Monday, June 25, 2007

ENTRAPMENT

One fine day you decide to buy something. Say, a Dish TV connection. Wow! The lure of the age of DVD quality digital images, Direct to Home service, most importantly freedom to choose what you want to watch and what not, and to be part of the new age bandwagon. Ah! Satisfaction defined.

On second thought, it is not much of a freedom of choice kind of thing either. I mean, come on, I am ok with 10 music channels and another 10 sports channels. But when did I claim I want to watch all those channels in all those languages don’t have the slightest clue of. Hell, I don’t even know which language it is in. And I am paying for it.

That was, however, a digression. So you have decided to buy a new Dish TV connection (could also be a Tata Sky one). Great. But like me you are too lazy to explore the dealers in your locality. Well, you want to, but not physically. Like me, you log on to the net and check out the details in their site and keep looking for a series of numbers which will establish your connection with further laziness. And then you actually get the 1-800 number, supposedly toll free.

Well, the moment you get THE NUMBER, 90 percent of your work is done. The rest 10 percent is to write the cheque, for they believe in providing a package solution, where all you literally do is write that cheque. But hold on, not too fast, you have just got their number. YOU NEED TO CALL THEM.

You do that.

Entrapment.

Hello, I am Vikas from ….., how may I help you?

Errrr, hi,….errrr I was hoping to collect some information about the packages errrrrr ……….. schemes and offers ……errrrrrrr…….dealers near me…… errrrr, could you please help me in this regard

Ya surely
, says the bright voice from nowhere, may I have your name please

Yes, my name is Ranjan

Ranjan, right – sounding absolutely nasal on the R

Yes.

Ranjan, may I have your number please

Ya it is XXXXXXXXXX - - what the hell for????????????????

And then my friend Vikas explains to me everything about the product and where and how I can get it. A friend in need is a friend indeed!

I am now happy, I know everything I need to know. And I make the contacts and proceed to get the new connection. The next day, Vikas’s friend calls to ask me what I have thought about the new connection and I happily inform him that I will get the connection in two or three days’ time.

The following day, another friend of Vikas (it so turns out that he has got many), calls to find out, and I inform her that I am getting the connection within the next two days. One day was lost because of a Sunday. The following day another of his friends’ calls up to inform me about the new schemes and which spell BLISS for me. I inform this friend that my dealer has already told me about it and it also turns out that I know more about the scheme than the caller. By the way, I have already opted for that scheme.

That same evening, another friend, or perhaps of one of the previous ones, I lost track, calls up to inform me about the schemes. I try to be polite but fail. Sarcasm starts creeping into the conversation. Yet the call ends on a polite note.

Next morning, I again receive a call from a similar number. I reject the call.

Instead I call up my dealer and ask him to cancel my booking.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Not Again

Yes, it is official. President APJ Abdul Kalam will not seek a second term as the President of this wonderful country. He had been insisting on certainty of victory, and the equation didn't look favorable. Here's an analysis of the votes from http://www.ndtv.com/

If everyone votes along party lines, the votes are lined up as follows.The UNPA votes, which are already committed for Kalam, add up to 1,06,281 votes.

If the NDA throws its weight behind Kalam, and that doesn't seem likely at present, that's another 3,54,689 votes. This would mean a total of some 4,60,970 votes.

But the Congress-Left combine, which has proposed Pratibha Patil for President, already controls a majority - a total of around 5,70,000 votes.

So for Kalam to win, he will have to get about 55,000 votes from legislators that are part of the UPA-Left combine.


This was clearly not happening. And hence the decision not to contest.

Scan the internet and you will see countless messages, comments, appeals, etc, urging President Kalam to continue. Alas! As the sad tales of politics will have it. Mrs. Patil is on song and will grace the Rashtrapati Bhavan for the next five years. However, the opposing parties are already digging for information to malign her reputation and credibility. Here's a story from Rediff

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

The Race to The Rashtrapati Bhavan

The race to the Presidency is heating up. INC’s Pratibha Patil has announced that she will not be a rubber-stamp President, if elected. The NDA has come up with B. S. Shekhawat as their candidate, whereas the Third Front would only support the current incumbent.

President Kalam has already stated that he will not contest against Mrs. Patil. That, however, does not clarify whether he is willing to contest against someone else, say, Shekhawat. Shekhawat has announced that he is unwilling to contest the election if President Kalam wants to continue and there is consensus on his (President Kalam’s) candidature. Amidst all of these Mrs. Patil is embroiled in a minor controversy relating to her comments on purdah. Interestingly, BJP would support President Kalam if he agrees.

However, the President is elected by the Electoral College comprising members already elected by the people. Hence it just boils down to a show of strength of the different political parties. With the Indian National Congress in the losing side in the recent Uttar Pradesh State elections, it would have been easier to surmise that it would be difficult for Congress to have its way during the election of the President. However, as politics would have it, the ruling party in Uttar Pradesh has kept the race open.

Clearly, the strength of the Indian National Congress has been sliding since the last General Elections. They would do well to consolidate their position in some of the states. Also the Pay Commission’s recommendations are pending. The direction and quantum of change will become a key factor when the next General Elections become due.

