What am I talking about? Of course, the Sydney test! Everyone and his aunt has talked and written about this and I dont need an elaborate blog on the same topic. So I leave you with a few numbers, views and yes - a very well compiled video.
Poor umpiring decisions happen virtually in every match but 8 in one match and 7 against one team is too much to say the least. Add it up with cheating (yes, cheating) by Symonds, Ponting & Clarke, we had a team of 13 against 11. And as Kumble rightly said - 'Only one team played with the spirit of the game'. So true.
Enjoy this video - it shows all the wrong decisions and unfair play in the match.
Credit to this video goes to ESPN/Star who created it and Mr. chatrapathi6 who put it up on Youtube!!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
Winter, my new office in Houston and my b'day gift!
I had done some homework about the weather before reaching Houston. I was told that its not as cold as north of US, it never snows, and winters are fairly comfy. And summers, they are very, very hot. I landed in winter, 31st December, and it was indeed a comfortable chill - around 10 degree Celsius.
But 2008 had other plans. The mercury dipped constantly, and when I checked the weather today morning, I was amused and intrigued. Amused - because it said "4 degree Celsius, feels like -1 degrees"!!. Intrigued - because it was going to be my first sub zero experience.
Coming back to the forecast - what on earth does "4 degree Celsius, feels like -1 degrees" mean? I figured out soon - the winds make it much colder than the temperature. Makes sense, doesn't it? And yes, it did feel like that. My fingers were numb by the time we reached office - even though it took only 10 minutes and we were in the warm car!! Lately every one has been talking about global warming. But temperatures in lot of places have been hitting their minimum in ages (Delhi, maybe Houston also). Seems more like 'Global cooling' - may be I can take credit for coining this new term!!
Its evening now and still very, very chilly. I never used - rather never had - a jacket. Now it is a must have when I leave home!! So lots of new experiences already in 3 days. Ever seen ducks in a pond in office? I see that everyday. Whoever thought of it might have been a genius. It looks and feels so good! Lots of trees surround the pond, and there are bridges over it and ducks in and around it - all this inside a corporate campus full of swanky buildings, smooth roads and fast cars!!
Contrary to my thoughts, people here are very friendly. Though they tend to respect and expect personal space, once you get talking, they tend to make you very comfortable. I am already friends with Glenn & Harry, and they are not even in my team!! Traffic is very much organized here, and pedestrians are shown respect by car drivers. Folks, don't get carried away - I haven’t spent enough time here yet to find stuff which I didn't like (except food of course!), so lets enjoy stuff which I liked!
And yes, its celebration time! Sachin Tendulkar just gifted me a century on my birthday. Its much more special because he has been getting out in nineties for way too long, the last century coming in May against Bangladesh, and his last against a worthwhile team coming two years back!. Congratulations and thank you Sachin!! You made my day :).
But 2008 had other plans. The mercury dipped constantly, and when I checked the weather today morning, I was amused and intrigued. Amused - because it said "4 degree Celsius, feels like -1 degrees"!!. Intrigued - because it was going to be my first sub zero experience.
Coming back to the forecast - what on earth does "4 degree Celsius, feels like -1 degrees" mean? I figured out soon - the winds make it much colder than the temperature. Makes sense, doesn't it? And yes, it did feel like that. My fingers were numb by the time we reached office - even though it took only 10 minutes and we were in the warm car!! Lately every one has been talking about global warming. But temperatures in lot of places have been hitting their minimum in ages (Delhi, maybe Houston also). Seems more like 'Global cooling' - may be I can take credit for coining this new term!!
Its evening now and still very, very chilly. I never used - rather never had - a jacket. Now it is a must have when I leave home!! So lots of new experiences already in 3 days. Ever seen ducks in a pond in office? I see that everyday. Whoever thought of it might have been a genius. It looks and feels so good! Lots of trees surround the pond, and there are bridges over it and ducks in and around it - all this inside a corporate campus full of swanky buildings, smooth roads and fast cars!!
