Pull! Push!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Happy Independence Day Barbados!
41 years and counting! BU has a nice night-time shot of the Parliament Buildings on their independence day post, check it out. You should be able to make out the blue and yellow lights being shone on the building. Those are the colours of our flag.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
BREAKING: Barbados hit by earthquake/tremor/aftershock
UPDATE, Nov 29, 2007 at 1945 hrs: Soon after finishing the last update, I left home to see what some of my friends were up to at our usual liming spot and to get fuel and some cash. One doesn't stay home after an event like that. It's like the hurricane parties, or going out after the hurricane has passed.
I was worried about fuel because my gas tank was almost empty and I figured that the pumps would shutdown as a precaution after the tremor. Turns out that the gas stations, the two that I stopped at, were still pumping. I wonder if they'll be doing any checks on the underground 'plumbing' to ensure that there are no damaged pipes. The other stop I made was the ATM for some cash. In the event of a disaster (or just after one) it doesn't hurt to have some cash on hand.
Before leaving, my brother wondered about the Brittons Hill area, where the cave-in took place. Those underground caves apparently run up a great length of that part of the island and this tremor may have caused further instability, or, it may have 'settled' the loose rocks, but I'm no geologist.
People that I met and spoke with were saying pretty much the same thing, some of them said it felt as though they were dizzy/sick, others were just plain confused, one person I heard was extremely upset (and I can't blame her). After all, you spend all of your life avoiding hurricanes (knock wood) and volcanoes thinking you're safe on your little island and then WHAM!
Imagine your country was small enough to fit in a shoebox, along comes a giant and suddenly lifts up the shoebox and starts shaking it around. That's sort of what it felt like today, and we only experienced a tremor and for a few seconds at that. No hint, no preview of what was to come. What you think is solid and take for granted every day when you wake-up, isn't that solid after all. That, for me, was the most disturbing part of the whole thing.
UPDATE, Nov 29, 2007 at 1609+ hrs: Google is all over it. Check out the first few results of this query: "powerful earthquake hits caribbean". I'm on IM with Janine from Global Voices, she tells me that TT had a scary one last year, but this one was way stronger. She also says that the aftershocks are expected to be quite strong.
UPDATE, Nov 29, 2007 at 1557 hrs: I don't know the state of the mobile phone network in Barbados, but I'm a Digicel subscriber and at 1557 hrs, I am unable to make outgoing calls to Cable & Wireless mobile subscribers, nor can I call C&W land lines. I cannot call from a C&W landline to my Digicel mobile. My C&W land line, however, is now operational. I can also hear quite a few police sirens in the distance.
While chatting with a friend about 30 or more minutes ago, I heard that there were people all over the streets in Bridgetown (the capital). Another friend told me, just after the shaking stopped, that his office was being evacuated (he works in Christ Church). Another friend who works in Ch. Ch. as well is now leaving the office for the day (work normally stops at 5:30).
Barbados Underground: Barbados Experiences Earth Tremor
DISCLAIMER: IANAEE (I'm Am Not An Earthquake Expert), but click here for what I think may be the quake that I felt (and according to the news, the majority of St. Michael and Christ Church felt, but comments on BU and BFP indicate that it was island wide). Apparently, it hit near Martinique and measured 7.3 on the scale!
At around minutes to 3 pm (or minutes after) this afternoon, I felt my house shake. At first, I thought it was me feeling dizzy. I had just taken a tablet for a headache and I was sitting on the couch watching TV. This dizziness was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was like being on a boat in the water, gently being rocked by the waves. I looked at the metal gate by my gallery door and it swung every so slightly. But what really gave it away, was a little stuffed dog on large shelf, the one where the head bobs up and down at the slightest movement. The dog's head was bobbing quite a bit. I left the living room (in a hurry) and went outside in the open. As I left that room, I could hear the TV creak on the small wooden stand on the floor. I went outside in the open and I could hear kids screaming from a school closeby. Neighbours were outside as well, they felt something. Another neighbour told me her mum called from Trinidad and said that a quake was felt there.
This was my first experience with an earthquake/aftershock/tremor. It was not a pleasant one. It was extremely disorienting at first, because your whole body is thrown off balance. It lasted a few seconds. During those few seconds, all I could think of was getting out of the house and into the open, away from any structures.
Land lines and mobile phones are giving a lot of trouble right now, thankfully, my DSL line is up and I can access the Internet to blog about this and to instant message and check on a few friends. A friend of mine IM'd and said that he heard half a house was destroyed in St. George. Someone commented on Barbados Free Press that the quake/tremor/aftershock was felt down on the East Coast of the island as well.
I was worried about fuel because my gas tank was almost empty and I figured that the pumps would shutdown as a precaution after the tremor. Turns out that the gas stations, the two that I stopped at, were still pumping. I wonder if they'll be doing any checks on the underground 'plumbing' to ensure that there are no damaged pipes. The other stop I made was the ATM for some cash. In the event of a disaster (or just after one) it doesn't hurt to have some cash on hand.
Before leaving, my brother wondered about the Brittons Hill area, where the cave-in took place. Those underground caves apparently run up a great length of that part of the island and this tremor may have caused further instability, or, it may have 'settled' the loose rocks, but I'm no geologist.
People that I met and spoke with were saying pretty much the same thing, some of them said it felt as though they were dizzy/sick, others were just plain confused, one person I heard was extremely upset (and I can't blame her). After all, you spend all of your life avoiding hurricanes (knock wood) and volcanoes thinking you're safe on your little island and then WHAM!
Imagine your country was small enough to fit in a shoebox, along comes a giant and suddenly lifts up the shoebox and starts shaking it around. That's sort of what it felt like today, and we only experienced a tremor and for a few seconds at that. No hint, no preview of what was to come. What you think is solid and take for granted every day when you wake-up, isn't that solid after all. That, for me, was the most disturbing part of the whole thing.
UPDATE, Nov 29, 2007 at 1609+ hrs: Google is all over it. Check out the first few results of this query: "powerful earthquake hits caribbean". I'm on IM with Janine from Global Voices, she tells me that TT had a scary one last year, but this one was way stronger. She also says that the aftershocks are expected to be quite strong.
UPDATE, Nov 29, 2007 at 1557 hrs: I don't know the state of the mobile phone network in Barbados, but I'm a Digicel subscriber and at 1557 hrs, I am unable to make outgoing calls to Cable & Wireless mobile subscribers, nor can I call C&W land lines. I cannot call from a C&W landline to my Digicel mobile. My C&W land line, however, is now operational. I can also hear quite a few police sirens in the distance.
