Thursday, March 31, 2005
Born into Brothels
"A tribute to the resiliency of childhood and the restorative power of art, Born into Brothels is a portrait of several unforgettable children who live in the red light district of Calcutta, where their mothers work as prostitutes"
Kid's gallery. Do yourself a favor and watch it.
Kid's gallery. Do yourself a favor and watch it.
Reflections on the self
The core of Krishnamurti's teaching is contained in the statement he made in 1929 when he said: 'Truth is a pathless land.' Man cannot come to it through any organization, through any creed, through any dogma, priest or ritual, not through any philosophical knowledge nor psyhological technique. He has to find it through mirror of relationship, through the understanding of his own mind, through observation and not through intellectual analysis or introspective dissection. Mas has built in himself images as a fence of security-religious,political, personal. These manifest as symbols, ideas, beliefs. The burden of these images dominates man's thinking, his relationships and his daily life. His perception of his life is shaped by the concepts already established in his mind. The content of his consciousness is his entire existence. This content is common to all humanity. The individuality is the name, the form and superficial culture he acquires from tradition and environment. The uniqueness in man does not lie in the superficial but in complete freedom from the content of his consciousness, which is common to all mankind. So he is not an individual.
I was only recently introduced to Krishnamurti and his teachings. At the end of a long day, it's not particularly my idea of "pleasure reading". Yet, I feel a certain intrinsic desire, and draw almost, to keep returning to the book. It requires much more of an intellectual investment that I had originally foresaw. But for someone who is not familiar at all with this area of thought, this book is a splendid introduction. From the start, it appears that the only way to better understand yourself through reading this book is to get unstuck, by breaking your molds of deeply ingrained patterns of thinking. For otherwise, without skepticism or tremendous questioning of your faith, conclusions and religious beliefs, it becomes a futile endeavor. What I am grappling with at this point is how best not to project my opinions, ideas, prejudices and inclinations or even impluses to the fore so to achieve a state of attention that allows for communication and dialogue, which, in my mind is what this is all about. I am but a novice, learning.
I was only recently introduced to Krishnamurti and his teachings. At the end of a long day, it's not particularly my idea of "pleasure reading". Yet, I feel a certain intrinsic desire, and draw almost, to keep returning to the book. It requires much more of an intellectual investment that I had originally foresaw. But for someone who is not familiar at all with this area of thought, this book is a splendid introduction. From the start, it appears that the only way to better understand yourself through reading this book is to get unstuck, by breaking your molds of deeply ingrained patterns of thinking. For otherwise, without skepticism or tremendous questioning of your faith, conclusions and religious beliefs, it becomes a futile endeavor. What I am grappling with at this point is how best not to project my opinions, ideas, prejudices and inclinations or even impluses to the fore so to achieve a state of attention that allows for communication and dialogue, which, in my mind is what this is all about. I am but a novice, learning.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
for your viewing pleasure
Peugeot comes to India. I recognize the soundtrack as MOS' Bhangra Knight. Shreenath just introduced me to this website. They have a pretty darn good collection of ads.
Monday, March 28, 2005
random
Adim Surya. Turkce Bilmiyorum. Turkiyeye gidiyorum. Tesekkur Ederim. Was that a fair attempt or did I completely botch that up?
Sunday, March 27, 2005
ela estava irindo
Drumming with my eyes closed, especially in front of an audience, leaves me in a premeditative state of mind. I tend to loose myself in the crisp folds of the rhythm whilst plotting and planning the next variation that is to come. Truth be told though, with so many women in the crowd, I find it the best way to prevent myself from getting distracted. Yes, laugh if you must. Maybe after a few more of these, I will become proficient at returning furtive glances, the type that leave your knees weak, hormones raging, and... while effortlessly treating the rest of the room to a flawless beat. Ainda nao.
