Spring-break travelogue

The past two weeks were like being in the amazing race! On March 11, we (Haema and I) set out for India. We had the entire spring break, starting Thursday afternoon (took an early out) and returning on Monday (March 22). Our path to Madras (Chennai) took us through Chicago and Brussels. Though we had requested vegetarian meals on our flight, Expedia and American decided not to honor it. In fact American gave us few lettuce leaves and two slices of tomatoes and said thats it! Thanks American for keeping us healthy!! Prior to the trip, I had attended the talk by Seymour Hersh and had with me an autographed version of his book, Chain of Command. Wanting to avoid jet lag, I kept reading the book and matched Chennai timing.

We landed in Chennai on time, collected the bags, and came home with Rema and Atul, my nephew. Though I was mentally ready for the warm weather, it was hotter than expected.

All four flats at Chennai are now occupied by family. It also posed some interesting meal logistics. Mom was not happy that I was not getting the morning coffee from her all the time but I think she was happy to see us. I managed to also go to the Saptaswara Musical store (Anna Nagar branch) and buy the electronic mridangam, couple of flutes, and a few books (T. K. Govinda Rao's compilation of Dikshitar kritis). Also did a little shopping at the FabIndia store. Had great food at the Sigri restaurant on Sterling Road.

On wednesday (March 17) left for Mumbai. Kumar and Anu picked us up. Had never before seen any Indian male with Red hair and orange beard! Naseer, Kumar's driver sported this hair-do. It was less humid but equally hot in Mumbai. Tried to relax and read. Then off to Devan's place on Friday evening. Back to Kumar's place on Saturday. Sunday night off to Delhi and on to Ames.

Whether it was due to the firecracker prank on Kingfisher or the typical paranoia of American, the check in for AA 293 was tense. Thanks to Sudha, we had some nice seats where I could keep my foot up and avoid the swelling of my feet.
We reached Des Moines only to find that one of our bags did not make the journey with us from Chicago. Also, as I got ready to rent a car to drive home, realized my drivers license had expired and Haema was too young to rent. Luckily, the shuttle service to Ames had two seats and we were just in time to catch it. Finally, reached home and the bag was delivered at 9 p.m.
Since reaching Ames, a week has passed. Again, a busy week getting back to projects, meetings, and class. Finally, I am taking the Saturday easy!

ശ്രീ

Whether it was luck or not, the fact that the movie 3 Idiots was being screened at a regular theater in Des Moines was a good thing. It was better that I agreed to go see it (I am averse to seeing a three hour movie, especially a Hindi movie). It was a good decision.

Amir Khan has been pressing many social issues of late. Among the top has always been one of education. I think Amir made a strong appeal with this movie. Perhaps I feel it so because of my own experiences. Both from pursuing my passions (though late in my life) as well as trying to influence my children. It is not that parents and elders are myopic but the economic contexts in which they grew up and what they still perceive as existing have shaped their views. There is some truth to their conventional wisdom. Pursuing one's passion may bring intrinsic happiness but anything more requires that your skills and knowledge in this pursuit outshines everyone else. Otherwise you have a great hobby! So, it is essential that you have an alternate livelihood. Let us look at a few examples.

Jimmy Carter - US President - Engineering
Shashi Tharoor - Minister/Diplomat - Writer - Ph. D. Law and Diplomacy
Vijay Iyer - Jass Pianist - Ph. D. in Physics


So, my point is pursue your passion but also have a backup plan!

The Storm

It is still Iowa! I was reminded of this the past week; a heavy dumping of snow. Even the never yielding Iowa State University also had to cancel classes on Tuesday night and Wednesday. Of course, the cancellation may have been a welcome respite for students but it messed up the schedules.

The storm also showed how humans behave. Both my neighbors have heavy snow removal equipment. I think they first take a ruler to mark their boundary before staring to remove snow. Contrast that to the neighbors a few houses away. They drag their machines over to clean my snow when I am struggling! So much for neighborly love! Perhaps I should rethink the idea of buying a bigger machine! For every selfish person in the world there are at least two virtuous people.

