Book of the Month: Nickel and dimed

http://www.amazon.com/Nickel-Dimed-Not-Getting-America/dp/0805088385/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230536381&sr=8-1
This is an absolute must read! The author goes undercover to discover the plight of low wage workers in America. I read this over Christmas in 3 days and after reading it, I appreciate what I have and the life style that I enjoy! After reading it, I have this great urge to help the less fortunate. My 2009's new year resolution is to do something to the 10's of millions of Americans who can't even make a decent living. I will write about it next year when I have actually done something.

Stay tuned

Is there any hope for peace?

Destruction continues in Gaza

Is there any hope for peace? I sure think not since the Israel/palentine conflict has evolved beyond the fight for the land. Many in the world would want the status quo for their benefit. This includes US, Arab nations and european nations as well.

As for the events that are un-folding, it seems that Israel's response seems appropriate given the barrage of rockets fired into Israel though there were no human casualities.
UPDATE: It looks like the jury is out there on who broke the ceasefire. I cannot believe so many failed to mention this.


But viewing the recent escalation with a narrow time scale actually makes palentinians look bad which I refuse to do. I still strongly believe that the conflict can be resolved by Israel any time by dismantling the Israeli settlements in the occupied territory and moving back to 1967 borders as UN mandated (and Israel has chosen to ignore UN resolutions against it till to date). I strongly believe that palentinians have the right to fight for their land which is theirs just as Israel is defending its territory.

Can President elect Obama make peace in middle east? I really doubt it. All he can do or would do is to try and dis-entangle US from the complicated conflict and restore faith as an honest broker. Then it would be up to Israel to negotiate its terms. I pray for that day and would do anything in my capacity to contribute to that in a right full way.

Waterfall printer

Simply amazing

Not a dime to Salvation Army!

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-text-dynamic-arrays/B6F3F4DF3150F5B585257434004C177D?openDocument
[If the above link does not work, it is under "What we believe"->"Position Statements"]

I simply assumed that SA is a non-profit organization that help people in need whoever they are. Having had the opportunity to read their positions on anything (especially abortion, homo sexuality, pornography etc), I am simply taking my donations elsewhere.

The biblical/scripture references scare me really! What is the need for SA to take a stand? I don't know and until then, good bye.

A decade for housing prices to recover?

http://i.usatoday.net/news/graphics/housing_prices/home_prices.pdf

I am little bit more optimistic than that. In fact, the usa today report is the worst case scenario IMO. My prediction is that the housing market will start the recovery in 2010 as the economy rebounds.

Obama's rumoured Energy secretary pick

It is said that understanding the problem gets you half way there into solving the problem. This guy knows what he is talking about and he has scars to prove it.

Exhibit A

We have passed the point of no return in climate physics where crucial action, critical thinking and understanding/acknowleding the problem is more important than ever. And he is the guy w/o the political background. Lets give scientist a chance.

I pray that Obama taps him as the rumour goes.

I just feel sorry for this guy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7782774.stm

What has happended to America's pride? Where is the respect we had? How could one guy destroy everything we have accumulated over decades? I feel sorry and feel pity for the guy who after the incident says he doesn't care about the incident or the incident does not tell anything!

I really wish he had not run for the second term! Because I can't watch another human being humilaited like this! I at this point sympathize for this guy in my heart and be left in peace.

I feel sorry for Mr.President

However much I hate him, I don't think it is appropriate to deny him a photo-op.

Need Anti-Virus or not

Story: http://gizmodo.com/5100996/false-alarm-apple-mac-os-x-anti+virus-recommendation-is-old

If Apple claims that the story is old, was it needed before then? What changed?

I think Apple is going to be in denial for a long time and would only acknowledge in the eleventh hour and do something about it. Sounds familier? Microsoft is there if you need an example.

What the f#$@ is wrong with Apple?

http://gizmodo.com/5101110/apple-no-reasonable-person-should-trust-their-marketing

I would expect any respectable company to be reasonable with their claims. Just because it is an Ad does not mean you can say what you want. I wish the rules are as strict as in U.K where Apple for the second time had to pull out iPhone 3G ads.

"Raised without Antibiotics" contraversy

"Always read the fine print" they say. In this case, one would have to interpret the word "Raised" to mean what it actually means. Giving antibiotics before the chickens hatch don't count.



Full scoop here

A case for contraception

Not very obvious in the video lecture. But it is apparent to any careful observer that the professor makes the case for Contraception and small families which goes against the hard-right wing's philosophies.

Tim Minchin - If You Open Your Mind Too Much...

Rate of returns for your stock market investments - Republicans Vs Democrats

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/10/14/opinion/20081014_OPCHART.html?