Holi Hai.The sensation of spending several hours frolicking in several inches of what was effectively a marshland is second to none. Amongst other less important things, my shoes were rendered useless thanks to the hail (and the resultant mukh) that graced the occasion. So we just went barefoot. As the babaji put it, "Shiva has blessed us with a quick shower and a full moon night of Phalgun on Holi." The temple visit will have to wait till next week sadly. Hopefully the weather will be more supportive then.
I like that one can get organic butter, fresh tofu, basmati rice and now even some Indian spices at the wheatsville coop at a price that is more affordable than say Central Market. Anderson brought me lunch from there on Friday. Grilled tofu dipped in a savory raisin n nut sauce, fresh pasta salad drizzled with feta cheese and stir fried noodles. I ought to return the favor, but instead, I will just cook him a proper Indian meal. Yes, its about time I hosted a dinner party. Off to light some nagchampa and return to the confines of the Kite Runner.
Holi Hai.The sensation of spending several hours frolicking in several inches of what was effectively a marshland is second to none. Amongst other less important things, my shoes were rendered useless thanks to the hail (and the resultant mukh) that graced the occasion. So we just went barefoot. As the babaji put it, "Shiva has blessed us with a quick shower and a full moon night of Phalgun on Holi." The temple visit will have to wait till next week sadly. Hopefully the weather will be more supportive then.
I like that one can get organic butter, fresh tofu, basmati rice and now even some Indian spices at the wheatsville coop at a price that is more affordable than say Central Market. Anderson brought me lunch from there on Friday. Grilled tofu dipped in a savory raisin n nut sauce, fresh pasta salad drizzled with feta cheese and stir fried noodles. I ought to return the favor, but instead, I will just cook him a proper Indian meal. Yes, its about time I hosted a dinner party. Off to light some nagchampa and return to the confines of the Kite Runner.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
its in my bloood
"Ethnomusicologists seek to understand the human processes within which music is imagined, discussed and made, and to relate specific musical sounds, behaviours and ideas to their broader social, cultural and political contexts. Studying individuals and societies all around the world, including the West, we aim to discover and document human musical life in its full richness and diversity."
I often ponder as to where I would be had I studied something like this instead. Maybe working under someone like him? Nonetheless, starting today, I will dedicate myself to collecting exotic, antiquated musical instruments which become available to me. Ideally, the next acquisition will be either a dijiridu, a doumbek, a tabla or maybe even a sitar. Never hurts to dream right?
I often ponder as to where I would be had I studied something like this instead. Maybe working under someone like him? Nonetheless, starting today, I will dedicate myself to collecting exotic, antiquated musical instruments which become available to me. Ideally, the next acquisition will be either a dijiridu, a doumbek, a tabla or maybe even a sitar. Never hurts to dream right?
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
world water day
Before the day ends, to this most precious gift of nature...
"A global water crisis is looming. More than a billion people worldwide lack access to clean and safe water. Some 12 million people die annually as a result, and millions more are struck by diseases associated with the lack of sanitary water. Last year, more people likely died from lack of water than from armed conflicts." Reason
"A global water crisis is looming. More than a billion people worldwide lack access to clean and safe water. Some 12 million people die annually as a result, and millions more are struck by diseases associated with the lack of sanitary water. Last year, more people likely died from lack of water than from armed conflicts." Reason
Turkiye
After over a week of soul searching, deep contemplation and advice seeking I have decided on Turkey as my choice of location for this summer. Adana, Turkey will be my temporary residence from June through August. The pull to live in S.E. Asia was and still is great. But with money being a deciding factor, I am happy to be heading in this direction. I will conquer the Asian continent at a later time.
It is a marketing research and project management focused traineeship with a manufacturing and design firm in Adana. Part of my job role for this family run business will involve correspondance with the company's EU and foreign clients. Apparently, they want someone with my background. Their focus and rationale for using @ ofcourse is to provide their employees with a global comprehension of business and cultural understanding.
