The web has become increasingly powerful and dynamic and we need to adapt to the newer technologies. That was the broad message given at the IndiMix 06 – The Next Web Now event which was organized by Microsoft in Mumbai. The highlight of the show was the introduction by none other than Steve Ballmer, the CEO of Microsoft Corporation. He set the tone for the day by introducing the audience to WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) and the next version of .NET Framework including an enthusiastic “hallelujah” on announcing the release of Windows Vista.
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.
Aussies win Champions Trophy (Yawnn!!)
The Aussie win of their first ICC Champions Trophy tournament yesterday in Mumbai, came as no surprise to me. To say the least, Ricky’s Devils have become very predictable and it no longer excites me to watch them play Cricket. Boring might seem to be an apt phrase to use. The degree of clinical perfection that they have managed to bring in every game has become a matter of discussion in the cricketing corridors of the world. Yesterday’s 8 wicket win, came after a blazing start by the Windies who won the toss and elected to bat first. But some good bowling performances by Nathan Bracken and McGrath restricted them to just 138 in 30.4 overs. What makes them click? Is it the talent or the support staff that’s doing the job? or is it both? we try hard to unlock the code every time. But I beg to ask the managers of our cricketing legacy whether they have a road map ready for the coming months and the ICC world cup. The answer seems obvious to me.
Certainly, I would like to believe that amongst the other South Asian teams, the Indians are a better side to stop the Kangaroo’s hop, given their historic success rate but they aren’t doing well of late. Many a times it’s the psychological edge that proves the winner of the day and we seem to have lost it completely after our 16 match winning streak came to a sad end in the Caribbean tour. In the Champions Trophy, after the Indians won against the English in their first match, I thought they lost their rhythm coming back after a long 11 day holiday. They even failed to exploit the home conditions and looked very edgy in that match against West Indies which we should have won comfortably. After that loss, it was very improbable to defeat the Aussies, given their desperation to win the only trophy missing in their cabinet. Simply put, we don’t look like a team that wants to win anymore. Let’s hope we get our heads back together before the world cup and start winning a few matches. ‘Ooh aah India….Aaya India’ and the Blue Billion Express – such marketing jamboree is worthless if the team continues to downplay the emotions of a nation and keeps losing tournaments. Hope the sponsors are listening and taking notes.
Don (2006)
I am back from my long vacation and it’s a great relief to have taken this break. The pleasant weather of Nasik has rejuvenated me to take on bigger things in life which I am expecting to be coming my way in the next days (or weeks). The salient feature of this current visit was the discovery of a vibrant and a youthful Nasik city, especially elating for me because Nasik is claimed to be a pilgrimage hot spot in India. The 3M syndrome seems to have finally hit this sleepy city now – the Malls, the multiplexes and McDonald’s, identifiable with the true blue globalized economy of India. Not to mention the other ‘M’ – the powerful Middle-class which was seen shopping at various places and thronging the streets for the Diwali celebrations. So thank god for not making me visit the Godavari ghats and the shrines this time around. BTW, you can view some of my favorite shots from the recent trip here.
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.