Till then, it appears very difficult for Congress to get a consensus or easy election for their candidate. However, the antipathy that they have for the present incumbent will ensure that he doesn’t get a second term.

Yet I wish that President Kalam continues into his second term as the President of India.

Evening and Night Scene

Staying at the hotel right opposite Kalna Bus Stand, provided me an opportunty to click the same place under two different light conditions. Loved the result!
Kalna bus stand

Monday, June 18, 2007

SEEDS OF DOUBT!!!

Opinions! I agree that everyone has one, but I think a line needs to be drawn somewhere. Ever since my doctor advised Septoplasty, I have been collecting all kinds of information relating to the surgery and was preparing myself for the surgery, mentally. But at the back of my mind, I knew someone would come forward and advise me against it. Now that lands me in a mess.

Although my friends and family have been providing me all the support I needed, a senior colleague from work called up yesterday and advised me against the surgery. His logic was that it doesn’t solve the problem and the breathing problems recur. That’s the inception of CONFUSION.

Clear analytical thinking dictates that I continue to be advised by my doctor(s) and not by any other person (especially not ones without degrees in medicine). But how can I ignore the earnest tone forbidding me to go ahead. He may not be a doctor, but he claims to have seen many patients suffering even after Septoplasty. At the same time, all ENT specialists are surgeons. The laws of economics - the science of incentives would prompt them to coax as many patients as possible for any kind of surgery whereas the patient’s focus is clearly to get well as soon as possible with minimum or no side effects nor chances or recurrence; of course, at the least expense. Analyzing such conflicting objectives could really mess up one’s mind and even more so when the result has a direct consequence on your own health, literally.

The rethinking process has to wait. As of now I have decided not to ignore any option and prepare mentally for the surgery and during the interim period, reach out to others who have similar problems, have undergone Septoplasty and collect all kinds of information on the procedure with an emphasis on its success rate.

I would really be grateful to anyone who could help me in this regard either personally or by providing internet searches and articles. Please mail me at ranjan.saraswati@gmail.com

Election to the Presidency

The President of India is about to be elected soon. The prime contenders who have emerged the last two weeks of political drama are the Congress candidate Mrs. Pratibha Patil who is currently the Governor of Rajasthan and the Third Front candidate President Kalam. BJP and its alliances are yet to come out with their candidate or support for any one of these two illustrious personalities.

Most political analysts had written off President Kalam’s second term. Well, he wasn’t very popular with the current leadership at the Centre. He doesn’t believe in being a rubber stamp President, he has his opinion and chooses to voice it. In the last four years he has been the people’s President, a man so humble, yet so great. I would personally love to see him in the Office of the President of India for another term.

No offence, however, is meant to Mrs. Patil, Governor of Rajasthan, nor her candidature. Maybe next time. And no offence to women either. The Congress party may think that having a woman President would solve its problems and would serve as a means to show respect to women. Undoubtedly! But passing the Women’s Reservation Bill would make a much bigger difference in the lives of thousands of women across the country. Why have they been stalling it?

Personally, I stand apolitical. But the love and respect that President Kalam commands, forces me to write this bit and stand by him.
You can find more information about the President here and here

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Kalna's Temples

Right across the street, on the opposite side, one would find these temples in a large enclosed compound. Once again the maintencance is impressive. Both these areas are under the administration of the Archaelogical Survey of India















108 SHIV TEMPLES OF KALNA

My recent tour to Kalna was fascinating. Nirmalya took me along to a this place where there were 108 Shiv Temples adjacent to each other. Built in 1809, these brick temples are the surrounding lawns are too well maintained. The maintenance is really impressive.













Sayan's Pictures continued - Belly dancing

On a desert safari, Sayan was amazed by some beautiful belly dancing





Sayan's Pictures continued

These are my favorite pitures from Sayan's collection




Monday, June 11, 2007

SAD TWIST TO MY STORY

Last evening I had an appointment with my doctor. He found that there was some improvement in both the nostrils, but the deviation inthe nasal septum was such that it will continue to impede airflow and cause problems. He suggested an operation - Septoplasty. Though the name may sound great, the procedure isn't. Here's what i found from wikipedia:

Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure done to straighten the nasal septum - the partition between the two nasal cavities. Ideally, the septum should run down the center of the nose. When it deviates into one of the cavities, it narrows that cavity and impedes airflow. Nasal obstructions caused by serious deviations frequently lead to chronic sinus problems. Turbinate reduction may also be advised to further enlarge the nasal cavities. Most surgeries are completed in 90 minutes or less, not including recovery time.

Because the deviation is a result of a cartilage surplus, the procedure usually involves an excision of a portion of that tissue. Under general or local anesthesia, the surgeon works through the nostrils, making an incision in the lining of the septum to reach the cartilage targeted in the operation. Before the crooked portions of the cartilage can be excised, the cartilage must first be separated from the bony structures beneath it. After excess cartilage has been taken out, the septum may then be secured to the bone with small plastic elements, splints, or sutures.