Adana as a city is different from Istanbul or Ankara I am told. Cheaper, smaller and a different experience altogether. Closer to Cyprus and Syria. I need to get tickets booked and work on getting a visa for not just Turkey but the neighboring countries in that region. Anyone know of a good travel agent I can use? I will be most probably flying in from Bombay or Bangalore in India.
distortions of perception ....dreams
A fleeting glimpse of a past memory, think it was of the Jain family, swirls through my head. Sudden rush of cold air permeates through my every cell. I can see Mrs. Jain, Aditi and a little girl too. But, but, she doesn't have a little sister? It feels wet. Yes, its wet everywhere. Sid slams through the front door with diyas in hand. Wait, is that Sid? Its hazy..too hazy. I become gradually aware of the subconscious sensation of being wet,cold....motionless almost. A four door bathroom, fluorescent lingerie and more diyas. Everything, including my perception of reality, or lack there of...still a haze. Suddenly, I feel the unbearable urgency to tear through this hypnotic web and climb out of this vortex. Its like an altered state of awareness. I can't seem to move an inch. Like a case of pins and needles that ties your whole body down..as if to torture you...ever so slowly. As each second passes by, Sid inches closer and closer, with diya in hand. I still can't move . I see someone behind him. Its amma. She sings the sweetest melody,.an audio lotion. Calmness prevails all of a sudden. As the subtle sounds of this melody rings through my head, the hazy vision clears..fade to black..
Monday, March 21, 2005
Oh I'm gonna miss this city
Our first gig
The show on Friday will start at 10pm and will include the UT Brazilian Ensemble, UT Afropop Ensemble, and a salsa band called Bailengua (most likely in that order). It will be at Waterloo Ice House at Lamar and 6th St. $3 cover at the door!
Anderson's party
By popular demand the Dark Lord shall return this weekend.
Holi
The festival to celebrate good harvest and fertility of the land. To mark the advent of spring, we shall celebrate with a boystrous splash of color. And then, if your into that sort of thing, there's Entropy, the ultimate dance experience.
Ok I am going overboard, but its springtime dammit!
The show on Friday will start at 10pm and will include the UT Brazilian Ensemble, UT Afropop Ensemble, and a salsa band called Bailengua (most likely in that order). It will be at Waterloo Ice House at Lamar and 6th St. $3 cover at the door!
Anderson's party
By popular demand the Dark Lord shall return this weekend.
Holi
The festival to celebrate good harvest and fertility of the land. To mark the advent of spring, we shall celebrate with a boystrous splash of color. And then, if your into that sort of thing, there's Entropy, the ultimate dance experience.
Ok I am going overboard, but its springtime dammit!
Friday, March 18, 2005
truth is overrated.....not
I had to lie to people at work for reasons that are a little too convoluted to elucidate here. Lets say it permitted me to get a week's worth of vacation when everyone else could only afford like 4 days or so at a stretch. They all think I visited Boston for the break. Last Saturday, while sipping on some michiladas on Monterrico beach, I went 6 hours straight at the pool without using sunblock. Not the smartest move. Now, I am having to come up with excuses as to why the skin on my forehead is peeling off, especially since, well I was supposed to be in cold Boston right? I need a smack on the head :)
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
ya me voy chillones
Zacapa is a small little town in south-central Guatemala and home to about 3,000 people. Small winding roads, one main school for the community with thriving bars and cafes all over the town. We paid about 190 Quetzales or 25$ for two rooms (3 beds and an attached bathroom) for the 6 of us. Its another thing that the bathrooms didnt possess a door, had three generations of cockroach families living in it and the shower faucet ripped off when Johnny was taking a shower. On the overall, I quite enjoyed the small town experience. It reminded me of travelling through Allepey in Kerala, except without the backwaters.