While chatting with a friend about 30 or more minutes ago, I heard that there were people all over the streets in Bridgetown (the capital). Another friend told me, just after the shaking stopped, that his office was being evacuated (he works in Christ Church). Another friend who works in Ch. Ch. as well is now leaving the office for the day (work normally stops at 5:30).
Barbados Underground: Barbados Experiences Earth Tremor
DISCLAIMER: IANAEE (I'm Am Not An Earthquake Expert), but click here for what I think may be the quake that I felt (and according to the news, the majority of St. Michael and Christ Church felt, but comments on BU and BFP indicate that it was island wide). Apparently, it hit near Martinique and measured 7.3 on the scale!
At around minutes to 3 pm (or minutes after) this afternoon, I felt my house shake. At first, I thought it was me feeling dizzy. I had just taken a tablet for a headache and I was sitting on the couch watching TV. This dizziness was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was like being on a boat in the water, gently being rocked by the waves. I looked at the metal gate by my gallery door and it swung every so slightly. But what really gave it away, was a little stuffed dog on large shelf, the one where the head bobs up and down at the slightest movement. The dog's head was bobbing quite a bit. I left the living room (in a hurry) and went outside in the open. As I left that room, I could hear the TV creak on the small wooden stand on the floor. I went outside in the open and I could hear kids screaming from a school closeby. Neighbours were outside as well, they felt something. Another neighbour told me her mum called from Trinidad and said that a quake was felt there.
This was my first experience with an earthquake/aftershock/tremor. It was not a pleasant one. It was extremely disorienting at first, because your whole body is thrown off balance. It lasted a few seconds. During those few seconds, all I could think of was getting out of the house and into the open, away from any structures.
Land lines and mobile phones are giving a lot of trouble right now, thankfully, my DSL line is up and I can access the Internet to blog about this and to instant message and check on a few friends. A friend of mine IM'd and said that he heard half a house was destroyed in St. George. Someone commented on Barbados Free Press that the quake/tremor/aftershock was felt down on the East Coast of the island as well.
Labels: Barbados, Caribbean, earthquakes, Trinidad
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Better late than never...
To those of you out there who celebrated it, hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
On blogging...
Blogging. This, I think, is what it all boils down to:
"But 'Blogalization?' I think it's just a new word. It's a word for something that people have been doing since time immemorial, and that is: People telling stories, people listening and people conversing. The Internet and the Web have just made these things available to everyone and anyone, no matter where you are."
"But 'Blogalization?' I think it's just a new word. It's a word for something that people have been doing since time immemorial, and that is: People telling stories, people listening and people conversing. The Internet and the Web have just made these things available to everyone and anyone, no matter where you are."
Labels: blogging, life, social, technology
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
'Blogalization' and 100+ posts !
(DISCLAIMER: Extremely long post ahead, proceed with caution!)
This is my one hundred and fourth blog post. It was actually supposed to be my one hundredth post, but my 'Williams Air' article took that slot. This was somewhat unfortunate, but it couldn't be helped. I had to run with the idea for the article at the time, else, I would've forgotten all about it.
This is what my 100th post should've been about:
On November 14, I got an e-mail from Janine Mendes-Franco. She 'covers' the Caribbean blogging beat for Global Voices Online, a site that: "seeks to aggregate, curate, and amplify the global conversation online - shining light on places and people other media often ignore. We work to develop tools, institutions and relationships that will help all voices, everywhere, to be heard."
Janine had linked to one or two articles on my blog in the past. So when she contacted me, I had a vague idea of who she was. What I didn't expect was for her to ask for my input on the term 'Blogalization' (I still don't like that term) and its relevance to the Caribbean.
Now, what do I know about 'Blogalization' and its relevance to the Caribbean? Nothing. So I replied back, thanked her for the opportunity and mentioned to her that I wouldn't have anything worthwhile to contribute, but that I'd try anyway.
Mind you, on November 16, I found out from the local MBA programme office that the assignment that I didn't submit (I was sick, missed the exam and the assignment, which is worth 50% of my final module mark for the Managing in the Competitve Environment module), was now due on November 26. The exam, which I also missed, is worth the other 50% and will be held sometime in October, 2008.
At this stage, I should note that writing, for me, is a somewhat painful, extended and drawn out process. If I'm lucky, an original idea (or two), for an article will float around my mind, not quite revealing itself, but not quite hiding in the infinite darkness either. I have to start typing, even if its nonesense (like this particular post) and along the way, things may start to take shape, or least, appear to make sense (to me anyway).
If I was a proper writer, I'd churn out cheesy, sex and romance novels by the dozen (always a market for those), sell a few to some Hollywood-type movie producers, make millions (or close to millions) and retire.
But I'm straying. So, here I am committing to writing a few words on 'Blogalization', etcetera, and at the same time, I have a 2,500 word assignment to hand in by November 26 (but I've given myself to November 23 to finish it, come hell or highwater, sense or nonesense). This deadline is important because I also need time to write my assignment (another 2,500 words) for the recently concluded Managing People module, as well as prepare for the exam on December 1. Janine's deadline was 'early next week' (i.e., this week). I ended up submittng my thoughts on November 20, which was cutting it pretty close as the final article went up today.
So without further delay, I present to you my original submission (the one I sent was edited, which she did warn me about). My thoughts on 'Blogalization' and its relevance to the Caribbean:
"The meaning of Blogalization and its relevance to the Caribbean.
Blogalization is a big, clumsy, mouthful of a word. I've been asked to write a few words on the meaning of it, and its relevance to the Caribbean. A few people have likened this word to Globalization. Globalization has different meanings for different people, so I do not like to compare it to Blogalization, although there may be one or two similarities.
I think that Blogalization is something completely different, but what it is exaclty, I don't know. All I can say is that by me writing this and you (hopefully) reading it on a blog somewhere and leaving a comment, or not leaving a comment, we're both taking part in Blogalization. Maybe it's as simple as that? The Internet, and the Web in particular, have allowed us all, or the vast majority of us, to communicate freely, anytime and anywhere.
Each of us can have our own digital soapbox on which we can stand and tell our stories. Some of us tell better stories than others, some of us have no stories to tell, or do not feel comfortable telling stories, yet we are drawn in and read/listen to what the World has to say. I think that Blogalization is just about story telling and making connections. In this day and age, it's easier to do so because of technology. Tomorrow, Blogalization will be replaced by another buzzword, but the principles will remain the same, story telling, communication and interactivity.
