http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2008/06/16/daily53.html
Yahoo launches two new user domains, @ymail.com and @rocketmail.com
They claim that this will finally help people get rid of awkard email ids like kinky88@....com and allow them to choose their own emails.
I am just trying to better understand what this is going to offer the consumer. If the main purpose is to allow you to choose the right name then wouldn't an aliasing function work better? I.e. a function that aliases your email to a different, a little bit better email address. I hope yahoo incorporates a sync function for syncing the old address with the new one, or atleast a forwarding function.
Its also interesting to see that yahoo used ymail which is similar in essense to gmail and rocketmail, which sounds kinda like hotmail. I personally think that rocketmail is so "yesterday". But thats me.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
An excellent report by the RAND corporation on "US competitiveness in Science and Technology"
Executive summary:
The RAND report analyzes demographical data relating to the US technical occupations and academia acquired over years. The main intent of the report is to enlighten the reader of the current state of US competitiveness in the field of science and technology. This includes, academia, IT industry, engineering industry, and other science related fields. The report claims that US has not lost its edge in technological competitiveness, although other major players like India and China have emerged in the past. It also asserts that the ability of the US to attract and retain foreign talent in these fields have greatly supported its success. It indicates that in order for US to remain competitive in these fields, it must continue to foster top quality science and technology education at home, as well as augment its ability to attract and retain foreign talent.
Executive summary:
The RAND report analyzes demographical data relating to the US technical occupations and academia acquired over years. The main intent of the report is to enlighten the reader of the current state of US competitiveness in the field of science and technology. This includes, academia, IT industry, engineering industry, and other science related fields. The report claims that US has not lost its edge in technological competitiveness, although other major players like India and China have emerged in the past. It also asserts that the ability of the US to attract and retain foreign talent in these fields have greatly supported its success. It indicates that in order for US to remain competitive in these fields, it must continue to foster top quality science and technology education at home, as well as augment its ability to attract and retain foreign talent.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Change is: Delta
Had the opportunity to travel Delta this weekend on my way to NY. The company simply defines change. A company that was declared bankrupt not too long ago, is re-emerging, and with a bang! A new face for delta, with a fresh, young, dynamic attitude.
Everything has changed, the way the aircrafts are scheduled and turned around, in flight service, destinations served, and even the in flight safety video. Thats what I really liked by the way, the in-flight safety video, it was great, something different than the million others you see every time. Refreshing and very very very American. The highlight is clearly the flight attendant doing the presentation waving her finger in front of the camera while saying "smoking, is not allowed..."
The voice used is fresh and young, it has the feel of meaning business, but at the same time its very friendly.
here's the official link to the video: http://blog.delta.com/2008/02/20/world-premiere-deltas-new-in-flight-safety-video/
The other thing thats awesome about delta right now is there online booking system and best price guarantee. Basically, delta will guarantee the best price on any of their tickets when you buy them online from delta.com, this means customers don't have to go surfing about the internet in search of deals. Underlying of course is a simple pricing policy and a transparent marketing philosophy. They are not the first ones in the world to use this kind of a system. Air France was one of the leaders, but Delta is one of the first airline in the US to use this system. Direct from the retailer always works best!
Delta is flying forward, and in a very American way, with energy, entrepreneurism, gusto, and ofcourse a customer friendly attitude.
Everything has changed, the way the aircrafts are scheduled and turned around, in flight service, destinations served, and even the in flight safety video. Thats what I really liked by the way, the in-flight safety video, it was great, something different than the million others you see every time. Refreshing and very very very American. The highlight is clearly the flight attendant doing the presentation waving her finger in front of the camera while saying "smoking, is not allowed..."
The voice used is fresh and young, it has the feel of meaning business, but at the same time its very friendly.
here's the official link to the video: http://blog.delta.com/2008/02/20/world-premiere-deltas-new-in-flight-safety-video/
The other thing thats awesome about delta right now is there online booking system and best price guarantee. Basically, delta will guarantee the best price on any of their tickets when you buy them online from delta.com, this means customers don't have to go surfing about the internet in search of deals. Underlying of course is a simple pricing policy and a transparent marketing philosophy. They are not the first ones in the world to use this kind of a system. Air France was one of the leaders, but Delta is one of the first airline in the US to use this system. Direct from the retailer always works best!
Delta is flying forward, and in a very American way, with energy, entrepreneurism, gusto, and ofcourse a customer friendly attitude.
Monday, May 05, 2008
अब हीन्दी में ब्लॉग कीजीये
This thing is really easy, its so easy to convert roman to Hindi! Great, here goes:
कैदे हयाते बंदोगम असल में दोनों एक हैं
मौत सें पहले आदमी गम से नजात पाएं क्यों
-मीर्ज़ा असदुल्ला खान गालीब
For those not gifted with Devnagari, this is a sher by Gaalib, its literal translation is (for I am not fit for a poetic translation)
prison of life and the life sentence are in reality one
before death why should man be exempt from woe?
कैदे हयाते बंदोगम असल में दोनों एक हैं
मौत सें पहले आदमी गम से नजात पाएं क्यों
-मीर्ज़ा असदुल्ला खान गालीब
For those not gifted with Devnagari, this is a sher by Gaalib, its literal translation is (for I am not fit for a poetic translation)
prison of life and the life sentence are in reality one
before death why should man be exempt from woe?
The philosophy of "Harry Potter"
To the well organized mind, death is just the next big adventure.