The majority of Guatemalans are descendants of indigenous Mayan tribes and mestizos (mix of European indigenous ancestry). There is something overly exotic (and sexy) about the indigenous look. They tend to be a very rural population and export primarily banana, sugarcane and coffee. Its abounding ecological and natural beauty is slowly gaining more importance as tourism is becoming an increasing contributor to the nations income. Tata tells me that Toyota is the king of the road here. All other cars forecasted an estimated depreciation value of 15% for the year, while Toyoto forecasted a 10% drop. We left Zacapa for San Salvador at 5 am, after dropping of the crew at the bus stop. At around 7 am, all the streets, even in the most remote locations, were filled with school children of all ages carrying bags and wearing school uniforms accompanied by their guardians/parents on their way to work. I was pleasantly surprised to firstly see so many children attending school and also sporting uniforms. The former is an increasing phenomenon around here I am told. We talked about the history of school uniforms in England in the 16th century, and how only in the 19th century (colonial era) this discipline started being insituted in Africa, Asia and the Americas, except in the US ofcourse. I am a firm supporter of this cause (as much as I hated doing it everymorning) mainly cos of the economic, social and psychological benefits of uniforms. On the outskirts of most big cities you will find several maquilas or textile industries. Majority of them are owned by western multinationals ofcourse. I found it interesting to see close to 300-400 workers (per factory) lined up early morning to eat breakfast at these vendor stalls that are strategically placed at the entrance of these factories so workers can eat before working. Fruit of the loom employs close to 9000 people in El Salvador.
Back in San salvador. After a long nap this afternoon, I went for a walk down the mainroad that is located in one of the better shopping districts in the city. Not that I was looking to do any particular shopping. Instead, I walked into a puppuseria and ordered one of each type of puppusas that were available, about 10 in number. Total came out to about $4. Last night here. Metro Serdo will take us out tonight.
The majority of Guatemalans are descendants of indigenous Mayan tribes and mestizos (mix of European indigenous ancestry). There is something overly exotic (and sexy) about the indigenous look. They tend to be a very rural population and export primarily banana, sugarcane and coffee. Its abounding ecological and natural beauty is slowly gaining more importance as tourism is becoming an increasing contributor to the nations income. Tata tells me that Toyota is the king of the road here. All other cars forecasted an estimated depreciation value of 15% for the year, while Toyoto forecasted a 10% drop. We left Zacapa for San Salvador at 5 am, after dropping of the crew at the bus stop. At around 7 am, all the streets, even in the most remote locations, were filled with school children of all ages carrying bags and wearing school uniforms accompanied by their guardians/parents on their way to work. I was pleasantly surprised to firstly see so many children attending school and also sporting uniforms. The former is an increasing phenomenon around here I am told. We talked about the history of school uniforms in England in the 16th century, and how only in the 19th century (colonial era) this discipline started being insituted in Africa, Asia and the Americas, except in the US ofcourse. I am a firm supporter of this cause (as much as I hated doing it everymorning) mainly cos of the economic, social and psychological benefits of uniforms. On the outskirts of most big cities you will find several maquilas or textile industries. Majority of them are owned by western multinationals ofcourse. I found it interesting to see close to 300-400 workers (per factory) lined up early morning to eat breakfast at these vendor stalls that are strategically placed at the entrance of these factories so workers can eat before working. Fruit of the loom employs close to 9000 people in El Salvador.
Back in San salvador. After a long nap this afternoon, I went for a walk down the mainroad that is located in one of the better shopping districts in the city. Not that I was looking to do any particular shopping. Instead, I walked into a puppuseria and ordered one of each type of puppusas that were available, about 10 in number. Total came out to about $4. Last night here. Metro Serdo will take us out tonight.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Mui Dura Vida
Friday morning. Wake up at noon. Cristian and Marcelo, Guatemalan colleagues of Tata inform us that for the past week now security at the border has increased and my chances of crossing the border are slim. Tata drags me out of bed and were off to the consulate. Thirty minutes later, while stuck in traffic, it becomes apparent to us that there is not much hope left except, well to just do it.
