capturing incident. “No such instance of booth capturing has so far been brought to my notice,” he said.
Mr Karthikeyan declined to comment on whether any decision has been taken on re-poll at the same region. The polling booth, which was manned by a senior Deputy Director of the ICAI, came under the central region of the ICAI.
This polling booth had two ballot boxes — one each for the Central Council and the Regional Council. The officer in-charge informed the ICAI secretary about the booth capture.
The official is understood to have rushed to the Vaishali booth with officers of the Institute, sources said. The police were also called in.
It is learnt that only the Central Council box was tampered with. In all, 14 candidates from the central region are in the fray for positions in the Central Council.
The incident came as a shock to the chartered accountants fraternity. This was the first time in the history of the ICAI that a booth capturing incident had occurred at Council elections, a top ICAI official said.
This is another version of politics in a professional body.It looks to me very pathetic while I read the statement given by the president of the Institute.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Born with cerebral palsy ........
Reported in Express News Service, is this amazing story of a lad born with cerebral palsy cracking the country's second toughest professional examination.
In what could be an inspiration for several others of his kind, Ajit Shekhawat (28), who was born with cerebral palsy, cleared the Chartered Accountants (CA) exam recently.
Ajit is at present working in an eye hospital in Udaipur.
His father, Mahavirsinh, who works as a section officer in the Gujarat Secretariat said: “It was Ajit's aim to become a CA since he passed his Class XII. It was because of his sheer dedication and self confidence that he could achieve his aim.”
Ajit was treated for two years at a Mumbai hospital at the age of five. His treatment continued in Gandhinagar later on and Ajit continued his studies and completed his graduation in commerce from Gandhinagar. He then started preparing for his CA examination at home and cleared it.
In what could be an inspiration for several others of his kind, Ajit Shekhawat (28), who was born with cerebral palsy, cleared the Chartered Accountants (CA) exam recently.
Ajit is at present working in an eye hospital in Udaipur.
His father, Mahavirsinh, who works as a section officer in the Gujarat Secretariat said: “It was Ajit's aim to become a CA since he passed his Class XII. It was because of his sheer dedication and self confidence that he could achieve his aim.”
Ajit was treated for two years at a Mumbai hospital at the age of five. His treatment continued in Gandhinagar later on and Ajit continued his studies and completed his graduation in commerce from Gandhinagar. He then started preparing for his CA examination at home and cleared it.
born with cerebral palsy, cleared the Chartered Accountants (CA0- exam
Reported in Express News Service, is this amazing story of a lad born with cerebral palsy cracking the country's second toughest professional examination.
In what could be an inspiration for several others of his kind, Ajit Shekhawat (28), who was born with cerebral palsy, cleared the Chartered Accountants (CA) exam recently.
Ajit is at present working in an eye hospital in Udaipur.
His father, Mahavirsinh, who works as a section officer in the Gujarat Secretariat said: “It was Ajit's aim to become a CA since he passed his Class XII. It was because of his sheer dedication and self confidence that he could achieve his aim.”
Ajit was treated for two years at a Mumbai hospital at the age of five. His treatment continued in Gandhinagar later on and Ajit continued his studies and completed his graduation in commerce from Gandhinagar. He then started preparing for his CA examination at home and cleared it.
In what could be an inspiration for several others of his kind, Ajit Shekhawat (28), who was born with cerebral palsy, cleared the Chartered Accountants (CA) exam recently.
Ajit is at present working in an eye hospital in Udaipur.
His father, Mahavirsinh, who works as a section officer in the Gujarat Secretariat said: “It was Ajit's aim to become a CA since he passed his Class XII. It was because of his sheer dedication and self confidence that he could achieve his aim.”
Ajit was treated for two years at a Mumbai hospital at the age of five. His treatment continued in Gandhinagar later on and Ajit continued his studies and completed his graduation in commerce from Gandhinagar. He then started preparing for his CA examination at home and cleared it.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Grahapravesh Invitation
Some significances in this POKISHAM
1. Virodhi Varusham (Current Tamil year is same)
2. Star : Avittam (My father's birth star)
3. 1950 : My Mother's year of birth
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Try out simple solution
With the heat of the summer,even in July,I thought of sharing a tip to keep you cool.
Take a real situation :
Many times we try all sorts of solutions even for a simple cough. we try anti antibiotics of all colors and sizes,syrups, inhalers, and nose drops, vaporisers, steam inhalation with and without additives
We never be comfortable with one single medicine - simple home remedies - One good example is we can always try going to a nearby temple (Anjaneyar)to have tulasi theertham or we can even try drinking ginger powder with ....eucalyptus oil will help,just a hot water gargle will do best.
But these are only at advisory level.We look for more sophisticated, complicated solution.Our satisfaction level is directly proportionate to the sophistication and its complexity.
Have you tried brandy with hot water?
Take a real situation :
Many times we try all sorts of solutions even for a simple cough. we try anti antibiotics of all colors and sizes,syrups, inhalers, and nose drops, vaporisers, steam inhalation with and without additives
We never be comfortable with one single medicine - simple home remedies - One good example is we can always try going to a nearby temple (Anjaneyar)to have tulasi theertham or we can even try drinking ginger powder with ....eucalyptus oil will help,just a hot water gargle will do best.
But these are only at advisory level.We look for more sophisticated, complicated solution.Our satisfaction level is directly proportionate to the sophistication and its complexity.
Have you tried brandy with hot water?
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
As simple as this writing lyrics for a song. You can see my kavidhai in this page in the coming days.
Naras
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
Poda Podi
As simple as this writing lyrics for a song. You can see my kavidhai in this page in the coming days.
Naras
Friday, June 19, 2009
We are worried either way
WPI-based inflation peaked last August at 12.5 per cent, before falling to minus 1.61per cent for the week ended June 6.
This results in an increase in the real value of money — a negative inflation rate.
conversely,inflation reduces the real value of money over time.To eliminate this, RBI engineers try to reduce the lending rate, definetly Bank will not lend at negative interest rate.
In Japan,Deflation started in the early 1990s. The Bank of Japan and the government have tried to eliminate it by reducing interest rates (part of their 'quantitative easing' policy), but this was unsuccessful for over a decade. In July 2006, the zero-rate policy was ended.
Systemic reasons for deflation in Japan can be said to include:
1.Fallen asset prices. There was a rather large price bubble in both equities and real estate in Japan in the 1980s (peaking in late 1989). When assets decrease in value, the money supply shrinks, which is deflationary.
2.Insolvent companies: Banks lent to companies and individuals that invested in real estate. When real estate values dropped, these loans could not be paid. The banks could try to collect on the collateral (land), but this wouldn't pay off the loan. Banks have delayed that decision, hoping asset prices would improve. These delays were allowed by national banking regulators. Some banks make even more loans to these companies that are used to service the debt they already have. This continuing process is known as maintaining an "unrealized loss", and until the assets are completely revalued and/or sold off (and the loss realized), it will continue to be a deflationary force in the economy. Improving bankruptcy law, land transfer law, and tax law have been suggested (by The Economist) as methods to speed this process and thus end the deflation.
3.Insolvent banks: Banks with a larger percentage of their loans which are "non-performing", that is to say, they are not receiving payments on them, but have not yet written them off, cannot lend more money; they must increase their cash reserves to cover the bad loans.