- Albus Dumbledore, in J. K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
"AGONIES OF CONNECTION
- How a new government in the US may affect India"
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080428/jsp/opinion/story_9187038.jsp
The article talks about the coming changes in the US political scene and how that may affect India. One point it mentions is that our IT flow of income may die down if the US politicians really take a very hard conservative stance. This admittedly is not very likely, often promises made in campaigns are carefully reworded to allow for loop holes, however, in case it does, and in any case it does not, we as nation that boasts as highly trained personnel as its main export need to consider how we can survive if tomorrow the external demand for our export weakens.
The article calls out for alternate economical means that we need to invest in so that we can go forward in the future. Apart from general infrastructural reforms I think the biggest reform that we need is to integrate a culture of excellence that through quantitative incentives encourages technological growth through research and development. That is, we need to invest in a univeristy/ private research system that finds, hires, and retains quality talent and encourages them through global incentives (like money, publicity i.e. participation in global conferences, highest quality research infrastructure, and respect) to progress our technological capability through research. And what do you know, the base infrastructure for this is already present in India, think of NAL, NCL, ISRO, IUACCA and other such labs. A couple of things that could be done is that these labs could be linked centrally somehow (atleast NAL and ISRO and IUACCA should be) and need to be linked to global platforms such as global universities and a stronger presence in reputed globally visible journals in the field. This will allow easy transition of technology between the labs, and a platform for maximizing gains from shoot off technology. Another thing that could be done is to encourage a culture of patents.
Putting a strong emphasis on growing our home capabilities in nurturing and keeping the best talent is what I think is important. What say?
- How a new government in the US may affect India"
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080428/jsp/opinion/story_9187038.jsp
The article talks about the coming changes in the US political scene and how that may affect India. One point it mentions is that our IT flow of income may die down if the US politicians really take a very hard conservative stance. This admittedly is not very likely, often promises made in campaigns are carefully reworded to allow for loop holes, however, in case it does, and in any case it does not, we as nation that boasts as highly trained personnel as its main export need to consider how we can survive if tomorrow the external demand for our export weakens.
The article calls out for alternate economical means that we need to invest in so that we can go forward in the future. Apart from general infrastructural reforms I think the biggest reform that we need is to integrate a culture of excellence that through quantitative incentives encourages technological growth through research and development. That is, we need to invest in a univeristy/ private research system that finds, hires, and retains quality talent and encourages them through global incentives (like money, publicity i.e. participation in global conferences, highest quality research infrastructure, and respect) to progress our technological capability through research. And what do you know, the base infrastructure for this is already present in India, think of NAL, NCL, ISRO, IUACCA and other such labs. A couple of things that could be done is that these labs could be linked centrally somehow (atleast NAL and ISRO and IUACCA should be) and need to be linked to global platforms such as global universities and a stronger presence in reputed globally visible journals in the field. This will allow easy transition of technology between the labs, and a platform for maximizing gains from shoot off technology. Another thing that could be done is to encourage a culture of patents.
Putting a strong emphasis on growing our home capabilities in nurturing and keeping the best talent is what I think is important. What say?
Monday, April 28, 2008
It will be time soon for the "mother of all defence deals"
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Raag Jog
Nothing like a lazy Saturday morning and the enchantment of Rag Jog. A long time it has been since I have heard this particular rendition of Rag Jog and Sohni by Ustad Rashid Khan. The melody is amazing, Rashid Khan puts his life into the Raga, it comes alive from the first taan. The cresecendo simly builds untill is almost unbearable, the morning turns slowly into the day, and for that one moment I feel that nothing else matters. Let the challenges come, for like the complex multiplex of swaras life too is about putting your life into it...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
why the US needs more H1B visas
The US needs talented workers, and that is the truth. US has always been a talent driven economy, that is the reason why the US has been a leader in technology, business, and engineering related work. It is the absolute talent of the US workforce that has lead to the current lead that US has in the IT industry.
Anyone who claims that this would not have been possible without foreign talent is fooling himself. A visit to any office of one of these Multi National Companies would be enough to show really how diverse (including foreign nationals) the workforce is. Diversity has been carefully nurtured by the leading companies in the US and worldwide, because diversity breeds innovation and trust, both of which are fundamental to business growth.
The need of foreign talent is quiet independent of US borne talent, it has nothing to do with importing cheap labor, and has everything to do with importing talent and encouraging growth.
If US companies wanted cheap labor they have better alternatives than wasting time and money on getting expensive foreign labor, they can just outsource the jobs abroad!
Foreign workers who are invited to work in the US actually cost more to the companies, for example a consultant of foreign origin is paid 1.2 times more than a local worker. Add to this the costs associated with getting the visas processed and the cost associated with waiting for the employee to actually get to his work due to the visa regulations.
Then why do American companies keep wanting more and more foreign born labor? It is because local talent is lacking, and because they need to have workers from economies where they wish to operate. In todays global world, these multinational companies cannot hope to sell there product globally if they do not have a global workforce.
Furthermore, a foreign worker in the US is actually good for the US economy, especially in its stagnant time. At the end of the day, the foreign worker has to live in the US, so he has to spend money in the US, which puts the money he earns right back into the economy. Moreover, as a recent entrant to the country, the foreign worker is more likely to spend money on getting settled, i.e. buying consumer electronics, houses, and automobiles, injecting money into these trailing economies. Furthermore, the foreign worker pays exactly the same taxes (if not more) as every other US resident, which puts money back into the tax system, the foreign worker is required to pay into the social security system although he is not eligible for social security himself. So having a foreign worker abound is in no way hurtful to the economy.