As for the Caribbean, we, as a unique and different set of people, have our own stories to tell. Good and bad. But why bother? What makes us think that the World is interested in what the Caribbean has to say? I do not know, but I'd like to think that they are interested and are listening. I'm not an expert on sociology, but I believe humans are social animals, and are curious as well. We feel a need to communicate and to share our experiences with others. We also want to learn about and from others.
But why is this relevant to the Caribbean? Because we have voices and we are active participants in the global economy and suffer and/or benefit from things like Globalization, as well as other forces. There is also the knowledge the rest of the World gains from reading Caribbean blogs/sites. It lets them know that we are here, so tread lightly because what you 'big boys' say and do, has a way of affecting us sooner or later. We are not a lesser-people, we have rights, feelings, thoughts and most importantly, we have our own voice!
But 'Blogalization?' I think it's just a new word. It's a word for something that people have been doing since time immemorial, and that is: People telling stories, people listening and people conversing. The Internet and the Web have just made these things available to everyone and anyone, no matter where you are.
That's my take on it."
This entire post (including this last bit) is 1,080+ words, and took me almost two hours to write (including the time I spent on my 'Blogalization' article). Despite that, I still can't find 2,500 decent words for my MICE assignment. :-(
This is my one hundred and fourth blog post. It was actually supposed to be my one hundredth post, but my 'Williams Air' article took that slot. This was somewhat unfortunate, but it couldn't be helped. I had to run with the idea for the article at the time, else, I would've forgotten all about it.
This is what my 100th post should've been about:
On November 14, I got an e-mail from Janine Mendes-Franco. She 'covers' the Caribbean blogging beat for Global Voices Online, a site that: "seeks to aggregate, curate, and amplify the global conversation online - shining light on places and people other media often ignore. We work to develop tools, institutions and relationships that will help all voices, everywhere, to be heard."
Janine had linked to one or two articles on my blog in the past. So when she contacted me, I had a vague idea of who she was. What I didn't expect was for her to ask for my input on the term 'Blogalization' (I still don't like that term) and its relevance to the Caribbean.
Now, what do I know about 'Blogalization' and its relevance to the Caribbean? Nothing. So I replied back, thanked her for the opportunity and mentioned to her that I wouldn't have anything worthwhile to contribute, but that I'd try anyway.
Mind you, on November 16, I found out from the local MBA programme office that the assignment that I didn't submit (I was sick, missed the exam and the assignment, which is worth 50% of my final module mark for the Managing in the Competitve Environment module), was now due on November 26. The exam, which I also missed, is worth the other 50% and will be held sometime in October, 2008.
At this stage, I should note that writing, for me, is a somewhat painful, extended and drawn out process. If I'm lucky, an original idea (or two), for an article will float around my mind, not quite revealing itself, but not quite hiding in the infinite darkness either. I have to start typing, even if its nonesense (like this particular post) and along the way, things may start to take shape, or least, appear to make sense (to me anyway).
If I was a proper writer, I'd churn out cheesy, sex and romance novels by the dozen (always a market for those), sell a few to some Hollywood-type movie producers, make millions (or close to millions) and retire.
But I'm straying. So, here I am committing to writing a few words on 'Blogalization', etcetera, and at the same time, I have a 2,500 word assignment to hand in by November 26 (but I've given myself to November 23 to finish it, come hell or highwater, sense or nonesense). This deadline is important because I also need time to write my assignment (another 2,500 words) for the recently concluded Managing People module, as well as prepare for the exam on December 1. Janine's deadline was 'early next week' (i.e., this week). I ended up submittng my thoughts on November 20, which was cutting it pretty close as the final article went up today.
So without further delay, I present to you my original submission (the one I sent was edited, which she did warn me about). My thoughts on 'Blogalization' and its relevance to the Caribbean:
"The meaning of Blogalization and its relevance to the Caribbean.
Blogalization is a big, clumsy, mouthful of a word. I've been asked to write a few words on the meaning of it, and its relevance to the Caribbean. A few people have likened this word to Globalization. Globalization has different meanings for different people, so I do not like to compare it to Blogalization, although there may be one or two similarities.
I think that Blogalization is something completely different, but what it is exaclty, I don't know. All I can say is that by me writing this and you (hopefully) reading it on a blog somewhere and leaving a comment, or not leaving a comment, we're both taking part in Blogalization. Maybe it's as simple as that? The Internet, and the Web in particular, have allowed us all, or the vast majority of us, to communicate freely, anytime and anywhere.
Each of us can have our own digital soapbox on which we can stand and tell our stories. Some of us tell better stories than others, some of us have no stories to tell, or do not feel comfortable telling stories, yet we are drawn in and read/listen to what the World has to say. I think that Blogalization is just about story telling and making connections. In this day and age, it's easier to do so because of technology. Tomorrow, Blogalization will be replaced by another buzzword, but the principles will remain the same, story telling, communication and interactivity.
As for the Caribbean, we, as a unique and different set of people, have our own stories to tell. Good and bad. But why bother? What makes us think that the World is interested in what the Caribbean has to say? I do not know, but I'd like to think that they are interested and are listening. I'm not an expert on sociology, but I believe humans are social animals, and are curious as well. We feel a need to communicate and to share our experiences with others. We also want to learn about and from others.
But why is this relevant to the Caribbean? Because we have voices and we are active participants in the global economy and suffer and/or benefit from things like Globalization, as well as other forces. There is also the knowledge the rest of the World gains from reading Caribbean blogs/sites. It lets them know that we are here, so tread lightly because what you 'big boys' say and do, has a way of affecting us sooner or later. We are not a lesser-people, we have rights, feelings, thoughts and most importantly, we have our own voice!
But 'Blogalization?' I think it's just a new word. It's a word for something that people have been doing since time immemorial, and that is: People telling stories, people listening and people conversing. The Internet and the Web have just made these things available to everyone and anyone, no matter where you are.
That's my take on it."
This entire post (including this last bit) is 1,080+ words, and took me almost two hours to write (including the time I spent on my 'Blogalization' article). Despite that, I still can't find 2,500 decent words for my MICE assignment. :-(
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
And In Other News...
Here it is: the future of the world, in 23 pages
"It is about the size and weight of a theatre programme and when it was published in Valencia, Spain, at the weekend, the first eagerly grabbed copies were held together by a hastily punched staple. Yet these 23 pages are crucial for the future of the world.
