Wish You all a Happy and prosperous new year 2006

Happy New Year

A Happy New Year to all the members and bloggers. May the new year be a new beginning and bring forth happiness in everyone's lives. Pray for world peace and an end to war and racism.

Squatter Cities

The current global approach to squatters, the poorest among us, is to destroy their homes and what little they have in the name of progress. However, this is not progress in the least.

Today, on Chicago Public Radio I heard that if the approach isn't severely altered, one third of the world's population will live in squatter cities by the year 2050.

Considering the title and vision of this blog I thought it appropriate to post this.

Links:

Worldview
Squattercity Blog

Our vision for the future and our journey from the present must include the least among us. As of now, it does not.

Bonne Année

Hi Ya!!!
How is life? Life is great out here.

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Answer the following Question and Win an exciting New Year Wish from Me:) The following question might look pretty simple, but it's a very very tricky one.

Question :) When is New Year's Eve celebrated?
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Ok here's a clue.
HINT: An evening between Dec 30th of every year and Jan 1st of the next year.
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Answer :) Evening of 31st of December every year.
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For all those who have got the answer right, scroll down for your special wish.
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Hi,

Most of us miss out on life's big prizes. The Pulitzer. The Nobel. Oscars. Tonys. Emmys. But we're all eligible for life's small pleasures. A pat on the back. A full moon. An empty parking space. A crackling fire. A great meal. A glorious sunset. Hot soup. Meeting an old friend. The first rain. And of course a wish from me-:)

Salut Mon Amis,

Bonne Année

Bon Ami,
Pal

A New Year Wish in one of my previous blogs

Rigid Thinking can stifle innovation.

In a research to prove the above statement, the professors of a university in the west selected 2 batches of 5 students from the same class for an experiment. The experiment is to take out the ping pong or table tennis balls which were inside a long pipe positioned vertically on the floor. The pipe was long enough and thin enough that no one can use their hands to take the balls out of the pipe. They have to use any one of the tools given to them.

The first batch of students were sent into one room, the tools given to them are almost all the hardware equipments like cutter, blades, spanners, rods etc, and water in a old rusty bucket. It’s obvious the students poured the water into the pipe, the ping pong balls floated up and they took the ping pong balls out of the pipe.

The other batch of students were sent into another room, the tools given to them are the same as in previous case except for one thing. Instead of bucket of water they were given bottles of fruit juices and champagne. Now you know what happened? The students used all the hardware to cut the pipe down and took the ping pong balls out. When they got tired they drank the fruit juices and champagne. The students could have as well used the juices and champagne as the first batch of students used the water. But they didn’t.

This is why someone said “Rigid thinking can stifle innovation”.

Why did the dog cross the road?

It’s a known fact that only human’s have the ability to think. That’s why while crossing a road we prefer the junctions, crossroads rather than the middle of the two way road. ‘Cause that’s the place where Traffic signal’s work. Obviously dogs don’t know how these signals work; they prefer to cross the road in the middle of the two way road rather than junctions or crossroads. Dogs get habituated to this way after trying to cross the road few times. This is a common trait amongst most of the dogs. Now the question arises why this? It’s not because dogs don’t believe in the credibility of the working of traffic signals but the reason is pretty interesting. By crossing in the middle of the road it does not have deal with cars turning left or right as is the case with the junctions. All it has to deal with cars coming one way or the other. Just in case if the traffic signals don’t work; we can try whether it is easier to cross the road in the middle than at the crossroads.

Disclaimer: The author is not responsible if any untoward things happen while you try to cross the road from now on.

Always Remembered.

You wish to remember,
You wish to touch,
Suddenly a thousand lights went blind,
and everythings lost,
But the Human spirit always survives...

26th December 2004 Tsunami Victims. Always Remembered.

The Beauty of Science

The beauty of science is that it does not belong to any one person or group. Anyone can participate in the process. Darwin’s theory concerning evolution doesn’t “belong” to him. Indeed, he gave us a direction to explore, a direction that had not been explored before, and since him many, many pioneers have journeyed into new territories of knowledge. Those who remain stuck on criticizing evolution by statements made by Darwin or his contemporaries deny themselves the true beauty and power of science. Instead of tearing apart the past you should focus on furthering our understanding by adding new knowledge. Together we can move forward, learning more, and enriching humanity at large with new knowledge.

Merry Christmas

Here I dedicate this song in the spirit of Christmas...

Chesnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some
Mistletoe help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you

[-] 2050 wishes everyone a very merry Christmas and a great great New Year. Always remember the less fortunate and bring happiness and joy to the world.

A Global Disaster

Water is one of the most precious elements on the planet. A human being may survive without food for several days but water deprivation can kill a person in a matter of hours. Life is, therefore, tied to water, as it is tied to air and food is indeed tied to water.

Water could well be the only natural resources to touch all aspects of human civilization. No single measure would do more to reduce disease and save lives in the developing world than bringing safe water and adequate sanitation (Kofi Annan).

While water sustains life, it can also cause death if contaminated. Some of the deadliest diseases, which kill millions every year, are carried in unclean water. About 120 crore people (20% of the global population) across 40 countries do not have access to safe water 240 crores of people lack adequate sanitation services. There is no more fresh water on earth today than there was 2000 years ago when population was 3% of its current size! Women in Africa and Asia walk an average distance of 6km a day to collect water.

Fresh water fishing, a key livelihood activity around the world, is under threat. More than 20% of the world’s known 10,000 fresh water fish species have become extinct, been threatened or endangered in recent decades. Water may be the cause of another global war. Over the next 20 years, the world’s population will increase from the present 6.4 billion to an estimated 7.2 billion whereas the average supply of water per person is expected to fall by one-third. The hardest hit will be the poorest.

Save every drop of water today, because water shortage could well lead to the next world war. Unless appropriate measure are taken immediately, the world would soon face threats to global water supply; further environmental damage and ongoing health risks for millions of people lacking access to clean water. Fierce national competition over water resources has prompted fears that water issues contain the seed of vident conflict. (Kofi Annan). There are 215 trans-boundary rivers whose basins cover 50% of all land areas; 2% of the national boundaries are formed by water. Consequently, the UN has identified 300 potential water conflict zones.

Water covers 70% of the planet but more than 97.5% of the surface water is ocean, which, obviously, is not useable in industry, agriculture or as drinking water. (Desalination is far too expensive for widespread adoption). The fresh water on which the world depends is a mere 2.5% of available water. But then, three quarter of this fresh water is trapped in the form of snow and ice. So all that is available water are the principal cause of the crisis.

In plain terms, as far as fresh water is concerned, the world has been living way beyond its means. Conserving water or using water more efficiently, polluting less, prudently managing supply and demand and slowing population growth collectively represent the answer to the problem.

What I've learnt

The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.When you're in love, it shows.Just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.Having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. Being kind is more important than being right. You should never say "no" to a gift from a child. I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.No matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs afriend to act goofy with.

Sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.Simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when Iwas a child did wonders for me as an adult. Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. We should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for. Money doesn't buy class.Under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciatedand loved. The Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?Ignore the facts does not change the facts. When you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.Love, not time, heals all wounds.The easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myselfwith people smarter than I am. Everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

There's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks. No one is perfect until you fall in love with them. Life is tough, but I'm tougher. Opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss. When you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.One should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow hemay have to eat them. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

When your newly born child holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happinessand growth occurs while you're climbing it. It is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation. The less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.-from external source

-from external source

ASIMO

[+] HONDA has debut the latest ASIMO android model. Check the site; [ASIMO] and don't forget to view the videos. The latest ASIMO features more degrees of movement and fluidity. It can also run! at 6 km/h.