The nasal cavities are then packed with a special material, and a piece of gauze is taped underneath the nose to absorb blood. Postoperative care includes frequent changing of this gauze (roughly every hour or so) and after a complete day, the excess bleeding normally stops and the inner nasal packing may be removed. The following day, saline irrigations of the nasal cavities are required, and it is only now that a patient is allowed to gently blow his/her nose. After approximately four days, patients can then blow their nose normally.

Patients typically regain about 80% of their energy one week after surgery, and make a full recovery after one month.
To know about Septoplasty click here
To know more about Sleep apnea click here

NEW TWIST TO THE FORD STORY

Just a couple of days back Kent's Graham Ford was selected as the Coach of the Indian Cricket Team and was offered a contract for a year.

All was fine. Until now. News has just come in that he has declined the offer! Thank you Mr. Ford. Spare Indian Cricket your ignominy.

Ford said in a website -

I am very grateful to the club for allowing me to go to India to find out more about the job of coaching the Indian team.

I have had a chance to reflect on the offer made by the BCCI and their urgency to fill the vacant position and after careful consideration, I have decided to continue my work here at Kent. This has been a really difficult decision.

I am honoured that India have shown such interest in my capabilities, but feel that this is the right decision for me and my family.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Sayan's Pictures

Here's how Sayan captured WEATHER on his mobile camera. Love these............
The Norwesters hitting the City of Joy - Kolkata



Sayan the Sheikh

Sayan is my friend. If you have been following my blog, you would know him from out Bakkhali trip. The real connection is much older and much sweeter than words or logic can describe.

This and the next four posts are dedicated to this wonderful friend of mine, who has decided that blogging is not for him. So i had a word with him and decided to showcase some of his pictures here in my blog. He doesn't believe the fact that he is good with the camera. Just check out his pictures in the next few blogs.

And here, check out my sheikh friend from Shibpur.........

These pictures were clicked by his colleague during their Dubai trip last year.

Saturday, June 09, 2007

India's Cricket Team Gets Graham Ford as the New Coach

Red Carpet Welcome for Former South African
Coach, sacked for his alleged connections with Bookies in India, to
India


The Indian Cricket Team gets Graham Ford as the new Coach. The BCCI arrived at the decision after a two hour long discussion where Former English Cricketer John Emburey's candidature was also considered.

Introducing the new coach with the following excerpt from rediff.com

Born in Pietermaritzberg, Natal, on November 16, 1960, Ford, like a number of South African players, excelled in various sports during his younger days. He was a good tennis player, too; so good that he once won the provincial tennis championship for Natal.


Why, is wife Liz is also a former Natal champion in the love-all game. Ford represented Natal in soccer, too. What's more, he is a qualified rugby union referee as well.


Despite his flair for different sports, he wasn't more than an average cricketer. As a right-hand batsman and off-spinner, he represented the Natal B team and figured in only seven first-class matches between 1982-83 and 1989-90.


In those seven matches and 13 innings, he scored just 162 runs at 13.50 without ever scoring a fifty. His highest score was 43. He held three catches and never got to try his bowling arm.

So much for the Coach. Worse, he was chucked out of his job as SA Coach after Hansiegate came to the fore. He allegedly had some connection with the bookies in India and avroad, and look here, we have invited him back to his den. Sure he loves to keep a low profile, and make all the money that the job offers, but is he good enough to deliver?

And what happened to Dave Whatmore? Was some secret meeting/ or phone call between BCCI and PCB played out?



Thursday, June 07, 2007

SHOOTING THROUGH GLASS

Most museums do not allow photography at all. And I find it very irritating. For instance, during my last month’s visit to Hyderabad, when I visited the famous Salar Jung Museum, I was so disappointed to learn that cameras were not allowed inside. Damn.
We could click pictures of the museum from outside, I was told. Huh

Worst of all, mobile phones were allowed inside. And these days, even the lowest end mobiles have cameras. People were shooting pictures of anything and everything, and I kept kicking myself for not having carried one. I really wanted to click a few pictures of the Veiled Rebecca. It was so lovely. You can read more about this statue and the sculptor here.

Anyways, I still don’t understand why photography cannot be allowed inside museums and monasteries. What harm can it cause? When so many objects were kept in the open at Salar Jung Museum. So many people kept on touching these objects. I tried to prevent some, but who would care. I myself got tired of the exercise after a while. Better allow photography than let people touch and damage these objects.

And perhaps, that is exactly why, I was happy when I visited the Andhra Pradesh Archeological Museum. Photography was allowed and to get the permission, one had to just buy a ticket. Cool!

However, please note that in museums most of the articles are on display behind glass partitions, to prevent visitors from touching and damaging these centuries’ old artifacts and articles. But it is usually never too easy to shoot pictures through glass. The most common problems relate to flash shining back and reflections. Then there are some who wouldn’t allow the use of flash. Good! That prevents light shining back. However, the low-light conditions are not good enough for decent photography. The results are usually not very good either. However, I got lucky at the AP Archeological Museum. Here are some pictures that I would like to share with you.








Please let me know what you think of these pictures. Post your comments.