I suddenly realized there’s more dust on my keyboard then I had imagined. Anyway, the long leave from blogging was not without a reason. Off late I had been focusing hard to get my CUA certification which I finally did today. I have now become a Certified Usability Analyst. Just for information, CUA is a test for usability professionals which is preceded by a 4 part training course in various faculties, conducted by Human Factors International (HFI). They have been renowned for their work in the field of usability engineering for the past 25 years. Personally speaking, this certification has given a much needed impetus for my continuing research and interest in the field of human factors and interaction design. Thanks to all my lovely friends who had hoped for the best and prayed for me for this day :-)
General
Ustad & the Divas
Finally bought the audio CD of this album released by YBR Records. The video for the song ‘Leja Leja’ with model Nina Sarkar and Varun Toorkey (read here) has been airing on the music channels for quite some time now. It’s a story of a bar dancer whose seemingly frustrated with her life until she meets her prince charming at the bus stand. I reckon it’s going to be a video series; the story being continued through the songs in the album. The video has been choreographed quite nicely.
The album consists of 10 mellifluous songs sung by Ustad Sultan Khan & accompanied by 3 of the most talented female singers of our times – Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Chitra (back after the success of ‘Piya Basanti’). D J Mit chips in by remixing 2 of the songs in the album. A genuine mix of folk and classical music sprinkled with some western beats, the wonderful songs have been composed by Sandesh Shandilya and arranged by Salim-Sulaiman. A must buy for all music lovers.
India-SA again: Let's pray we Win!
It was a sad event that the hosts were knocked out of the Champions Trophy in the early stages. And the nation was recovering from that just when India lost miserably to South Africa, getting bowled out for a paltry 91; in spite of playing 7 specialist batsmen. Just to remind you that, South Africa had defeated the Ozzies in a match early this year and had bowled them out for 93 – It was Ntini who ran over the formidable Aussie batting with his career best 6-22.
The expectations from Greg Chappell and the Indian team has risen. The country is showing zero-tolerance towards meek surrenders like the one witnessed in Durban a few days ago. The media wrote on the performance of the team especially on Munaf who should be bowling quick (looks like somebody is misguiding him). Even Irfan Pathan who has lost the magical swinging deliveries somehow. This series is crucial since India wants to go to the world cup with some confident wins. India HAS to win the 3rd ODI to retain the interest of the fans for the rest of the matches in the series and in Indian cricket in particular.
A Momentous Day
Birthdays are a special reason to celebrate and most of the time I would prefer to do it alone within the confines of my humble abode. I would watch movies, eat junk, surf the net for all kinds of foolish things, shop for myself, receive birthday wishes on phone, mails wherever; yes that’s special for me.This time I ventured away from my 5 year tradition of not working on my birthday and considered celebrating it with my colleagues and friends. 2006 in many ways has been a “year of big changes” for me.
The day always starts with a visit to the Ganpati temple to offer my prayers and seek blessings for the next year. Then the heavy lunch at the India Tea Center, here in downtown Mumbai (with 16 of us) was amazing. If you decide to visit Mumbai, do plan a visit at this place in Churchgate for its traditional Indian interiors and good food but be aware of the slow service that they offer. Nevertheless, the highlight of the day was a book on the dutch graphic artist M C Escher gifted to me by the team, which contains some of his rare works and his “puzzled” artworks. The cake cutting ceremony in the office was made momentous by the laughter and the chatter over some silly innuendos. Someone was generous to shoot a video and I would see if I can share it here. Lastly it was my meeting with an old friend Randhir in the evening which bought some old memories back. At the end of this as I had anticipated, the celebrations and the joy had bought me crashing down on my bed too fast.
Check out the events that took place on 7th November, back in time.
Light up Your Life
Happiness comes in different hues; each appealing to the individual according to his taste and culture. The season has arrived when rains have retreated to the blue clouds, the breeze has begun to blow again and the sun was never so bright. Diwali or the festival of lights is the occasion for spreading happiness. In other words it means living a life which is quite in contrast to our daily mechanical routine.
There are many aspects to this gladness which appeal to my heart the most. Much like the assuming estranged friend who suddenly comes up from behind and pats like a true companion while inquiring about my professional life. Perhaps like the charming young lady on the station who drapes herself in exquisite apparels everyday and always manages to catch my attention, walking with her friends. Or it can be the foreigner in the office today, who was informed by some of his Indian bedfellows to celebrate Diwali by bursting water balloons instead of crackers, until he was counseled by us. The poor man’s perplexed look on the face notwithstanding, I had a good laugh. Nevertheless, as an annual custom, I share sweets and homemade stuff with my colleagues which brings immense cheeriness to my heart and every body’s invited to this gala fete.
While the city of dreams is cloaked in smoke, dust and cacophony, I will be cooling my heels in the quite and wintry environs of the outhouse; my Diwali getaway in the faraway corner of Nasik city. This is a true opportunity to break my ties with the outside world and sync with mother nature in the true sense of the word, living a life of a slow and steady sometimes like a lazy tortoise. A welcome break from the scorching speeds of this fast city. So till the time we meet again, I wish my friends and fans, a very Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year. Spread the light of joy and shun the darkness of hatred this year.