[+] Also do check out AMD's 50*15 innitiative here;[AMD]

Rang De Basanti.

A.R.Rahman simply ROCKS, in the Music of Aamir Khan’s next movie “Rang De Basanti” which hit the music stands yesterday. The Music is a real treat for someone who loves contemporary music. The album starts with a very slow number; this is just the silence before the oncoming musical storm. Then comes the Bhangra number, “Rang De Basanti” sung by Daler Mehndi. Unquestionably he is one of the best in singing a Bhangra. Then comes the catchy number of the album “Lose Control” sung by Naresh Iyer and Mohamed Aslam. This number would go very well with the generation next. The part of the song goes like this…

Lose Control, Lose Control,
I am a rebel
Talli ho kar girne se
Samjhi hamne gravity
Ishq ka practical kiya
Tab aayee clarity
Na Koi Padhnevala, na koi sikhnevala
Apni to paathshala, masti ki paathshala

To keep up with the current trend there is a remixed version of this track later in the album, with Blaaze joining the lead singers. Amidst all this, there is a soothing musical number by Lata Mangeshkar & A.R.Rahman.

Luka chuppi bahut huyi saamne aa ja naa
Kahan kahan dhoondha tujhe
Thak gayi hai ab teri maa
Aaja saanjh hui mujhe teri fikar
Dhundhla gayi dekh meri nazar aa ja na.

This is my most favorite one of this album. Amognst all the voices, we get to listen to Aamir Khan in more of a recital number. The album ends with some Goan style music. The one thing which stands out in the album is the string & voice arrangement. The fantastic guitar interludes throughout keeps the listener interested. This one would get into the collectibles of any contemporary music lover.

CAUTION & WARNING: - This is not an album for anyone who always felt A.R.Rahman music sounds the same always just because some random film critic wrote it that way.

New ocean forming in Ethiopia

OK, this story goes a bit beyond the scope of 2050...by a few million years. But it started in our time!

Check out the story here.

December Season

You see a lot of photo's daily, but there can be only a few greats. I discovered Jim Brandenburg's story while going through back issues of the Graphis Journal. He's a legendary photographer who worked with the National Geographics Society and his collections and projects are simply stunning. His two amazing collections; 'Chased By the Light' and 'Looking for Summer- Chased by the Light II' which showcases natural imagery of the passing season. The first 'Chased by the Light Project' was published in the Dec 1997 National Geographics magazine carrying the most photo's ever in a feature. The project details Jim's effort in snapping only one frame per day for 90 days and relied heavily on his expertise to highlight the best images. Jim also founded the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation to promote the conservation of the Southwest Minnesota Prairies. Do visit his site, just click the image on top. (Image sourced from Jim's site and copyrighted by Jim Brandenburg)

-gP2005-

[-] Thank you for all the bloggers who have been contributing to this blog. Welcome to the team; Nayan and Jeevan.

[-] The book 'Passions of the Tongue; Language Devotion in Tamil India, 1891–1970' by Sumathi Ramaswamy (University of Calif. Press) is available online for free here;[Tamil]

[-] If anyone has any comments or questions regarding the 2050 blog, please email them to earth2050@gmail.com. If you believe you can be a serious contributor to the blog, drop a message at the same email and I'll send you an invite. Thank you.

À la carte Menu

In 1541, at a banquet, Duke Henry of Brunswick was seen occasionally refering to a sheet of paper. When an inquisitive guest wanted to know what he was upto, he replied that it was a list of food being served & that he was reserving his appetite for those dishes he liked most.

The Idea was so novel & generally admired that it became a practice & was christened "Menu" which has origins in the French Language which meant "Minute details".

Bon appétit!

Sing on ice

An iceberg can cause a lot of trouble (remember the Titanic?) but did you know it could also sing. Researchers in the Antarctic found that an iceberg emits sound waves that are too low to be heard by the human ear but when the sounds are recorded and played back at higher speeds it sounds like .a swarm of bees or an orchestra warming up. The study, by the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, will be published in Science. The study dates back to 2002 when scientists were recording seismic signals and tectonic movements on an ice shelf in Antarctic. Tracking acoustic signals of immense clarity they found that there had been a collision between an iceberg and an underwater peninsula. The sounds were the result of water pushing its way through the crevices and tunnels in the iceberg. .The tune even goes up and down, just like a real song.

Going mobile

Dolphins in South Africa are being issued with mobile phone technology. But they won't be talking or SMSing each other. Instead they are being fitted with collars containing SIM cards to keep track of their movements. Researchers just need to send a text to find out the dolphin's location. The creatures swim close to the shore so they'll be able to pick up the signal. The system has been already used to track 200 animals in Africa, including elephants, zebras and baboons. SIM card technology is becoming popular in tracking animals as it's cheaper than using a satellite system.

North Season

(this is a crosspost from my blog; its a fictional creative composition)

Hello all, How are you? Did your day start well today? Did it end well yesterday? Did you meet a friend? Did you say hi to your neighbor? Did you notice the season passing by? Did you notice the leaves falling of the tree in your backyard? Did you sit down and enjoy the beautiful morning? Did you kiss your wife today? Did you hug your kids today? I did not do any of those.

Have you seen a person dying? Have you stood beside a person on his deathbed and realized you cant cry even though you loved him so much? Did you see the child shot dead by the roadside in some far away country yesterday? Did you stop to listen to the youth shouting "I hate you world!" incestantly yesterday? From the seats on the bus you were traveling, did you notice the blind man getting in, and no one helped him? Have you seen her cry and sink into depression a few years back? Do you smell and feel the polluted world? Did you throughout the years witness the teenagers taking drugs, fighting, rotting? Have you seen the sadness in a father's eye when his son failed his exams? Have you seen the sadness in a daughters eye when her mother disowns her? Have you ever been depressed so deeply that you cant move your body? Have you been so sad and wanted to cry so badly buy you cant everytime you want to.? Have you experienced the fear of your own shadows? Have you tried to write something only to be stuck in a neverending cycle of words flashing every second in your brain but you're helpless trying to write them down.? Do you pray to God every minute every second of they day wishing that everything will go well for your family? Have you been dead and born again? Have you been alive and felt dead? I have felt all this.

No words can convey the feelings of sorrow or depression. No words. I'm unable to close my eyes and ears to the tragedy of everyday life. I try hard to, but I cant. I tried to run and hide, but I failed. Do open your eyes someday, oneday and notice the real world out there. There might be people who needs help, there might be people on the verge of killing themselves, you maybe their only salvation. Yes, my posts do bring flavors of darkness and depression, but I'm just conveying my true feelings and sometimes I want to ignore all those sadness but my fingers wont let me. Sometimes I feel I'm not the one who needs help. I'm still alive. There are millions out there, lurking, drifting in this world called Internet, hiding from their past, hiding their true emotions, hiding their face, trying to relive and revive their lives. They might be your friends, your family. Encourage them to stand up, and live.

-gP2005-

[+] Found this cool photograper in Channel [V]; heres his site; [Rakesh Sidana]

[+] If you wonder where those cool photographs in ads comes from; [Tim Mitchell]

[+] The make some of the best ads and music-videos in the world; [A52]

[+] Another article on 2050; [TheGlobalist]

[+] An excellent travelblog; [FriskoDude]

Of Consciousness and 'What the Bleep!?'

I finally watched the movie 'What The Bleep Do We Know' yesterday and an interesting question came into mind. Do you still remember your first instance of consciousness? When did you first realize you're alive? I vaguely remember my first ever memory on this earth was waking up one morning and seeing the sun rays through the window. I cant remember what age I was then but that could possibly be the moment I 'found' consciousness and became aware of the world. Many issues and theories were dissected in the movie, with Quantum theory being the main idea behind that unique venture.