You are a douchebag McCain

In the last & final debate, McCain was talking and stressing about not taking the low road for highest office in the land. What does he do next day?

Spreading rumors as if it were the truth. Very disgusting. He is 1000% not getting our votes and the people I have spoken to. Everyone is disguested as well

Obama - The great standup comedian!

It is not easy to do comedy. Ask me and I have tried and failed. Timing is everything and Obama does an excellent job!

The Blue Eyes/Brows Eyes social experiment - A lesson on discrimination

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/video/flv/generic.html?s=frol02p66&continuous=1

I sometimes have to wonder how in the god's name, U.S.A having the dark chapters in its history proudly once proclaimed that "All men are equal". What were the founders thinking?

The Logical Solution to the Civil Union vs. Marriage Debate

It is a wonderful suggestion! I am really behind this

http://dmiessler.com/blog/the-logical-solution-to-the-civil-union-vs-marriage-debate

The answer is so simple that it may temporarily disorient you.

• Civil unions are a government function
• Marriage is a church function

In other words, civil unions declare that two people are unified according to the government, e.g. taxes, insurance, etc., while marriage declares two people united within a specific religious context.

These are separate things.

We existing marriages should become civil unions, and governments should proceed from here with granting future civil unions. And if someone would also like to get married, either before or after entering into a civil union, is another matter entirely.

Governments decide if you can civilly unite (which should be allowed for both hetro and gay couples), while the church the couple goes to should maintain the right to deny them a marriage if it goes against that churches religious views. If the couple doesn’t like it they’re free to choose another church.

In short, churches don’t tell governments who can civilly unite, and governments don’t tell churches who they can marry. That’s the true spirit of the separation of church and state.

Peter Schiff was right on the money - This time on 2008 recession in 2006

How the markets really work?

Very funny but true!

A public servant managing $700 billion wants no accountability!

Only in USA folks! Below is the text from the draft proposal:

Sec. 8. Review.Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.

Full story at http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2008/09/700-billion-bailout-proposal.html

My problem with BillO and other stupid ass conservatives

Conservatives are the ones who is supposed to understand the constitution and the law better! But some of the most outspoken defenders don't know jackass about some of the basic differences!

Frankly, I had the understanding which is same as what Megyn had. Watch for yourself

Republicans Vs. Democrats

To me the contrast is Liars Vs. Realists.

It looks like our Republican friends used actors to show a video in RNC instead of actual footage. Where as CBSNew confirmed it did not find any fake images or videos at DNC

More on the story at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/04/cbsnews_investigates/main4415886.shtml

Why isn't Palin coming clean?

I don't know how much to trust these rumors. It sucks to have this much attention on your child and having to prove that it is hers indeed. I wouldn't want to be in that position ever.

But whether she likes it or not, she is running for the second highest position in the nation. So some amount of scrutiny is expected. I wonder why she isn't forthcoming with the medical records to stop the rumor once for all?

On the other hand, if it is true that she waited for nearly 24 hours after her water broke to travel to her rural town to give birth fuels the rumors even more. Why didn't she get admitted in one of the Houston hospitals where facilities are better? Only God knows and he isn't going to come down and help anyone.

Way to go Obama! Way to go America

I got very emotional. I had tears running down my cheek both yesterday and today. "The promise of America" is nothing but best put about what I like about America. People often mistake what America stands for. It is not the culture or other things but it is the sprit and the foundation it is built upon.

But I am also very sad to see those taken away in recent times. I don't think the America can tolerate 4 more years of Bush policies nor does the World.

Vote for Obama, vote for the promise of America and vote for a better tomorrow.

I just don’t know about this Obama fellow

Original source: http://politicalirony.com/2008/08/24/i-just-dont-know-about-this-obama-fellow/






So you might ask if we should elect another idiot just because we already had made a mistake. The answer is Obama has a far better IQ than Mr.Bush and seems to think with his brain rather than with his guts or penis. Obama would be a much better choice compared to Mr.Bush IMHO.

Books of the month

I found some time to read 2 books in the last one month. Finding time is unusual when you have a full time Microsoft job and 2 very active kids. But I squeezed time here and there and I am glad I picked both of the following books.

No Tech Hacking
Really opened me up to the world of possibilities. Sure I knew about Social engineering attacks etc. But who knew social engineering field was this broad? The Author touches upon the wider world of physical security and its flaws as well. We often talk about how a chain is as strong as the weakest link. And we software folks often discuss only about securing software in terms of cyber attacks. But humans as always are the weakest links in any security chain and shows how armed with nothing, he could penetrate a network or gain access to where he shouldn't be. Good read.