4.Fear of insolvent banks: Japanese people are afraid that banks will collapse so they prefer to buy gold or (United States or Japanese) Treasury bonds instead of saving their money in a bank account. This likewise means the money is not available for lending and therefore economic growth. This means that the savings rate depresses consumption, but does not appear in the economy in an efficient form to spur new investment. People also save by owning real estate, further slowing growth, since it inflates land prices.
5.Imported deflation: Japan imports Chinese and other countries' inexpensive consumable goods, raw materials (due to lower wages and fast growth in those countries). Thus, prices of imported products are decreasing. Domestic producers must match these prices in order to remain competitive. This decreases prices for many things in the economy, and thus is deflationary.
In India too we faced negative inflation some 32 years back.
When spiraling inflation happens we are worried because the purchasing power of money comes down. When there is deflation the purchasing power of money actually goes up! Yet zero inflation or negative inflation (that is, deflation) is not necessarily good. we are worried either way.
Naras
This results in an increase in the real value of money — a negative inflation rate.
conversely,inflation reduces the real value of money over time.To eliminate this, RBI engineers try to reduce the lending rate, definetly Bank will not lend at negative interest rate.
In Japan,Deflation started in the early 1990s. The Bank of Japan and the government have tried to eliminate it by reducing interest rates (part of their 'quantitative easing' policy), but this was unsuccessful for over a decade. In July 2006, the zero-rate policy was ended.
Systemic reasons for deflation in Japan can be said to include:
1.Fallen asset prices. There was a rather large price bubble in both equities and real estate in Japan in the 1980s (peaking in late 1989). When assets decrease in value, the money supply shrinks, which is deflationary.
2.Insolvent companies: Banks lent to companies and individuals that invested in real estate. When real estate values dropped, these loans could not be paid. The banks could try to collect on the collateral (land), but this wouldn't pay off the loan. Banks have delayed that decision, hoping asset prices would improve. These delays were allowed by national banking regulators. Some banks make even more loans to these companies that are used to service the debt they already have. This continuing process is known as maintaining an "unrealized loss", and until the assets are completely revalued and/or sold off (and the loss realized), it will continue to be a deflationary force in the economy. Improving bankruptcy law, land transfer law, and tax law have been suggested (by The Economist) as methods to speed this process and thus end the deflation.
3.Insolvent banks: Banks with a larger percentage of their loans which are "non-performing", that is to say, they are not receiving payments on them, but have not yet written them off, cannot lend more money; they must increase their cash reserves to cover the bad loans.
4.Fear of insolvent banks: Japanese people are afraid that banks will collapse so they prefer to buy gold or (United States or Japanese) Treasury bonds instead of saving their money in a bank account. This likewise means the money is not available for lending and therefore economic growth. This means that the savings rate depresses consumption, but does not appear in the economy in an efficient form to spur new investment. People also save by owning real estate, further slowing growth, since it inflates land prices.
5.Imported deflation: Japan imports Chinese and other countries' inexpensive consumable goods, raw materials (due to lower wages and fast growth in those countries). Thus, prices of imported products are decreasing. Domestic producers must match these prices in order to remain competitive. This decreases prices for many things in the economy, and thus is deflationary.
In India too we faced negative inflation some 32 years back.
When spiraling inflation happens we are worried because the purchasing power of money comes down. When there is deflation the purchasing power of money actually goes up! Yet zero inflation or negative inflation (that is, deflation) is not necessarily good. we are worried either way.
Naras
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Dealing with the cut
Picture this – you come to office on a usual day and get to know that your employer has decided on implementing salary cuts. Panic not, as this is quite a common scene in offices these days and experts say that you can sail through it.
Most people argue that salary cuts are still better than being laid-off, but the fact also remains that it has its repercussions too. Experts say that no organisation wants to take such a decision unless it is absolutely unavoidable. “Pay reduction during times of recession is demoralising for employees and is the last step a company would ever take, after it has exhausted other cost-cutting measures,”
Where Rupee Comes from & goes
Big on Borrowings
The major part of the government's revenue comes from borrowings. Consequently, the biggest chunk of expenditure is on interest payments.
Out of every rupee that enters the government's coffers, 29 paise is from borrowings and other debt, with corporation tax contributing 22 paise and income tax another 12 paise.
"Custom"ized Gains
Of the remaining, customs and excise duties account for 10 paise each, with another 10 paise coming from non-tax revenue. Service taxes amount to six paise, while non-debt capital receipts contribute one paise.
Expenditure
On the expenditure side, 20 paise of each rupee spent is on interest payments. Then another 18 paise is on central plan outlay.
The central government has to give states 15 paise for their share of taxes and duties. Other non-plan expenditure accounts for 14 paise.
Defence accounts for 13 paise, while subsidies on food, fertilisers and energy costs nine paise.
Expenditure on state and union territory plan and non-plan assistance are seven and four paise, respectively.
The major part of the government's revenue comes from borrowings. Consequently, the biggest chunk of expenditure is on interest payments.
Out of every rupee that enters the government's coffers, 29 paise is from borrowings and other debt, with corporation tax contributing 22 paise and income tax another 12 paise.
"Custom"ized Gains
Of the remaining, customs and excise duties account for 10 paise each, with another 10 paise coming from non-tax revenue. Service taxes amount to six paise, while non-debt capital receipts contribute one paise.
Expenditure
On the expenditure side, 20 paise of each rupee spent is on interest payments. Then another 18 paise is on central plan outlay.
The central government has to give states 15 paise for their share of taxes and duties. Other non-plan expenditure accounts for 14 paise.
Defence accounts for 13 paise, while subsidies on food, fertilisers and energy costs nine paise.
Expenditure on state and union territory plan and non-plan assistance are seven and four paise, respectively.
COULD THIS BE THE SOLUTION TO THE Global Financial Crisis?
It is August. In a small town on the South Coast of France, holiday
season is in full swing, but it is raining so there is not too much
business happening. Everyone is heavily in debt.
Luckily, a rich Russian tourist arrives in the foyer of the small
local hotel. He asks for a room and puts a Euro100 note on the
reception counter, takes a key and goes to inspect the room located up
the stairs on the third floor.
The hotel owner takes the banknote in hurry and rushes to his meat
supplier to whom he owes E100.
The butcher takes the money and races to his supplier to pay his debt.
The wholesaler rushes to the farmer to pay E100 for pigs he purchased
some time ago.
The farmer triumphantly gives the E100 note to a local prostitute who
gave him her services on credit.
The prostitute goes quickly to the hotel, as she owed the hotel for
her hourly room use to entertain clients.
At that moment, the rich Russian is coming down to reception and
informs the hotel owner that the proposed room is unsatisfactory and
takes his E100 back and departs.
There was no profit or income. But everyone no longer has any debt and
the small town people look optimistically towards their future.
COULD THIS BE THE SOLUTION TO THE Global Financial Crisis? Or, is
there a catch here?
season is in full swing, but it is raining so there is not too much
business happening. Everyone is heavily in debt.
Luckily, a rich Russian tourist arrives in the foyer of the small
local hotel. He asks for a room and puts a Euro100 note on the
reception counter, takes a key and goes to inspect the room located up
the stairs on the third floor.
The hotel owner takes the banknote in hurry and rushes to his meat
supplier to whom he owes E100.
The butcher takes the money and races to his supplier to pay his debt.
The wholesaler rushes to the farmer to pay E100 for pigs he purchased
some time ago.
