Finding my way

In an absorbing interview in 60 minutes, the Obama campaign team gives an idea of how they executed possibly the best campaign in US (and probably world) history.

Some factors that differentiated them, (and obviously the keys for success) were:
- organizing volunteers at the local level to expand the electorate
- revisiting the strategy of demarcating red and blue states
- leveraging online tools to spread awareness and message

But the question is, would all this be a success if the candidate himself did not have a message that resonated with the people?

The campaign team also clearly said in the interview that it was Obama's message through and through. They did not spend anytime in changing or adorning it as and when needed. When the reverend Wright controversy came up, Obama told the campaign that he would like to tell the people what he thought about it, and gave the historic speech in pennsylvania. As the campaign says, the option of debating whether the speech should be given or not was never on the table.

So the 3 factors above definitely worked for the campaign, but each of them being a success depended on how big the message from the candidate itself was.

And Barack Obama's message was the ultimate winning strategy.

Barack Hussein Obama is the 44th President of the United States of America!


Now the thing to watch for is the cabinet he selects. Besides his excellent VP pick, there are some really interesting people that he has indicated he will approach for the positions. Exciting picks in my opinion include:

Secretary of State - Bill Richardson
Commerce - Kathleen Sebelius
Energy - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Defense - Chuck Hagel

Follow it here: http://www.cabinet.newsladder.net/

Also interesting to watch will be the Supreme Court nominees. Exciting times!

Resolutions for 2008

Not really a big fan of resolutions since I almost never keep them. But I guess I can try once more. These are my resolutions for 2008.

1. Read a book that increases understanding of core computer science fundamentals like algorithms, compilers and programming in general. This year, it will most likely be "Structure and Interpretation of Computer programs".

2. Invest more time in music. Sing and record one song every week or at least every two weeks.

3. Cook more at home, try to cook one meal a week that you can use for lunch for the next work week.

4. Set money aside for travel. So by the time 2009 comes around, I should be able to make trips. Try to do a few countries at a time every year.

Lets see how long this lasts!

"I am proud to american."

"I am proud to be indian".

"I am proud to be [insert country/race/family here]"

I have heard the above a million times. I think there's definitely a phase in most people's lives where they find out about what country, race or family tree they are from and then out of curiosity, do some more research with the hope that they will know more about who they are. But along the way, something strange happens, and they begin to feel a sense of pride about their origins. And what this does, is that it blinds them more to the bad parts of being part of that country/race etc. This blinder further fuels there sense of pride. And before you know it, they are extolling the greatness of being from so and so country or race.

I was guilty of this behavior for quite a while. I read a lot of indian history and thought that indians are the best. Then I read about south indian history and music and I thought I was more privileged to be south indian than from other parts of the country. Suddenly to me, being a part of my narrow region was more important than the larger picture of being indian.

At present, having come in contact with different cultures of the world while in America, I find my pride has completely given way to two things - appreciation of the good aspects and acknowledgment and criticism of the bad aspects. So, if someone asks me if I am proud to be indian or proud to be an american, my answer is a definite no. I just appreciate the good and acknowledge the bad. And when you look at it that way, you cannot really say that one country or culture is superior to another.

And besides, I have found that pride is more justified when its linked with something that you have acquired by merit, rather than being given or being born into something. Will someone with a wealthy inheritance say "I am proud of my riches?" I hope not.

Ask me if I am proud of my top-spin backhand in tennis after I manage to get it right. That, my friends, would be a definite yes.

The wisdom of George Carlin

Here's what the brilliant (arguably the best ever) comedian, George Carlin says about religion:

"I want you to know, when it comes to believing in god- I really tried. I really really tried. I tried to believe that there is a god who created each one of us in his own image and likeness, loves us very much and keeps a close eye on things. "

"I really tried to believe that, but I gotta tell you, the longer you live, the more you look around, the more you realize...something is FUCKED-UP. Something is WRONG here. War, disease, death, destruction, hunger, filth, poverty, torture, crime, corruption and the Ice Capades."

"Something is definitely wrong. This is NOT good work. If this is the best god can do, I am NOT impressed. Results like these do not belong on the resume of a supreme being. This is the kind of shit you'd expect from an office temp with a bad attitude. And just between you and me, in any decently run universe, this guy would have been out on his all-powerful-ass a long time ago."

I am not saying I completely agree, since I tend to force myself to be a bit more positive about the world in general. But I can certainly see the argument from his point of view. It seems like a far, far more logical way of reasoning that just blindly harping without any decent proof whatsoever that there is a supreme being.

Yes ladies and gentlemen, there's still hope!

Yes ladies and gentlemen, there's still hope!

Of a charismatic, articulate and inspiring president.

Of being proud of your president.

Of a renewed america that regains its standing in the world as a leader and trend-setter.

Because even though I will always have a soft corner and warm memories of my native country, the fact that this is the country that I have chosen to spend the rest of my life in and raise my future children, tells a lot about the country that I am truly in love with.

Now and then again, I stop what I am doing and thank the immortal spirit of Pancham a.k.a Rahul Dev Burman. If he had not existed, I would have not found my biggest passion in this life - his songs. Here are 10 songs composed by him (of the many) I couldnt live without:

1. Suno sitamgar mere (Zabardast)
2. Jeevan mein jab aise pal aayenge (Harjaaee)
3. Waadon ki shaam aayee (Anand aur anand)
4. Rang-e-mehfil (Samundar)
5. Aisa kabhi hua nahin (Ye Vaada Raha)
6. Tum ho mere dil ki dhadkan (Manzil)
7. Mera Pyaar Shalimar (Shalimar)
8. Naa jaane din kaise (Chala murari hero banne)
9. Tu rootha to main ro dooni sanam (Jawaani)
10. O yun hi gaate raho (Saagar)