There could be a multitude of divine or religious interpretations behind consciousness, but in the past decade or so, science was able to provide many answers to the creation of reality which arises for being conscious. What is consciousness really? Wikipedia terms consciouness as a state of being self aware or more deeply sentience. Being alive and realizing you are alive and have the ability to comprehend the world and universe. Its an abstract idea that may read simple but proves very hard to grasp scientifically.

[-] This is my Tag to everyone who reads this post. What is your first ever memory of being alive and do you still remember the day?

[+] The Center for Consciouness

[+] Do watch the movie 'What The Bleep Do We Know'. Its an unique docu-drama that asks and aswers intelligent questions and ideas by explaining the quantum world and consciouness in a very layman manner. And it packs a great cast of scientist and other big thinkers who explains the universe in an enjoyable take at a science culture that's reinventing itself and moves away from mainstream religious interpretations towards a more human centric observer whose given the God status.

Agenda II

NGC 7635: The Bubble Nebula

Credit & Copyright: Russell Croman

Explanation: It's the bubble versus the cloud. NGC 7635, the Bubble Nebula, is being pushed out by the stellar wind of massive central star BD+602522. Next door, though, lives a giant molecular cloud, visible above to the lower right. At this place in space, an irresistible force meets an immovable object in an interesting way. The cloud is able to contain the expansion of the bubble gas, but gets blasted by the hot radiation from the bubble's central star. The radiation heats up dense regions of the molecular cloud causing it to glow. The Bubble Nebula, pictured above in scientifically mapped colors to bring up contrast, is about 10 light-years across and part of a much larger complex of stars and shells. The Bubble Nebula can be seen with a small telescope towards the constellation of Cassiopeia

[-] Its such a beautiful image, why are we still stuck here! Lets make the next move! Visit this great innitiative; [4Frontiers]

[-] I've added a new feeds bar. The old one from bloglet is not working. Try the one from FeedBlitz, I managed to get the updates of this blog in my mail. Just enter your email in the sidebar and follow the simple instructions.

-gP2005-

Agenda, Part I

Found this amazing image in the National Geographics Site. Its one of the winners of the Best Wildlife Photos of 2005 snapped by 16 year old Matthew Burrard-Lucas . Follow the link to see the rest of the images and read the stories.

Happy Diwali

Deepawali nalvaazhthukkal to all of u, ur frnds anf family..
Have a blast..

Also chk out this thoughtful poster..



And Yeah.. The Madras University folks had an uncanny knack of screwing up my diwali evry year with a exam scheduled the very next day itself..And my new University folks r just a step better.. I have an exam rite on the day of diwali.

io.. time for me to get back to book..

Be Safe.Wear.. Chee.. Stay away when u burn Crackers.

And yeah.. Id Mubarak and Halloween wishes too..

What a day!

Picture Courtesy: Random Useless Thoughts

42 cm of rainfall in 40 hours! In Chennai! Weird. After years of praying for rain, the weather gods finally answered our prayers.... and compensated for all the drought years by giving 42 cms of rainfall!!!!!!!! I was lucky though, not much of a flooding crisis near my house, so the electricity wasn't switched for most of the time. One of my friends hasn't had electricity for the past 30 hours. Compared to him, I'm living in paradise. Srirangam is almost submerged but the one good thing about all this rain is that we won't have any more water shortage issues for a long, long time. Today I had gone to the Doctor's office and on the way I saw a pretty unusual sight. The Chinmaya Nagar lake had risen up so much that you couldn't make out which was the lake and which was the road. Pretty scary stuff, especially when you consider the fact that the lake is more than 20 feet deep. Gives me shivers just thinking about it. Well, I just hope Tamil Nadu gets back on its feet pretty quickly and I also hope that the water on the roads gets cleared up so that people can have their electricity back.

Behind a Dolphin's 'Smile'

ABC7 Primetime today, 10pm (Pacific) aired very disturbing facts about the story behind the "Dolphin Encounters" - dolphin shows and the like.

While capturing dolphins from the wild is prohibited by countries like the US, with many other countries around the world setting up dolphin shows, the demand for dolphins has led to a big greedy business of capturing dolphins from the wild in the South Pacific islands and Japan.

The dolphins are rounded up and trainers pick the best dolphins and others are slaughtered for the meat. The dolphins are separated from their families called pods, and taken away to be trained to do unnatural acts for the entertainment of us humans.

While I do not know the details, I remember that some dolphins died in the attempted dolphin park in Chennai, India as well.

I am guilty myself, of visiting dolphin parks in a few places, though I have felt squirmish doing so.

The abc7 telecast bared the cruelty and inhumane act rendered to these gentle creatures, and hope it was an eye opener to those who watched the show.

Please support the organizations that are trying to save the dolphins, by a simple act - by refusing to encourage such animal shows. Here are some save dolphins websites I came across:
Free the Dolphins
International Dolphin Watch

The Inner Perspective

Why do we celebrate Diwali? The inner perspective.

Once upon a time there was a demon…now wait…isn't it insane to talk about evil on the eve of Diwali. Anyways would start it that way 'cause Diwali marks the victory of the Good over the Evil.

Once upon a time there was a demon…ooof…u are not a kid anymore to listen to stories…just have fun.

Are u Eco-Powered this Diwali? Celebrate an Eco Friendly Diwali.

Play Safe.
Yours
~#Pal#~

©Copyright MMV Pal

What the BCCI stands for

Very recently there was a meeting regarding the spat between Saurav Ganguly, the Indian Cricket Captain and Greg Chappel, the Indian Cricket Coach. It was chaired by Ranbir Singh Mahendra, the President of BCCI. Following this line is what I believe happened in that meeting.


Mahendra: Good Morning gentlemans. We are haveeng thees meeting today to find a solutions for thees problem.

Ravi: I suggest Grammar classes.

Mahendra: Excuse me Ravi! I was meaning finding the solutions for India losing the matches and the settling of dispute between the Greg Chappal...

Greg: Its Chappel mate!

Mahendra: That is what I said. As I was in the saying, the settling of dispute between Greg Chappal and Saurav Ganguly. That is why I have called Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar and Srinivas Venkatraghavan to help me find solutions. Let us start with Ravi. Give solution.

Ravi: Saurav, why did you go public with the issue involving you and Greg?

Saurav: Hmm, the boys did not play well today. It was a bad day in the office for us. The boys did not score enough runs nor take enough wickets. The boys...

Ravi: Saurav, I must remind you that this is not an after-match presentation ceremony.

Saurav: Uhhh, sorry Ravi. I...

Greg: He's practised that speech a lot in recent times.

Ravi: Greg, I would prefer it if this meeting went off peacefully.

Greg: Whatever, mate.

Saurav: Ravi, it irked me that someone would ask me to give up my captaincy despite me being the most successful captain for India.

Sunil: Yes Saurav, you are the most successful captain but that has nothing to do with you washing dirty linen in public.

Mahendra: Saurav, I didn't know that you wash your own dirty clothes. I was in the thinking that you gave it to the laundarary service.

Sunil: Oh God! It's a saying, Mahendra, like crying over spilt milk.

Mahendra: Oh, you mean due to water problems you are adding water to your milk by crying?

Sunil: Crying over spilt milk is an idiom!

Mahendra: You are calling me an idiot!!

Sunil: Uhhh, Greg, What do you think about this mess? I mean the spat between you and Saurav.

Greg: I feel that it was an issue blown way out of proportion. It was just a talk that I had had with Saurav dealing with team selection and it was a talk that should have been kept within the dressing room.

Venkat: Do you think that a coach can ask a Captain to step down?

Greg: Why not? If Saurav's not performing, he shouldn't play.