"Cerote, we can get you across from the south border, puta serote" says Tata. "But as a backup we should get you a fake ID." The wonders of powerpoint and the internet I tell you. I am now in possession of an ID that states that I am an International Red Cross Volunteer from India. Its another thing that I never needed to use it at all. Completely overhyped if you ask me. At Pedro de Alvarado, the Guatemalan side of the border, the security officer glanced at our Guatemalan license plate, barely glanced into the car, and waved us on. Maybe its a good thing that I didn`t get to test this new ID of mine. Anyway, so around 8pm we arrived at the Robles residence in Guatemala city. Greet the folks, sip on some Gallo (local beer), shower and change and were ready to paint the town red. Oh, and there was three of us. Serdo, the Salvadorian metrosexual joined us as well. After a quick drink at La Gastroteca, we proceeded on to the cocktail party. Unlimited Black label is what I remember distinctly from the party.
We landed up at an Axe Bahia party at this club Kahlua in the city. Fancy running into Brazilians in Guatemala. The night didn`t end there. Tata dragged us to the 40th birthday party of some family friend. The youngest person there must have been in his/her thirties. Serdo and I, not completely excited about the crowd, took immediate fancy to the open bar and buffet instead. Guatemala city bears an uncanny semblance to Belo Horizonte, Brazil -the overall city layout, the weather and hilly terrain. Brought back a thousand memories from Brazil. I think simply being around anything or anyone Latin does. The next morning, around noon, we drove to Antigua. Words nor pictures can describe the beauty of this quaint little city. Anitguans are of African lineage, descendants of slaves brought there centuries ago to labor in the sugarcane fields by the Spanish coloniasts.Cobblestone pathways and gorgeous 16th century Spanish architecture. Its like the Guatemalan version of Ouro Preto. No time to furnish more details.
After spending an hour strolling around, we head on out to Monterrico beach, the infamous location of the Robles` private beach house. After a thirty minute ferry ride and what seemed like a neverending trek we were there.
Private pool, fresh ceviche, perfect weather, volcanic beach sand, ATV`s and the list continues. One couldnt possibly ask for more in life. After a hearty dinner which consisted of Tamales cooked in bananaleaf, chicharon and michiladas we made our way to some beach party which landed up being infested with Europeans and Spring breakers alike. Reggaeton and Merengue is what people rock to down here. Works for me. And this (pic below) is what we did for the rest of the time.
Am running out of time here. These pictures and random assortment of my thoughts and reflections by no means can do justice to how great a time I am having.( this is just the beginning you see..ma pepu get hea tomorrow:)
Tata`s grandfather is one of those wise grandads who can leave you in awe after a mere 10 minute conversation. We talked about everything from his time at the IMF, to his perceptions on the Moghul Empire and his travel tales to India and Brazil. Inspiring to say the least. I have a lot more I want to share in terms of my perceptions of the people,culture,food and life here. But, I must go now. Ate logo!
"Cerote, we can get you across from the south border, puta serote" says Tata. "But as a backup we should get you a fake ID." The wonders of powerpoint and the internet I tell you. I am now in possession of an ID that states that I am an International Red Cross Volunteer from India. Its another thing that I never needed to use it at all. Completely overhyped if you ask me. At Pedro de Alvarado, the Guatemalan side of the border, the security officer glanced at our Guatemalan license plate, barely glanced into the car, and waved us on. Maybe its a good thing that I didn`t get to test this new ID of mine. Anyway, so around 8pm we arrived at the Robles residence in Guatemala city. Greet the folks, sip on some Gallo (local beer), shower and change and were ready to paint the town red. Oh, and there was three of us. Serdo, the Salvadorian metrosexual joined us as well. After a quick drink at La Gastroteca, we proceeded on to the cocktail party. Unlimited Black label is what I remember distinctly from the party.