Contrary to my thoughts, people here are very friendly. Though they tend to respect and expect personal space, once you get talking, they tend to make you very comfortable. I am already friends with Glenn & Harry, and they are not even in my team!! Traffic is very much organized here, and pedestrians are shown respect by car drivers. Folks, don't get carried away - I haven’t spent enough time here yet to find stuff which I didn't like (except food of course!), so lets enjoy stuff which I liked!
And yes, its celebration time! Sachin Tendulkar just gifted me a century on my birthday. Its much more special because he has been getting out in nineties for way too long, the last century coming in May against Bangladesh, and his last against a worthwhile team coming two years back!. Congratulations and thank you Sachin!! You made my day :).
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Hum to chale pardes
Hmm .. This had to happen but I didn't expect it so soon. When I got the VISA in October, I was thinking (read:hoping) that something should work out by April/May. I had seen so many people waiting even longer for the onsite opportunity. In addition, I had my MBA plans and I knew things will be clear (whether I am doing MBA in 2008 or not) by April.
But fate had other plans!! Hardly two weeks from my VISA, I got a call from Hyderabad saying I would need to travel onsite by November first week. But that opportunity vanished into thin air as quick as it came. So I went off home on a two week vacation. I had decided that if an onsite opportunity happens before CAT, I won't write it. But again, different plans!! I was told about the new project just 2 days before CAT and things were not yet final! So off I went to B'lore for CAT and then to Hyderabad for training on the new project. Once there, I was told of the onsite plans - I was to fly in December end.
So here I am - literally flying on "December end" - 31st Dec. The assignment is supposed to be for 1 year. And the twist in my tale - CAT was pretty good this time! My analysis shows I am very likely to get calls. And by the time results come in Jan first week, I will be in Houston. So if I indeed get calls, I'll have to come back to India for the calls, go back to Houston, and IF things work out well, come back for the MBA! Too much too soon and too quick!! Best part of it - if MBA works out, great. But even if it doesn't, no complaints!!
As of now I am very excited about going. Everyone in the family is thrilled. All relatives are happy. Getting attention everywhere. Feels gooooood!! Hoping to have a great time there, even if it is a short stay! Will keep you posted :).
But fate had other plans!! Hardly two weeks from my VISA, I got a call from Hyderabad saying I would need to travel onsite by November first week. But that opportunity vanished into thin air as quick as it came. So I went off home on a two week vacation. I had decided that if an onsite opportunity happens before CAT, I won't write it. But again, different plans!! I was told about the new project just 2 days before CAT and things were not yet final! So off I went to B'lore for CAT and then to Hyderabad for training on the new project. Once there, I was told of the onsite plans - I was to fly in December end.
So here I am - literally flying on "December end" - 31st Dec. The assignment is supposed to be for 1 year. And the twist in my tale - CAT was pretty good this time! My analysis shows I am very likely to get calls. And by the time results come in Jan first week, I will be in Houston. So if I indeed get calls, I'll have to come back to India for the calls, go back to Houston, and IF things work out well, come back for the MBA! Too much too soon and too quick!! Best part of it - if MBA works out, great. But even if it doesn't, no complaints!!
As of now I am very excited about going. Everyone in the family is thrilled. All relatives are happy. Getting attention everywhere. Feels gooooood!! Hoping to have a great time there, even if it is a short stay! Will keep you posted :).
Monday, December 17, 2007
Its a small world
Today I came to Mangalore from Bangalore on the newly started Mangalore Express and had an interesting event worth a mention.
I got into the train at Bangalore city (8:50 PM) and was seated in the empty compartment when a very pretty lady arrived. You might recollect a Rexona ad a few years back when a journalist is trying to interview a "young and pretty" designer about her work and also about her being pretty, when suddenly a kid comes running and says "Mummy" !! The journalist is shocked. "Aapki tvacha se aapki umar ka pata hee nahi chalta!". That is exactly what happened to me when two kids followed this lady into the compartment.
But this is the lesser interesting part of the story. There were two kids - elder son in class 3 and a very cute daughter called Anna who was possibly in kindergarten. I instantly felt that I know Anna, but then I thought so many kids look so familiar!! I had a good time playing with the kids for almost an hour before we all went to sleep.
