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Common-Man's Friends
| January 2, 2009 | 12:01 PM |
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Wellington Christmas
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 Boxing Day Yay, M & D are home! Something about my parents is security. They are familiar, I know them.
Not that I consider security a grand master, for is not safety the flip-side of settling? Either settling down or settling for less is sedimentation or equilibration, which is what happens to things that are not alive. In a way, that is saying complexity is at least as beautiful as simplicity.
But then again, I spent today solitarily pounding the Quay trying to find wedding attire and observing people purchasing things that make their lives more complicated in superfluous ways,
"Oh I shouldn't... but I don't have this in brown and I will need it in the future." Given that such words are associated with frustration and guilt, or even a little naughtiness knowing they perhaps did not deserve that reward, perhaps we should manufacture a machine that will report the average feeling of mankind in the world. Perhaps that would be a good feeling to reference our own problems and feelings.
Maybe not - can you imagine the skyrocketing depression and subsequent skew of the meter?
Christmas Day
Christmas was spent doing nothing with my sis at home. It was good. Our novelty "whitenised Christmas dinner" included steaks, roast vegetables and apple crumble in front of the TV.
Being that TK is constantly at work, I spent the bulk of my time learning to play the guitar. I wonder if many people think about the origins of Christmas?
 The Overlander [www.railnewzealand.com]
So I had planned to use this trip to read and think, but I ended up hanging out with BK, whose friendliness took me by surprise. It meant I didn't have any time to absorb my surroundings, but it was actually good to have someone to go to the observation deck to scream at fields, in tunnels and over bridges. I'm shocked I could chat with a complete stranger for 12 hrs and he still wants to keep in touch. Go figure.
The scenery of Mt. Ruapehu is spectacular and the 30 min stopover at 'National Park' was refreshing. I would definitely recommend it, although the train carriage atmosphere should be improved if they want to differentiate themselves from the cramped spaces of aeroplanes. Given that trains cannot surpass planes in neither speed nor convenience, they need to capitalise on people's willingness to pay for a 'unique' experience. I for one was disappointed about the lack of table.
Another peculiar thing was that the train had a little bar with sandwiches/salads supplied by Wishbone, which was a pleasant surprise (although their EFTPOS is on the mobile network, so bring cash). There were two periods during the trip where all sandwiches were half price for 15 mins. It is funny that urgency triggers larger total revenue than constantly low prices.
We passed several power stations, which was awesome to see. I am a little appalled at myself for not knowing more about the generation and distribution grid considering where I worked for 3 months. At least I knew that when we passed Otahuhu, they looked like and were supposed to be coal plants. :( We also went up the Raurimu Spiral, which apparently was an engineering feat including one complete circle and three horseshoe turns. I don't know why I committed that to memory. :|
Oh, there were 14 bridges on the journey and I think something like 11 tunnels. See how I remembered 14 due to its tabular format and not 11 very well because it was embedded in a paragraph. VISUAL people, VISUAL! Most of these tunnels are within the national park (as you would expect) and like, 4 of the tunnels are between Kapiti and Wellington. The longest tunnel is the second to last one approaching Wellington. It is 4.2 km, which is pretty cool.
I also didn't know that Ruapehu is the tallest, with Ngauruhoe and Tongariro following. Apparently Ngauruhoe is geologically a vent of Tongariro... this part I got off Wikipedia. Speaking of sketchiness, the sentence structure of the Overlander commentary is weird. They really need someone to proofread their scripts to remove the... tautology. By the way, that's the nice way of saying verbal diarrhoea. But then who am I to judge...:P
Hm. Always good to end the Christmas blog with diarrhoea. Merry Christmas! 
