2012 snapshot

Events in 2012 (in no particular order) that captured my attention for sustained period of time:

• US 2012 Elections
• Summer Olympics
• Storm Sandy
• Higgs boson discovery 
• Curiosity rover landing on Mars
• Supreme Court  ruling on Healthcare Reform
• Stop Online Piracy Act
• Mergers and Acquisitions in the tech + medtech industry
• Unfortunate gun violence in US
• Horrifying incident - Delhi rape
• Apple product launches
• Facebook IPO
• Gaza Israel conflict
• Iphone vs. Samsung
• Awesome sporting events
• WikiLeaks
• International current affairs

Secrets of the Sleeping Brain

Why do we sleep? Although science has yet to explain the reason we spend one-third of our lives in this bizarre state, an exciting theory suggests that sleep can solidify newly learned memories by rewiring the architecture of brain.

Emerging neuroscience evidence also indicates that sleep can intelligently associate and integrate new memories together, performing a kind of "sleep-dependent alchemy." This phenomenon may fuel creative human insights, often reflected in dream content.

In addition to memory benefits, recent findings also suggest that sleep can "refresh" emotional brain reactivity, smoothing away the rough edges from our prior waking concerns, thereby allowing rational next-day decisions.

Thinking about skimping on your Zs? You'd better hear what UC Berkeley's Matt Walker has to say about it first!



.. or watch it here:
http://fora.tv/2009/08/11/Matt_Walker_Secrets_of_the_Sleeping_Brain

Read more on the WalkerLab website.

Jainism - Paryushan

Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss is to live a life of harmlessness and renunciation.

Paryushan is the most important Jain religious observance of the year. For both Shvetambars, who observe the festival over a period of 8 days, and Digambars, for whom Paryushan Parva lasts 10 days, this is a time of intensive study, reflection, and purification. The festival through which an attempt is made to put an end to all vices, passions and lustful desires in thought, speech and deeds. During these days, the main message and focus is the idea of forgiveness and internal purification. Each day is focused on removing impurities such as our passions or kashays (anger, pride, deceit and greed).

It is the time of year where we reflect on our actions from the previous year, and meditate on new goals and resolutions for the following year to help us continue positively in our spiritual path. We use these eight to ten days to purify our soul, forgive our enemies, and ask for forgiveness from them as well.

Jains try to observe ten cardinal virtues during this time period: forgiveness, charity, simplicity, contentment, truthfulness, self-restraint, fasting, detachment, humility, and continence.

One custom to be followed after the last day of Paryushan (Samvatsari) is that of saying "Michhami Dukkadam". On Samvatsari day the ritual of "Pratikraman" is performed. Under Samvatsari Pratikraman there comes the retrospection of all bad deeds and mistakes committed in the past year. We are critical of the bad deeds and resolve not to let them happen in the future. We also request forgiveness from all the living beings in the world if we might have knowingly or unknowingly caused harm to them. Thus, after the Pratikraman it is customary to request forgiveness from everyone we know and meet by saying "Michhami Dukkadam".

If you are interested do read more on Paryusan click below:
http://yja.org/paryushan2009/index.php

"Micchami Dukadam"!

... and these websites for Jainism
Young Jains of America
Jain Center of Northern California
The Jain Study Circle
Religion & Ethics - Jainism

Click here to see a listing of Jain Centers and Temples across North America
http://www.jainmaps.com/

A mother's best advice

MSNBC readers were encouraged to share the best advice given to them by their mothers. Here is a list of some of it.