The jobs that foreign workers take are such that no satisfactory US national has been found to perform that job, in fact that is one of the requirements of the H1-B visa, so it is quiet illogical to say that foreign workers take away US jobs. In this retrograde times for the US economy, there is a severe need of talented labor that is targeted towards a specific task. And if that labor is not available locally, US companies have to get it from abroad, if they are stopped from doing this, the only thing that is going to happen is that the jobs are going to go overseas, which will remove jobs perhaps permanently from the US soils.
The truth of the matter is that US is can no longer sustain the technological lead of the 80s, and the 90s. The rest of the world has caught up, and if the US wants to maintain its advantage of an early start and a fantastic university education system, it has to rely on attracting and retaining foreign talent. That is the only way forward in an increasingly global economy.
Anyone who claims that this would not have been possible without foreign talent is fooling himself. A visit to any office of one of these Multi National Companies would be enough to show really how diverse (including foreign nationals) the workforce is. Diversity has been carefully nurtured by the leading companies in the US and worldwide, because diversity breeds innovation and trust, both of which are fundamental to business growth.
The need of foreign talent is quiet independent of US borne talent, it has nothing to do with importing cheap labor, and has everything to do with importing talent and encouraging growth.
If US companies wanted cheap labor they have better alternatives than wasting time and money on getting expensive foreign labor, they can just outsource the jobs abroad!
Foreign workers who are invited to work in the US actually cost more to the companies, for example a consultant of foreign origin is paid 1.2 times more than a local worker. Add to this the costs associated with getting the visas processed and the cost associated with waiting for the employee to actually get to his work due to the visa regulations.
Then why do American companies keep wanting more and more foreign born labor? It is because local talent is lacking, and because they need to have workers from economies where they wish to operate. In todays global world, these multinational companies cannot hope to sell there product globally if they do not have a global workforce.
Furthermore, a foreign worker in the US is actually good for the US economy, especially in its stagnant time. At the end of the day, the foreign worker has to live in the US, so he has to spend money in the US, which puts the money he earns right back into the economy. Moreover, as a recent entrant to the country, the foreign worker is more likely to spend money on getting settled, i.e. buying consumer electronics, houses, and automobiles, injecting money into these trailing economies. Furthermore, the foreign worker pays exactly the same taxes (if not more) as every other US resident, which puts money back into the tax system, the foreign worker is required to pay into the social security system although he is not eligible for social security himself. So having a foreign worker abound is in no way hurtful to the economy.
The jobs that foreign workers take are such that no satisfactory US national has been found to perform that job, in fact that is one of the requirements of the H1-B visa, so it is quiet illogical to say that foreign workers take away US jobs. In this retrograde times for the US economy, there is a severe need of talented labor that is targeted towards a specific task. And if that labor is not available locally, US companies have to get it from abroad, if they are stopped from doing this, the only thing that is going to happen is that the jobs are going to go overseas, which will remove jobs perhaps permanently from the US soils.
The truth of the matter is that US is can no longer sustain the technological lead of the 80s, and the 90s. The rest of the world has caught up, and if the US wants to maintain its advantage of an early start and a fantastic university education system, it has to rely on attracting and retaining foreign talent. That is the only way forward in an increasingly global economy.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Save the Turtles, and still have the Port I say
The following letter (which I wrote) is regarding http://www.greenpeace.org/india/turtles/why-save-turtles
Apparently Tata is building a port at Dhamra which would affect the local sea life there adversly, especially the Turtles. Green peace is urging Tata to move, I am taking a different stand. I am urging Tata to set a trend in India where industrialization and nature can indeed co-exist.
Dear Mr.Tata,
I am writing to express my opinion about the Dhamra port project planned by the Tata group and the Larsen and Tubro group of companies. I am writinig becuase I think that the Dhamra project may prove to be an excellent platform for India's leading companies to showcase their dedication to a developed and sustainable India.
Solid infrastructure is imperative to India's growth. I am sure that when Tata and Larsen and Tubro chose the Dhamra coast as the location for the new port, you had nothing but sustainable growth on your mind. Building new infrastructure is certainly the right way to proceed in the direction of growth, but doing so with unison in the effect of the growth on nature is the right way to sustainable growth. The environmental impact of infrastructural growth needs be carefully analyzed and all threats even the most remote, must be rigorously addressed. Only then can sustainability in growth be guaranteed.
What then is the way forward. Clearly the first choice according to me would always be to relocate to a site which poses no direct threat to the environment. I understand however, that this may not always be possible. What then should the company do.
I think the answer is rather simple, if a port must be built then it must be built, however it need not be built in such a way that it threatens the environment. Consider the Car plant of Subaru in Lafayette, Indiana, United states (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru). This is the only plant in the world that is a certified wild life habitat. A living proof of the fact that technology, and also industry can co-exist with nature.
As a global leader Tata is well positioned to leverage its world class talent pool to develop design methods for port development that do not threaten the environment, and specifically the turtles that share the coast with us. It is certainly worth the while to invest money and effort in coming up with ways of having the port at the same location but not threatening the ocean life. I think such an effort would be as commendable as Tata's dedication to the environmentally friendly Air powered car. I think the Dhamra port project would be an excellent opportunity for the Tata group to lay the foundation of tomorrows India. An Industrialized nation that at the same time is in touch with its environment.
I ernestly urge you to take on this challenge with all your might. Let us spear head the new industrial revolution, let us show the world that nature and industrialization can indeed co-exist.