We landed up at an Axe Bahia party at this club Kahlua in the city. Fancy running into Brazilians in Guatemala. The night didn`t end there. Tata dragged us to the 40th birthday party of some family friend. The youngest person there must have been in his/her thirties. Serdo and I, not completely excited about the crowd, took immediate fancy to the open bar and buffet instead. Guatemala city bears an uncanny semblance to Belo Horizonte, Brazil -the overall city layout, the weather and hilly terrain. Brought back a thousand memories from Brazil. I think simply being around anything or anyone Latin does. The next morning, around noon, we drove to Antigua. Words nor pictures can describe the beauty of this quaint little city. Anitguans are of African lineage, descendants of slaves brought there centuries ago to labor in the sugarcane fields by the Spanish coloniasts.Cobblestone pathways and gorgeous 16th century Spanish architecture. Its like the Guatemalan version of Ouro Preto. No time to furnish more details.
After spending an hour strolling around, we head on out to Monterrico beach, the infamous location of the Robles` private beach house. After a thirty minute ferry ride and what seemed like a neverending trek we were there.
Private pool, fresh ceviche, perfect weather, volcanic beach sand, ATV`s and the list continues. One couldnt possibly ask for more in life. After a hearty dinner which consisted of Tamales cooked in bananaleaf, chicharon and michiladas we made our way to some beach party which landed up being infested with Europeans and Spring breakers alike. Reggaeton and Merengue is what people rock to down here. Works for me. And this (pic below) is what we did for the rest of the time.
Am running out of time here. These pictures and random assortment of my thoughts and reflections by no means can do justice to how great a time I am having.( this is just the beginning you see..ma pepu get hea tomorrow:)
Tata`s grandfather is one of those wise grandads who can leave you in awe after a mere 10 minute conversation. We talked about everything from his time at the IMF, to his perceptions on the Moghul Empire and his travel tales to India and Brazil. Inspiring to say the least. I have a lot more I want to share in terms of my perceptions of the people,culture,food and life here. But, I must go now. Ate logo!
Thursday, March 10, 2005
hablando portugnol
While passing through immigration earlier today, the lady officer at the desk couldn´t get over the fact that she was conversing with an Indian. She must have been in her early twenties, straight out of college. Every few seconds, whilst attending to my documentation, she would glance up at me and break into this radiant smile. Her English was impressive; I commended her on it. My Spanish speaking skills are limited to basic introductory verses. As much as I have barely a week here, I still insist on grasping as much of the lingo as I possibly can. I learned how to ask for silverware,napkins and introduce myself properly. Roy Kampos was at the airport to pick me up, with cigarrete in hand and dressed to kill. Tata was stuck in a meeting, so Roy volunteered to take the afternoon off work and come pick me up. Awfully generous of him. We headed straight for the popular Puppuseria district. Revueltas (pork,cheese and beans) are my favorite and sell for a mere 35cents. By default, I tend to break out into Portuguese each time I want to say something and then instantly switch over to Portugnol before slowing down to what is inevitably a sorry attempt to complete the sentence in Spanish. I love that people are receptive to the fact that I am learning and so willingly correct my mistakes. That and I am not afraid to make a fool of myself. The meagre 4 hours of sleep from last night caught up with me this afternoon. So I napped for 3 hours only to be woken up this disgruntled voice shouting "Puta, onde ta vc, vc e´viadao, mierda, filho da puta.¨ The plan for tomorrow has changed. Come early evening, we are to drive across to Guatemala city to attend a cocktail party and hopefully, assuming I don´t get arrested for crossing the border illegaly, return to San Salvador for the Batucada on the beach on Saturday night. Pilsener is the preferred choice of beer here. Brazilian Brahma has made its way into the beer market here, but they were forced to change their name to Brahva from Brahma. Apparently in Spanish Brahma has a completely different connotation: ¨dog in heat¨or something like that.