"Bloom where you're planted"
"If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all."
"Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. They'll wash clean."
"Work before play."
"You can if you think you can!"
"Keep your chin up. It's not the end of the world."
"Life isn't always fair."
"Never lie, cheat, or steal."
"Never be too proud to ask for help when you need it."
"You catch more flies with honey than vinegar."
Nothing you can’t
"Give and take in that order".
"Don't wish your life away"
"Say hello in there, appreciate others, especially elderly people". "
"Not everyone has someone".
"Always have a love for learning".
"Be yourself"
"Imagine it and it can happen"
"Never pass up the opportunity to use the bathroom or eat something. You never know when you will get another chance".
"Don't sweat the small stuff".
"Foul language makes the speaker sound ignorant and coarse, while a full vocabulary brings tact and clarity."
"Books are the best and cheapest way to travel the world".
"Respect others"
"Actions speak louder than words"
"Keep criticism private"
"Laughter is the best medicine"
"Be compassionate and understanding to people who were mentally or physically disabled".
"Listen kindly, but make your own decisions."
"Don't let anyone tell you what's best. You'll figure that out on your own."
"If you don't know what to do, ask someone whose had experience."
"Look past looks"
"Attitude is everything"
"You do what you have to do".
"Communication is key"
"A person who can grasp the proper way to speak and write will always have doors opened to them, that would otherwise be shut."
"Look to the inside"
"Things are not always as they seem; people are not always as they seem."
"Treat the maintenance man and the CEO the same way -- with respect."
"Smile and enjoy the journey".
"Engage your brain, before opening your mouth"
"Move away from trouble"
"All that anyone can ever ask is that you do your best."
"Love yourself"
"Life gets easier"
"What's the worst that could happen?"
"Optimism pays off"
"It never hurts to ask"
"Honesty starts with one's self"

Read in more detail here.

Heard of Twitter?

Headlines alternately shout how Twitter is a Google Killer, and how it is a narcissistic flood of updates about what people you don't care about had for lunch. How can something that looks like noise from the outside be so compelling from the inside?

Laura Fitton - @pistachio - explains how microsharing on Twitter and similar services can make the web feel warm and human, can give you real-time information on what customers think of you and why she hasn't bought anything over $50 without asking Twitter first.

With concrete examples, she'll show how Twitter has enabled large companies to gain sales and reduce support costs, how the famous have used it to cut out media misrepresentation, and how the Twitter platform has enabled a new class of web developers to take off fast.

The Bay vs. The Bag

Plastic bags cause serious problems for the health of our coast and bay shorelines.
San Francisco Bay, the largest estuary on the West Coast, is particularly vulnerable to plastic litter and debris. Thirty percent of California’s land and thousands of miles of creeks and rivers drain to the Bay. It is estimated that more than one million plastic bags end up in the Bay watershed every year, threatening the ecosystem.



Save The Bay is the Bay Area's leading organization is working exclusively to protect, restore and celebrate San Francisco Bay and its watershed. The Bay Area's quality of life and economy depend on a healthy and vibrant Bay. Read more about their Bay vs. Bag campaign.

Thoughts for the Day

I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who
~ Rudyard Kipling

Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket but into your own.

Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experience. Both are essential to life.

Have the determination of a mirror, which never loses its ability to reflect, in spite of it being broken to pieces.

We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. ~ Jimmy Carter

In most cases, strengths and weaknesses are two sides of the same coin. A strength in one situation is a weakness in another, yet often the person can't switch gears. It's a very subtle thing to talk about strengths and weaknesses because almost always they're the same thing. ~ Steve Jobs

A man who does not think for himself does not think at all. ~ Oscar Wilde

When you have decided that a thing ought to be done, and are doing it, never shun being seen doing it, even though the multitude should be likely to judge the matter amiss. For if you are not acting rightly, shun the act itself; if rightly, however, why fear misplaced censure? ~ Epictetus

Earth Hour 2009

This year, the world's first global election is taking place, an election between earth and global warming. It's not about what country you are from, but what planet you are from. Your light switch is your vote. We need one billion votes for earth, because our planet is worth saving. Vote Earth by simply switching off your lights for one hour and join the world for Earth Hour. Saturday march 28th, 8:30-9:30pm.

You can learn more about Earth Hour at www.EarthHour.org, and you can sign up to participate at www.EarthHour.org/signup.