The farmer triumphantly gives the E100 note to a local prostitute who
gave him her services on credit.
The prostitute goes quickly to the hotel, as she owed the hotel for
her hourly room use to entertain clients.
At that moment, the rich Russian is coming down to reception and
informs the hotel owner that the proposed room is unsatisfactory and
takes his E100 back and departs.
There was no profit or income. But everyone no longer has any debt and
the small town people look optimistically towards their future.
COULD THIS BE THE SOLUTION TO THE Global Financial Crisis? Or, is
there a catch here?
PERFORMANCE BONUS
HERE IS THE LETTER THAT GOES TO ALL OUR ASSOCIATES FROM MY DESK, SINGED BY OUR CEO.
Global Economic Slowdown created uncertainty and resultant cascading effects like job loss and wage reduction all over the world. Ours have not been immune to the crisis as our import business has dropped off drastically although there is a sign of recovery in recent times.
We are hopeful that we will be able to achieve our current year business targets as team by working aggressively to retain customers and seeking new business opportunities. Also we need to be more cost conscious in every decision that we take.
Under the circumstances, it made us to take decision to freeze on wage revision for the current year. However, recognizing the performance of each individual, we have considered the payment of bonus as per our policy on Performance Bonus.
We are pleased to inform that in recognition of your contribution during the year 2008 «PROMOTION» and you will be paid Rs. «BONUS» as performance bonus. This will be credited to your account on or before 30th May 2009 subject to the deduction of applicable taxes.
You shall not disclose your bonus details, either directly or indirectly to any other employee of the company as the same will have to be treated in strict confidence.
Thanking you for your ongoing commitment and contribution to strengthen our position in India.
Warm Regards
Global Economic Slowdown created uncertainty and resultant cascading effects like job loss and wage reduction all over the world. Ours have not been immune to the crisis as our import business has dropped off drastically although there is a sign of recovery in recent times.
We are hopeful that we will be able to achieve our current year business targets as team by working aggressively to retain customers and seeking new business opportunities. Also we need to be more cost conscious in every decision that we take.
Under the circumstances, it made us to take decision to freeze on wage revision for the current year. However, recognizing the performance of each individual, we have considered the payment of bonus as per our policy on Performance Bonus.
We are pleased to inform that in recognition of your contribution during the year 2008 «PROMOTION» and you will be paid Rs. «BONUS» as performance bonus. This will be credited to your account on or before 30th May 2009 subject to the deduction of applicable taxes.
You shall not disclose your bonus details, either directly or indirectly to any other employee of the company as the same will have to be treated in strict confidence.
Thanking you for your ongoing commitment and contribution to strengthen our position in India.
Warm Regards
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Big Leap
Suddenly there is a big leap in SENSEX index.457 points up in a single day.
The scenario is same across asian markets,roughly 5% jump. This is mainly due to FII activities. What is it? & How is it different from FDI?
Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into the primary market whereas foreign institutional investment (FII) flows into the secondary market, that is, into the stock market.
Some of the features of primary market include:
1.In a primary issue, the securities are issued by the company directly to investors.
2.The company receives the money and issues new security certificates to the investors.
3.Primary issues are used by companies for the purpose of setting up new business or for expanding or modernizing the existing business.
4.The primary market performs the crucial function of facilitating capital formation in the economy.
In the secondary market, securities are sold by and transferred from one investor or speculator to another. It is therefore important that the secondary market be highly liquid.
FDI is perceived to be more beneficial because it increases production, brings in more and better products and services besides increasing the employment opportunities and revenue for the Government by way of taxes. FII, on the other hand, is perceived to be inferior to FDI because it only widens and deepens the stock exchanges and provides a better price discovery process for the scrips.
Besides, FII is a fair-weather friend and can desert the nation which is what is happening in India right now, thereby puling down not only our share prices but also wrecking havoc with the Indian rupee because when FIIs sell in a big way and leave India they take back the dollars they had brought in.The reverse will happen when they invest heavily on stock markets, more money pouring into market, resulting big leap.
Naras
Well Done, British Airways
This is one of the fwd mails I recd from ananymous. Just reproduced -no doubt, it makes lasting impression.
QUOTE
This scene took place on a British
Airways flight between Johannesburg , South Africa &
London .
A white woman, about 50 years old, was seated next to a
black man.
Very disturbed by this, she called the air hostess.
"You obviously do not see it then?" she asked.
"You placed me next to a black man. I did not agree to
sit next to someone from such a repugnant group. Give me an
alternative seat."
"Be calm please," the hostess replied.
"Almost all the places on this flight are taken. I
will go to see if another place is available."
The hostess went away & then came back a few minutes
later.
"Madam, just as I thought, there are no other
available seats in Economy Class.
I spoke to the captain & he informed me that there is
also no seat in Business Class. All the same, we still have
one place in First Class."
Before the woman could say anything, the hostess continued.
"It is not usual for our company to permit someone
from Economy Class to sit in First Class. However, given the
circumstances, the captain feels that it would be scandalous
to make someone sit next to someone so disgusting."
The Hostess turned to the black guy, & said,
"Therefore, Sir, if you would like to, please collect
your hand luggage, a seat awaits you in First Class."
At that moment, the other passengers, who'd been
shocked by what they had just witnessed, stood up &
applauded.
UNQUOTE
QUOTE
This scene took place on a British
Airways flight between Johannesburg , South Africa &
London .
A white woman, about 50 years old, was seated next to a
black man.
Very disturbed by this, she called the air hostess.
"You obviously do not see it then?" she asked.
"You placed me next to a black man. I did not agree to
sit next to someone from such a repugnant group. Give me an
alternative seat."
"Be calm please," the hostess replied.
"Almost all the places on this flight are taken. I
will go to see if another place is available."
The hostess went away & then came back a few minutes
later.
"Madam, just as I thought, there are no other
available seats in Economy Class.
I spoke to the captain & he informed me that there is
also no seat in Business Class. All the same, we still have
one place in First Class."
Before the woman could say anything, the hostess continued.
"It is not usual for our company to permit someone
from Economy Class to sit in First Class. However, given the
circumstances, the captain feels that it would be scandalous
to make someone sit next to someone so disgusting."
The Hostess turned to the black guy, & said,
"Therefore, Sir, if you would like to, please collect
your hand luggage, a seat awaits you in First Class."
At that moment, the other passengers, who'd been
shocked by what they had just witnessed, stood up &
applauded.
UNQUOTE
Winners Losers
1. The Winner says, "Let me do it for you";
The Loser says, "That is not my job."
2.The Winner says, "It may be difficult but it is possible";
The Loser says, "It may be possible but it is too difficult."
3.When a Winner makes a mistake, he says, "I was wrong";
When a Loser makes a mistake, he says, "It wasn't my fault."
4.Winners are a part of the team;
Losers are apart from the team.
5.Winners see the gain;
Losers see the pain
(Valithan uyirin aththatchi)
6.Winners see possibilities;
Losers see problems.
7. Winners believe in win-win;
Losers believe for them to win someone has to lose.
8.Winners see the potential;
Losers see the past.
9.Winners stand firm on values but compromise on petty things;
Losers stand firm on petty things but compromise on values.
10.Winners make it happen;
Losers let it happen.
The Loser says, "That is not my job."
2.The Winner says, "It may be difficult but it is possible";
The Loser says, "It may be possible but it is too difficult."