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| December 26, 2008 | 7:12 AM |
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2008 Part 1
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 2008 has been a strange year. It started off with hope and excitement: a manuscript, a new job, an overseas scientific conference and my first graduation ceremony. I had a naive hope that all of these new movements (like increasing the temperature of a reaction mixture) would let me meet an interesting boy/person. My plan for the year was simple: get my restricted driver's license, get a boy, read, paint, try new things, start a PhD well, run a half-marathon. My life was a bloom. Dragon-boating, rock-climbing, dancing, flying, drinking, oil-painting, reading new books, new conversations, new people and yet I feel like I haven't learned very much. I feel that my sphere has grown smaller. Yet I know I must have learned something because I feel so different. I'm disappointed because I feel like other people are achieving objectives that I am ignorant of. People my age have such diverse lifestyles, I wonder how any of us really know if we're doing OK. What I'm trying to say is, I think I have learned a lot about how other people operate and I have seen more of how our society operates, but I still don't understand any more about me. Am I doing OK? Maybe further analysis and understanding requires somebody else. I probably just need a moment of stillness to figure out what lessons are at the edge of my consciousness. I feel like a little bird trying to fly, afraid that I might be afraid of heights. Ridiculous, you know? Yet, there is still this resilient ember that continues to glow, telling me everything will be fine. Everything will be great. This train ride is the stillness that I need to fan this ember. The result shall be Part II. Also, this seems obvious in hindsight, but I've realised how subjective advice is. People tend to speak from experience, which can be irrelevant to me. I used to take it all so seriously and consider every piece for its applicability and value. I need to make it a habit to step back and think - where is this person coming from, instead of always getting horrified that they might perhaps be right (e.g. it's all my fault that people are shit-scared of me or that a PhD is ruining my life). However, the intellectual and emotional rollercoaster of considering all possibilities with equal weighting will still be worthwhile, methinks. I guess that even if every experience feels like almost the same thing with similar ongoing themes, I should (if I want to be better) still try to find new meaning. It's like what they say in design - the first 100 ideas/concepts are usually unoriginal. It's only once you break through that 100-mark that you really think anew - but the closer you get to that mark, the harder it is to think of more. If I had to write down the one feeling that dominated 2008, it would be encapsulated by the following song. But I already feel that I am rising out of this 2008 haze. It'll be ok. Because of everyone who has been so kind to me. I don't know how I deserve it.
Talk - ColdplayOh brother I can't, I can't get through I've been trying hard to reach you, cause I don't know what to do Oh brother I can't believe it's true I'm so scared about the future and I wanna talk to you Oh I wanna talk to you You can take a picture of something you see In the future where will I be? You can climb a ladder up to the sun Or write a song nobody has sung Or do something that's never been done Are you lost or incomplete? Do you feel like a puzzle, you can't find your missing piece? Tell me how do you feel? Well I feel like they're talking in a language I don't speak And they're talking it to me So you take a picture of something you see In the future where will I be? You can climb a ladder up to the sun Or a write a song nobody has sung Or do something that's never been done Do something that's never been done So you don't know were you're going, and you wanna talk And you feel like you're going where you've been before You tell anyone who'll listen but you feel ignored Nothing's really making any sense at all Let's talk, let's talk Let's talk, let's talk On a lighter note, www.thinkgeek.com has the most AWESOME R/C toys. Am honing in on that car that can go on walls. But for the price of that thing + shipping, I could probably get some pretty clothes. Coz apparently I don't dress up enough. Split. Will go to a toy store first I think. If it can't carry stuff then it's no good driving on walls, is it? Maybe a helicopter or plane is still better then. Who knows. Also, sometimes dressing up makes me feel like an object. Regardless of other people's reactions.
Technorati Tags : Cherrieland, Life
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| December 22, 2008 | 3:12 AM |
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Petition for Equality and Transparency in Higher Education
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Equality and Transparency in Higher Education PetitionTo: Indian Citizens To
The Prime Minister,
Government of India
Honorable Sir,
With due respect, we, the students of India would like to draw your kind attention to the following inherent irregularities in the present appointment process of lecturers.
1. At present interview is the only criteria for recruitment, but for one or two vacancies as many as 200 to 300 applicants are called and interviewed within 6 to 7 hours. It is impossible to judge the capabilities and abilities of a candidate within a time span of 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Quite often it is alleged that inter university discrimination is prevalent in the selection process by the board members. Selection board often prefers their own students, ignoring other competent candidates.
3. There is lack of uniform criteria among different universities and colleges to call candidates for the interview.
4. There are striking irregularities and differences in terms of application fee which in some cases is even more than 1000 rupees.