If you’d like a high level history of Earth Hour, more than 50 million people in 400 cities around the world took part in Earth Hour 2008. The lights went out at Sydney’s Opera House, Rome’s Coliseum, the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge. Even the Google homepage went dark for the day. Many major corporations took part including HP, Coca-Cola, and Morgan Stanley.

Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the bottom line. We all have a stake in the future of our planet and must learn to operate in ways that don’t deplete our world’s limited natural resources. By simply turning off all non-essential lighting for one hour at our company buildings and in our own homes, we will join tens of millions of concerned citizens throughout the world in calling for action to save our planet for future generations.

I’m excited about Earth Hour and I hope you’ll join me in uniting with the world to make a difference for our planet. Don’t forget—March 28th at 8:30 pm, turn out, take action.

Thought

"If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place."
-Nora Roberts

Eat Less Salt

Over the years, Americans have become inured to salt. Most people have no idea how much salt they consume — on average, about 9 to 12 g (or 3,600 to 4,800 mg of sodium) per person per day, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). That's twice the amount recommended by the government.

Some salt is crucial for good health, of course — to regulate blood pressure and assist with muscle and nerve function — but too much (that is, at the levels we currently consume) can lead to hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

While eating less salt would improve the health of the population across the board, researchers found that the benefits would be greatest for African Americans and women.

Read the entire article on 'Eating a Bit Less Salt Can Be a Big Health Boon' By Tiffany Sharples in TIME.

Did You Know?

Fight Tuberculosis

Everyone should see these photographs. They're both powerful and moving. They highlight the awful disease XDR -TB, a new and deadly form of tuberculosis that is threatening to become a global pandemic.

By viewing and passing on this link we can help to spread awareness, which is the first step to halting the disease. XDRTB.ORG

Brain Age

It is very rare that the cognition results for 'me' are veridical. This test although with it's cautionary note was impressive.

The age of your brain has been calculated to be:

26

Performance of these tests can be affected by a number of factors including: fatigue, noise and distractions, boredom, use of nicotine, alcohol or caffeine, use of illicit drugs.
The tests have not been completed under stringent clinical conditions and are provided for informational purposes only. The results do not constitute a clinical diagnosis.

Link to the test.

Caution: Interpret the results at your own risk.

Read more about it here.

Change - We Can Believe In

These words have resonated across the entire nation creating the 'audacity of hope'. He comes from several continents, races, cultures, and communities. He is the man running for president of the United State of America. Yes, I am talking about Barack Obama. Read more about him here.

I think people like Barack Obama, Bill Clinton are born leaders and natural crowd pullers. His speech - 'A more Perfect Union' in Philadelphia on race and politics was stunning. The charismatic Senator is one of most inspiring public leader in America and a wonderful and talented orator. He is compelling when talking about issues and honest in a unique way. Read about his agenda. Sen. Obama is indeed everywhere.

Hear this funny song on Youtube.


Barack Obama clinched the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. The total number of delegates needed to secure the nomination is 2,118. Right now, Obama has the support of at least 2,159 delegates.

This was his message yest. in St. Paul, Minnesota

"Sixteen months have passed since we first stood together on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. Thousands of miles have been traveled. Millions of voices have been heard. And because of what you said - because you decided that change must come to Washington; because you believed that this year must be different than all the rest; because you chose to listen not to your doubts or your fears but to your greatest hopes and highest aspirations, tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another - a journey that will bring a new and better day to America. Tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States."

The last sentence was received with thunderous applause and rightly deserved.

"This is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past and bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love.

It's going to take hard work, but thanks to you and millions of other donors and volunteers, no one has ever been more prepared for such a challenge.

Thank you for everything you've done to get us here. Let's keep making history."

I like the slogan on his website where he says: "I am asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington... I'm asking you to believe in yours"

Our time is now.

H1B Visa Stamping

While cleaning up my computer found the list compiled by my friend which describes the essential documents for H1B stamping. (2007) Hopefully it helps someone!

