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]
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
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!
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!
Monday, May 19, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
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!
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!
Saturday, May 13, 2006
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.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
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!
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!
Sunday, February 26, 2006
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!
Thursday, February 16, 2006
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!
Sunday, November 21, 2004
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....
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....
Monday, November 15, 2004
Goint to Denmark
On Thursday, November 18, Appu and I are going to Aalborg, Denmark for a week. This is our Thanksgiving Holiday week. Appus does not have classes and so do I. Though it is going to be cold, just as it is in Iowa, there is no other time we could go and see Haema and Rema. From what I hear, Haema is gearing up to get into a fight with us. She has been honing her skills with her mom!
Staying alone, while having its own advantages, is quite stressful, especially when one has to manage a house and all of the trimmings that come with it. I am ready to share that work load!
Once we get to Denmark, I will write more.
Staying alone, while having its own advantages, is quite stressful, especially when one has to manage a house and all of the trimmings that come with it. I am ready to share that work load!
Once we get to Denmark, I will write more.
Saturday, October 16, 2004
Half of solitude is over
It has been seventyseven days since Rema and Haema left for Denmark. According to Haema, another 59 days to freedom! Also, it has been exactly two months since Appu left home to live in the dorms at Iowa State University. I state all of this to showcase that I have survived so long.
Appu comes every weekend, well almost every weekend, to do his laundry and take in the full dose of TV! His midterms are over. He has not yet told me how he has fared. I hope he does well!
Though Rema's and Haema's on line diaries are more popular, I have been doing the web log for over two years. I strated using it more for my own sake. My reflections, my comments, and my tirades. Any one can read and comment on it. Since then I started this log and many more for various reasons. I use blogs as a teaching tool both in my graduate and undergraduate classes. I am hopeful that the personal log (this one), which also has Rema as a contributor will entertain and inform my family, both near and far!
Appu comes every weekend, well almost every weekend, to do his laundry and take in the full dose of TV! His midterms are over. He has not yet told me how he has fared. I hope he does well!
Though Rema's and Haema's on line diaries are more popular, I have been doing the web log for over two years. I strated using it more for my own sake. My reflections, my comments, and my tirades. Any one can read and comment on it. Since then I started this log and many more for various reasons. I use blogs as a teaching tool both in my graduate and undergraduate classes. I am hopeful that the personal log (this one), which also has Rema as a contributor will entertain and inform my family, both near and far!
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Test of email blogging
Last time I tried to post to my blog through email it
did not work. Will this work now?
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - Send 10MB messages!
http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
did not work. Will this work now?
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - Send 10MB messages!
http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Is this the beginnig of the end of freedom, democracy, and all that we dreamed? If it is then one thing is sure. Having seen USSR disintegrate as reforms and democracy were adopted, some in this country perhaps feel that having the USSR style functioning is better. Path to this starts with little pieces chipped away. Politicians lacking a free will and a nation full of people scared stiff of dark skinned foreigners speaking in unknown tongues are fine ingredients for this new brew! Paul Revere would have died for nothing.
DesMoinesRegister.com | Opinion
DesMoinesRegister.com | Opinion
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
Wyden Introduces Personal Data Disclosure Bill
What can a consumer (person) do to take control of their own data?
What can a consumer (person) do to take control of their own data?
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