Saurav: Huhum, Excuse me Greg, I did score a century against Zimbabwe.

Greg: Mate, Geoffrey Boycott's mum could score a century against Zimbabwe..blindfolded!

Mahendra: Wow! Very talented mother. Mine is very good in the making of the aloo parathas. She also make good milk sweets. I think you will like them Sunil. It isn't made with the cried milk you were in the talking about.

Sunil: Oh...good.

Saurav: Greg, A century is a century, whether it is scored against Australia or whether it is scored against Zimbabwe.

Greg: You wouldn't score a century against Australia, mate. They are awesome when it comes to bowling short pitched stuff and you run towards square leg whenever you see a ball coming waist high or above.

Mahendra: Greg, you can't blame Saurav for that. They say they'll ball short pitch and they ball very high balls. Shouldn't they call it tall pitch balling?

Greg: I can see why Indian Cricket is in shambles.

Ravi: Saurav, you haven't performed consistently for two and a half years now and India hasn't been faring well too. Why should you continue to stay at the helm?

Saurav: The boys are not playing to their potential. They haven't performed when required but I believe that this is a temporary phase.

Greg: You didn't answer the question mate.

Saurav: I did Greg.

Greg: No, you didn't!

Saurav: Yes, I did!

Greg: No, you didn't!

Saurav: Yes, I did!

Mahendra: Ooo, this is vaery exiting.

Venkat: Exciting, you mean?

Mahendra: Yes, that is what I said.

Sunil: Saurav, why do you deserve to be Captain?

Saurav: I am the most successful Indian captain.

Sunil: You already said that.

Ravi: Remember Saurav, even good captains have an expiry date.

Mahendra: Even the Dates I had boughten yesterday had an expiry date.

Ravi: Saurav, give me a proper answer. There's no use beating around the bush.

Mahendra: Ravi, why are you breenging the George Bush into this? Let us stick to Cricket.

Sunil gives a sympathizing look to Ravi.

Ravi: Saurav, tell me why you went public with your problems with Greg and why you merit a place in the Indian Cricket team despite your poor performance with the bat.

Saurav: The boys... Hmm... You know, the boys...I did score a century against Zimbabwe... Uhhh.. The boys?

Mahendra: I say, give him a life line. Phone-a-friend. Call Jagmohan bhai, Saurav.

Greg: Listen mates, Indian Cricket isn't going to go anywhere if we are going to be afraid to drop players just because of their past records. We need to be fair to all the Cricketers in India. You don't perform, you ain't gonna get picked. Simple.

Venkat: Greg, wouldn't it have been in the best interest of the team if you had kept this talk with Saurav after the tour was over? An unhappy captain is not good for the team morale.

Greg: A non-performing captain is also not good for the team morale!

Saurav scowls.

Mahendra: Excuse me Gentlemans, it is time for tea break now. We don't seems to be settling dispute here. Why don't we just shake hand and call juice?

Sunil(indignantly): You mean truce!

Mahendra: No I mean juice only. I am very thirsty.


This is just a mockery of what occurs in the BCCI conferences but I suspect that it is pretty close to the actual happenings. The BCCI is a pretty pathetic organization. I am not talking about the money making bit. I am talking about the way they handle problems. I also feel that instead of having honorary members they should have paid employees. The theory that “They should do it for the love of Cricket” is just bs. The truth is you get more work and better work done if you pay your workers and the BCCI aren’t in any ways short of money. As I read in a magazine recently, BCCI really stands for, “Board of Cricket Controversies in India”.

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2005 when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family isthatthey don't have e-mail addresses.

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see ifanyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of thescreen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't havethefirst 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panicandyou turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting yourcoffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward thismessage.

14 You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15. You might scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 onthis list

Space.

As I look to the future my mind wanders into space. I see material sciences unlocking better composite ceramics that are light and strong and protect us from the dangerously messy environs found up there. I see a space-elevator built allowing cheap bulk access making space-based infrastructure possible. I see a settlement on the moon and a boon in science from working in a smaller gravity well (for example, various metallic glasses that cannot easily be made in our gravity well). I see progress in technology, but I have my doubts about society... Here’s hoping!

2050 News Updates

Hi all,

While you're asleep last night, this happened;

[+] Microsoft and Yahoo! will tie up their messenger services soon. Read it at [SiliconRepublic] and [MSNBC] and [Forbes].

[+] Ipod will now play VIDEO! And so be it, now the Video and Mp3 players really have killed the Radio.

[+] The new iMac G5 is out.

[+] For the techno-geeks; [AMD-1GB NOR Flash Memory]

****** South Asia Quake ******

[+] Please visit the [South Asia Quake] blog for details on the relief efforts.

-gP2005-

The Monk who sold his Ferrari

To Enlarge - Click on the image

Robin Sharma - Author of the international bestseller "The Monk who sold his Ferrari". This was taken during his recent visit to Bangalore. You can know more about this Monk in his blog site.

Robin's Blog

2050; A Global Voice I

Hello members,

We have traveled for 3 months now and became better suited with this group and goals. I feel very happy to see the member roll; we have more that 35 members now. And also, appreciate the hard work put in but Magnus, Sara and all the members to make this dream a reality. Its a journey of all the members and reflects the views of a community. All the posts so far has presented us with an idea of how this group will evolve in the next year, and for the next 45 years.

I take this opportunity to start this post called [2050, A Global Voice]. This themed post will be an free open assignment post where all members can write and comments of the happenings in this group and also how we manage to change and interact with the rest of the blogworld and the world at large. I'll start with 2050; A Global Voice I and for the following [2050AGV] posts; the members can put the respective numericals.

About a week ago, one of the moderators wrote me an email suggesting a few changes. While we do have 35 and more members, some members still have not posted anything. I did remind myself that this is not an obligatory thing, members can post whenever they like. But being a blogger means starting somewhere and starting something. The next generation of web surfers, the internet (including us) will be the movers and shakers of the world. You can start anywhere, why not here at 2050. So take your time, maybe about 30 minutes and write your post. Anything or you can even post your post from your personal blog. Remember that the 2050 is an open forum using blogger. So it doesn't matter if your post is not of a general nature, if you think it can change and evoke responses from the members, then share it here. But all said, the rules (or the little of it that we have) wont change. Were still experimenting. In the future we want more bloggers who will join our journey. So during this trial period of maybe a year, please stay around and get used to the norms of this 2050 Idea. Maybe a post in a month will do, but please don't just stay and enjoy reading your name in the blogroll. And also, please read and respond to the blog posts. (I know that blogger limits the notification email to only one user. So if you see any updates, do tell you friends to come and read.)*

What benefits do you see in 2050? The 2050 blog lets you share your views across the physicals boundaries of the world. It lets your share and present your culture, writings and ideas, people, language and breakthroughs to the rest of the world. Think of the kind of instant feedback that you get. Think of the exposure you can get for your creativity. Think of the attention and the changes that you can promote.

Live life and Enjoy it!

2050 a Journey.

-gP2005-

* You can subscribe to the blog by entering your email at the subscribe blog in the sidebar. It will deliver a daily digest post to your inbox.

Our country ain't secular yet...

I had gone for an excursion to Kochi with my schoolmates. Outside a museum there was this board having certain instructions. I took a picture of that board and have also posted the pic here.

The museum has even taken the effort to highlight the word "HINDU". Because of some idiotic blokes stupid social evils still exist. What kind of a rule is that anyway? Only hindus allowed! And this happens to be an important museum. It's just sick.