Checklist for H1-B stamping

1. Passport
2. Appointment Letter
3. Visa application fee receipt
4. Passport sized photographs
5. Form DS 156
6. Form DS 157
7. Form DS 158
8. Form I797A
9. Employment Authorization Card
10. Labor Condition Application
11. Offer Letter
12. Employment Authorization Letter
13. Pay Stubs
14. I-20s
15. Degree Certificate
16. Transcripts
17. Bank Statements

Additional Documents
1. Drivers License
2. SSN card
3. Work ID
4. Property Documents
5. Work place photographs

India then and now: Kalam's Mantra

Some views from the great man Abdul Kalam:

The Vision

"I climbed and climbed
Where is the peak, my Lord?
I ploughed and ploughed,
Where is the knowledge treasure, my Lord?
I sailed and sailed,
Where is the island of peace, my Lord?
Almighty, bless my nation
With vision and sweat resulting into happiness."

"In 1991, we were in a precarious foreign exchange reserve condition. We had to pledge our gold to maintain the minimum balance required for our imports. Inflation was high. Land lines were few and mobile phones were a luxury. The people had to wait for telephone connections for months after booking. We had to wait in long queues for the railway reservation. We had very few automobile companies and there was a large waiting list for getting the allotment for a car or scooter. The export performance from software, pharma and other industries were negligible. This was the scene in 1991.

"Today, India is in an ascending economic trajectory, with continuously rising foreign exchange reserves, moderate rate of inflation, global recognition of our technological competence, energy of 540 million youth, umbilical connectivities of 23 million people of Indian origin in various parts of the planet. India as the largest democracy in the world has the reputation for providing leadership to one billion people with multi-cultural, multi-language and multi-religious backgrounds. India has become a trillion dollar economy."


Societal needs

Kalam visualised the following distinctive profile of India to emerge by the year 2020:

1. A nation where the rural and urban divide has reduced to a thin line.
2. A nation where there is an equitable distribution and adequate access to energy and quality water.
3. A nation where agriculture, industry and service sector work together in symphony.
4. A nation where education with value system is not denied to any meritorious candidates because of societal or economic discrimination.
5. A nation which is the best destination for the most talented scholars, scientists, and investors.
6. A nation where the best of health care is available to all.
7. A nation where the governance is responsive and transparent.
8. A nation where poverty has been totally eradicated, illiteracy removed and crimes against women and children are absent and none in the society feels alienated.
9. A nation that is prosperous, healthy, secure, peaceful and happy and continues with a sustainable growth path.
10. A nation that is one of the best places to live in and is proud of its leadership.


Integrated Action for developed India

"To achieve the distinctive profile of India, we have the mission of transforming India into a developed nation. We have identified five areas where India has a core competence for integrated action:

1. Agriculture and food processing
2. Reliable electric power, transport and infrastructure for all parts of the country.
3. Education and healthcare
4. Information and communication technology
5. Self reliance in critical technologies.

"These five areas are closely inter-related and if progressed in a coordinated way, will lead to food, economic and national security."

"Our story is still unfolding. The global environment, however, needs protection and India's freedom won by suffering and sacrifice has to be alertly guarded, strengthened and expanded. Freedom and independence must be our continuing quest, and in such a manner as to accelerate our evolution as a free nation through a bold and swift development."

"The time has now arrived for India to emerge with a new vision and leadership to make our nation not only enlightened, rich and prosperous, but above all, a safe nation, invulnerable forever to invasion and infiltration across its borders and bring unity of minds."

"Economic prosperity is possible only if we adopt and practice the value system in a society, which is derived out of our civilizational heritage. For all these actions, righteousness in the heart is very essential.

"Knowledge society will emerge only by the enlightened citizens of the nation. Our challenge today, is to bring the societal transformation with value system leading to a prosperous, happy and peaceful nation. It is the responsibility of the developed and developing nations to create peaceful neighbors with inclusive growth devoid of societal imbalance."