5. What is the importance of conducting NET, if it is exempted as a criterion of selection?
6. There is complete lack of transparency and accountability in the lecturer’s appointment.
7. Since appointment notifications are generally published in local/regional newspapers, a large number of aspiring candidates from other parts of the country remain excluded from the appointment process.
In view of these irregularities, it is very difficult to select a deserving candidate as a lecturer who can develop scientific temper and knowledge power among the younger generations of the society. In the present context of globalization, lecturers can play a vital role in shaping the intellectual brains for the development of a knowledge society. But we feel that the present recruitment system in this regard is neither efficient nor fair to select suitable competent candidates.
Therefore, we sincerely request you to constitute a centralized recruitment body to conduct all India examination like UPSC for the appointment of lecturers. We shall be highly grateful to you.
Sincerely, The Undersigned http://www.petitiononline.com/lecturer/petition.html
http://amitsrivastava.tumblr.com/
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| December 20, 2008 | 1:12 AM |
| December 16, 2008 | 2:12 AM |
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Resolute
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- No more letting insecurities get the better of me (to feed themselves)
- Hugs/affection (the key)
Your Song - Elton JohnIt's a little bit funny this feeling inside I'm not one of those who can easily hide I don't have much money but boy if I did I'd buy a big house where we both could live If I was a sculptor, but then again, no Or a man who makes potions in a travelling show I know it's not much but its the best I can do My gift is my song and this one's for you And you can tell everybody this is your song It may be quite simple but now that it's done I hope you don't mind I hope you don't mind that I put down in words How wonderful life is while you're in the world I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss Well a few of the verses well they've got me quite cross But the sun's been quite kind while I wrote this song It's for people like you that keep it turned on So excuse me forgetting, but these things I do You see I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue Anyway the thing is what I really mean Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen And you can tell everybody this is your song It may be quite simple but now that it's done I hope you don't mind I hope you don't mind that I put down in words How wonderful life is while you're in the world
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| December 10, 2008 | 12:12 PM |
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A Confession!
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I never did what I wanted to, Hardly have I cared to live the expectations through Time kept changing its dimensions, I guess. Although I was all about thoughtfulness for weak, for poor and for helpless I reached them, though my resources did not allow I forgot the personal things and manners of private affairs, Ignored the hardships and problems of life, to meet my consciousness, to feed my vendetta! Here I am with only one life, and at peak of it, I realized - I cannot do much.. neither can my innocent efforts things will be the same in this world, the inertia will be greater, gravity will be souring. The gaps, the odds have been here... Might will be always right! Humanity shall still fight! And I have just one life, Let it live for a while- No regrets-no complaints- just day and nights!!!
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| December 7, 2008 | 12:12 PM |
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Terror and Anger
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Thats what we need now.. to bring peace in age of Islamic terrorism!
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| December 4, 2008 | 2:05 PM |
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Mumbai showed the ways!
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 Thats what we need now!
 Dealers and scamrer have ruined India.
 Mr. Raj Thakarey 'The crook' are you listening this?
http://amitsrivastava.tumblr.com/
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| December 4, 2008 | 7:12 AM |
| December 3, 2008 | 3:12 AM |
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Mumbat Attack: A result of Political Crisis
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The Mumbai attack was a war on Indians and on very concept of India. It was latest among the several blasts happened in New Delhi, Jaipur, Bangaluru, Ahemdabad, Surat, Mumbai and other 25 towns of India. Within 2008 around two thousand people have been killed in these terrorist attacks. Each time, investigations started and NOTHING have been done for common man.
However, after each blast the crooks politicians start making their score on the dead bodies of आम आदमी . They have gone up to any extent and bring the ugly shame to nation. When Shaheed R C Sharma was killed, there were sever Netas cried foul on encounter and the sacrifice of the brave soldiers was questioned! These mongrel have X, Y, Z security and best facilities for them self's and their extended families. But look at them, how shamelessly they insult the families of brave soldiers.