Girish Chowdhary
Atlanta USA.
Apparently Tata is building a port at Dhamra which would affect the local sea life there adversly, especially the Turtles. Green peace is urging Tata to move, I am taking a different stand. I am urging Tata to set a trend in India where industrialization and nature can indeed co-exist.
Dear Mr.Tata,
I am writing to express my opinion about the Dhamra port project planned by the Tata group and the Larsen and Tubro group of companies. I am writinig becuase I think that the Dhamra project may prove to be an excellent platform for India's leading companies to showcase their dedication to a developed and sustainable India.
Solid infrastructure is imperative to India's growth. I am sure that when Tata and Larsen and Tubro chose the Dhamra coast as the location for the new port, you had nothing but sustainable growth on your mind. Building new infrastructure is certainly the right way to proceed in the direction of growth, but doing so with unison in the effect of the growth on nature is the right way to sustainable growth. The environmental impact of infrastructural growth needs be carefully analyzed and all threats even the most remote, must be rigorously addressed. Only then can sustainability in growth be guaranteed.
What then is the way forward. Clearly the first choice according to me would always be to relocate to a site which poses no direct threat to the environment. I understand however, that this may not always be possible. What then should the company do.
I think the answer is rather simple, if a port must be built then it must be built, however it need not be built in such a way that it threatens the environment. Consider the Car plant of Subaru in Lafayette, Indiana, United states (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru). This is the only plant in the world that is a certified wild life habitat. A living proof of the fact that technology, and also industry can co-exist with nature.
As a global leader Tata is well positioned to leverage its world class talent pool to develop design methods for port development that do not threaten the environment, and specifically the turtles that share the coast with us. It is certainly worth the while to invest money and effort in coming up with ways of having the port at the same location but not threatening the ocean life. I think such an effort would be as commendable as Tata's dedication to the environmentally friendly Air powered car. I think the Dhamra port project would be an excellent opportunity for the Tata group to lay the foundation of tomorrows India. An Industrialized nation that at the same time is in touch with its environment.
I ernestly urge you to take on this challenge with all your might. Let us spear head the new industrial revolution, let us show the world that nature and industrialization can indeed co-exist.
Girish Chowdhary
Atlanta USA.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Quals, life, and 42
You know, if the answer to everything is 42, why really bother?
Well, just as Douglous put it, You still don't know the question. That's why.
I spent most of my waking (and a lot of the sleeping) time in the last three months studying for the quals. For those of you who don't know what Quals are, I envy your quals less haven of earthly pleasure. Those of you who do, I am pretty sure have at some point have gone through it. Well, in the Layman's words, quals are those exams which people who are going to grad school all fret about and apparently feel compelled to still take while no clear benifit is seen. In a sense the Layman would be right, there is no clear benefit to be seen from passing the quals (or as some would say, in going to grad school itself), it doesn't really get you graduated, people spend years after the quals working on their research in order to graduate. All it does, is that the mighty overlords of academia allow you to be happily bound in their service for a bunch of more years in order to pursue a PhD. If you fail the quals (twice) you are set free from the bounds, deemed fit for the real world, and thrown into it.
Alas, I am unfit for the real world, a lot of time have I to be spent in low paid graduate assitanceships to study for the quals it seems. For I have passed them and been deemed to be bound...
Where is the benefit you ask, why write this post, why force yourself to be confined in a room with two professors for 55 minutes thrice in a day you say. All that I will splutter in my complete state of utter exhaustion is that you have asked the right question.
The answer of course, is still 42.
Well, just as Douglous put it, You still don't know the question. That's why.
I spent most of my waking (and a lot of the sleeping) time in the last three months studying for the quals. For those of you who don't know what Quals are, I envy your quals less haven of earthly pleasure. Those of you who do, I am pretty sure have at some point have gone through it. Well, in the Layman's words, quals are those exams which people who are going to grad school all fret about and apparently feel compelled to still take while no clear benifit is seen. In a sense the Layman would be right, there is no clear benefit to be seen from passing the quals (or as some would say, in going to grad school itself), it doesn't really get you graduated, people spend years after the quals working on their research in order to graduate. All it does, is that the mighty overlords of academia allow you to be happily bound in their service for a bunch of more years in order to pursue a PhD. If you fail the quals (twice) you are set free from the bounds, deemed fit for the real world, and thrown into it.
Alas, I am unfit for the real world, a lot of time have I to be spent in low paid graduate assitanceships to study for the quals it seems. For I have passed them and been deemed to be bound...
Where is the benefit you ask, why write this post, why force yourself to be confined in a room with two professors for 55 minutes thrice in a day you say. All that I will splutter in my complete state of utter exhaustion is that you have asked the right question.
The answer of course, is still 42.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Of Tatas and Fords
Tata is looking to take over Land Rover and Jaguar, two of the most prominent names in the luxury car industry. Land Rover used to be a market leader in Off road vehicles, you will still find some old land rovers in Darjeeling, and Deheradun, they use them to drive you up to the sunrise point. And ofcourse, the Land-Rover defender is a big name in defense automobiles.
Jaguar, on the other hand, is a fairly well known name, it is an expensive, shiny, and powerful luxury car. They are serious about the power part, I remember they had a v-12 version out once. In any case, Jags are clearly an icon in the automobile industry.