Case in point is when our friend got stuck at the Des Moines airport, a generous couple offered shelter and food for two days. One's good deeds will be rewarded!

Now that Christmas is round the corner and another storm is also expected I wish everyone good luck. We hope to enjoy some warm weather in Florida.

ശ്രീ

Thanksgiving

I am looking forward to this Thanksgiving unlike any others! I am excited for my son. He is coming home - that in itself is a reason to be happy. But there is more. There is a change in him that I am happy about. He is also bringing his girlfriend with him. I want to share my happiness with him, his girlfriend, my family, and friends.
I told my wife that I will prepare the Thanksgiving meal. She remains skeptical - let her be! It is going to be a challenge preparing the meal especially when it has to be all vegetarian, may be even vegan! I think I can do it. I have the motivation! Of course, my wife has decided to invite close to 20 people! My brother and his family will also join us for the holidays. Our house will once again be full of people and sounds of chatter and music.

Buyers remorse

Listening to Presidential candidate Barack Obama talk about Pakistan, India, and Kashmir I am struck with doubts about my decision to vote for Obama. I have been wary of his change of positions on a number of issues as he moved from primary contest to general election. The specter of a republican administration even if McCain were to be trusted not to swing too far to the right was too much to accept. Eight years of empty promises of compassionate conservatism, smaller government, freedom and liberty, and integrity and decency were enough.

Mr. Obama's sudden shift to play referee in the sixtyone year old tussle between India and Pakistan over Kashmir does not bode well. Mr. Obama's views on this are age old Democratic party view of India. I hope he has better intelligence than what he has shown on this issue!

Apple sued for Powerbook memory error

In my previous post I had written about problems I have with the Powerbook computer, especially the lower memory slot failure. There are over 4000 owners of Powerbook who are in the same situation. Reports from users show that Apple stores across the country have at times gone the extra distance to fix these machines but for the most part ignored users' complaints. Now, one user having gotten nowhere finally decided to file a class action lawsuit against Apple. I am happy about it!

Apple may have a great brand, and decent customer service -- as long as you are under warranty and issues are minor. The argument I have heard is that one should not expect any vendor, Apple included, to service a PC for more than four years! For a company that claims not wanting to sell "junk" at low prices, it is expected of the company to make sure its products are stellar not only in price but in build and service quality. My experience with Apple has been that it charges a lot but is not willing to back up the promise!

The moral of the story is that if you want own an Apple product you should be willing to pay the price not once but many times. A high price to begin with and then yearly subscription for warranty coverage as long as you plan to hold on to the product. So, when you compare the total cost of ownership of an Apple product it is a lot more expensive to own! I challenge readers to prove me wrong. In spite of these shortcomings we flock to this company - they have a powerful magic.

Apple is like habitual abuser!

Apple customers exhibit the same characteristics of an abuse victim. They always go back totheir abuser. I know it because I behave like that.

Ever since Apple came out with the Macintosh, I have bought an Apple computer almost every two years. Including the machines I bought through my workplace, I have owned 13 and probably will buy another three this year! That is 16 machines at an average price of $3,000 per machine - nearly $50,000 to Apple alone. Of course, add all other hardware and software the cost would double. So, what does Apple do in turn when I have a problem? They ignore or worse ask for more money!

Recently, our Powerbook G4, a 2004 purchase ($2700) failed its logic board. Specifically, the lower memory slot failed. Googling I found out that it has been a well known problem for this machine and Apple had a replacement program for a selected range of machines (mine was not in that range). I also learnt that there are at least another 4,200 people (see petition) who have reported the same problem and had not received any help from Apple.

I took the machine to the local Apple store and couple of technicians and an Apple Genius (all of them were extremely nice) tried to fix the unfixable problem. They suggested that I could send the machine to Apple to get the logic board replaced for little over $300. Had my extended warranty been still active (it expired two weeks prior to the visit) I may have got it replaced free.