I have two TNs who are interested in matching with me for this summer. One is a marketing research/project management position in Adana, Turkey and the other involves teaching English to little kids in Bangkok. It remains to be seen what the outcome of this will be.
I have two TNs who are interested in matching with me for this summer. One is a marketing research/project management position in Adana, Turkey and the other involves teaching English to little kids in Bangkok. It remains to be seen what the outcome of this will be.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
dale dale!
NYT on chaat
Curse you for making me home sick and crave this most savory snack. Yes, you know who you are. Atleast if I could, I would head over to the to Taj grocers and quell this sudden craving. But alas, I must head for the airport in 6 hours. Will have to make do with pupusas and Regia Extra. Am out. peace
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Slow food till I die!
Today marks the last day I will EVER march anywhere near a Taco bell. It has been so long since I succumbed to eating fast food. It doesn't suit me; I am far better off without it and don't need to be contributting to such a deplorable cause. Curse me for not holding my will power today. Never again. Read about the victory of the CIW against TB.
A spring breaker !!!!!!
The last two weeks have been incredibly busy. Papers, projects, trip to Pitt, tuesday night binges, summer job applications and what not. Finally, the time has come to kick back and booze and cruise baby. El Salvador, mais uma vez. Que Vida dificil :)
Sunday, March 06, 2005
blogmania
The world of blogging never ceazes to intrigue me. Seduction and salvation, a goa-trance hippie turned monk. 'A night in goa' is worth a read. His teachings and philosophies are interesting and they indeed transcend culture, language and race.
MD and Sid
From the Colosseum in Rome to the Zulu tribe in South Africa, Sid Butalia has covered it all. The magic of SLR photography.
Here's to two brilliant, incredibly talented and super fun guys who went out of their way to show me a fabulous time in Pittsburgh. Madhav and Sid!
Here's to two brilliant, incredibly talented and super fun guys who went out of their way to show me a fabulous time in Pittsburgh. Madhav and Sid!
Pittsburgh
At Doc's Place in Shadyside, Pittsburgh
Sid
Pitt by Day
By Night
CMU Campus
Infamous Union Crab Cakes and Cranberry Chicken
Yuengling, my new favorite beer!
Doc's Place, pub on Walnut Street in Shadyside, Pitt
Pittsburgh is home to some of the best microbrewed beer in the world
Friday, March 04, 2005
live from Shadyside, Pittsburgh
My first interactions with the other admitted grad students was at the waiting lounge at Pitt International Airport. There's the Ross boys from MIT and Harvard, Steven from Ohio, Hakeem and Phill from Berkeley, Johanna from Toronto and several insignificant others. Conversations over the last day have ranged from nanorobotics, cellular mechanics, ancient Greek sport history, architecture, probability theory, automated design, tribology, life in London, surfing in Sydney and egussi and fufu. Random eclectic topics of conversation with a group of people who take the word "nerd" to a whole new different level. Steven's first words to me were "I have wanted to study nano robotics and applied probability theory since I was ten. How about u?" What makes it interesting is that each of us have a different, unique story to tell. 48 hours ago, Phill was surfin on the beaches of Sydney. Before that, he was at Berkeley. Hakeem, the yoruba man from Lagos also goes to school at Berkeley. Wears nothing but a full suit and speaks impeccable English. We both have a constant craving for egussi soup. And there's Johanna, the exotic, sophisticated, yuppy girl from Toronto who goes to Princeton. My first impressions of Pittsburgh? Cold, white, a city of modern cathedrals and old world architecture, toned down version of Boston or even NYC. Beautiful in a different sense. I love the vibe. I could learn to love this city.