Compared to Jaguar and Land Rover, Tata has not been in the automotive business for long. You can't really say that they dominate the auto business in India either. THe Indica was a big success, but it was overshadowed by the Hyuandai Santro, the Tata Indigo has never been in the center of the limelight. But, they are a huge group of companies, invested almost everywhere in India, in almost every business. From luxury hotels like Taj, to steel plants, and Television, and what not! The Jaguar-Land Rover deal is certainly going add fair value to Tata's already super-diversified portfolio.
Ford on the other hand, seems to have been on the loosing end for a while now. They have had a lot of trouble making sales and running business here in the US. A lot of layoffs, and a lot of sell-offs. There has been a lot of talk about how Ford had over-invested in multiple Auto models in the past. I.e. they had kept coming with auto lines that were not sufficiently different than what was already in the market, or were targeted to a very small audience.
In contrast, they have been doing great in India, the Ford Icon and the Ford Flair are all but dominating the mid-size (Indian sizes) sedan market. They are blowing away competition in India by offering targeted products with fair pricing. It is interesting to note this difference in operational philosophy and its benefits for Ford.
Anyway, it seems that Ford is doing the right thing by selling of land rover and Jaguar, possibly to Tata. Although I wouldn't personally mind if Mahindra and Mahindra actually won the bid. Although Mahindra has been in the automotive market about the same time Tata has beeen, the Mahindra Scorpio has completely redefined the company's image and demonstrated that Mahindra is capable of great structural change. Although, I am not quiet sure whether Mahindra would leave Jaguar be or try and make changes after acquisition. Tata on the other hand, prefers to just accumulate companies and let them continue on with their own business.
Which raises another interesting point, a point about collective philosophies for companies. There was a time in the sweet sixties when every company wanted a stake in every business. That later gave way to streamlined portfolio optimization. In India though, most big companies seem to throw away conventional wisdom about streamlining and go head on into super - diversifying. Examples are abundant, Reliance, Tata, BPL, UB all are groups of companies that are invested in everything from airlines to cell phone networks. In an emerging market like India, this probably makes sense, if there is money to be made, these companies are making it. In a more mature market like the US, streamlining might be a better option though. Especially with the worries about the subprime lending crisis and a slow down of the US economy.
Jaguar, on the other hand, is a fairly well known name, it is an expensive, shiny, and powerful luxury car. They are serious about the power part, I remember they had a v-12 version out once. In any case, Jags are clearly an icon in the automobile industry.
Compared to Jaguar and Land Rover, Tata has not been in the automotive business for long. You can't really say that they dominate the auto business in India either. THe Indica was a big success, but it was overshadowed by the Hyuandai Santro, the Tata Indigo has never been in the center of the limelight. But, they are a huge group of companies, invested almost everywhere in India, in almost every business. From luxury hotels like Taj, to steel plants, and Television, and what not! The Jaguar-Land Rover deal is certainly going add fair value to Tata's already super-diversified portfolio.
Ford on the other hand, seems to have been on the loosing end for a while now. They have had a lot of trouble making sales and running business here in the US. A lot of layoffs, and a lot of sell-offs. There has been a lot of talk about how Ford had over-invested in multiple Auto models in the past. I.e. they had kept coming with auto lines that were not sufficiently different than what was already in the market, or were targeted to a very small audience.
In contrast, they have been doing great in India, the Ford Icon and the Ford Flair are all but dominating the mid-size (Indian sizes) sedan market. They are blowing away competition in India by offering targeted products with fair pricing. It is interesting to note this difference in operational philosophy and its benefits for Ford.
Anyway, it seems that Ford is doing the right thing by selling of land rover and Jaguar, possibly to Tata. Although I wouldn't personally mind if Mahindra and Mahindra actually won the bid. Although Mahindra has been in the automotive market about the same time Tata has beeen, the Mahindra Scorpio has completely redefined the company's image and demonstrated that Mahindra is capable of great structural change. Although, I am not quiet sure whether Mahindra would leave Jaguar be or try and make changes after acquisition. Tata on the other hand, prefers to just accumulate companies and let them continue on with their own business.
Which raises another interesting point, a point about collective philosophies for companies. There was a time in the sweet sixties when every company wanted a stake in every business. That later gave way to streamlined portfolio optimization. In India though, most big companies seem to throw away conventional wisdom about streamlining and go head on into super - diversifying. Examples are abundant, Reliance, Tata, BPL, UB all are groups of companies that are invested in everything from airlines to cell phone networks. In an emerging market like India, this probably makes sense, if there is money to be made, these companies are making it. In a more mature market like the US, streamlining might be a better option though. Especially with the worries about the subprime lending crisis and a slow down of the US economy.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Evolution theory, disporve it or shut up!
From NY times
What these people need to understand is that science is based on facts that can be rigorously tested. Based on these facts, hypotheses are made. When enough facts support a hypotheses, then it is rigorously tested in a mathematical framework. The result is a theory, which is open for disproving if it can be counter argued. Everything else is PseudoScience. That is why Religion, Astrology, occult etc. cannot be phrased as science. Although they have strict rules that govern their procedures, they are not based on fact. Infact, even psychology is close to pseudo science since direct methods for testing psychological phenomena are extremely limited.
Religion is based on beliefs, science does not entertain beliefs, it is only concerned about theories. If the creationists think that instead of slingbanging the scientists, they can actually prove creationism, or at the least disprove the theory of evolution then that's exactly what they should do. BTW. claiming that you cannot disprove creationism does not prove it.
Claiming that god made the earth and everything on it will not prove it. If you choose to believe it then that is your decision; however, you cannot tell the scientific community to change their believes. And for this exact reason, creationism should not be taught in science classes. It could be taught in theology, but not in science. No matter what the idiots do, including calling believing in evolutionary theory Darwinism, will not change the fact that science cannot be based on beliefs that can neither be tested nor be universally justified.