3.When a Winner makes a mistake, he says, "I was wrong";
When a Loser makes a mistake, he says, "It wasn't my fault."
4.Winners are a part of the team;
Losers are apart from the team.
5.Winners see the gain;
Losers see the pain
(Valithan uyirin aththatchi)
6.Winners see possibilities;
Losers see problems.
7. Winners believe in win-win;
Losers believe for them to win someone has to lose.
8.Winners see the potential;
Losers see the past.
9.Winners stand firm on values but compromise on petty things;
Losers stand firm on petty things but compromise on values.
10.Winners make it happen;
Losers let it happen.
Confidence,Trust,Hope
CONFIDENCE:
1 Day all villagers decided to pray for rain.
On the day of prayer all people gathered & only one boy come with umbrella. THATS CONFIDENCE.
TRUST:
Trust should be like feeling of a 1 year old baby, when you throw him in tha air, he laughs....
because he know you will catch him...
HOPE:
Every night we go to bed, have no assurance to get up alive in the next morning
but still we have many plans for coming day...
KEEP CONFIDENCE, TRUST IN GOD AND NEVER LOSE HOPE...
1 Day all villagers decided to pray for rain.
On the day of prayer all people gathered & only one boy come with umbrella. THATS CONFIDENCE.
TRUST:
Trust should be like feeling of a 1 year old baby, when you throw him in tha air, he laughs....
because he know you will catch him...
HOPE:
Every night we go to bed, have no assurance to get up alive in the next morning
but still we have many plans for coming day...
KEEP CONFIDENCE, TRUST IN GOD AND NEVER LOSE HOPE...
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Price Schemes - Caveat Emptor
This is the offer message I recd from Shanthis, Adyar. Buy two and get one free on men's wear. There are many shops in city now coming with schemes like this.
Madipakkam Fresh every day announces some price schemes on different items.Ganga sweets, velachery does the same (30% deduction till March end).
What is happening? Are they in clean up process - year end? price slashes?, inventory piling up?.
Housewives will have hectic time shopping all through the day; they would get orgasm through too much shopping:>
Madipakkam Fresh every day announces some price schemes on different items.Ganga sweets, velachery does the same (30% deduction till March end).
What is happening? Are they in clean up process - year end? price slashes?, inventory piling up?.
Housewives will have hectic time shopping all through the day; they would get orgasm through too much shopping:>
Friday, March 13, 2009
kanavaa illai kaatra
kanavaa illai kaatra
kanavaa nee kaatra ...........
After long time I heard this song. Very impressive, repeatedly humming ....
One strong reason for such an attention-grabbing is the lyrics of this song are not usual one (must be vairamuthu), especially he made lasting impression in the lines
NILAVIL PORUL EDAI IZHAKKUM
NEERILUM PORUL EDAI IZHAKKUM
KAADHALIL KOODA EDAI IZHAKKUM INDRU KANDENADI
ADHAI KANDU KONDENEDI
Srinivas's voice is so mesmerizing when he took elongated breath on below notes
KAADHAL THAAIMAI IRANDU MATTUM
BAARAM ENBADHAI ARIYAADHU
UN PALINGU MUGATHTHAI PAARTHU KONDAAL
PASIYUM VALIYUM THERIYAADHU
Though the first line of this note is awesome, UN PALINGU MUGATHTHAI PAARTHU KONDAAL
PASIYUM VALIYUM THERIYAADHU is not so impressive,even school boy can say these lines.
kanavaa nee kaatra ...........
After long time I heard this song. Very impressive, repeatedly humming ....
One strong reason for such an attention-grabbing is the lyrics of this song are not usual one (must be vairamuthu), especially he made lasting impression in the lines
NILAVIL PORUL EDAI IZHAKKUM
NEERILUM PORUL EDAI IZHAKKUM
KAADHALIL KOODA EDAI IZHAKKUM INDRU KANDENADI
ADHAI KANDU KONDENEDI
Srinivas's voice is so mesmerizing when he took elongated breath on below notes
KAADHAL THAAIMAI IRANDU MATTUM
BAARAM ENBADHAI ARIYAADHU
UN PALINGU MUGATHTHAI PAARTHU KONDAAL
PASIYUM VALIYUM THERIYAADHU
Though the first line of this note is awesome, UN PALINGU MUGATHTHAI PAARTHU KONDAAL
PASIYUM VALIYUM THERIYAADHU is not so impressive,even school boy can say these lines.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
What causes short term memory loss?
For two days I felt stand still, for simple reason, I lost my mobile phones – both my personal and official. If I don’t receive any calls, if I am not able to make any calls no matter where I am, it makes me feel stand still. It would not be much different for many people – be it any where, in a situation like this “No connectivity”. I even felt pity when I think about these invaded over dependency.It make me realized and felt electronic gadgets like ipods, mobile phones really taken our life to a totally different dimension.
Some of our life pattern changed during recent past. Without even realizing ……… some of the changes really wondering - one classic example, no one really knows any of the phone numbers by heart. Even worse, some many doesn’t other to know ones own phone number.
Soon we may become Sanjay Subramaniyam (Ghajini) – make use of mobile phone or GPS connectivity even to locate our own house while back from office. No need to consultant Doctor, burning money for just to know “what causes short term memory loss”.
In this context, let me explain two related or near related aspects
1. Have you heard about muscle memory?
When an active person repeatedly trains movement, often of the same activity, in an effort to stimulate the mind’s adaptation process, the outcome is to induce physiological changes which attain increased levels of accuracy through repetition. Even though the process is really brain-muscle memory or motor memory, the colloquial expression "muscle memory" is commonly used.
Individuals rely upon the mind’s ability to assimilate a given activity and adapt to the training. As the brain and muscle adapts to training, the subsequent changes are a form or representation of its muscle memory.
Example : Sometimes it so happens we forget password when log into PC or ATM, no matter we still type our password. It is because of muscle memory.
2. Another thing called,Pavlovian Response :
Pavlovian Response aka reflex action, also known as a reflex, is an involuntary and nearly instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus. In most contexts, in particular those involving humans, reflex actions are mediated via the reflex arc; this is not always true in other animals :>
Applying break, changing gears while driving vehicle are examples of pavlovian response.
Naras
Some of our life pattern changed during recent past. Without even realizing ……… some of the changes really wondering - one classic example, no one really knows any of the phone numbers by heart. Even worse, some many doesn’t other to know ones own phone number.
Soon we may become Sanjay Subramaniyam (Ghajini) – make use of mobile phone or GPS connectivity even to locate our own house while back from office. No need to consultant Doctor, burning money for just to know “what causes short term memory loss”.
In this context, let me explain two related or near related aspects
1. Have you heard about muscle memory?
When an active person repeatedly trains movement, often of the same activity, in an effort to stimulate the mind’s adaptation process, the outcome is to induce physiological changes which attain increased levels of accuracy through repetition. Even though the process is really brain-muscle memory or motor memory, the colloquial expression "muscle memory" is commonly used.
Individuals rely upon the mind’s ability to assimilate a given activity and adapt to the training. As the brain and muscle adapts to training, the subsequent changes are a form or representation of its muscle memory.
Example : Sometimes it so happens we forget password when log into PC or ATM, no matter we still type our password. It is because of muscle memory.