This is the key document on climate change, and from now on you can forget any others you may have read or seen or heard about. This is the one that matters. It is the tightly distilled, peer-reviewed research of several thousand scientists, fully endorsed, without qualification, by all the world's major governments. Its official name is a mouthful: the Policymakers' Summary of the Synthesis Report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment. So let's just call it The Synthesis.
It is so important because it provides one concise, easily-readable but comprehensive text of facts, figures and diagrams – in short all the information you need to understand and act on the threat of global warming, be you a politician, a businessman, an activist or a citizen (or for that matter, a doubter)." [via Independent Online Edition]
"It is about the size and weight of a theatre programme and when it was published in Valencia, Spain, at the weekend, the first eagerly grabbed copies were held together by a hastily punched staple. Yet these 23 pages are crucial for the future of the world.
This is the key document on climate change, and from now on you can forget any others you may have read or seen or heard about. This is the one that matters. It is the tightly distilled, peer-reviewed research of several thousand scientists, fully endorsed, without qualification, by all the world's major governments. Its official name is a mouthful: the Policymakers' Summary of the Synthesis Report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment. So let's just call it The Synthesis.
It is so important because it provides one concise, easily-readable but comprehensive text of facts, figures and diagrams – in short all the information you need to understand and act on the threat of global warming, be you a politician, a businessman, an activist or a citizen (or for that matter, a doubter)." [via Independent Online Edition]
Labels: environment, life, World
Monday, November 19, 2007
In case you missed it...
have a look at:
"Coming soon to an airport near you: Williams Air(?)"
and
"The similarities between economic systems, traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts"
"Coming soon to an airport near you: Williams Air(?)"
and
"The similarities between economic systems, traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts"
Labels: Barbados, blogging, economics, funny, life, money, politics
Sunday, November 18, 2007
The "Wanted: One Male Bed-Filler", lady speaks!
LOL, and she left a comment on my post about her 'ad' on craiglist (which as it turns out was a joke):
"Mary said...
Glad you liked my ad, but it was only a joke.
Why do so many guys think it's real!? Ha!"
Next time, I'll make sure to say that I'm joking and not serious about really applying. Although, I thought I made that pretty obvious in my post.
Hey there Mary, thanks for dropping by and for leaving your comment. I too dug around and found your blog and this post of yours:
"I'm totally inclined to check up on suspicious behavior. Wondering where things were coming from, I googled "wanted one male bed filler" to see where my ad had ended up. I mean, my Peru article went off to all sorts of weird places...
Upon googling, my bed-filler ad ended up on a blog (listed on Oct 19th) called Limberthing which calls itself "The best, the worst and the weirdest of online dating." Their take on it was that of furniture... um, alright.
Then comes the random blogger (posted Nov 14th). The dude wants to apply. I'm still flabbergasted at how many men wanted the job...?
Then there's the hater forum known as reddit.com
And this page.
If only I got paid for the exposure."
What flabbergasts me is that 'Mary' was surprised at how many men applied for the job. I mean come on, what did she really expect to happen? You put an ad like this on craigslist and you're flabbergasted at the responses? I'm surprised (and flabbergasted) that she didn't get a few women applying for the position as well (or maybe she did? LOL).
If I were interested in a 'bed-filling' position posted by an anonymous lady, then I may as well have taken up the anonymous lady who made me an offer (over the phone) to give me, if I remember correctly, a chocolate and vanilla tattoo! Don't ask, it's a long story and I'm not telling. :-)
Call me old fashioned (and crazy like a fox), but whatever happened to meeting a girl face to face, having a nice conversation, going out for a drink, then later on, maybe a dinner and a movie and letting it develop from there? Oh shit. I forgot, this is the 90's, not the 40's or 50's. Heck, it's not even the 90's, it's the 00's.
Boy am I getting old. After telling folks this, most people I know then tell me: "Amit, you haven't even seen a star pitch yet," or some variation thereof.
LOL :-)
"Mary said...
Glad you liked my ad, but it was only a joke.
Why do so many guys think it's real!? Ha!"
Next time, I'll make sure to say that I'm joking and not serious about really applying. Although, I thought I made that pretty obvious in my post.
Hey there Mary, thanks for dropping by and for leaving your comment. I too dug around and found your blog and this post of yours:
"I'm totally inclined to check up on suspicious behavior. Wondering where things were coming from, I googled "wanted one male bed filler" to see where my ad had ended up. I mean, my Peru article went off to all sorts of weird places...
Upon googling, my bed-filler ad ended up on a blog (listed on Oct 19th) called Limberthing which calls itself "The best, the worst and the weirdest of online dating." Their take on it was that of furniture... um, alright.
Then comes the random blogger (posted Nov 14th). The dude wants to apply. I'm still flabbergasted at how many men wanted the job...?
Then there's the hater forum known as reddit.com
And this page.
If only I got paid for the exposure."
What flabbergasts me is that 'Mary' was surprised at how many men applied for the job. I mean come on, what did she really expect to happen? You put an ad like this on craigslist and you're flabbergasted at the responses? I'm surprised (and flabbergasted) that she didn't get a few women applying for the position as well (or maybe she did? LOL).
If I were interested in a 'bed-filling' position posted by an anonymous lady, then I may as well have taken up the anonymous lady who made me an offer (over the phone) to give me, if I remember correctly, a chocolate and vanilla tattoo! Don't ask, it's a long story and I'm not telling. :-)
Call me old fashioned (and crazy like a fox), but whatever happened to meeting a girl face to face, having a nice conversation, going out for a drink, then later on, maybe a dinner and a movie and letting it develop from there? Oh shit. I forgot, this is the 90's, not the 40's or 50's. Heck, it's not even the 90's, it's the 00's.
Boy am I getting old. After telling folks this, most people I know then tell me: "Amit, you haven't even seen a star pitch yet," or some variation thereof.
LOL :-)
Labels: craigslist, funny, life
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Coming soon to an airport near you: Williams Air(?)
(DISCLAIMER: IANAE, I Am Not An Economist)
(DISCLAIMER: IANAAIE, I Am Not An Airline Industry Expert)
(DISCLAIMER: IANAA, I Am Not An Accountant)
(DISCLAIMER: IANAP, I Am Not A Politician)
I'm going to go out on a wing here (a wing, get it? LOL) and make a bold prediction. I predict that within ten years (maybe less), the Williams brothers (Sir Charles O. Williams and Ralph 'Bizzy' Williams) will provide an airline service to Barbadians and eventually, Caribbean citizens as well.
