Dhruba chala pardesh... well almost (california)

With tears in our eyes (almost) we bid Dhruba adieu. With him came an end to an era at NC State. Dhruba has graduated several Phd students in his stay here for the past 8 years and almost a million master's students. He has seen his friends get married, have children and watched their children go to school while he continued his pursuit towards higher education (2 Master's + 1 Phd). All through this Dhruba was a pillar of strength for his friends. People could take comfort in the fact that no matter what happened or how fast things changed, there were two things that would never change (Dhruba at NC State and his bachelorhood). One thing changed and Dhruba moved to California and now with Dhruba in India the second feature might change soon.

Open a bank account and get a free DON dvd

I would have to agree with the fact that Indians are the most innovative people in terms of marketing. And nothing really sells better than Bollywood. I have not seen the new DON yet so will hold on the reviews, but I thought this advertisement was priceless.

Amartya Sen interview on NPR

Here's the audio interview of Amartya Sen on NPR. (Click on "Listen" and RealPlayer gives the best results).

The interview principally deals with his book "The Argumentative Indian". Makes for good listening. And of course, eases the way for more debate.

Update:
Enjoyed his dressing-down of that Derek dude.

Happy Birthday Dhruba

Happpyyyyy Birthday to you...

A Vyery Vyery Yappy Burthdayh Meeetaah...

...in true south Indian shtyle !

Brownies!

"Let's go home and make some brownies!" is by far one of the best lines I've heard in recent memory! In fact, this could be a pick up line for single desi men in the US trying to hit on women:

"Hey Baby? You wanna go back to my place and make some brownies?"

Actually that sounds more like a crude proposal of sorts. Well, I'm not going to risk testing that statement! :) Good luck to whomsoever tries that line. And if it works, don't forget to make me some too!

What?! I'm talking about baking brownies in the kitchen-oven? What'd you think I was talking about?

Hee hee!

Zidane Vs Materazzi

There is nothing that annoys me more than people passing verdict on things they really have no interest in and dont understand. In other words they dont know what the F*@# is going on. But they still have to say things as if it is their duty to pass a verdict, judge someone and say something. I almost got into an argument with someone (who has no interest in soccer) at work about Zidane. I must confess I have the habit of idolizing people. Maybe it is the perfections in them that draws the perfectionist in the imperfect me out. I have been a Zidane fan for a couple of years now. I admire him and adore him. Watching him on the field is a treat to the eyes. This world cup I made sure I watch france play just cause it was Zidane's last worldcup. It was quite surprising that the usually mild mannered Zidane would head butt Materazzi with just 8 minutes to go.He should not have done it but I guess I understand. There are moments when anger rushes to your brain like there is no tomorrow and all that matters is the moment you exist in. I still believe Zidane is a great player, disappointed that he lost his temper but I personally would not judge him.