Scientist are seen by masses as eccentric people who are exceedingly selfish in their goals. And thats why they are subject to public isolating just like geeks are in this countries school system. Portraying of mad scientists like Dr. Jekyll has not helped the situation either. I see this as nothing but a money making attempt by Mr. Stein. Mr. Stein, you should go get a degree in evolutionary biology before you disprove it!
The film is described in its online trailer as “a startling revelation that freedom of thought and freedom of inquiry have been expelled from publicly-funded high schools, universities and research institutions.” According to its Web site, the film asserts that people in academia who see evidence of a supernatural intelligence in biological processes have unfairly lost their jobs, been denied tenure or suffered other penalties as part of a scientific conspiracy to keep God out of the nation’s laboratories and classrooms.
What these people need to understand is that science is based on facts that can be rigorously tested. Based on these facts, hypotheses are made. When enough facts support a hypotheses, then it is rigorously tested in a mathematical framework. The result is a theory, which is open for disproving if it can be counter argued. Everything else is PseudoScience. That is why Religion, Astrology, occult etc. cannot be phrased as science. Although they have strict rules that govern their procedures, they are not based on fact. Infact, even psychology is close to pseudo science since direct methods for testing psychological phenomena are extremely limited.
Religion is based on beliefs, science does not entertain beliefs, it is only concerned about theories. If the creationists think that instead of slingbanging the scientists, they can actually prove creationism, or at the least disprove the theory of evolution then that's exactly what they should do. BTW. claiming that you cannot disprove creationism does not prove it.
Claiming that god made the earth and everything on it will not prove it. If you choose to believe it then that is your decision; however, you cannot tell the scientific community to change their believes. And for this exact reason, creationism should not be taught in science classes. It could be taught in theology, but not in science. No matter what the idiots do, including calling believing in evolutionary theory Darwinism, will not change the fact that science cannot be based on beliefs that can neither be tested nor be universally justified.
Scientist are seen by masses as eccentric people who are exceedingly selfish in their goals. And thats why they are subject to public isolating just like geeks are in this countries school system. Portraying of mad scientists like Dr. Jekyll has not helped the situation either. I see this as nothing but a money making attempt by Mr. Stein. Mr. Stein, you should go get a degree in evolutionary biology before you disprove it!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
God Save the Planet
God save the planet, that is indeed the new slogan of the coming green age. The signs are already abundant in the US. Organic farms, cleaner fuels, hybrid cars, effort on public transportation, green house gas emission offset programs (you can pay for the gas that your activities emit, the money is used for fostering green activities), recycling, carsharing/pooling, and a helluva lotta other things!
The green age is coming, whether you like it or not! I've decided that I am going to like it!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Why do we need an Enigma
This blog is in response to this article posted on crickinfo:
It is strange how Tendulkar is always under barrage whether he performs or not, I remember learning in my History lectures that Mahatma Gandhi was a great Enigma of the Independence struggle. People looked at him in admiration and drew their courage from him. There was a man afraid of nothing, a man with faith in others , a man so selfishly selfless. Its almost like Sachin has become the new enigma of cricket.
He is on print everyday, no matter what he does. If he doesn't score the press goes ballistic and questions his form and talent, the media pleads to remove him from the team. If he scores, like he did in Belfast, people keep on saying he is not the Tendulkar they saw, he has lost his charm, his form, and "age has taken its toll on Tendulkar".
Well, do these people really expect Sachin to play exactly like he used to when he was 18, I mean who does that? Does the writer run behind girls exactly like he used to when he was 18? Does he run uphill as fast as he could have when he was 18? Vigour and energy seem to pass as we grow older, but our experience and maturity grow.
I would call Tendulkar's inning on Monday a very matured and responsible innings of class. He knew he had to stay, he knew that Gambhir and Gangully had fallen short of their target. He defended 16 bolls to the dot because he wanted to absolutely make sure that he was going to be there and complement Dravid. He knew that this was not the time to play carelessly, he was on the 2 down spot, a spot where temperament serves you better than flamboyancy.
I though Sachin played a marvelous inning, I hope he keeps playing like that throughout this summer.
It is strange how Tendulkar is always under barrage whether he performs or not, I remember learning in my History lectures that Mahatma Gandhi was a great Enigma of the Independence struggle. People looked at him in admiration and drew their courage from him. There was a man afraid of nothing, a man with faith in others , a man so selfishly selfless. Its almost like Sachin has become the new enigma of cricket.
He is on print everyday, no matter what he does. If he doesn't score the press goes ballistic and questions his form and talent, the media pleads to remove him from the team. If he scores, like he did in Belfast, people keep on saying he is not the Tendulkar they saw, he has lost his charm, his form, and "age has taken its toll on Tendulkar".
Well, do these people really expect Sachin to play exactly like he used to when he was 18, I mean who does that? Does the writer run behind girls exactly like he used to when he was 18? Does he run uphill as fast as he could have when he was 18? Vigour and energy seem to pass as we grow older, but our experience and maturity grow.
I would call Tendulkar's inning on Monday a very matured and responsible innings of class. He knew he had to stay, he knew that Gambhir and Gangully had fallen short of their target. He defended 16 bolls to the dot because he wanted to absolutely make sure that he was going to be there and complement Dravid. He knew that this was not the time to play carelessly, he was on the 2 down spot, a spot where temperament serves you better than flamboyancy.