What am I basing this prediction on? Have a look at today's Nation newspaper and you might see why (and possibly disagree with me). The front page headline, 'SIR CHARLES' WINGS,' gives details on the Williams' brothers plans to purchase their own plane to transport them and their employees across the region (for business meetings, etcetera).
The newspaper article starts off by landing a powerful blow square on LIAT's jaw. After all, when you have two of the region's most successful entrepreneurs identify and complain about the service and performance levels of your company, what do you expect to happen next?
Simple. They find a solution. In this case, they bought their own plane. Where some see problems, others, in particular the Williams' brothers, see opportunity. With their own plane, they and their staff should, in theory, be able to get around a lot more efficiently.
As for the costs, I'm sure they've done all of their homework. The plane, and associated expenses, will probably payback for itself within a few years in terms of the time and money saved in having to NOT depend on LIAT. Else, why bother purchasing a plane in the first place?
Savvy business people do not (usually) throw good money behind bad money, and if they do, it's only for a very short period of time. A airplane purchase is not a 'short time' kind of purchase. It's a major investment.
I'm also guessing that they will not treat the plane as a 'company vehicle,' so to speak. They'll setup a new, seperate company, let's call it Williams Air Inc., for the purpose of this article. This new company will charge the other Williams' companies for the use of the plane and related services.
For example, if Sir Charles wants to travel to St. Lucia, Williams Air will bill C. O. Williams Construction. Williams Air probably won't make a lot of profit (running a plane isn't cheap), if any at all, so it won't be paying a lot of taxes, but then again, remember, IANAA (I Am Not An Accountant).
Over time, WA (Williams Air) may not do as much travelling as it used to in its earlier days. Maybe the business interests of the Williams' brothers across the Caribbean may decline (doubtful). So, what to do with the airplane and all of the related bits? Ante up lots of cash, buy (or lease) another two planes and start a public airline.
In the past (if I remember correctly), Ralph 'Bizzy' Williams has spoken about an island-to-island ferry service. Why bother with a ferry service when you can offer an airline service? And with the Williams' brothers running the business as a PRIVATE concern (that is, no Government ownership) you can be quite sure that there will be no wastage, red tape and inefficiencies. It will be profit driven, as most private sector based enterprises usually are. It may even end up being a 'no frills' type airline, or one geared for executive travel only.
CSME (or the advent of it, as I'm not well versed on the subject) and the free movement of labour throughout the region may also be an incentive for a new, privately owned, airline. If, in theory, there is an increase in the flow of labour (and I mean skilled as well as unskilled) between the islands, then an efficient and affordable airline service will be an important requirement.
But then again, what do I know? I'm certain that there are dozens upon dozens of factors that I haven't even considered. As I stated at the begnning of this post: IANAE, IANAAIE, IANAA and IANAP.
:-)
(DISCLAIMER: IANAAIE, I Am Not An Airline Industry Expert)
(DISCLAIMER: IANAA, I Am Not An Accountant)
(DISCLAIMER: IANAP, I Am Not A Politician)
I'm going to go out on a wing here (a wing, get it? LOL) and make a bold prediction. I predict that within ten years (maybe less), the Williams brothers (Sir Charles O. Williams and Ralph 'Bizzy' Williams) will provide an airline service to Barbadians and eventually, Caribbean citizens as well.
What am I basing this prediction on? Have a look at today's Nation newspaper and you might see why (and possibly disagree with me). The front page headline, 'SIR CHARLES' WINGS,' gives details on the Williams' brothers plans to purchase their own plane to transport them and their employees across the region (for business meetings, etcetera).
The newspaper article starts off by landing a powerful blow square on LIAT's jaw. After all, when you have two of the region's most successful entrepreneurs identify and complain about the service and performance levels of your company, what do you expect to happen next?
Simple. They find a solution. In this case, they bought their own plane. Where some see problems, others, in particular the Williams' brothers, see opportunity. With their own plane, they and their staff should, in theory, be able to get around a lot more efficiently.
As for the costs, I'm sure they've done all of their homework. The plane, and associated expenses, will probably payback for itself within a few years in terms of the time and money saved in having to NOT depend on LIAT. Else, why bother purchasing a plane in the first place?
Savvy business people do not (usually) throw good money behind bad money, and if they do, it's only for a very short period of time. A airplane purchase is not a 'short time' kind of purchase. It's a major investment.
I'm also guessing that they will not treat the plane as a 'company vehicle,' so to speak. They'll setup a new, seperate company, let's call it Williams Air Inc., for the purpose of this article. This new company will charge the other Williams' companies for the use of the plane and related services.
For example, if Sir Charles wants to travel to St. Lucia, Williams Air will bill C. O. Williams Construction. Williams Air probably won't make a lot of profit (running a plane isn't cheap), if any at all, so it won't be paying a lot of taxes, but then again, remember, IANAA (I Am Not An Accountant).
Over time, WA (Williams Air) may not do as much travelling as it used to in its earlier days. Maybe the business interests of the Williams' brothers across the Caribbean may decline (doubtful). So, what to do with the airplane and all of the related bits? Ante up lots of cash, buy (or lease) another two planes and start a public airline.
In the past (if I remember correctly), Ralph 'Bizzy' Williams has spoken about an island-to-island ferry service. Why bother with a ferry service when you can offer an airline service? And with the Williams' brothers running the business as a PRIVATE concern (that is, no Government ownership) you can be quite sure that there will be no wastage, red tape and inefficiencies. It will be profit driven, as most private sector based enterprises usually are. It may even end up being a 'no frills' type airline, or one geared for executive travel only.
CSME (or the advent of it, as I'm not well versed on the subject) and the free movement of labour throughout the region may also be an incentive for a new, privately owned, airline. If, in theory, there is an increase in the flow of labour (and I mean skilled as well as unskilled) between the islands, then an efficient and affordable airline service will be an important requirement.
But then again, what do I know? I'm certain that there are dozens upon dozens of factors that I haven't even considered. As I stated at the begnning of this post: IANAE, IANAAIE, IANAA and IANAP.
:-)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
My bookshelf
I have this small, brownish, wooden table that resides next to my bed. It's been in my room for as long as I can remember. I'm not sure if it's a nightstand, but it does look and act the part. It boasts two drawers, a small cupboard and shelves on either side. It's at least two feet tall, but nowhere near three. One side, the side that faces my bed, is stuffed with books and magazines.