A question that pops up is should Apple be doing the replacement for free anyway because (1) it seems the problem is more widespread, (2) I had an extended warranty on the machine that just expired, (3) Apple had a moral obligation to have informed the owners of the machine of the issue, (4) know that retaining a loyal customer is worth 10 times the cost of trying to gain a new one. Another question that comes to mind is, should Apple not know who their customers are? Every business strategy 101 teaches that. Had they kept track of their customers, much like the frequent buyers/fliers they would have had a tremendous advantage. Why does Apple not do it?

The PC people would have no such loyalty for the simple reason that they can buy another laptop for half the price they paid for the previous one. I use PCs too, so I know it is a fact. So, in the case of PCs, we do not let the vendor abuse us!

I have resisted until now to get into the election fray! The McCain team sending out tire guages for $25 contribution is enough!

I guess the best these traitors (Republicans) want us to do is fill our tires and measure them. They do not have any other significant thing to do or offer.

It is high time we bring out the acts of terror these Republicans have wreaked on the public. Let us start with the Savings and Loan crisis. McCain was a major figure in this fiasco that caused many to lose their life savings. The same team was at the controls when the current banking and mortgage crisis came about. We have not seen the bottom yet! If these were not terror acts what are?

The Republicans want to drill for oil now. They know and of course the public does not or does not want to know that no help will result because of this. Another example - when one of their attack dogs (Robert Novak) hits a homeless man and continues without stopping or rendering aid, these traitors are quiet! Why not put Mr. Novak on trial?

Vote these traitors out of power from every seat!

Yoga of Renunciation of Action

I came across this passage from the Bhagavad Gita.
||Yoga of Renunciation of Action||

Said Arjuna:

"On the one hand you praise renunciation of action and on other you commend the yoga of action. Please tell me clearly which of the two is better."

[Chapter 5 verse 1]
Said the Supreme Lord:

"Both the yoga of action and the renunciation of action are both good for liberation. But of the two, the yoga of action is superior"

[Chapter 5 verse 2]
"The state that can be achieved by following the yoga of knowledge, can also be achieved by following the yoga of action. He who sees both these yogas as one really sees."

[Chapter 5 verse 5]
"But those who destroy their ignorance by means of knowledge, their knowledge illuminates and reveals the Supreme Lord the way Aditya, the sun god illuminates the world."

[Chapter 5 verse 16]

I know what you will do next

Two news items under the technology tag in New York Times led to this short essay. First, the topic of sensor data, or more clearly data on user behavior raises some interesting issues. Two researchers have developed a computer software to sift through a huge collection of user location data (places people have visited collected from taxi cab and other sources) to predict likely places a typical user (a user who fits a certain profile) might go. While Macrosense, the software from Sense Netwroks, uses public data, Albert-László Barabási, a physicist at Northeastern University (of Linked fame), used cell phone data (collected from users from a complying country) to do the same. The interesting part is not the ability to predict user behavior (I think most of us have that ability - we know what our kids, close friends, or spouse might do in certain situations) but the issue of using your behavior data without any direct benefit to you. It is more valuable to somebody who wants to sell me their product or service than it is for me to know what I might do next. How am I to get any direct value? I believe the answer lies in the Trust Bank through which we can trade our digital data.

The ability to predict one's behavior from historical data is dependent on the availability of data, a huge vat of it, and hence the use of aggregate collections. Google is one of the early users of this idea, based on the work of computer scientist who discovered that "data beats algorithms." Perhaps there is also some truth in the metaphysical arguments yogis and counsellors use. They say that if you can visualize your goal you can achieve it. The world (by that resources needed to achieve the goal) will conform to your needs as you move towards the goal - probabilities get larger as you reach the goal. You tend to focus on tasks, events, and resources that help you achieve that goal.

You can really try it and see that it works. Say, next time you are at the airport catching a flight to your destination. You hear an announcement that your flight is delayed due to mechanical problems and a departure time is now unknown. Now visualize yourself at the destination as per schedule and tell yourself that everything will work out as planned. This will give you the courage and ability to try different solutions that work to your benefit. Your actions and thoughts can change the conditions surrounding the problem and make visible solutions. It is a matter of probabilities. You tend to choose the actions that enhance the desired outcome. If on the other hand you become agitated and negative, the probabilities decrease!