"I don't know how granny felt in 2005"

"Aha, Where have you been ?!" Vivek tried to playfully pinch the ears of his grand-daughter. "Careful Dad ! She just had her music player fixed into her ear ..." said his son Vijay coolly. "Oh God no!" Vivek muttered to himself as he withdrew silently. He had been protesting against this idea of his grand-daughter to buy this new music player (that fitted into your head), for nearly a week. What could he do? he had no say in his son's house...

Vivek sadly looked the little girl sway to music, a wire plugged into a socket in her head. When he was young, he used to pity children who had to live with such sockets fixed to their heads - they were ones who had brain complications.

As Vivek sat lost in his thoughts, he remembered his grandmother yelling at him with tears in her ears, "For heaven's sake take that thing of your ears Vivek!!, it looks like a hearing aid", and himself scorning her "Thats an iPod granny!! :) " . He had even termed that incident as funny and had posted that in his blog.

He immediately reached for his PalmTop and started writing a post at 'Earth 2050' titled "I Now Know How Granny felt in 2005..."

The Nobel Prize in Physics and Chemistry 2005

The 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics
4 October 2005

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physics for 2005 with one half to

Roy J. Glauber
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA

"for his contribution to the quantum theory of optical coherence"

and one half jointly to

John L. Hall
JILA, University of Colorado and National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO, USA and

Theodor W. Hänsch
Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Garching and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany

"for their contributions to the development of laser-based precision spectroscopy, including the optical frequency comb technique".

New light on modern optics

As long as humans have populated the Earth, we have been fascinated by optical phenomena and gradually unravelled the nature of light. This year's Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded to three scientists in the field of optics. Roy Glauber is awarded half of the Prize for his theoretical description of the behaviour of light particles. John Hall and Theodor Hänsch share the other half of the Prize for their development of laser-based precision spectroscopy, that is, the determination of the colour of the light of atoms and molecules with extreme precision.

Just like radio waves, light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. Maxwell described this in the 1850s. His theory has been utilised in modern communication technology based on transmitters and receivers: mobile telephones, television and radio. If a receiver or a detector is to register light, it must be able to absorb the radiation energy and forward the signal. This energy occurs in packets called quanta and a hundred years ago Einstein was able to show how the absorption of a quantum (a photon) leads to the release of a photoelectron. It is these indirect photoelectrons that are registered in the apparatuses when photons are absorbed.

Thus light exhibits a double nature – it can be considered both as waves and as a stream of particles. Roy Glauber has established the basis of Quantum Optics, in which quantum theory encompasses the field of optics. He could explain the fundamental differences between hot sources of light such as light bulbs, with a mixture of frequencies and phases, and lasers which give a specific frequency and phase.

The important contributions by John Hall and Theodor Hänsch have made it possible to measure frequencies with an accuracy of fifteen digits. Lasers with extremely sharp colours can now be constructed and with the frequency comb technique precise readings can be made of light of all colours. This technique makes it possible to carry out studies of, for example, the stability of the constants of nature over time and to develop extremely accurate clocks and improved GPS technology.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roy J. Glauber, born 1925 (80 years) in New York, NY, USA (US citizen). PhD in physics in 1949 from Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics at Harvard University.

John L. Hall, born 1934 (71 years) in Denver, CO, USA (US citizen). PhD in physics in 1961 from Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Senior Scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Fellow, JILA, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.

Theodor W. Hänsch, born 1941 (63 years) in Heidelberg, Germany (German citizen). PhD in physics in 1969 from University of Heidelberg. Director, Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Garching and Professor of Physics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.

Prize amount: SEK 10 million. Glauber is awarded one half and Hall and Hänsch the other half.

****** Chemistry 2005 ******

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2005
5 October 2005

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2005 jointly to

Yves Chauvin
Institut Français du Pétrole, Rueil-Malmaison, France,

Robert H. Grubbs
California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, CA, USA and

Richard R. Schrock
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA

"for the development of the metathesis method in organic synthesis".

Metathesis – a change-your-partners dance

This year's Nobel Prize Laureates in chemistry have made metathesis into one of organic chemistry's most important reactions. Fantastic opportunities have been created for producing many new molecules - pharmaceuticals, for example. Imagination will soon be the only limit to what molecules can be built!

Organic substances contain the element carbon. Carbon atoms can form long chains and rings, bind other elements such as hydrogen and oxygen, form double bonds, etc. All life on Earth is based on these carbon compounds, but they can also be produced artificially through organic synthesis.

The word metathesis means 'change-places'. In metathesis reactions, double bonds are broken and made between carbon atoms in ways that cause atom groups to change places. This happens with the assistance of special catalyst molecules. Metathesis can be compared to a dance in which the couples change partners.

In 1971 Yves Chauvin was able to explain in detail how metatheses reactions function and what types of metal compound act as catalysts in the reactions. Now the "recipe" was known. The next step was, if possible, to develop the actual catalysts.

Richard Schrock was the first to produce an efficient metal-compound catalyst for methasesis. This was in 1990. Two years later Robert Grubbs developed an even better catalyst, stable in air, that has found many applications.

Metathesis is used daily in the chemical industry, mainly in the development of pharmaceuticals and of advanced plastic materials. Thanks to the Laureates' contributions, synthesis methods have been developed that are

more efficient (fewer reaction steps, fewer resources required, less wastage),
simpler to use (stable in air, at normal temperatures and pressures) and
environmentally friendlier (non-injurious solvents, less hazardous waste products).
This represents a great step forward for "green chemistry", reducing potentially hazardous waste through smarter production. Metathesis is an example of how important basic science has been applied for the benefit of man, society and the environment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yves Chauvin, born 1930 (74 years), French citizen. Directeur de Research Honoreur, Institut Français du Pétrole, Rueil-Malmaison, France.

Robert H. Grubbs, born 1942 (63 years) in Calvert City, KY, USA (US citizen). PhD in chemistry in 1968 from Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. Victor and Elisabeth Atkins Professor of Chemistry at California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, CA, USA.

Richard R. Schrock, born 1945 (60 years) in Berne, IN, USA (US citizen). PhD in chemistry in 1971 from Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. Frederick G. Keyes Professor of Chemistry at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA.

Prize amount: SEK 10 million, will be shared equally among the Laureates.

2005 Nobel Prize for Medicine

One admiring thing about humanity is the ability to explore new horizons... Every day! Have you got a stomach ulcer and thinking of treating it with antacids? Think again.

For a number of years we've believed that stomach ulcers have been caused by our own irregular lifestyles and food habits... not until the breakthrough discovery by two Australian Researchers that stomach ulcers are caused by Bacterium H. Pylori. The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has awarded yesterday, the 2005 Nobel Prize in the field of Medicine to Barry J. Marshall and J. Robin Warren of Australia for their discovery of "the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and its role in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease".

Hitherto, being believed that peptic ulcers are caused by the individual's lifestyle, it may be hard to believe that almost 90% of duodenal ulcers and up to 80% of gastric ulcers is caused by this bacterium Helicobacter Pylori.

Helicobacter pylori is found to be a spiral-shaped Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the stomach in about 50% of all humans. In countries with high socio-economic standards infection is considerably less common than in developing countries where virtually everyone may be infected.

Infection is typically contracted in early childhood, frequently by transmission from mother to child, and the bacteria may remain in the stomach for the rest of the person's life. It was also found that, the bacterium itself is extremely variable, and strains differ markedly in many aspects, such as adherence to the gastric mucosa and ability to provoke inflammation. Even in a single infected individual all bacteria are not identical, and during the course of chronic infection bacteria adapt to the changing conditions in the stomach with time.

Even though the bacterium is found in as many individuals, the infection is asymptomatic and only 10-15% of infected individuals will experience peptic ulcer disease some time in their life. Till date, we've only treated the symptoms of ulcer with antacids to control the increase in acidity. After this breakthrough discovery, if you have an ulcer, you'd have to treat it with antibiotics rather than antacids.