2. Upgrade Your Life: The Lifehacker Guide to Working Smarter, Faster, Better
This is a very quick to read and at the same time, will make you so productive. I have started applying some of the suggestions and ROI is as promised. This books is also available online at http://www.lifehackerbook.com/.

Enjoy!

Is it true about Obama?

All said and done, I still like Obama as opposed to any other candidate as he stands tall and high. Though it is all words at this point from Obama, I sincerely hope we would see a better president.

I saw this video on youtube which was really excellent. I wonder why real advertisements from Obama camp doesn't use things like this!?

Einstein's Puzzle

You know I love good puzzles (not the kind that is a trick question or has multiple answers). Someone at work sent me this puzzle and I solved it in less than 30 minutes. Give it a try...

FACTS OF THE PUZZLE
1. There are five houses in five different colours.
2. In each house lives a person of a different nationality.
3. These five owners drink a certain beverage, smoke a certain brand ofcigarette and keep a certain pet.
4. No owners have the same pet, smoke the same brand of smoke or drinkthe same drink.

HINTS
1. The Brit lives in the red house.
2. The Swede keeps dogs as pets.
3. The Dane drinks tea.
4. The green house is on the left of the white house.
5. The green house owner drinks coffee.
6. The person who smokes Pall Mall rears birds.
7. The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill.
8. The man living in the house right in the center drinks milk.
9. The Norwegian lives in the first house.
10. The man who smokes Blend lives next to the one who keeps cats.
11. The man who keeps horses lives next to the man who smokes Dunhill.
12. The owner who smokes Blue Master drinks beer.
13. The German smokes Prince.
14. The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.
15. The man who smokes Blend has a neighbour who drinks water.

The question is: WHO OWNS FISH?

Books of the Month

It was a bookful month for me.

In Search of Stupidity: Over Twenty Years of High Tech Marketing Disasters, Second Edition by Merrill R. (Rick) Chapman
It was an excellent, fun to read book. This book is also a good guide to understanding a bit of tech/computer industry and its evolution. What makes this book a must read is due to the fact that the author had worked for the companies he talks about in the book during those times.

The Extreme Future: The Top Trends That Will Reshape the World for the Next 5, 10, and 20 Years by James Canton
Either this book is way out of my league or not that great. The writing style and/or the way it was laid out was part of the issue. Some of the areas/ideas presented in the book was obvious and has been talked about quite extensively. For example, sites like http://www.futureforall.org/ talk about most of the areas that the author talks about. One of the things I found it interesting in the book was the author's predictions about the future. But then if you know about sites like http://www.longbets.org/, then it isn't that unique. If you some time to burn, pick this and read.

Ticking timebomb, a Red herring?

It is and you better believe it. If you don't watch the interview with Jack Cloonan at http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4193 and tell me if you still think it happens in real world!

Here is one more reason to Hate Hillary more

Since day 1, I liked Obama and wanted him to be the next president. There are many reasons behind and I arrived at the candidate logically. One of the main critisism against Obama is that he does not have any experience. So what has Hillary's "experience" accomplished? Hit the following link and read for yourself
In 2 years as a Senator, Obama authored 152 bills - Hillary: 20 in 6 years

The main reason I dislike Hillary is because she is not for change. She is the same old stuff you will get from any Democrat or republican. She is very divisive as well.

Vote for Obama and change America's reputation. As a bonus, America would have proven to the World that it is the land of opportunities with Sky as the limit and the land of the free.

Can any other presential candidate come any closer to Dr.Paul on the understanding of the economy?

I think not. We only have economic dummies running for Presidents who have no clue except saying tax cuts are good. My only problem is that I don't agree with Paul on social issues. Otherwise he would have been my favorite

I chose column A long time ago. Which one are you?

This argument makes perfect sense to me. I had come to a similar conclusion a long time ago. I asked similar question when I had to pick. What was the worst thing that could happen if we were wrong about global climate change? To me the answer was clear. It was cleaner air, investments in renewable energy like solar, wind (all the other resources are finite BTW), less trashing of earth with wiser consumption of our limited resources. This is like paying for an insurance for something that may happen to you in the future. It sure costs money upfront and most of the time, you don't get a penny back even if you never filed a claim.




You may ask if I am all talk and no walk. I do act. Have a hybrid that gives me 45MPG on the average, buy green power from my utility, use re-usable cups, plates as much as possible. I have also made many small life style changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator and choosing to walk for short distances and of taking the car or something else. I reduced my home temparature by a few degrees which result in cost savings. Cook at home more often which otherwise means driving to a restaurent etc. Buy food in bigger quantities rather than bite size containers. Also don't remember the last time I used paper. I can go on and on.

End result is that I am making myself more healthier and I am not losing on anything except making good choices. You should too consider that.