In the morning, we just had a bit of a chat and were all eagerly waiting for the train to reach Mangalore. The lady and the kids were supposed to get down at Kankanadi (now known as Mangalore Junction) and I helped them to get their luggage down. The father of the kids was there to receive them. They were in a hurry - he said thanks and they left. Instantly, it stuck me that I have seen the father also but could not remember where!!
Flashback: Suddenly I recollect my trip on the Mangalore-Madgaon passenger on 20 July on my way to Miraj. I had my grandparents, uncle, aunt and cousins with me. I was moving around the "almost" empty compartment with my 2 year old cousin sister in my arms as she was getting bored. Suddenly she saw a man with his daughter and the two kids smiled at each other. I got into a small conversation with the father, and then I moved on. I met them again when we alighted from the train.
Yes, that was Anna and her father. I had the whole jigsaw fall into place. I thought I will tell them about this, but they were almost gone. I rushed out of the train, only to see them leaving from the exit - but Anna's mother turned back just in time & waved me a final goodbye.
Interestingly, I always tend to forget faces & names but this time somehow I recollected - but only a bit late. I don't know if I will ever meet them again, but will always carry with me memories this wonderful co-incidence. The world indeed, is very small!!
I got into the train at Bangalore city (8:50 PM) and was seated in the empty compartment when a very pretty lady arrived. You might recollect a Rexona ad a few years back when a journalist is trying to interview a "young and pretty" designer about her work and also about her being pretty, when suddenly a kid comes running and says "Mummy" !! The journalist is shocked. "Aapki tvacha se aapki umar ka pata hee nahi chalta!". That is exactly what happened to me when two kids followed this lady into the compartment.
But this is the lesser interesting part of the story. There were two kids - elder son in class 3 and a very cute daughter called Anna who was possibly in kindergarten. I instantly felt that I know Anna, but then I thought so many kids look so familiar!! I had a good time playing with the kids for almost an hour before we all went to sleep.
In the morning, we just had a bit of a chat and were all eagerly waiting for the train to reach Mangalore. The lady and the kids were supposed to get down at Kankanadi (now known as Mangalore Junction) and I helped them to get their luggage down. The father of the kids was there to receive them. They were in a hurry - he said thanks and they left. Instantly, it stuck me that I have seen the father also but could not remember where!!
Flashback: Suddenly I recollect my trip on the Mangalore-Madgaon passenger on 20 July on my way to Miraj. I had my grandparents, uncle, aunt and cousins with me. I was moving around the "almost" empty compartment with my 2 year old cousin sister in my arms as she was getting bored. Suddenly she saw a man with his daughter and the two kids smiled at each other. I got into a small conversation with the father, and then I moved on. I met them again when we alighted from the train.
Yes, that was Anna and her father. I had the whole jigsaw fall into place. I thought I will tell them about this, but they were almost gone. I rushed out of the train, only to see them leaving from the exit - but Anna's mother turned back just in time & waved me a final goodbye.
Interestingly, I always tend to forget faces & names but this time somehow I recollected - but only a bit late. I don't know if I will ever meet them again, but will always carry with me memories this wonderful co-incidence. The world indeed, is very small!!
Friday, December 07, 2007
Microsoft CRM
Have you heard of Microsoft CRM? Unless you are in the CRM business, I doubt you have. As the name suggests it is a customer relationship management package, actually known as Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0. So whats special about it? Don't we have SIEBEL? Or even better - don't we have SAP - the baap of CRM?
I had all these questions and more on my mind when I was told that my next project is on MS CRM. And I was packed off to Hyderabad from good ol' Mangalore. And straight away started training in CRM 3.0. And believe me folks - its a wonderful package. It has almost everything you look for in a CRM package, and it is very very light weight. That settles the question of why not SIEBEL or SAP - these are heavy duty packages!! So it is ideal for SMEs but can also be used for departments within larger organizations.
Most of the entities an organization will look for are taken care of - you have Accounts, Customers, Leads, Opportunities, Activities, Campaigns, Cases - pretty much everything you need. Basically it caters to needs of Sales, Marketing & Service. It supports creation and assigning of various roles to various users in the organization and you can set access privileges accordingly.