2. Another thing called,Pavlovian Response :
Pavlovian Response aka reflex action, also known as a reflex, is an involuntary and nearly instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus. In most contexts, in particular those involving humans, reflex actions are mediated via the reflex arc; this is not always true in other animals :>
Applying break, changing gears while driving vehicle are examples of pavlovian response.
Naras
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
What is called Love?
What is called love may be divided into three categories.
We love great men for their high qualities, I mean distinguished men, men of truth,
philanthropists, jnanins, men of grace.
We mix with our friends and relatives intimately and affection develops between them and us. Then we love people- love them ostensibly for a specific purpose, for the reason that we stand to gain from them. For instance, we may seem to love a rich
man hoping that he would help us in our business or some other enterprise.
We may love our employer because he pays us our wages.
These three types of love are neither true nor everlasting.
If our employer sacks us we will cease to have either respect or affection for
him. If people with whom we have had close contacts leave for a distant
place or die or if we lose touch with them, we are likely in due course to
forget them.
All the sorrow we felt in the beginning because of being separated from them will eventually be forgotten. Were it true love the grief also should be enduring. Even our love for a great man is not lasting. If there happens to be a diminution in his qualities- or if he seems to us not as great as we thought he was- we will love him in correspondingly lesser measure.
All three categories of love have some reason [or motive] behind them.
That is why they are not everlasting. We love great men because they
possess certain qualities: there is an element of selfish interest in our
feelings for them: because we think they will be helpful in our
advancement.
True love knows neither reason nor motive.We must, to start with, learn to have disinterested love for an individual, that is love that is not tainted by self-interest.
Before parting
We must not look for any reason to love our preceptor. If we constantly "practise" to have such love for our guru we will be the recipients of his blessings. Our love for him will eventually grow into love that will encompass all. If our love is manifested in this manner there will be fullness, tranquility and bliss.
.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Slum Dog Sweeps 8 awards
Slum Dog Sweeps 8 awards in its final tally !!!
Best picture - Slumdog Millionaire
Director - Danny Boyle, for Slumdog Millionaire
Best Actor - Sean Penn, for Milk
Best Actress - Kate Winslet, for The Reader
Supporting actor - Heath Ledger, for The Dark Knight
Supporting actress - Penelope Cruz, for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Animated feature film - WALL-E
Adapted screenplay - Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire
Original screenplay - Milk, written by Dustin Lance Black
Art direction - Donald Graham Burt; set decoration: Victor J. Zolfo for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Donald Graham Burt
Cinematography - Anthony Dod Mantle for Slumdog Millionaire
Costume design - Michael O'Connor for The Duchess
Documentary feature -Man on Wire
Documentary short - Smile Pinki
Film editing - Chris Dickens for Slumdog Millionaire Chris Dickens
Foreign language film -Departures," Japan
Makeup - Greg Cannom for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Original score - A.R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire
Original song - Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, music by A.R. Rahman, lyrics by Gulzar
Sound editing - Richard King for The Dark Knight
Sound mixing - Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty for Slumdog Millionaire
Visual effects - Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best picture - Slumdog Millionaire
Director - Danny Boyle, for Slumdog Millionaire
Best Actor - Sean Penn, for Milk
Best Actress - Kate Winslet, for The Reader
Supporting actor - Heath Ledger, for The Dark Knight
Supporting actress - Penelope Cruz, for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Animated feature film - WALL-E
Adapted screenplay - Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire
Original screenplay - Milk, written by Dustin Lance Black
Art direction - Donald Graham Burt; set decoration: Victor J. Zolfo for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Donald Graham Burt
Cinematography - Anthony Dod Mantle for Slumdog Millionaire
Costume design - Michael O'Connor for The Duchess
Documentary feature -Man on Wire
Documentary short - Smile Pinki
Film editing - Chris Dickens for Slumdog Millionaire Chris Dickens
Foreign language film -Departures," Japan
Makeup - Greg Cannom for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Original score - A.R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire
Original song - Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, music by A.R. Rahman, lyrics by Gulzar
Sound editing - Richard King for The Dark Knight
Sound mixing - Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty for Slumdog Millionaire
Visual effects - Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Life is largely a matter of expectation.
Thought sharing this stroy, I know you might have heard the story 100s of times but nevertheless read this.
A shopkeeper watching over his shop is really surprised when he sees a dog coming inside the shop, He shoos him away. But later, the dog is back inside again. So he goes over to the dog and notices that it has a note in its mouth. He takes the note and it reads "Can I have 12 soaps and a shampoo bottle, please. The money is with the dog." The shopkeeper looks inside the dogs mouth and to his surprise there is a 100 rupees note in his mouth. So he takes the money and puts the soap, shampoo and change in a bag, and then places it in the dogs mouth.
The shopkeeper is so impressed, and since it is the closing time, he decides to follow the dog. The dog is walking down the street, when it comes to the zebra crossing, he waits till the signal turns green. He walks across the road till the bus stop. He waits on the stop and looks up the timetable for the bus. The shopkeeper is totally out of his mind as the dog gets into the bus and sits on a vacant seat. The shopkeeper follow the dog. The dog waits for the conductor to come to his seat. He gives the change to the conductor and shows him the neck belt to keep the ticket. The shopkeeper is almost fainting at this sight and so are the other people in the bus.
The dog then moves to the front exit of the door and waits for the bus stop to arrive, looking outside. As soon as the stop is in sight he wags his tail to inform the driver to stop. Then not even waiting for the bus stop to arrive the dog jumps out and runs to the house nearby. It opens an big iron gate and rushes towards the door. As it approaches the door, he changes his mind and walks towards the garden. The dog walks up to the window and beats his head several times on the window. It then walks back to the door and waits. The shopkeeper maintaining his senses walks up to the door and watched a big guy open the door.
The guy starts beating, kicking and abusing the dog.
The shopkeeper is surprised and runs to stop the guy. The Shopkeeper questions the guy "What in the heaven are you doing The dog is a genius he could be famous in life."
The guy responds "You call this clever? This is the 3rd time in this week that the dog has forgotten the door keys."
Note :
Don't be surprised when you do something good and if someone passes comment on you saying "Idhu Enna Gajakarna Vitthai"
The moral of the story:
Life is largely a matter of expectation.
A shopkeeper watching over his shop is really surprised when he sees a dog coming inside the shop, He shoos him away. But later, the dog is back inside again. So he goes over to the dog and notices that it has a note in its mouth. He takes the note and it reads "Can I have 12 soaps and a shampoo bottle, please. The money is with the dog." The shopkeeper looks inside the dogs mouth and to his surprise there is a 100 rupees note in his mouth. So he takes the money and puts the soap, shampoo and change in a bag, and then places it in the dogs mouth.
The shopkeeper is so impressed, and since it is the closing time, he decides to follow the dog. The dog is walking down the street, when it comes to the zebra crossing, he waits till the signal turns green. He walks across the road till the bus stop. He waits on the stop and looks up the timetable for the bus. The shopkeeper is totally out of his mind as the dog gets into the bus and sits on a vacant seat. The shopkeeper follow the dog. The dog waits for the conductor to come to his seat. He gives the change to the conductor and shows him the neck belt to keep the ticket. The shopkeeper is almost fainting at this sight and so are the other people in the bus.