Now, the second item in the New York Times - fixing individual notes in a musical compilation. Recently, there has been a significant amount of research that has focused on the issue of separating individual sources of music from a collection. The method is Blind Source Separation. Once the source is separated additional corrections such as pitch correction can be applied. All of these are wonderful set of tools that every budding musician must have. While perfect music all the time may be boring, the ability to have perfect music is a good thing. Perhaps, we should allow the listener the control of much errors they are willing to accept!

Medical Records

Google has launched its Google Health beta test site. You can sign on to keep all of your medical records on this site. Google will work with the providers (e.g., Walgreens, Medco, Hospitals, etc.) to compile your medical information. You can choose to release this information to others and you can also add information on your own too. You can add information about your medical condition, immunizations, medications, allergies, etc. Currently, the level of permissions on the data is a the global level. That is, all or nothing type of release is the only one available.

What is interesting in this beta site is the notion that you can control the access and release of your private medical data, which is part of your Digital Persona. Google acts as an agent for you and ensures that the trust and security that you desire are offered by Google. In effect, Google works like a Trust Bank (see our paper). This is an idea that I proposed in our NSF proposal. Unfortunately, the reviewers felt that the idea would be too difficult to implement and that there would be lot of resistance from "luddites" - a term the reviewers used.

I am curious to see how Google pulls this off and also to see if NSF will revisit how they appoint reviewers to panels!

First Solo Public Performance

April 26, 2008 at The Old Opera Cafe, Nevada, Iowa
Boy! What a rush it was! It took almost a day for me to wind down. It was the most exhilarating experience in my life . I never imagined that I would play the flute for nearly two hours. Not only did I play that long, the crowd did not leave. They stayed until I called it a night. I am sure they stayed back because they enjoyed the music!

My accompanist, Atul (Tabla) was somewhat anxious prior to the event. He had reasons to be anxious. we had played together very little and we had a few hours of practice together. He was worried we may not have enough material to go on for two hours. Somehow I felt at ease going into the performance. Perhaps, I got confidence from the advice Kudamaloorji gave me (he asked me to enjoy my music and play tunes that I enjoy!). I had also gotten some tips from Misha - to reduce the complexity of notes. Once I started improvising on the fly I could go on without feeling exhausted.

For anyone interested in viewing and listening tot he performance (not a great recording) go to my VOX site or Facebook page.

Shashank's Flute Lect-Dem

The much awaited lecture demonstration of Carnatic flute by Shashank finally came to pass on April 20. Because of the rescheduling of his concerts there was a slight chance we would not have this event. But I and several others were glad that the event did take place.

Shashank reached Ames around 5:00 a.m., driving from Madison, Wisconsin where he had performed the previous evening. He had with him his wife, Shirisha, daughter Swara, violinst, and percussionist.

We hurriedly set up an audio system for Shashank and his percussionist (Phalgun). Appu helped so did Srikanth. Boy, was the carpet dirty! Viren pulled a surprise on me by asking me to introduce the artists to the audience.

Shashank gave a well received lecture and demo. He started with a lecture about the scales and melodies (raagas). He demonstrated the ascending and descending 12 notes from which raagas are composed. He chose Shankarabharanam ragam to demonstrate the nuances of the Indian music. The raagam is well known among westerners as C major scale. The audience could easily relate to the comparison. The C-major scale and the raagam in its plain form sounded exactly the same. He moved on to show how the Indian version differs. By introducing slides and microtones the notes get decorated. While only a few notes are affected this way for the raagam, he took another raagam, Todi to show how all the notes are modified.

He then went on to describe how Carnatic music makes use of the time cycles or rhythms. One hubderd and fortyfour different rhythmic cycles are possible and when combined with the huge number of raagams Carnatic music really turns into a treat to listen and learn!

He and the percussionist then took the audience through the various (not 144) rhythms as he played Shankarabharanam ragam. He concluded the event with a lecture on how he uses different flutes to go across multiple octaves.