At present, here's what I've been reading, read and browsed. (Listed in no particular order):
(The top shelf)
Philosophy: The Basics (reading)
Planet India (reading)
The Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy (reading)
Connected: 24 Hours in the Global Economy (reading)
The Economist (browsed)
Politics and Society in Barbados and the Caribbean An Introduction (reading)
(The shelf below)
Economics for Real People (reading)
Sideways (read)
A Game As Old As Empire (reading)
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (reading)
The Noonday Demon: An Anatomy of Depression (reading)
(The shelf below)
The Shipping News (read)
Perdido Street Station (read)
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (reading)
(The bottom shelf)
Wikinomics (reading)
Freakonomics (read)
A Level English Law (browsed)
Bicycling (browsed)
Gentlemen's Quarterly (GQ) (browsed)
Law (browsed)
'A' Level Paper I (browsed)
(Stuff that isn't there, but that I should spend MORE time reading)
The HR text book and related presentation slides, as well as any and all additional information from the 'Managing People' module of my MBA programme.
I have this small, brownish, wooden table that resides next to my bed. It's been in my room for as long as I can remember. I'm not sure if it's a nightstand, but it does look and act the part. It boasts two drawers, a small cupboard and shelves on either side. It's at least two feet tall, but nowhere near three. One side, the side that faces my bed, is stuffed with books and magazines.
At present, here's what I've been reading, read and browsed. (Listed in no particular order):
(The top shelf)
Philosophy: The Basics (reading)
Planet India (reading)
The Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy (reading)
Connected: 24 Hours in the Global Economy (reading)
The Economist (browsed)
Politics and Society in Barbados and the Caribbean An Introduction (reading)
(The shelf below)
Economics for Real People (reading)
Sideways (read)
A Game As Old As Empire (reading)
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (reading)
The Noonday Demon: An Anatomy of Depression (reading)
(The shelf below)
The Shipping News (read)
Perdido Street Station (read)
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (reading)
(The bottom shelf)
Wikinomics (reading)
Freakonomics (read)
A Level English Law (browsed)
Bicycling (browsed)
Gentlemen's Quarterly (GQ) (browsed)
Law (browsed)
'A' Level Paper I (browsed)
(Stuff that isn't there, but that I should spend MORE time reading)
The HR text book and related presentation slides, as well as any and all additional information from the 'Managing People' module of my MBA programme.
Found on craigslist
Found on best-of-craigslist: (NOTE: LOL! I'm considering applying for the position. I meet all of the requirements, except the height item. The last time I checked, I was either 5'10" or 5'11", I can't remember.)
"Wanted: One Male Bed-Filler
Date: 2007-09-16, 11:58PM PDT
I’m just another busy person always on the go. I recently moved to a new place and bought a fantastic bed that I love. While so caught up in my day to day life, I have not had time to develop a romantic relationship lately. But when I come home at the end of the day and get in bed, it feels very empty.
I have thus decided to take applications for a bed-filler.
This is NOT a sex thing. If anything, it might be more appropriate to post this in the housewares section… but anyways.
Me:
-25 years old, straight single female
-5’8”, blond, hazel eyes, thick/curvy
-often restless/occupied when I get in bed; in need of soothing, relaxation
My bed:
-1 full sized bed, located in nice room in nice basement suite
-clean sheets
-2 new pillows for sleeping – none of those annoying throw pillows
-1 blue fleece blanket decorated with reindeer (don’t ask)
-room temperature kept cool as to facilitate snuggling (see below)
I require:
-one straight, single man
-between the ages of 25 and 30 years old
-minimum 6 feet tall, 6’2” is better, 6’4” is most desireable and also the maximum height sought
-must practice good hygiene, smell pleasant and regularly manscape if his body hair is excessive in volume
-piercings and tattoos to be considered on individual basis
-must enthusiastically cuddle, snuggle and spoon me
-must NOT scratch himself excessively in the morning and NEVER Dutch-oven me
-must limit alcohol intake to 2 beers on any night he is acting as bed-filler
-must seek medical consul if he consistently snores when not drunk, sick
-should occasionally play with my hair
What the successful applicant receives:
-the satisfaction of helping me sleep better
-sleeping with a girl who’s hair always smells nice
-free dream interpretation in the morning (just a weird gift I have)
Applicants who can demonstrate ESP skills, thus knowing which nights and at what times I need my bed-filler without my explicit request, will be given priority in the short listing phase. Amusing and/or insightful pillow talk may be rewarded with kisses or tea (to be decided at the discretion of the bed-filler).
Thanks and good luck!"
"Wanted: One Male Bed-Filler
Date: 2007-09-16, 11:58PM PDT
I’m just another busy person always on the go. I recently moved to a new place and bought a fantastic bed that I love. While so caught up in my day to day life, I have not had time to develop a romantic relationship lately. But when I come home at the end of the day and get in bed, it feels very empty.
I have thus decided to take applications for a bed-filler.
This is NOT a sex thing. If anything, it might be more appropriate to post this in the housewares section… but anyways.
Me:
-25 years old, straight single female
-5’8”, blond, hazel eyes, thick/curvy
-often restless/occupied when I get in bed; in need of soothing, relaxation
My bed:
-1 full sized bed, located in nice room in nice basement suite
-clean sheets
-2 new pillows for sleeping – none of those annoying throw pillows
-1 blue fleece blanket decorated with reindeer (don’t ask)
-room temperature kept cool as to facilitate snuggling (see below)
I require:
-one straight, single man
-between the ages of 25 and 30 years old
-minimum 6 feet tall, 6’2” is better, 6’4” is most desireable and also the maximum height sought
-must practice good hygiene, smell pleasant and regularly manscape if his body hair is excessive in volume
-piercings and tattoos to be considered on individual basis
-must enthusiastically cuddle, snuggle and spoon me
-must NOT scratch himself excessively in the morning and NEVER Dutch-oven me
-must limit alcohol intake to 2 beers on any night he is acting as bed-filler
-must seek medical consul if he consistently snores when not drunk, sick
-should occasionally play with my hair
What the successful applicant receives:
-the satisfaction of helping me sleep better
-sleeping with a girl who’s hair always smells nice
-free dream interpretation in the morning (just a weird gift I have)
Applicants who can demonstrate ESP skills, thus knowing which nights and at what times I need my bed-filler without my explicit request, will be given priority in the short listing phase. Amusing and/or insightful pillow talk may be rewarded with kisses or tea (to be decided at the discretion of the bed-filler).