The dog then moves to the front exit of the door and waits for the bus stop to arrive, looking outside. As soon as the stop is in sight he wags his tail to inform the driver to stop. Then not even waiting for the bus stop to arrive the dog jumps out and runs to the house nearby. It opens an big iron gate and rushes towards the door. As it approaches the door, he changes his mind and walks towards the garden. The dog walks up to the window and beats his head several times on the window. It then walks back to the door and waits. The shopkeeper maintaining his senses walks up to the door and watched a big guy open the door.
The guy starts beating, kicking and abusing the dog.
The shopkeeper is surprised and runs to stop the guy. The Shopkeeper questions the guy "What in the heaven are you doing The dog is a genius he could be famous in life."
The guy responds "You call this clever? This is the 3rd time in this week that the dog has forgotten the door keys."
Note :
Don't be surprised when you do something good and if someone passes comment on you saying "Idhu Enna Gajakarna Vitthai"
The moral of the story:
Life is largely a matter of expectation.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Mindless recruitment,mindless lay-offs
I do not exactly remember where and when I heard this stroy (in a different version). This was in the context ...."WHEN YOU CREATE MORE NEEDS, YOU END UP PROBLEMS". But what I know is this would be more relevant now considering prevailing scenario
Story line goes like this :
Once upon a time the government with Ruling Party XYZ.. had a vast scrap yard in the middle of a desert.
Ruling Party XYZ Said.. - "Someone may steal from it at night."
So they created a night watchman position and hired a person for the job. Then Ruling Party XYZ
Said..
- "How does the watchman do his job without instruction?"
So they created a planning department and hired two people, one person to write the instructions, and one person to do time studies. Then Ruling Party XYZ Said..,
- "How will we know the night watchman is doing the tasks correctly?"
So they created a Quality Control department and hired two people. One to do the studies and one to write the reports. Then Ruling Party XYZ Said.. ,
- "How are these people going to get paid?"
So they created the following positions, a time keeper, and a payroll officer, then hired two people. Then Ruling Party XYZ Said..,
- "Who will be accountable for all of these people?"
So they created an administrative section and hired three people, an Administrative Officer, Assistant Administrative Officer, and a Legal Secretary. Then Ruling Party XYZ Said..,
- "We have had this command in operation for one year and we are $18,000 over budget, we must cutback overall cost."
So they lay off the night watchman.
Moral of the story:
"Mindless recruitment leads to mindless lay-offs"
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Bank Account for all
Like PAN, each individual in the country should be given bank account. With volume and size, Govt should conceptualise "Bank Account for all". Any subsidy, grant to any individual has to be credited to idividual account. Most importantly, "single identity", like PAN need further focus. This will ensure less cash transactions, more specifically there will be too little bogus transactions(hopefully).
murari or bhairavi
Gold medalist from Madras University, music is her life. When I first attended her concert on a marghazhi evening.......... somewhere in the year 2000 at Luz Chruch Club, I never knew much about this personality.Later on,I read so many articles in press about her concert held at various places
- from Tiruvaiyaru to Cleveland. She is Gayatri Girish.
If I am not mistaken she is from Nanganallur, the palce near to my locality, sourrounded by both music and bhramin society (hey! don't mistake me that I talk about caste)
Recently, I had oppurtunity to attend Pancharatna Kritis program held at Chettinad Vidyashram (organnised by Jaya TV and it was telecated as Repulic Day program). The program was totally out of world feeling for the entire 120 minutes.Many carnatic artists participated in that; to name few, Sudha, Ganesh, Bombay sisters and so may others, Gayatri was one among. I could met her personally and speak to her few words.
But why these things in this blog ?........Youngsters should think of learning to understand and appreciate the depth, range and the varieties that carnatic music has to offer.(especially when visual media and artificial music instruments like key board becoming more and more in practice). Let us develop traditional music - murari or bhairavi
Suggestions,ideas and views regarding this are welcome.
Looking forward to your comments
Naras
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Financial Wisdom
With continuous press notes on global economic crisis, I am sure most of us would become completely immune to such news.Till the time when a crisis really hits someone, it is like seeing raod accident of someone on road. When I see mail from my management stressing four main issues viz, Work Force Reductions, Reductions in Discretionary Spending, Freezing of Wages and Hiring and Reductions in Capital Expenditures, it was no surprsie to me. What is most essential is proactive thinking (one of the most essentials of 7 habits).
I know some of you may think my constant emphasis on financial tips but still I do that coz I strongly believe there is a lot to do proactively when it comes to financial planning, especially when there is crisis or possibility of nearing crisis.
The following is apparently hand picked from a letter by Warren Buffett to his shareholders...
"We begin this New Year with dampened enthusiasm and dented optimism. Our happiness is diluted and our peace is threatened by the financial illness that has infected our families, organizations and nations. Everyone is desperate to find a remedy that will cure their financial illness and help them recover their financial health. They expect the financial experts to provide them with remedies, forgetting the fact that it is these experts who created this financial mess. Every new year, I adopt a couple of old maxims as my beacons to guide my future. This self-prescribed therapy has ensured that with each passing year, I grow wiser and not older.
This year, I invite you to tap into the financial wisdom of our elders
along with me, and become financially wiser.
Hard work
All hard work brings profit; but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Laziness
A sleeping lobster is carried away by the water current.
Earnings
Never depend on a single source of income.
Spending
If you buy things you don't need, you'll soon sell things you need.
Savings
Don't save what is left after spending; Spend what is left after saving.
Accounting
It's no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are leaking.
Auditing
Beware of little expenses; a small leak can sink a large ship.
Risk-taking
Never test the depth of the river with both feet.
Investment
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
I'm certain that those who have already been practicing these principles remain financially healthy. I'm equally confident that those who resolve to start practicing these principles will quickly regain their financial health. Let us become wiser and lead a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful life.
I know some of you may think my constant emphasis on financial tips but still I do that coz I strongly believe there is a lot to do proactively when it comes to financial planning, especially when there is crisis or possibility of nearing crisis.
The following is apparently hand picked from a letter by Warren Buffett to his shareholders...
"We begin this New Year with dampened enthusiasm and dented optimism. Our happiness is diluted and our peace is threatened by the financial illness that has infected our families, organizations and nations. Everyone is desperate to find a remedy that will cure their financial illness and help them recover their financial health. They expect the financial experts to provide them with remedies, forgetting the fact that it is these experts who created this financial mess. Every new year, I adopt a couple of old maxims as my beacons to guide my future. This self-prescribed therapy has ensured that with each passing year, I grow wiser and not older.
This year, I invite you to tap into the financial wisdom of our elders
along with me, and become financially wiser.
Hard work
All hard work brings profit; but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Laziness
A sleeping lobster is carried away by the water current.
Earnings
Never depend on a single source of income.
Spending
If you buy things you don't need, you'll soon sell things you need.
Savings
Don't save what is left after spending; Spend what is left after saving.
Accounting
It's no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are leaking.
Auditing
Beware of little expenses; a small leak can sink a large ship.
Risk-taking
Never test the depth of the river with both feet.