But its main strength is in the flexibility and extensibility. It supports variety of customizations which makes it very flexible and helps you tailor it to your organization's requirements. At the same time it supports creation and usage of custom entities which you can create and use as part of the system. [This is where my role comes in - the entensibility is through .NET - the whole MS CRM framework is based on .NET - and that's what I have worked on for 2 years!].
As if all that was not enough, being a Microsoft product, it integrates well with Outlook client. So you can forget about the web interface and have everything right inside your mailbox! It appears as a separate folder (looks like a PST). For example - A user who is assigned a case by his manager, will see it right in his inbox under the activities section, with deadlines and workflow! Isn't that nice?
Now, its not as easy to install the whole thing. The CRM Server needs to integrate with the Exchange Server and that needs to depend on an Active Directory server (Domain Controller). Plus the CRM Server will need a SQL database to store all its information (SQL Server 2005 is proffered, though it will work with SQL Server 2000 as well). So there you are - 4 servers - and assuming you will need backups for each - 8 servers. This is the ideal configuration though if necessary, you can have everything other than the Exchange Server on the same machine :).
Luckily I have got a chance to try installing the whole setup, not once but twice! Once on fresh PCs, where you start right from the OS. That is relatively simpler. But the second time was on existing systems - where dependencies will create unforeseen issues at every step. But it was a learning experience which I thoroughly enjoyed. This is only the beginning and I am looking forward to continue learning this. I know this is not my core competency, but then extra knowledge is always welcome!!
Interestingly, I have been asked to write Microsoft certification in CRM. I don't know how difficult it is going to be, but looks like an interesting thing to do. I'll be happy to supplement my MCTS [for the uninitiated: Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist :) :)] with a CRM certification!!
Cheers to a new beginning ...
For more info, see the MS CRM website.
I had all these questions and more on my mind when I was told that my next project is on MS CRM. And I was packed off to Hyderabad from good ol' Mangalore. And straight away started training in CRM 3.0. And believe me folks - its a wonderful package. It has almost everything you look for in a CRM package, and it is very very light weight. That settles the question of why not SIEBEL or SAP - these are heavy duty packages!! So it is ideal for SMEs but can also be used for departments within larger organizations.
Most of the entities an organization will look for are taken care of - you have Accounts, Customers, Leads, Opportunities, Activities, Campaigns, Cases - pretty much everything you need. Basically it caters to needs of Sales, Marketing & Service. It supports creation and assigning of various roles to various users in the organization and you can set access privileges accordingly.
But its main strength is in the flexibility and extensibility. It supports variety of customizations which makes it very flexible and helps you tailor it to your organization's requirements. At the same time it supports creation and usage of custom entities which you can create and use as part of the system. [This is where my role comes in - the entensibility is through .NET - the whole MS CRM framework is based on .NET - and that's what I have worked on for 2 years!].
As if all that was not enough, being a Microsoft product, it integrates well with Outlook client. So you can forget about the web interface and have everything right inside your mailbox! It appears as a separate folder (looks like a PST). For example - A user who is assigned a case by his manager, will see it right in his inbox under the activities section, with deadlines and workflow! Isn't that nice?
Now, its not as easy to install the whole thing. The CRM Server needs to integrate with the Exchange Server and that needs to depend on an Active Directory server (Domain Controller). Plus the CRM Server will need a SQL database to store all its information (SQL Server 2005 is proffered, though it will work with SQL Server 2000 as well). So there you are - 4 servers - and assuming you will need backups for each - 8 servers. This is the ideal configuration though if necessary, you can have everything other than the Exchange Server on the same machine :).
Luckily I have got a chance to try installing the whole setup, not once but twice! Once on fresh PCs, where you start right from the OS. That is relatively simpler. But the second time was on existing systems - where dependencies will create unforeseen issues at every step. But it was a learning experience which I thoroughly enjoyed. This is only the beginning and I am looking forward to continue learning this. I know this is not my core competency, but then extra knowledge is always welcome!!
Interestingly, I have been asked to write Microsoft certification in CRM. I don't know how difficult it is going to be, but looks like an interesting thing to do. I'll be happy to supplement my MCTS [for the uninitiated: Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist :) :)] with a CRM certification!!
Cheers to a new beginning ...
For more info, see the MS CRM website.
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