Img and Inf Src: NobelPrize.Org

'Nano' Technology

I cried. I laughed and then was stuck by the Technology behind it. This review was one of its kind, for the latest iPod Nano. For long, I wondered what makes the iPod an iPod. I've broken open, Walkmans, TV Remote Controls, and Radios as I traced my quest as a budding electronics engineer. I've studied about the EEPROMs and RISC architecture.

But now, it was this review that gave me an insight on what went into the iPod Nano. Memory Chips, Processors and even the awesome thin stip of printed circuit behind the 'Click Wheel' caught me unaware. We had seen and wondered the beauty of the pencil-thick Nano. And now this insight review... We jus dont know, how far the technology can grow and what lies in our future.

Not withstanding the extreme review, Apple has admitted that there was some fault in Nano's LCD screen that made LCDs in some of the Nanos crack and break. However, Apple also maintained that it was a quality problem and not a design problem in Nano.

Even then, who wouldnt want to try their hands on the best tech gig the world has ever seen - 'iPod Nano'.

UPDATE: The Word Verification for comments is now turned 'ON' in this blog. Jus now, I removed three comment spams that sprang up jus minutes after we posted. Hope, at least the pain of typing the word for verification would turn down those spamming the blog. Keep Posting everyone. Cheers. Magnus.

7

The number. It’s the number of notes in the musical scale, colors in the rainbow, number of days in a week. It is said that God took rest on the seventh day after creating this world. It’s the number of the deadly sins which human race should not succumb to. When rolling two standard six-sided dice, you are statistically more likely to roll a seven than any other number. It’s on 7th of some month that the ESPN Sports channel was launched. Seven is considered a lucky number in many western cultures. I am not sure the actual reason for 7 being considered a lucky number. But definitely September 7, 1998 was definitely a lucky day for everyone on the WWW. That was Google’s official founding date. Did you know that September was the seventh month of the Roman calendar until 153 BC?

Google celebrates its 7th birthday this September.

Happy Birthday Google!!!

Here is some thing real fun, have a look at the holiday logos of Google, which you see time and again in the google page.

Holiday Logos

PS: - Did anyone say that the individual digits of the year Google was launched adds up to 7.

Why

Agent Smith: why have you joined this 2050: A Journey?
Pal: Because I choose to.

Yours Semper Fi,
Pal

PS: This post was inspired by this blog post by Phoenix.

Poverty Tourism

Poverty Tourism

This is the new buzzword people. Poverty tourism is the breakthrough concept that is going to make the Indian Tourism industry really boom! Remember Munna Bhai (Pooor People, Reeeeel People)?

There is an article about it here.

Though the phrase sounds somewhat derogatory, the general attitude of whoever writes about this issue seems to be politically correct, but I think its just to avoid flaming.

I think Poverty Tourism, in the long run, will make the so called first-worlders more sensitive to international poverty and will force a rethink on poverty in their home country.

Your thoughts guys and girls?

Rita...

Rita seems to be scaring the hell out of the Texas population.. Many of my close friends are there in that state and it is giving me the jitters thinking about whats going on out there.. Well, nothing much can be done to prevent whats going to happen today evening, but all that we can do is pray that life comes back to normal pretty soon.... A close friend of mine, Bhavani, has written about whats going on there.. You can read that here...



Take care people!!!

Vikram.

SAVE A CHILD, SUPPORT CRY WALK 2005

At CRY America, we believe in creating peoples' movements to make a lasting difference to underprivileged children. We believe that each of us, as individuals and organizations, can contribute. All it takes is the belief that “Change is possible, because I'll make it possible”. CRY America's strength therefore lies in its supporters the volunteers, donors and partners who have come together to change the situation of the underprivileged child.

Aimed at providing people with an avenue to support child rights and change the situation of underprivileged children, CRY America has organized a national event called WALK 2005 for Child fundamental rights.

CRY requests you to participate in the CRY Walk held on October 2nd in Santa Monica, CA and help in changing the faces and lives of Underprivileged Children.

The walk includes a Walk Tshirt for every participant, Snacks from Annapurna Cuisine, Kids event and live music by CRY Band 2005 on the scenic Santa Monica Ocean Front. AND what’s more, it’s for a good cause!

For a fun filled October 2nd Sunday afternoon, Click here to RSVP to the evite and register online.

If you can’t participate in the walk, Please consider pledging a donation for the walk. Click here for a Walk Pledge. Go on, your good deed for the day is just a click away! :-)

Please email this information to your friends and family and help spread the word about CRY 'Child Relief and You'.

Thank you for showing that you care and extending your support either by pledging a donation or by registering for the walk. - On behalf of the CRY SoCal Team

Please note that this participation is completely voluntary. [a.k.a - act now! :-) ]

Over rated?????

Again i knew Ekantha would get the wrong idea of ME being the most selfish person in the world......I want men to be Philanthropist rather than being phileartheists. Any way, i aint gonna talk much on this as two people talking in two different ways doesnt get us any where.....

But , when my pal mentioned about the Ten biggest ideas of the world....The ten biggest things of the philosophical world would surely include NON-VIOLENCE. Now, this is one concpet which boils me. Does any one know the idea behind being non-violent? It is to stop and avoid BLOOD,GORE, and of course VIOLENCE all together.But, who was the creator of NON-VIOLENCE??? The most violent, arrogant, frustrating Gandhi. He surely wasnt using non-violence to curb violence.He was using it as a weapon to get india free. And killed so many so many people who believed him like god and showed their head to the british cannons without protesting. (Including Gotse's family).

Now, the bottom line: i know people with raised eye-brows telling me " But the britishers werent right".... All right! If gandhi was a man who believed in PEACE he must have tried convincing the britishers by talking to them.Not BY frustrating and irritating a tiger(Th british) and make them Kill more and make them blood thristy. Okey! If only gandhi had solved all the issues with non-violence VERY GUD! India becmae INDIA AND PAKISTAN. Family man Gotse became familyless Murderer Gotse........

I am not criticisng Gandhi here...I am just telling u Non-Violence ( as a weapon) is not a solution for EARTH 2050....Non-violence must be preached TO EVERY ONE(EVERY ONE in this earth)...and not used by one community to frustrate another community.....

AMEN

Imagine

Imagine there's no heaven,
It's easy if you try,
No hell below us,
Above us only sky,
Imagine all the people
living for today...

Imagine there's no countries,
It isnt hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for,
No religion too,
Imagine all the people
living life in peace...

Imagine no possesions,
I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger,
A brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...

You may say Im a dreamer,
but Im not the only one,
I hope some day you'll join us,
And the world will live as one.

-John Lennon-

* Probably the best anti-war song ever written.

24 things to always remember

1. Your presence is a present to the world.
2. You are unique and one of a kind.
3. Your life can be what you want it to be.
4. Take the days just one at a time.
5. Count your blessings, not your troubles.
6. You will make it through whatever comes along.
7. Within you are so many answers.
8. Understand, have courage, be strong.
9. Do not put limits on yourself.
10. So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
11. Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
12. Reach for your peak, your goal and you prize.
13. Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
14. The longer one carries a problem the heavier it gets.
15. Do not take things too seriously.
16. Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.
17. Remember that a little love goes a long way.
18. Remember that a lot … goes forever.
19. Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
20. Life's treasure are people together.
21. Realize that it is never too late.
22. Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
23. Have hearth and hope and happiness.
24. Take the time to wish upon a star.