Thanks and good luck!"
Labels: craigslist, funny, life
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Gimme! gimme! gimme! Are You a Shopaholic?
Then you should have a look at this lengthy article on the "Get Rich Slowly" website.
In the "Coping with compulsive spending" section, the writer identifies and explains several ways with which to deal with this problem. Two of my favourites are: 1) Carrying cash. By relying exclusively on cash, you avoid the convenience and temptation of having a cheque book or credit/debit card which makes for easy purchases. Also, if and when you do run out of cash, you can't buy anything else since you don't have any plastic, or cheques on your person.
2) Tracking every penny you spend. At set intervals, you review how much you've spent, and where you've spent it. No doubt this will result in a surprise or two. The problem here is setting aside the time to record your spending. My humble suggestion? Store all your receipts in your wallet, purse or pockets, and at the end of the day (or at the start of the next day), pull them out, and key them into a simple spreadsheet. The longer you wait to do this, the quicker the paperwork will pile up, the more time you'll lose, the more frustrated you'll become and the quicker you will toss the whole tracking idea into the rubbish bin.
In the "Coping with compulsive spending" section, the writer identifies and explains several ways with which to deal with this problem. Two of my favourites are: 1) Carrying cash. By relying exclusively on cash, you avoid the convenience and temptation of having a cheque book or credit/debit card which makes for easy purchases. Also, if and when you do run out of cash, you can't buy anything else since you don't have any plastic, or cheques on your person.
2) Tracking every penny you spend. At set intervals, you review how much you've spent, and where you've spent it. No doubt this will result in a surprise or two. The problem here is setting aside the time to record your spending. My humble suggestion? Store all your receipts in your wallet, purse or pockets, and at the end of the day (or at the start of the next day), pull them out, and key them into a simple spreadsheet. The longer you wait to do this, the quicker the paperwork will pile up, the more time you'll lose, the more frustrated you'll become and the quicker you will toss the whole tracking idea into the rubbish bin.
Monday, November 12, 2007
You know you're getting old when...
When you remember it used to be: "a gaggle of geese..." instead of: "a gaggle of gigabytes..." (apparently, Target may have forgotten this. I clearly remember hearing a female voice in the background uttering those words during one of their TV ads this evening).
Folks, it's a brave, new world we live in.
Folks, it's a brave, new world we live in.
(Do not) think 2
From the Zen@MetaLab website:
"A Hindu story tells of a fish who asked of another fish: "I have always heard about the sea, but what is it? Where is it?" The other fish replied: "You live, move and have your being in the sea. The sea is within you and without you, and you are made of sea, and you will end in sea. The sea surrounds you as your own being." The only true answer is the one that you find for youself."
It's a bit of a stretch (or is it?), but the quote above sounds a bit like a description of the The Force (from Star Wars):
"The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together."
"A Hindu story tells of a fish who asked of another fish: "I have always heard about the sea, but what is it? Where is it?" The other fish replied: "You live, move and have your being in the sea. The sea is within you and without you, and you are made of sea, and you will end in sea. The sea surrounds you as your own being." The only true answer is the one that you find for youself."
It's a bit of a stretch (or is it?), but the quote above sounds a bit like a description of the The Force (from Star Wars):
"The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together."
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Getting inked (getting a tattoo) 1
Well, I did it. I went ahead and got the tattoo (see pictures above). I'm very pleased with the end result (which is important because it's permanent!) In particular, with Jonathan's (of Soul Touch) recommendation to shade it, as opposed to my original, solid colour idea.
I would've taken photos of the before and during stages, but the battery in my camera died (didn't bother charging it the night before). So, you'll have to make do with my verbal description.
I've tried to recall the events in order, as best as possible. But it's late, and the second day of the Managing People module of the MBA finished over two hours ago (began at 4:30 PM and finished at around 9:00 PM), so I'm a bit tired. Its also been two days since I got the actual tattoo.
The tattoo itself took about forty-five minutes to apply and (suprisingly) did not hurt. Before we did anything, I had to sign off on a 'waiver' type form.
I went in a small room, laid back in a dentist-type chair, and tried to relax and make myself comfortable. Jonathan busied himself getting his equipment in order, showing me the needles (while in their original, un-opened packaging), sorted out the tattoo gun, the ink, and his gloves.
Before he started the actual tattoo work, he stuck a transparency of the tattoo on my arm (this was a solid colour image), so right there and then, I had a very good idea of what the end result would be. Obviously he uses this transparency as a guide when doing the actual tattoo work.
My arm was cleaned with alchohol and soap, and then the area was shaved. The tattoo gun was loaded with a 'single' type needle (for lack of a better word). This needle was used for the outline of the tattoo. The shading was done with a needle that looked like it was made up of two or three needles (if that makes any sense).
The outline procedure stung more than the shading. I guess that's because the pressure of the single needle was greater, as opposed to the 'multiple-needle' which helped spread the pressure.
It's similar to when you have to cross thin ice. You don't walk over it (because all of your weight is being focused on a small area of ice). Instead, you should lie down on the ice and 'wiggle' your way across, thereby spreading your weight over a wider area and causing less stress on the ice.
Maybe less than a minute after starting the outline, I stopped him and asked him if this was all the 'pain' that I was going to feel, he said yes and I said good. This was hardly painful at all. It was more annoying. Like a needle continously pricking you. Most of the time, I just imagined that it was a focused beam of heat being applied to my arm.
The other thing that suprised me, besides the lack of pain, was that there was hardly any blood visible. I do recall seeing little points of blood, but nothing more than that. I thought getting a tattoo was a messy business. Mine wasn't. Maybe it was because of the simple design of my tattoo.
When I first met Jonathan to discuss the tattoo, one of the topics that came up was WORK, and whether or not the tattoo would cause a problem. Where I work, there are at least two senior members of staff that have large, plainly visible tattoos. This doesn't seem to cause a problem (none that I'm aware of anyway).
However, a valid point was raised. There was a reason why I wanted the tattoo where it ended up, and that was work. I believe a tattoo is all about personal choice and freedom of expression, but at the same time, there must be a basic level of professional appearance that should be observed while in the workplace. That being the case, when I'm wearing my work clothes, the sleeve comes down my arm and conceals the tattoo. When I'm wearing a t-shirt, the tattoo is plainly visible.
Well, I did it. I went ahead and got the tattoo (see pictures above). I'm very pleased with the end result (which is important because it's permanent!) In particular, with Jonathan's (of Soul Touch) recommendation to shade it, as opposed to my original, solid colour idea.