By the time the lect-dem got done it was time to move to the City auditorium for the evening's concerts! What a busy day!

Back from hiatus

I took myself out of writing and posting to see if I can. I am glad to note that I did not feel any withdrawl symptoms. Since my last posting the world has changed. Whether the changes are for godd or evil is upto each person experiencing these changes. The whole family visited India and is back at their tasks. The Air India experiences are never to be forgotten. If there is a good use of the phrase, Never Again, it is to be applied to flying by Air India. It is a blight on a nation that is trying to show progress.

By the way, I have a new interesting blog at vox, which is a mix of social network and blog. If you are interested go take a look.

Flying While Asian

The recent detention of 12 men of Asian (or as reported by media, resembling Pakistani or middle eastern or more correctly brown skinned) origin on the Nortwest flight and two men on the Manchester flight are lucid examples of a society that has gone crazy. It is now dangerous for an Asian man or woman (soon) to fly, drive, ride bus or train, or even eat or stand in a public place without being detained. All because the uneducated, paranoid majority (namely the white trash who are also likely to be in law and other government agencies) are scared. These folks had never used whatever brains they may have, and will never be able to think coherently. The media, again a bastion of ignorant bigots, adds fuels to the issue.

If the situation does not improve, perhaps, the same treatment ought to be meted out to all caucasians, whether they are Americans or Europeans travelling and present in Asian countries. An eye for an eye makes everyone blind but the blind cannot see color!

Madness in Madras

M. Karunanidhi, the new chief minister of Tamil Nadu, has done it again. Waive loans, offer rice at Re. 2 per kg, etc. This type of actions bankrupt the state. The old fart and his party do not learn from history. I guess equal blame sould go to the electorate, the ignorant asses! There should be a law against such acts.

Shame on you, GOP

Republican party claims to uphold free market enterprise and decry government interventions in private and public life of the citizens. In recent years, their behaviour is anything but that. For example, they have voted down a provision that would have ensured network freedom. Instead their actions support companies that run the internet infrastructure to put limitations on other users. In another instance, the representatives are planning on making the DMCA more draconian by removing the right to have fair use of copy righted material. Even a thought of using copy righted material can be reason for prosecution!

Big money can and does change the way these people behave. They are no longer for the people, by the people, or of the people. They are just selfish, greedy, predators. I guess it is a moral duty of every citizen to ensure that these rogues are voted out of power!

How many blogs?

I keep quite a few blogs. Some are on Blooger.com. Others are on Radio, MSN Space, Yahoo 360. I do not always keep all of these blogs upto date. May be one day!

Firefox to the Blog

Adding a blog entry through the Browser is a cool thing. Often, as I read a page, I may want to write some thoughts. I do not want to wait for a "better time" to do this. I had tried Firefox a while ago but was not happy the way it worked on my laptop PC. I have seen many of my students using Firefox and am tempted to give it a try again. This is the result!

In Aalborg

Appu and I had an uneventful, almost uneventful, trip to Aalborg. The only excitement came when we were not able to reach Rema or Haema (her cell phone) from Copenhagen airport. We were calling the number but apparently missed dialing the city code. Our helper, an SAA employee, did not know we had to dial the code. So, we decided to try our luck at locating Rema at the train station in Aalborg. Lucky for us, Appu figured out how to make the phone call -- I think he finally woke up. But, Rema had already come to the train station.

We dragged our luggage (of course they have wheels), reached the apartment. Met our neighbors, the Reddys, got our foam mattresses, and promptly went to sleep. Haema was out at a birthday party. When she came in we both (Appu and I) were fast asleep. we woke up to find Haema and her friend, Sofie.

We went out yesterday to do a little shopping. I bought 4 coffee cups (for the Senseo coffee machine). I love the design of the appliances stuff here.

Today, Sunday, we called Delhi and talked to Anu and Rema's mom on Skype. We also figured out that Rema needs a different microphone to use with the mac.

Thats all for now. Time to take a bath and get out again -- in the cold....brrrr....