The world's 10 biggest ideas

The world's 10 biggest ideas
17 September 2005
NewScientist.com news service

Certain questions define the way we see the world. How did the universe begin? What is matter made of? What shaped our planet? How did the amazing diversity of life arise? We take many of the answers for granted, but maybe we shouldn't.
When we asked 10 of the biggest names in science to explain the significance of their discipline we were surprised by their response: who would have thought understanding quantum theory was relevant to the abortion debate? Or that a diamond ring can take you back to Pangaea? Set your mind spinning with our guide to the World's 10 Biggest Ideas...

1. The big bang
2. Evolution
3. Quantum mechanics
4. The theory of everything
5. Risk
6. Chaos
7. Relativity
8. Climate change
9. Tectonics
10. Science

[*] the full article is for full subscribers only. I'll make it available at the CosmicCode.

What's in a name?

[Lotsa thought-provoking writeups being posted here. But honestly, serious stuff scares me. :) Thought I'd do my bit to lighten up the mood a little.. So flicked an old post of mine from my blog. Hope you don't mind!]

Once upon a time,
Lived the legendary Ruffs
Who embraced a life of crime,
Of fraud, deception and bluffs.

They had only one desire,
Which was to be known for aeons,
As being a notch higher,
Than the immortal Corleones.

David Ruff, the grand old man,
Had been the first to take the plunge,
To start building a Mafia Clan,
Creating polished crime from grunge.

David had an able son,
His only successor named Dustin.
For his dad, he'd wield the gun,
Without a single question.

Though the Ruffs soon grew in stature,
They had a fear, leaving them feeling riled.
They began to panic about their future,
When Dustin grew older, still without a child.

Finally one day, Dustin's efforts paid off, :)
And brought the Family euphoric joy.
The Grand Old Man could finally laugh
In happiness, looking at the baby boy.

The family decided to name him
While David was still in town.
The old man, acting on a whim,
Named him after Dan Brown.

That was when tragedy struck,
And the Old Man realised his mistake.
He'd landed his family in deep muck,
With family prestige at stake!

But alas, the damage was done,
The kid, as suggested, was named.
A terrible thing to do to his grandson,
The Old Man felt ashamed.

David was filled with sorrow and dread,
A sense of shame overwhelming enough,
To make him wish he were dead,
After having named the kid, DAN D. RUFF!!

Children of 2005...Leaders in 2050

While we eagerly await to see what the world would look like in 2050, we have to remember that it's the Children of today who will be the leaders in 2050. It is our responsibility to restore the right to a childhood to the millions of children around the world, who do not have a single meal to eat, who live on the streets, who are harassed child laborers, who are abused...who do not have their basic rights to a childhood ....only then can we even dream about 2050.

There are numerous non profit organizations working to help under privileged Children.

As my first post on Earth2050, I would like to present CRY - Child Relief And You America Inc., that is working to restore the basic rights of Children. Find out about CRY America Inc.

Show your support for Child Rights NOW!
CRY America Inc. is organizing Walk 2005, a fundraiser in 6 cities across the United States. Find out more about CRY America Walk 2005. Please let your friends who live in these cities know so that they have the opportunity to be part of this noble cause.

Not able to participate in the Walk? You can still help through Walk Pledges.

Dream a little dream for me...
Children of 2005, Leaders in 2050.

~CB~ :?)

History X

About 30 miles from my hometown, there's a place called the Bujang Valley, where the ancient Indians from India landed in the state of Kedah, Malaysia and started a long lasting civilization nearly a thousand years ago. No clear research have been done to find out why the ancient 'Kedah Tua' civilization became extinct. Archeological digs was started probably by British colonists in the early 20th century and many of these temple's called Chandi's were recovered. The snap below is of one of the biggest temple ruins there, all the temples were removed from their original spots and rebuilds. Many Malaysian have only heard of the valleys name, some have visited along their school trips and such. But the majority of Malaysians doesn't bother much of ruins such as this. Forgotten historical sites are common in the South East Asia region and lest we remmeber them, then there wont be any left to remind us of out past cultural and civilizational emergence.

You can click the link (the title of the post or the photo) and visit the photos I snapped some years back.

Have anyone been to the Angkor Wat or the ancient ruins in Greece? Please share your experience and photo's.

-gp2005-

P/s: Welcome to all the new team members and please invite your friends to join along. Please forgive us for any inconvenience as a result of changes in the blog template, were still tweaking to have a standard and nice 2050 template. And when you post in the site, please DONT align the text to 'Justify Full', just leave it with the 'Left' alignment. Thank you.

Why stop with 2050?

Well, 2050's as good a place as any to start, and that's probably about the time (give or take a few decades) that many of us can expect to live to, given a natural lifetime.

If any of you would like to continue this into the more distant future...say, 50,000 years...you may want to spill some e-ink at this site. It's the KEO Project, which essentially is a mega-blog that will be put into a satellite and launched into a long-term trajectory, to return to Earth in approximately 50 millenia. Yowza.

My personal feelings about the KEO Project are that it will be lucky to come to fruition, luckier still to survive 50K years in space, even luckier to be recovered. Its launch date has already been pushed back several years, giving the impression that it may turn into vaporware. The satellite is a passive object with no energy usage, so how our descendants will even know it's up there, or that it has returned, or where it will land (70% chance it'll hit the ocean), is anyone's guess. Still, it's a very interesting idea, and a good twist on the ol' time-capsule concept.

So what would you say to the people of 50,000 years into the future? Imagine how far we've come in the past 50 millenia and you might get an idea how utterly alien the world will be then. In 50,000 years it is virtually inconceivable that any nation now in existence would still exist then. Ditto for religions and languages. In 50,000 years no one will have any idea who George Bush, Jesus Christ, or any other name known to us now is. In 50,000 years humanity will reach unimaginable heights and suffer innumerable cataclysms. Civilizations will rise and fall multiple times. Perhaps in that time (I'm hoping much, much sooner--as in my lifetime) humans will learn to overcome our biological limits, our petty squabbles, and our Earthbound status.

I think in 50,000 years the human race may be utterly alien to us now, physically, culturally, linguistically, technologically, etc. But I am optimistic that in one form or another, we'll still be around. Here's hoping.

P.S. Thanks GP for the invite!

To Restore the Pagoda tree

A Bit of information about Ancient India for I thought its my duty to tell the world what Real India is.

Many people know that India was the richest country in the world, in terms of culture as well as economy before the Mid-Easterners and Europeans ravaged through India. People searched for ways to reach India only for the treasure in the form of Gold it had in abundance. They were not only very much successfull in that, whereas they also acted as agents in suppressing the glorious Indian culture.

Today even in India we are having tough time accepting what this Indian culture is !! Thanks to Adengappa, fellow blogger for bringing into light this Article here. Its got loads of information on how these traitors from the west succeeded in satisfying their selfish greed at the cost of civilization.

It has been estimated that the total amount of treasure that the British looted from India had already reached £1,000,000,000 (£1Billion) by 1901. Taking into consideration interest rates and inflation this would be worth close to $1,000,000,000,000 ($1Trillion) in real-terms today.

The invaders discovered that as long as Indians holded on to their tradition it would be difficult to exploit the wealth from this country. A small peek into the education system as analysed by the britishers in ancient India is breathtaking. During a survey taken in 1822, Bengal presidency had 1 lakh schools, there was not a single village in Madras without a school and the education system was based on the highly intelligent sanskrit language handled by qualified brahmins. In present day because of the western influence, the brahmins are oblivious of their system of living.

In one of his letters to his Dad, Lord Macaulay writes

"Our English schools are flourishing wonderfully; we find it difficult to provide instruction to all. The effect of this education on Hindus is prodigious. No Hindu who has received an English education ever remains sincerely attached to his religion. It is my firm belief that if our plans of education are followed up, there will not be a single idolater among the respected classes 30 years hence. And this will be effected without our efforts to proselytize; I heartily rejoice in the prospect'

The end result is that the world understands that the Brits made the Indians civilized. What kind of information do we written in the history texts. Now there are great people who have testimonials for the Indian culture. Indian culture is a serious study in the west. People are exploring the fields of Yoga, Indian scriptures, occult practices and Philosophy.