Investment
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
I'm certain that those who have already been practicing these principles remain financially healthy. I'm equally confident that those who resolve to start practicing these principles will quickly regain their financial health. Let us become wiser and lead a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful life.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
The chapters are dedicated to each of the habits, which are represented by the following imperatives:
Be Proactive! Here, Covey emphasizes the original sense of the term "proactive" as coined by Victor Frankl. You can either be proactive or reactive when it comes to how you respond to certain things. When you are reactive, you blame other people and circumstances for obstacles or problems. Being proactive means taking responsibility for every aspect of your life. Initiative and taking action will then follow. Covey also argues that man is different from other animals in that he has self-consciousness. He has the ability to detach himself and observe his own self; think about his thoughts. He goes on to say how this attribute enables him: It gives him the power not to be affected by his circumstances. Covey talks about stimulus and response. Between stimulus and response, we have the power of free will to choose our response.
Begin with the End In Mind! This chapter is about setting long-term goals based on "true north" principles. Covey recommends formulating a "Personal Mission Statement" to document one's perception of one's own vision in life. He sees visualization as an important tool to develop this. He also deals with organizational vision statements, which he claims to be more effective if developed and supported by all members of an organization rather than prescribed.
Put First Things First! Here, Covey describes a framework for prioritizing work that is aimed at short-term goals, at the expense of tasks that appear not to be urgent, but are in fact very important. Delegation is presented as an important part of time management. Successful delegation, according to Covey, focuses on results and benchmarks that are to be agreed upon in advance, rather than prescribed as detailed work plans.
Think Win/Win describes an attitude whereby mutually beneficial solutions are sought that satisfy the needs of oneself, or, in the case of a conflict, both parties involved.
Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood. Covey warns that giving out advice before having empathetically understood a person and their situation will likely result in rejection of that advice. Thoroughly reading out your own autobiography will decrease the chance of establishing a working communication.
Synergize describes a way of working in teams. Apply effective problem solving. Apply collaborative decision making. Value differences. Build on divergent strengths. Leverage creative collaboration. Embrace and leverage innovation. It is put forth that when synergy is pursued as a habit, the result of the teamwork will exceed the sum of what each of the members could have achieved on their own. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Sharpen the saw focuses on balanced self-satisfaction: Regain what Covey calls "production capability" by engaging in carefully selected recreational activities. Covey also emphasizes the need to sharpen the mind.
Among all proactiveness tops the lists, for valid reason, without that all others will be of no use
Be Proactive! Here, Covey emphasizes the original sense of the term "proactive" as coined by Victor Frankl. You can either be proactive or reactive when it comes to how you respond to certain things. When you are reactive, you blame other people and circumstances for obstacles or problems. Being proactive means taking responsibility for every aspect of your life. Initiative and taking action will then follow. Covey also argues that man is different from other animals in that he has self-consciousness. He has the ability to detach himself and observe his own self; think about his thoughts. He goes on to say how this attribute enables him: It gives him the power not to be affected by his circumstances. Covey talks about stimulus and response. Between stimulus and response, we have the power of free will to choose our response.
Begin with the End In Mind! This chapter is about setting long-term goals based on "true north" principles. Covey recommends formulating a "Personal Mission Statement" to document one's perception of one's own vision in life. He sees visualization as an important tool to develop this. He also deals with organizational vision statements, which he claims to be more effective if developed and supported by all members of an organization rather than prescribed.
Put First Things First! Here, Covey describes a framework for prioritizing work that is aimed at short-term goals, at the expense of tasks that appear not to be urgent, but are in fact very important. Delegation is presented as an important part of time management. Successful delegation, according to Covey, focuses on results and benchmarks that are to be agreed upon in advance, rather than prescribed as detailed work plans.
Think Win/Win describes an attitude whereby mutually beneficial solutions are sought that satisfy the needs of oneself, or, in the case of a conflict, both parties involved.
Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood. Covey warns that giving out advice before having empathetically understood a person and their situation will likely result in rejection of that advice. Thoroughly reading out your own autobiography will decrease the chance of establishing a working communication.
Synergize describes a way of working in teams. Apply effective problem solving. Apply collaborative decision making. Value differences. Build on divergent strengths. Leverage creative collaboration. Embrace and leverage innovation. It is put forth that when synergy is pursued as a habit, the result of the teamwork will exceed the sum of what each of the members could have achieved on their own. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Sharpen the saw focuses on balanced self-satisfaction: Regain what Covey calls "production capability" by engaging in carefully selected recreational activities. Covey also emphasizes the need to sharpen the mind.
Among all proactiveness tops the lists, for valid reason, without that all others will be of no use
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Rabbit's Ph.D. Thesis
Scene It's a fine sunny day in the forest, and a rabbit is sitting outside his burrow, tippy-tapping on his typewriter. Along comes a fox, out for a walk.
Fox "What are you working on?"
Rabbit "My thesis."
Fox "Hmmm. What's it about?"
Rabbit "Oh, I'm writing about how rabbits eat foxes." (incredulous pause)
Fox "That's ridiculous! Any fool knows that rabbits don't eat foxes."
Rabbit "Sure they do, and I can prove it. Come with me."
They both disappear into the rabbit's burrow. After a few minutes, the rabbit returns, alone, to his typewriter and resumes typing.
Soon, a wolf comes along and stops to watch the hardworking rabbit.
Wolf "What's that you're writing?"
Rabbit "I'm doing a thesis on how rabbits eat wolves." (loud guffaws)
Wolf "You don't expect to get such rubbish published, do you?"
Rabbit "No problem. Do you want to see why?"
The rabbit and the wolf go into the burrow, and again the rabbit returns by himself, after a few minutes, and goes back to typing.
Scene: inside the rabbit's burrow. In one corner, there is a pile of fox bones. In another corner, a pile of wolf bones. On the other side of the room, a huge lion is belching and picking his teeth.
Moral: It doesn't matter what you choose for a thesis subject. It doesn't matter what you use for data. What does matter is who you have for a thesis advisor.
Fox "What are you working on?"
Rabbit "My thesis."
Fox "Hmmm. What's it about?"
Rabbit "Oh, I'm writing about how rabbits eat foxes." (incredulous pause)
Fox "That's ridiculous! Any fool knows that rabbits don't eat foxes."
Rabbit "Sure they do, and I can prove it. Come with me."
They both disappear into the rabbit's burrow. After a few minutes, the rabbit returns, alone, to his typewriter and resumes typing.
Soon, a wolf comes along and stops to watch the hardworking rabbit.
Wolf "What's that you're writing?"
Rabbit "I'm doing a thesis on how rabbits eat wolves." (loud guffaws)
Wolf "You don't expect to get such rubbish published, do you?"
Rabbit "No problem. Do you want to see why?"
The rabbit and the wolf go into the burrow, and again the rabbit returns by himself, after a few minutes, and goes back to typing.
Scene: inside the rabbit's burrow. In one corner, there is a pile of fox bones. In another corner, a pile of wolf bones. On the other side of the room, a huge lion is belching and picking his teeth.
Moral: It doesn't matter what you choose for a thesis subject. It doesn't matter what you use for data. What does matter is who you have for a thesis advisor.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Krishna Ni Bhe Gha-Ni, Baroo !
Krishna Ni Bhe Gha-Ni, Baroo !
Krishna Ni Bhe Gha-Ni, Baroo !
Darkness coming around,
And every body fight with the brother
Every body wants control,
Don't hesitate to kill one-another
So come back as Jesus
Come back and save the world
Bless all the future of every boy and girl
Come back as Rama,
Forgive us for what we've done
Come back as Allah,
Come back as anyone
CHORUS: .......
Interlude)
Time is healer, and time moves on
Time don't wait for any one
So, Tell me you'll be back
But that will take some time
I waiting ////...... (with interlude)
I'm waiting, yeah yeah......