I would've taken photos of the before and during stages, but the battery in my camera died (didn't bother charging it the night before). So, you'll have to make do with my verbal description.
I've tried to recall the events in order, as best as possible. But it's late, and the second day of the Managing People module of the MBA finished over two hours ago (began at 4:30 PM and finished at around 9:00 PM), so I'm a bit tired. Its also been two days since I got the actual tattoo.
The tattoo itself took about forty-five minutes to apply and (suprisingly) did not hurt. Before we did anything, I had to sign off on a 'waiver' type form.
I went in a small room, laid back in a dentist-type chair, and tried to relax and make myself comfortable. Jonathan busied himself getting his equipment in order, showing me the needles (while in their original, un-opened packaging), sorted out the tattoo gun, the ink, and his gloves.
Before he started the actual tattoo work, he stuck a transparency of the tattoo on my arm (this was a solid colour image), so right there and then, I had a very good idea of what the end result would be. Obviously he uses this transparency as a guide when doing the actual tattoo work.
My arm was cleaned with alchohol and soap, and then the area was shaved. The tattoo gun was loaded with a 'single' type needle (for lack of a better word). This needle was used for the outline of the tattoo. The shading was done with a needle that looked like it was made up of two or three needles (if that makes any sense).
The outline procedure stung more than the shading. I guess that's because the pressure of the single needle was greater, as opposed to the 'multiple-needle' which helped spread the pressure.
It's similar to when you have to cross thin ice. You don't walk over it (because all of your weight is being focused on a small area of ice). Instead, you should lie down on the ice and 'wiggle' your way across, thereby spreading your weight over a wider area and causing less stress on the ice.
Maybe less than a minute after starting the outline, I stopped him and asked him if this was all the 'pain' that I was going to feel, he said yes and I said good. This was hardly painful at all. It was more annoying. Like a needle continously pricking you. Most of the time, I just imagined that it was a focused beam of heat being applied to my arm.
The other thing that suprised me, besides the lack of pain, was that there was hardly any blood visible. I do recall seeing little points of blood, but nothing more than that. I thought getting a tattoo was a messy business. Mine wasn't. Maybe it was because of the simple design of my tattoo.
When I first met Jonathan to discuss the tattoo, one of the topics that came up was WORK, and whether or not the tattoo would cause a problem. Where I work, there are at least two senior members of staff that have large, plainly visible tattoos. This doesn't seem to cause a problem (none that I'm aware of anyway).
However, a valid point was raised. There was a reason why I wanted the tattoo where it ended up, and that was work. I believe a tattoo is all about personal choice and freedom of expression, but at the same time, there must be a basic level of professional appearance that should be observed while in the workplace. That being the case, when I'm wearing my work clothes, the sleeve comes down my arm and conceals the tattoo. When I'm wearing a t-shirt, the tattoo is plainly visible.
(Do not) think 1
I found this while reading an article on Wired News:
"As William Blake wrote:
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour."
"As William Blake wrote:
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour."
Sunday, November 4, 2007
(Do not) think
A quote from the Infinity entry on Wikipedia:
"If you remove a part from infinity or add a part to infinity, still what remains is infinity".
"If you remove a part from infinity or add a part to infinity, still what remains is infinity".
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Getting inked (getting a tattoo)
I'm getting inked next week. This will be my first (maybe last) tattoo. I've never even had my ear pierced, but here I am, about to get a tattoo. I've been thinking about doing this for maybe two or three years and have recently decided to go ahead with it.
This is not as a result of peer pressure, or wanting to be cool (or cooler, LOL!). This is simply a personal choice. Something that I'd like to do for ME. I recall several occasions in the past (there were at least three) where I streaked my hair a nice golden brown colour. Of course, I had more hair back then, so it was easy.
Hmm, I wonder...
Anyhow, back to business. I'm getting a tattoo. I've given it a lot of thought, spoke to several people about it, gotten their feedback, spoke to two tattoo artists (or tattoo-ers?) and I'm going ahead with it.
The date has been booked and the symbol has been chosen. Funny enough, it is a mathematical (math is a subject that I am not particularly fond of) symbol that closely matches the meaning of my Indian (Hindu) name, in English.
It is the infinity symbol (with a custom tweak here and there).
This is not as a result of peer pressure, or wanting to be cool (or cooler, LOL!). This is simply a personal choice. Something that I'd like to do for ME. I recall several occasions in the past (there were at least three) where I streaked my hair a nice golden brown colour. Of course, I had more hair back then, so it was easy.
Hmm, I wonder...
Anyhow, back to business. I'm getting a tattoo. I've given it a lot of thought, spoke to several people about it, gotten their feedback, spoke to two tattoo artists (or tattoo-ers?) and I'm going ahead with it.
The date has been booked and the symbol has been chosen. Funny enough, it is a mathematical (math is a subject that I am not particularly fond of) symbol that closely matches the meaning of my Indian (Hindu) name, in English.
It is the infinity symbol (with a custom tweak here and there).
And In Other News...
Alarm is growing about rising food prices
"“THE world’s most vulnerable who spend 60% of their income on food have been priced out of the food market,” is the alarming warning from Josette Sheeran, head of the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP). As the price of wheat, maize, corn and other commodities that make up the world’s basic foodstuffs is soaring the poorest people in the poorest countries are the hardest hit." [via Economist.com]
Super-spiked. The oil price should fall-eventually
"BACK in 2005, in an apparent flight of fancy, analysts at Goldman Sachs predicted a “super-spike” in the oil price to $105 a barrel. On Wednesday October 31st, the prediction came as close as it ever has to fulfilment, when the price of West Texas Intermediate reached $94.74 during the New York day and breached $96 after hours." [via Economist.com]
"“THE world’s most vulnerable who spend 60% of their income on food have been priced out of the food market,” is the alarming warning from Josette Sheeran, head of the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP). As the price of wheat, maize, corn and other commodities that make up the world’s basic foodstuffs is soaring the poorest people in the poorest countries are the hardest hit." [via Economist.com]
Super-spiked. The oil price should fall-eventually
"BACK in 2005, in an apparent flight of fancy, analysts at Goldman Sachs predicted a “super-spike” in the oil price to $105 a barrel. On Wednesday October 31st, the prediction came as close as it ever has to fulfilment, when the price of West Texas Intermediate reached $94.74 during the New York day and breached $96 after hours." [via Economist.com]