I though Sachin played a marvelous inning, I hope he keeps playing like that throughout this summer.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The monkey army is back at it again
With all these hopes about a deregularized, liberal India, I hear this...
http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/285
Shivsena is back to its monkeying around again. I am beginning to
despise shiv sena, it is exactly such egocentric, blocked,
underground, radical mentality that stands in India's progress. First
were the evening venues (Thousand oaks etc), then valentines day,
then the cricket matches, now it is the internet and the web cafe
owners. How are honest hardworking people supposed to make a decent
living when such radical people go barraging through their means of
livelihood. SHiv sena should be banned and out casted, it is nothing
but a perpetrator of organized religious radicalism. The word that comes to mind is the
religious mafia!
Who gave them the right to butt into people's lives and dictate what
they are thinking? Who are they to be the "self proclaimed moral police" if they cannot
even handle their own rage?
http://www.newstrackindia.com
Shivsena is back to its monkeying around again. I am beginning to
despise shiv sena, it is exactly such egocentric, blocked,
underground, radical mentality that stands in India's progress. First
were the evening venues (Thousand oaks etc), then valentines day,
then the cricket matches, now it is the internet and the web cafe
owners. How are honest hardworking people supposed to make a decent
living when such radical people go barraging through their means of
livelihood. SHiv sena should be banned and out casted, it is nothing
but a perpetrator of organized religious radicalism. The word that comes to mind is the
religious mafia!
Who gave them the right to butt into people's lives and dictate what
they are thinking? Who are they to be the "self proclaimed moral police" if they cannot
even handle their own rage?
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Procrastination
That's what I have been doing in the past few weeks. So many things have happened, I guess I should have at least said a word or two.
India has finally won the revenge series, proving once again our tigers roar really loudly at home. If nothing else, I would take the comeback of Sachin and Ganguly to be a good sign. Also that Jaffer and Karthink played is reassuring.
The markets have done the yoyo, but they seem pretty stable from this view right now. There has been a lot of talk about the consumer durables sector in India, and why it is not flourishing. Before putting the blame on marketing, I think quality, pricing and supply strategies should be properly analyzed. Durables like washing machine and dishwashers are competing in India with Kaam Waali bais, a human against a machine is tough competition. One way to overcome is to improve quality, or if that's not that easy then educate the bais in the use of washing machines, give them some free. Make them use it, and they will force their memsaabs to use it.
In the meanwhile, WALMART's entry is confirmed. FMCG sector should boom. Kingfisher buys Airdeccan stake. Airdeccan is a great company, they are taking risky risks in these turbulent times. You gotta give it to them. Partnering with Mallaya the king is definitely a win win situation for both of them.
I have been taking two very interesting math classes this summer. Hilbert spaces and analysis, but more on that on independent posts.
India has finally won the revenge series, proving once again our tigers roar really loudly at home. If nothing else, I would take the comeback of Sachin and Ganguly to be a good sign. Also that Jaffer and Karthink played is reassuring.
The markets have done the yoyo, but they seem pretty stable from this view right now. There has been a lot of talk about the consumer durables sector in India, and why it is not flourishing. Before putting the blame on marketing, I think quality, pricing and supply strategies should be properly analyzed. Durables like washing machine and dishwashers are competing in India with Kaam Waali bais, a human against a machine is tough competition. One way to overcome is to improve quality, or if that's not that easy then educate the bais in the use of washing machines, give them some free. Make them use it, and they will force their memsaabs to use it.
In the meanwhile, WALMART's entry is confirmed. FMCG sector should boom. Kingfisher buys Airdeccan stake. Airdeccan is a great company, they are taking risky risks in these turbulent times. You gotta give it to them. Partnering with Mallaya the king is definitely a win win situation for both of them.
I have been taking two very interesting math classes this summer. Hilbert spaces and analysis, but more on that on independent posts.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
The truth behind the A380 and the fall of Indian Journalism
Journalism used to be about research and finding the facts. Today's Indian journalism seems to be nothing but a race to churn out stories and a thirst to cover maximum stuff. This has resulted in a great lack of quality, comparable to that from the Indian soap-opera industry! Not everything is covered, and complete justice is not given to an article.
Take this article for example: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/A_hot-air_plane/articleshow/2039417.cms
The author makes the point that the recent A380 is as "revolutionary as a new Nike shoe"
This type of statement will make the blood of every true to his core aerospace engineer's blood boil. If I were working for Airbus, I would sue this guy. Judging by mere appearances is not the way to look at complex integrated systems such as aircraft. And the aircraft are there to serve a purpose not to satisfy the whim for something new.
The modern airliners have not changed their basic specific shape because it is a result of sequential optimization. The current shape has evolved over a series of radical shapes since it is the most efficient, manageable, and optimal shape. I do not see the point in pointing at Airbus for not coming up with a radical new design, I mean the designs for buses have not radically changed in the past either. We still have buses with four wheels and a monoque chases.
The term of trade in aerosoapce, especially in European aerospace is innovation, the art of taking calculated risks for increasing efficiency. The real innovation in the A380 starts at the cockpit and ends below the engine cowling.
The A380 has the most modern avionics suite with innovative new design concepts such as achieving the redundancy of 3 independent data buses using only two independent data buses with cross talking capability instead of the traditional three buses. This results in enormous weight saving considering that an average airliner has 171 miles of wiring! Add to that constant engine monitoring from ground stations, centralized processing, etc etc and you get the picture.