The environment here at CMU is more than just intellectually stimulating. Just got out of a two hour meeting with Dr Michalek and Dr Cagan. Cagan is waiting to hear back from a grant (that is to fund my education) from the National Science Foundation. People here call him the "Jewish Mother" which he is. As a back up, he recommended I talk to Michalek who is to start as a professor here at CMU this July. His work pertains to optimal design under the umbrella of the interdisciplinary design program. Using math models to represent design problems through using algorithms and then applying these models to achieve desired product characteristics and performance levels in the real world. Thats the technical side of his work. He also works extensively with the business, economics, art, and public policy departments respectively. If I were to accept either of their offers however, I have to accept that I am "open" to the PhD route. It would be a 3.5 or 4 year program with guaranteed work experience across the globe each summer. Funding for just a masters is not easy to get with the introduction of the direct PhD route (3-4yr program). In all honesty, up until now, I haven't pondered about the implications of pursuing a PhD. Pidgeonholing my line of expertise could leave me over qualified or with a skill set that will limit my choice of a future job role. I would, however, have the option, after maybe 2 years, of taking my MS degree and just leaving. I have time to reflect upon all of this ofcourse. Am off to Happy Hour which I am told will organically develop into a lot more. Meeting with Madhav tonight. Feedle dee, feedle dah!
The environment here at CMU is more than just intellectually stimulating. Just got out of a two hour meeting with Dr Michalek and Dr Cagan. Cagan is waiting to hear back from a grant (that is to fund my education) from the National Science Foundation. People here call him the "Jewish Mother" which he is. As a back up, he recommended I talk to Michalek who is to start as a professor here at CMU this July. His work pertains to optimal design under the umbrella of the interdisciplinary design program. Using math models to represent design problems through using algorithms and then applying these models to achieve desired product characteristics and performance levels in the real world. Thats the technical side of his work. He also works extensively with the business, economics, art, and public policy departments respectively. If I were to accept either of their offers however, I have to accept that I am "open" to the PhD route. It would be a 3.5 or 4 year program with guaranteed work experience across the globe each summer. Funding for just a masters is not easy to get with the introduction of the direct PhD route (3-4yr program). In all honesty, up until now, I haven't pondered about the implications of pursuing a PhD. Pidgeonholing my line of expertise could leave me over qualified or with a skill set that will limit my choice of a future job role. I would, however, have the option, after maybe 2 years, of taking my MS degree and just leaving. I have time to reflect upon all of this ofcourse. Am off to Happy Hour which I am told will organically develop into a lot more. Meeting with Madhav tonight. Feedle dee, feedle dah!
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
bring me cut glass jare!
The YCT (Young Conservatives of Texas) have organized an "Immigrant Hunt"
for this Wednesday, March 2nd on the West Mall on campus-- they have
reserved the space from 11:00am-1:00pm.
They recently organized a similar event at the University of North Texas
http://www.yct.org/illegal.htm <http://www.yct.org/illegal.htm).%A0>
This time around they plan to wear color-coded anti-immigrant shirts and
"hunt for immigrants" who will be YCT-ers dressed in brown for Latina/os,
yellow for Asians, etc. and offer rewards.
A counter-demonstration is planned by a multi-ethnic coalition of student organizations in response at the same time. Folks are asking for a huge turnout, and that people wear black shirts and white bandanas if possible, and bring signs and chants-- some folks will be linking hands in silent protest, others will be vocal and hold signs and pass out flyers outlining a
progressive position on immigration.
for this Wednesday, March 2nd on the West Mall on campus-- they have
reserved the space from 11:00am-1:00pm.
They recently organized a similar event at the University of North Texas
http://www.yct.org/illegal.htm <http://www.yct.org/illegal
This time around they plan to wear color-coded anti-immigrant shirts and
"hunt for immigrants" who will be YCT-ers dressed in brown for Latina/os,
yellow for Asians, etc. and offer rewards.
A counter-demonstration is planned by a multi-ethnic coalition of student organizations in response at the same time. Folks are asking for a huge turnout, and that people wear black shirts and white bandanas if possible, and bring signs and chants-- some folks will be linking hands in silent protest, others will be vocal and hold signs and pass out flyers outlining a
progressive position on immigration.