This time the CM of Kerala and mad camred insulted the father of shaheed Maj Sandeep. How dare he! But he did it and don't feel sorry.. He would not, because he and all other politicians thinks that for common Indians 'सब चलता है'. Communist have record be being espionage withing India right from Indo-China war to Mumbai attack. I saw them working actively to tear the posters which was made by students of JNU to pay tribute to the great martyrs. The act of Kerala CM is highly condemnable, in fact more condemnable than Mumbai attack. He must be punished for insulting the family of the great martyr.
These pigs would rule us, as we have short memories, we forget all blasts, killings! Every time common man is killed. Every time nothing was done except increasing security to the big anti-nationals like Raj Thakarey, Amar Singh, Mulayam singh, Lalu, Paswan and all. Every time they divide us on caste lines, give the bait of quota and reservations and we just get divided and carried away. We never put them in questions... we never held them accountable.
Is not it enough...
Is not it a high time to kick them, whenever they dare to insult us...
Is not it a right time to take control of our life in our hands...!!!
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| December 3, 2008 | 2:53 AM |
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A deadly assault on India!
Related to country: India
About this category: Human Rights & Equity
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The recent Mumbai incidence is the biggest terrorist attack on India. In many ways, this attack was bigger than the attack of 9/11 on World Trade Center, as the terrorists stormed an area span of eight kilometers in highly crowded region of Mumbai. This Jihadi attack was extending from CST Railway Station to Nariman Point in Colaba, killing and shooting everyone. The death toll is around 300 and equally number of people are seriously injured. Twenty brave policemen and two National Security Guards commando were also deceased. The attack was carried out by any damn Fidaayin Jehadis- that is not a matter of bigger concern, but the way they defeated all civilian security of Mumbai city is the prime cause of concern. The delayed response aggravated the tragedy and resulted in more causality.
I observed, politicians have a larger stake into this incident. News papers says that RAW has given the information on the 'ship' and 'satellite phone conversation with Laskar' to police way back on 19 November, 2008 while IB informed a probable attack on Taj on 25th September. (The Hindu, 30 Nov) But still the terrorists executed their plan successfully. If we review the last period of two months, the entire ATS was focused on two person's interrogations and each of finding was coming to media - like a big bang - as they had got the biggest terrorists on the earth!! It is interesting to mention that the whole drama was behind a blast which happened in 2006. Ignoring continuous big blasts of 2008 in all big cities of India, they were busy in demonizing 'Hindus' as terrorists. The whole act was even much beyond the rules of interrogation. All accusations, blames and investigation was coming to media line by line.
Certainly, we should not have sympathy with any kind of terrorists but the matter was much more than plain investigation as the way it was being operated through hype of media. When congress lost in last state elections- Himachal, Uttarakhand and Karnataka. They needed something 'BIG' to defeat others vote by accusing -Hindu terrorist- a new game! What is truth behind it- no one knows. A question in everyone's mind - why entire attention of ATS was on these two while big terrorists were arranging every thing for this attack.. right under their nose! The attack of ruling party was on police when they encountered terrorists at Batala House. The Police force lost their brave shooter and still, It was politics which demoralized police forces. Hence ATS is not to blame for what they were doing, as that was desired for government of Maharashtra.
But all these politics cost dearer to us. The life lost and ruined families of innocent Indian will not be recovered by any foxy politician and their dirty vote bank game. The soul of deceased citizens of India may rest in peace... I feel sorry that we are scape goat between govt and terrorists! God bless India and Indians.
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| November 29, 2008 | 11:31 PM |
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Barium Meals : Medieval Torture
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Who says medieval torture is only medieval? Barium meals are just as bad. I should know having ingested 5 glasses of flavoured chalky stuff recently. Arrrrrrrrrgh !!!
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| November 19, 2008 | 11:11 AM |
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mkdir function in php
Related to country: Bangladesh
About this category: Technology & Innovation
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He he ..
yes php is an object oriented language it is also very dynamic.
u can use it for auto directory creation service in unix.
i like this function.
he he he .bye.i will post here after many days .bye.tata
ki bujhlen?
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| November 18, 2008 | 12:13 PM |
| November 17, 2008 | 5:37 PM |
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