Hence before passing the judgment on the innovation that A380 brings to the Aerospace industry, we need to go below mere appearances and look at the airliner as a n integrated system!
Take this article for example: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/A_hot-air_plane/articleshow/2039417.cms
The author makes the point that the recent A380 is as "revolutionary as a new Nike shoe"
This type of statement will make the blood of every true to his core aerospace engineer's blood boil. If I were working for Airbus, I would sue this guy. Judging by mere appearances is not the way to look at complex integrated systems such as aircraft. And the aircraft are there to serve a purpose not to satisfy the whim for something new.
The modern airliners have not changed their basic specific shape because it is a result of sequential optimization. The current shape has evolved over a series of radical shapes since it is the most efficient, manageable, and optimal shape. I do not see the point in pointing at Airbus for not coming up with a radical new design, I mean the designs for buses have not radically changed in the past either. We still have buses with four wheels and a monoque chases.
The term of trade in aerosoapce, especially in European aerospace is innovation, the art of taking calculated risks for increasing efficiency. The real innovation in the A380 starts at the cockpit and ends below the engine cowling.
The A380 has the most modern avionics suite with innovative new design concepts such as achieving the redundancy of 3 independent data buses using only two independent data buses with cross talking capability instead of the traditional three buses. This results in enormous weight saving considering that an average airliner has 171 miles of wiring! Add to that constant engine monitoring from ground stations, centralized processing, etc etc and you get the picture.
Hence before passing the judgment on the innovation that A380 brings to the Aerospace industry, we need to go below mere appearances and look at the airliner as a n integrated system!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Net_surfing_socialising_cost_Indian_cos/articleshow/1934163.cms
"Net surfing and socializing costs Indian companies about 8hrs per employee per month!"
What a blatant claim, blaming internet is not going to increase efficiencies in offices! The only way to increase efficiency in office is to get the employees interested in what they are doing. SUch type of "The office is a prision" mentality will never let a company come out on top.
I mean, before there was internet, did employees never waste time? SO maybe the corporations will think of banning coffe breaks and, news papers, and even casual comminication within employees!
The problem with many corporation managment strategies is that they rely too much on non radical ideas. The only companies that have risen above their competition are the ones who could think out of the box. Google is an excellent example. Microsoft has gotten started with a couple of people wearing Bermuda pants and geeky Tshirts. Are you telling me that Bill Gates or the other highly paid CEO (supposedly highly paid due to their efficiency) never surf the web?
The most innovative research is done in Universities by Grad students who spend hours and hours procrastinating in front of the computer (e.g. Yours Truly). It is infact believed that most grad students spend more time on their computers surfing than actually working. But its fine, since procrastination has its powers. Four hours of it can get you ready for two hours of solid research output then its worth it!
All I am saying is that, there is no point in trying to stifle people from doing what they love to do. India Inc. needs to think outside of the box. Get your employee to be interested to come to work the next day, and that will stop all your problems of attrition and inefficiency.
"Net surfing and socializing costs Indian companies about 8hrs per employee per month!"
What a blatant claim, blaming internet is not going to increase efficiencies in offices! The only way to increase efficiency in office is to get the employees interested in what they are doing. SUch type of "The office is a prision" mentality will never let a company come out on top.
I mean, before there was internet, did employees never waste time? SO maybe the corporations will think of banning coffe breaks and, news papers, and even casual comminication within employees!
The problem with many corporation managment strategies is that they rely too much on non radical ideas. The only companies that have risen above their competition are the ones who could think out of the box. Google is an excellent example. Microsoft has gotten started with a couple of people wearing Bermuda pants and geeky Tshirts. Are you telling me that Bill Gates or the other highly paid CEO (supposedly highly paid due to their efficiency) never surf the web?
The most innovative research is done in Universities by Grad students who spend hours and hours procrastinating in front of the computer (e.g. Yours Truly). It is infact believed that most grad students spend more time on their computers surfing than actually working. But its fine, since procrastination has its powers. Four hours of it can get you ready for two hours of solid research output then its worth it!
All I am saying is that, there is no point in trying to stifle people from doing what they love to do. India Inc. needs to think outside of the box. Get your employee to be interested to come to work the next day, and that will stop all your problems of attrition and inefficiency.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Welcome the magnormous Indian Cricket Idol
Subhash Chandra’s grand plan on starting up a complementing home cricket league are to be applauded. Its success is going to be huge, if simple reality shows like Bigg Boss or Indian Idol can machaofy dhoom in India, then a cricket championship with $1million in the looting will be the biggest hit of all time! Get your hands on in the action, buy the shares of whoever who wants to go with this thing. Any TV channel that is going to have the rights to this is going to make big money (its Zee most likely right now).
I am truly happy about the ICL, we have needed this thing for a long time, and I have been crying about it on my blog since India lost.
The boost to Indian cricket through supplying them with players is one thing (its probably going to take some time), but cricket starved Indian public is going to jump on this, and cricket viewer starved Indian corporations are going to roll big money. With the economy in the state it is right now, it almost seems that the first and foremost effect of the ICL will be a big boost to the sport-economy of India.
I am truly happy about the ICL, we have needed this thing for a long time, and I have been crying about it on my blog since India lost.
The boost to Indian cricket through supplying them with players is one thing (its probably going to take some time), but cricket starved Indian public is going to jump on this, and cricket viewer starved Indian corporations are going to roll big money. With the economy in the state it is right now, it almost seems that the first and foremost effect of the ICL will be a big boost to the sport-economy of India.
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