"Make it a reality by your attitude of give, give and give of the knowledge and experience you have gained over the years. This will be the singular contribution for which our motherland will be proud of you."

Bakarwadi

As soon as you think about Bhakarwadi you can feel the taste lingering in your mouth while the iconic Chitale Bandhu 'Bakarwadi' picture is etched in your mind. Born out of Pune it has now become the specialties while Chitale Bandhu has become synonymous to Bhakarwadi. I think they definitely have a monopoly for this item and for obvious reasons. Since I am from Pune or 'Chitale Land' I was hooked on to this since my childhood. Nonetheless, I would definitely recommend everyone to try this snack.

‘Bakarwadi’, which is perhaps the largest selling and most popular of its products, is now being manufactured on automated machine lines. It goes through stages of dough mixing – sheeting – masala spraying – rounding – frying – packing. Each of these stages of manufacture is carried out on automated machines or units. The end process stage of packing is done on a packing machine imported from Germany wherein the ‘Bakarwadi’ is packed under vacuum and nitrogen gas is flushed inside to improve the shelf life.

It's packaged by the name 'crispy tasty spring roll'.

Read more about it here with some nice pictures of the entire process.

Some more trivia about Chitale Bandhu:

Following in the footsteps of a successful dairy business established by Shri B. G. Chitale at Bhilawadi in the Sangli district of Maharashtra state in 1939, Shri. Raghunathrao (Bhausaheb) Chitale, his eldest son, promoted the firm of Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale in 1950 in Pune, Maharashtra.

The firm began its operations in the heart of the Pune city at Bajirao Road and is still in existence there as a major and modern selling outlet. Eventually, one more principal outlet at Deccan Gymkhana, Pune was opened, the expansion being the brainchild of Shri. N. B. (Rajabhau) Chitale, the younger brother of Shri. Raghunathrao.

Students traveling to US generally carry loads of these or even people visiting India generally carry it back with them to give it to other friends and family. Though you get it in a lot of stores in US (atleast in Boston and California) the delight and redolence of eating it hot and fresh from the store is divine :) Thanks to all these efforts I have a perennial stock of Bakarwadi which I relish a lot.

They currently export it to Israel, UK, US, Singapore and a lot of other countries. Hopefully they find some way to increase the shelf life of all the sweets as well so that they can send 'em here.

Times change

Returning to India after 2 years is quite an experience. Since, 2 years is a long time in the resurgent and booming India.

I might sound a bit like a typical foreign tourist visiting India :)

Here are few of the things that I noticed:

They no longer have beautiful air hostesses anymore on international flights (the ones which invoke a multitude of questions/doubts)
Mumbai Airport still remains the same.
Mumbai-Pune travel actually takes only 3 hours.
Pune traffic is horrible and pollution has increased tremendously
People simply refuse to walk on the footpath while vehicles always seem to run you down.
Cows and 'Sunny' still exist on the road.
Out of no where suddenly there are 3 flyovers in front of E-Square.
Real estate prices in Pune have gone outside the chart and owning a house within the city costs a fortune
Everyone has a job and salaries continue to rise everywhere in India

Anyways, I think I shall continue on my food binge whilst enjoying and savoring my time here...

Help fight local warming

I left my heart in Boston

It is never too easy to leave your loved ones and move to a different place. You realize the importance of technology all the more now. You seem to use it the most to get in touch with the near and dear ones to stay in touch and in the loop. Getting to know any new place is exciting and full of angst. Probably, you start understanding the term 'settling in' in a more broader sense.

For me leaving Boston was never going to be easy. I tried my best to make the transition smoother. I shall be flying coast to coast a lot definitely in the next couple of months.

Well, all said it's not as bad as it sounds. It's just that you feel it more in anticipation before it happens.

Berkeley is simply beautiful. There are enough things to do and cuisines which keep you busy besides your work obviously.

Here are few pics of beautiful Berkeley and SFO.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/transcendental/sets/72157603324041912/