Come back as Jesus
Come back and save the world
We need a teacher,
and You are the only one
Come back as Rama
Forgive us for what we've done
Come back as Allah
Come back for every one.......
(Interlude)
Govinda Guruhari Gopala hu.....//////////// (Fade)
Krishna Ni Bhe Gha-Ni, Baroo !
Darkness coming around,
And every body fight with the brother
Every body wants control,
Don't hesitate to kill one-another
So come back as Jesus
Come back and save the world
Bless all the future of every boy and girl
Come back as Rama,
Forgive us for what we've done
Come back as Allah,
Come back as anyone
CHORUS: .......
Interlude)
Time is healer, and time moves on
Time don't wait for any one
So, Tell me you'll be back
But that will take some time
I waiting ////...... (with interlude)
I'm waiting, yeah yeah......
Come back as Jesus
Come back and save the world
We need a teacher,
and You are the only one
Come back as Rama
Forgive us for what we've done
Come back as Allah
Come back for every one.......
(Interlude)
Govinda Guruhari Gopala hu.....//////////// (Fade)
Obama, You gave electrifying speech
Day : Jan 20th 2009
Barack Obama, after being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States and the nation's first African-American president , delivered the following speech:
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights. Don't Miss
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control -- and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Barack Obama, after being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States and the nation's first African-American president , delivered the following speech:
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights. Don't Miss
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control -- and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Prelude to Oscars, Sky is not the limit
Amid slowdown in every sector, including Nortal,Citi Q4 loss etc., two events which happened during last week came as solace.
1. A R Rahman won Golden Global for Slumdog
Born in the year 1966, entered film music at very young age and won National Award for his first film "Roja". This man doesn't stop with Indian Awards.As a mad fan of Rahman, I would consider this as a prelude to Oscars ! Proud to note Chennai living A R Rahman's career which is reaching new heights year after year... Hats of to his hard work, creativity and his humility. ARR,You are great!
2. T N Manoharan appointed as Director on Stayam's Board
Since the day I joined his Taxation class at his nungambakkam office, he made ever lasting impression on me. Year after year,he is reaching new heights.On one side, CEOs,CFOs,CAs are criticised most especially after Satyam Fiasco. Again for the same reason(Satyam),T N Manoharan (from CA feternity) came as rescue, which gives every CAs a great boost. Once again he has proved, sky is not the limit.
With Cheers!
Naras
1. A R Rahman won Golden Global for Slumdog
Born in the year 1966, entered film music at very young age and won National Award for his first film "Roja". This man doesn't stop with Indian Awards.As a mad fan of Rahman, I would consider this as a prelude to Oscars ! Proud to note Chennai living A R Rahman's career which is reaching new heights year after year... Hats of to his hard work, creativity and his humility. ARR,You are great!
2. T N Manoharan appointed as Director on Stayam's Board
Since the day I joined his Taxation class at his nungambakkam office, he made ever lasting impression on me. Year after year,he is reaching new heights.On one side, CEOs,CFOs,CAs are criticised most especially after Satyam Fiasco. Again for the same reason(Satyam),T N Manoharan (from CA feternity) came as rescue, which gives every CAs a great boost. Once again he has proved, sky is not the limit.
With Cheers!
Naras
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Where are we heading to?
Professionals, job seekers, change seekers would be at surprise when wednesday supplement "Oppurtunities" was missing on Jan 14th 09,perhaps first time after many years.
Does it represent job market recession or no job market? Wherever we are, whatever things we do, one definite question in all our mind would be "where are we heading to? All we need is crisis management.
Does it represent job market recession or no job market? Wherever we are, whatever things we do, one definite question in all our mind would be "where are we heading to? All we need is crisis management.
Country Rating
An investor who looks for investment oppurtunities in India assess its situation based on certain parameters listed below.
Political risk
Internal and external security situation, policy competency and consistency, and other such factors that determine whether a country fosters an enabling business environment;
Commercial risk
The sanctity of contract, judicial competence, regulatory transparency, degree of systemic corruption, and other such factors that determine whether the business environment facilitates the conduct of commercial transactions;
External risk
The current account balance, capital flows, FX reserves, size of external debt and all such factors that determine whether a country can generate enough FX to meet its trade and foreign investment liabilities;
Macroeconomic risk
The inflation rate, government balance, money supply growth and all such
macroeconomic factors that determine whether a country is able to deliver sustainable economic growth to provide further expansion in business opportunities.
Based on above lines, our country's overview would be :
India's diverse economy encompasses village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, modern industries, and services (the most dynamic sector).
Until the early 1990s, the economy was held back by stringent state controls.
These have been liberalised considerably; and, since 2000 the economy has grown on average by over 7% a year.India faces major challenges from chronic infrastructure constraints, endemic poverty, an inefficient bureaucracy, corruption, ethnic and leftwing insurgencies, and occasional politicallycharged communal violence.
Political risk
Internal and external security situation, policy competency and consistency, and other such factors that determine whether a country fosters an enabling business environment;
Commercial risk
The sanctity of contract, judicial competence, regulatory transparency, degree of systemic corruption, and other such factors that determine whether the business environment facilitates the conduct of commercial transactions;
External risk
The current account balance, capital flows, FX reserves, size of external debt and all such factors that determine whether a country can generate enough FX to meet its trade and foreign investment liabilities;
Macroeconomic risk
The inflation rate, government balance, money supply growth and all such
macroeconomic factors that determine whether a country is able to deliver sustainable economic growth to provide further expansion in business opportunities.
Based on above lines, our country's overview would be :
India's diverse economy encompasses village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, modern industries, and services (the most dynamic sector).
Until the early 1990s, the economy was held back by stringent state controls.
These have been liberalised considerably; and, since 2000 the economy has grown on average by over 7% a year.India faces major challenges from chronic infrastructure constraints, endemic poverty, an inefficient bureaucracy, corruption, ethnic and leftwing insurgencies, and occasional politicallycharged communal violence.
Lessons from Satyam Fiasco
In game theory and economic theory, zero-sum describes a situation in which a participant's gain / loss is exactly balanced by the loss / gain of the other participant(s). If the total gains of the participants are summed up, and the total losses are subtracted, they will sum to zero.
Example : Cutting a cake is zero sum because taking a larger piece reduces the amount of cake available for others.
Winners : Raju and his family members
Losers : Employees,Vendors,Investors and so many stakeholders, be it direct or indirect.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
What we saw outside Indian soil
When I read news about Satyam and 5 page resignation letter of its Chariman it took my breath away.
1. What is really paining is that this incidence has shaken the integrity in all fronts - IT sector,corporate governance, corporate entities, role of CFO , statutory auditor ,independent directors.
2. The career path of its whooping 53,000 employees are at stake.
3. It gives me a feel that ours is a over regulated country, where the implementation of law is lacking. The need of the hour is quick action from all ends.
4. Me,being a person with finance background, it is a shame on all of us.
5. If this can happen to one of the top and well respected corporate, similar situation can happen anywhere.
6. Not even three months passed since we saw Lehman Brothers case,once again it is proved size matters nothing.
Whatever we saw happening outside Indian soil - Enron Scam, Lehman Brothers, 09/11 terrorist attacks, to name a few, we now see in our own home land -
Now Satyam joining in the list.
Sadly,
Naras
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