Its the duty of each and every sincere Indian to live upto the ideals and restore the Pagoda tree.

Where Will I Be in 2050?

Will this blog indeed be online in 2050? One thing's for sure: I won't. But where WILL I be on 2050? In heaven? In Hades? In Nirvana? In another incarnation? In a hole in the ground? Back in the matrix? But at least my daughters will be able to check if this blog is still around. I don't envy them. Should we feel sorry for having out children in a world like this?

One thing's for sure: GP will be a wise old man who's been to Mars and back.

Fred

That Something....

Now I know there is problem in not writing precisely....Most of u did not get the message. And some extra ordinary, obnoxious reactions....But there was something really striking here.

Ekantha saying..... "And when something doesn't just belong to you ". I hope she wasn't reffering to the earth.But,Unfortunately she was. And that was the most funniest thing.

When there is a something called A. And some other thing called B uses it and B is the only thing using it. Imagine, A might be a mighty,powerful thing, But without B. I dont think it matters whether A existed or not.

Similar analogy. I dont think there is in any way the earth doesnt belong to us.Imagine an earth without us (and other living things). Meaningless. The sole purpose of earth is to house living things.

What I am trying to tell u here is, The earth doesn’t want u to take care of it. All it wants is for U take care of urself(I know we could very well do off without ozone depleting and global warming and stuff)...But that is the next issue.’ Man for man' is the sole purpose of living. The earth has lived so many years and will live till the expanding universe and sun suck it. So I don’t think all these small problems man causes to earth bothers it(Unless it is a problem for man himself).

That is exactly why I wanted man to spend on research and fundamentals...Read this (Another striking issue).

Yes! Accepted ekanta we need to be careful. But all we need to be is careful and Not too careful.

A fictional book on 2050

Jeremiah Dwyer's book -"Zoron Space Odyssey 2050" is a much awaited release.

Enthusiasts are preodering the book which is due to hit the bookshops around early November.

Click here to know more.

Beholding the candle.......

A compass pointing towards a new horizon
Isn't this a time for all fears to be fully shun
Life is a candle that burns on both its sides
One lights future and other, the past it hides
As time merges the future, present and past
Take it in your stride while it moves so fast
Let us await a new world of endless smiles
Every step of ours towards the victory miles
Let there be toast and wine and a content sigh
let the world take a step towards a spirited high

Let us all together hope for a better world and a better place to live as we make our journey towards 2050
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Thanks GP for the invite

World is not even near ENOUGH

Guys...How long are u going to keep talking about datas of mother country and ur mother country resisting mother nature......Every body knows the earth is a biological entity...And like every other biological entry, the earth has death....And u guys know the effects of ageing,So allow mother earth to undergo the problems of ageing..(Tsunami, volcanoes...etc.....). Would u find ways to fightiing ur mother when she vomits as part of ageing.
Yes!Disaster management,Risk management, etc. yes! Upto some extent....But please dont make these things an issue.Every body knows they are dying, Every body knows the earth is dying.....Do u live all ur life in the hospital....Not walking on the roads because u will meet up with an accident...Not u take those small risks to make small meaning to these lives....Not like shakespeare who sits under the tree and researches and death and writes down (WE WILL ALL DIE THERE IS NO MEANING IN LIFE)....And lives...hahahahahahahahahaha......Let us all work on education,Relation, Men and find bliss from life..Let us all live life....Probably we should get back to investing money on Research and IT(as much as we did on two years back)...And put the remaining money into what MIGHT happen and what not WILL happen......

I am sorry if i did not communicate what i wanted to...mostly dont....For those of u who got the meaning....Well and gud

Leaps of an young nation, India!

A Little over an hour ago, the 30-scrip Sensex (Sensitive-Index) of the Bombay Stock Exchange at Mumbai, India crossed yet another milestone in its 19 year history. Little do we remember of that horrible crash of the bourses on the Black Monday an year ago on May 17, 2004. Today, at 10.12am IST, the Sensex leaped and bounced to its new high crossing 8000 points. The sensex was at 4050 on Black Monday.

From 5000 to 6000 Sensex, took 118 days, from 6000 to 7000, it took 216 days and from 7000 to 8000 it has taken just a couple of days less than 80! It may be odd that the sensex has gone to new level, given the rising inflation and surging oil prices after the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, USA. But, Sensex and Indian Economy, both are on the rise, indication of the strong growth rate of India, in the past few years. Considering all the current developed nations and camparing them, one would easily understand that India, with a short history of independence of just 58 years has come a long way trying to be on par with those nations on all fields of technological advancements as well as economic growth. And, it has a long way to go, on its positive note today.

Prisoners in their own country

When I wrote Is there? I forgot to add

Is there a country which can withstand mother natures fury?

In the wake of Katrina, just 9 months after the tsunami - there’s a sparing difference. In one we saw ppl coming together, acting as fast and tough as possible, governments actually trying to make a difference. Then we heard cries, promises and taunts that we Asians weren’t doing a good job of having precautions set. And what did world class precautions help people of New Orleans? Nothing.

Despite knowing there was a huge calamity, not enough was done. Despite just seeing what nature can do, just 9 months back, nothing was done. Despite knowing in dire, all help must be utilised, nothing was done.

Not getting enough help - hungry victims were shot and called looters; waiting to be saved in vain - a women died, with her, hope went as well.

Did we actually learn anything from the tsunami?

Prisoners in their own country, god bless them. May the trapped be rescued soon.


Ps : Wrote this yesterday, wanted to post it later but read Uma’s.

Hallow

Yo! I am seriously not able to precisely understand what is happening here...But one thing i know is that it's something about making the soceity look better if possible ...the best soceity by 2050....If that is so, then the vampire is always there having his head on heels.....Any way guys i am krishna and i was invited by the Ghost Particle...SO elaborate me on this Earth 2050 and .... nothing else will post more after i get comfortable here.....

How To Change the World by 2015: The Millennium Development Goals

Hi all,

While we have a 45 year goal for the 2050 Project, the Earth Institute at Columbia U has underlined a project to the year 2015 called the Millenium Development Goals. Among others, the goals are to reduce poverty, ensure universal primary education, gender equality, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combating AIDS and other dangerous diseases and environmental sustainability. (click on the link above and head to the page to view the goals in detail)

[+] The Earth Institute

[+] The UN Millennium Project

[+] The Millennium Village Project

[+] The Earth Institute Crosscutting Themes
-gp-

2050 - An age without censorship?

Censorship. everybody hates it. Everybody seems to want it.

Definition


Censoring: counterintelligence achieved by banning or deleting any information of value to the enemy.

Source: Google Definition function.

Censoring doesn't and has never had a good track record is doing what it is supposed to do, prevent damaging content from getting to sensitive people.

As the definition above shows, censoring is just a tool in the hands of the powerful, used and abused in order to further the ambitions of the powerful.

Censorship as a concept is essentially biased towards the powerful and exists everywhere, in all kinds of media, from newspapers to books, from TV to cinema. Even the mobile content that is supposed to be on the "internet", so to speak, is censored.

What is the last frontier against this hypocritical concept of censorship? An immediate answer would be the Internet, of course. But is that really true? Can you publish anything you want on the Internet and not be censored (have your page removed, threatened etc.)?

The answer is a resounding NO. Here is the most recent example of repressive censorship.

And as always, here is a way to bypass the censorship.

Let us hope that 2050 sees an enlightened society that doesn't see the need to censor its citizens.