I hate this. And by “this”, I mean the shadow of doubt that sometimes looms over me, and the voice that, in its very disappointed tone, tells me that what I’m doing is “so insignificant”.
Sometimes, I find solace in the fact that I “work on technology that helps people, indirectly”. But its significance, is something I am not able to judge. Heck, I don’t even know how to begin answering that question.
Maybe its more worthwhile working in a NGO distributing food to the needy, maybe I should be teaching kids, who don’t have access to an education, what little I know (which is very little, and I’m not being intentionally modest or anything, I know too many people who know more than I do, or more than most other people I know. I feel sorry and happy for those who think they have “done enough” or “know enough”. Happy, since they find comfort with that thought. Sorry, because they find comfort with that thought.)
The thought that I’m going to grow old under that shadow is anything but comforting. Of course, sometimes I’m pretty kicked about what I do.
Sigh. I’ll just be the hypocrite who waits for these thoughts to pass and will eventually get back to living this life. The insignificant/significant one.
Gotta give it to ‘em. I usually judge technology from a first hand perspective and by that, I mean, I usually own the device or software and see how it fits my needs. With the iPhone though, I have a different experience. I don’t own one, which is sad in its own sense, but what pleases me is that my friends and family do.
Why does that matter? I get mails sent to me more often and when things are actually happening with them, I get a number of pictures of people and places as when seen/met. I love this.
It makes me feel so much more connected to them. I’m probably going to shift out of Verizon, over to AT&T only for this. Watchout folks! Be ready to be spammed by me.
Alright, so I’m sure you listen to music while hacking up something either in office, or on campus. Actually, let’s not limit this to writing code, but “working.” What I’m getting at is:
What kind of music do you like while working? A genre and some bands/performers would be helpful.
My take - I can’t really listen to vocally progressive music simply because I’m concentrating on something else and I don’t really want to be distracted by the lyrics of the song. This also happens with songs which have some element of music spiked up, for example a shredding guitar solo is going to get my attention away from what I’m doing. Since I hardly listen to other stuff besides those that incorporate the above properties, I usually don’t listen to music while I write code. But, sometimes I just get the urge, especially when all is clear and just needs to be translated into code and when I’m on a caffeine high. When that happens, I tend to listen to instrumental music. Trance falls into this, or “techno rock” (pardon my lack of awareness of genre nomenclature) for that matter. So the stuff I usually listen to is the PQM Project, NIN, Depeche Mode (their newer post 90s stuff), Oakenfold, and instrumental covers of some classic rock music. I even listen to some Carnatic music off Radioverve if I’m in the mood for that stuff.
IAC, let me know what gives you company without hindering your work!
I love the sun. Something we take for granted for most parts of the year in Bangalore, is good weather and for those among us who’ve come to colder regions of other countries, or at least for me specifically, not seeing the sun is something I have to deal with for long. But the good thing is that, Spring is finally here. The sun is shining in all its glory. College kids are wearing the choicest of colors to share their enthusiasm for what seems to be the best part of the year. Benevolent artists have their skills on display for free on the quad (in local lingo, “the green”), coffee shops have got tables and chairs out on the patio, the hot dog lady on
Main Street” is swamped with crowd, more for the lemonade than the hot dogs.
All is good. Oh, and I got a job. A good one at it, I might add. I’ve never worked in a business driven organization before, so I’m really excited about putting my classroom skills in practice and see how I do. The pay package is good, the people seemed friendly, the place - Boston (well close). Not saying anything more for now, but watch this space for more.
I’m back to one of my phases, I often periodically enjoy. What am I talking about? Music of course. And the band which I’m addicted to these days is Nevermore. But before I start…
Disclaimer: This post deals with my view of a band I totally dig, and I’m aware only of few other people who appreciate this kind of music. I’m not sure if you’re going to like this, but as trite as it is: to each his own.
The band I’m talking about, right up there: Nevermore. The album: This Godless Endeavor. All tracks are awesome for any heavy dark metal fan out there. Brilliant!
For the people who have heard them and who have those clouds above their heads saying: “Why Anuj, why?” — Their lyrics are intense and poetic. No trash talk, mind you. Warrel Dane has the most eerie voice I’ve ever heard. And the music compliments both factors. Not to forget, Jeff Loomis shreds out some crazy solos.
Metal forever.
Firstly, apologies for the tasteless and superemely uninteresting spate of dispicable blog posts. I’ll tell you this: what I find so interesting about this whole “journaling” act is that I realize how ridiculous some of my opinions are and I learn from my mistakes. Heck, I think that’s the only way I learn anything. I mean, a blog post titled “Women!” — eeks, I’m shuddering with embarrasment right now!
Anyway, so here’s what’s been happening. I have been interviewing with a bunch of companies. One company also was generous enough to drive us in a limo from Dartmouth to Boston and back, clearly putting the message across that they aren’t in fact affected by the current state of economic affairs. Some of you have seen the pics…the ride was awesome. My first in a limo, and I’m hoping it’s not the last. Who did I interview with? Not saying it here - but it wasn’t Paris Hilton. Although if it was, I’m pretty sure I would be the one saying, “That’s hot!” ;)
In other news, I’ve taken “Concurrent algorithms”. A theory course for the people who also have tastebuds (possibly in the extreme rear of their tounges) which favor something that the real world offers: systems. Pretty good.
Thesis proposal presentation and defense is on the menu for the coming weeks/months. Hope all goes well, wish me luck!
FYI: You now need an account to read their news from now onwards. Good or bad or who cares?
UPDATE: No account needed. Phew!
Fellow men. Ever caught anything fun on TV that doesn’t fall into one of the following categories: animated shows (Family Guy), sports, Baywatch, classic rock shows? I’m guessing majority of us say: “No!” Fear not, because I recently (around 2 months back) came across a show called Rescue Me, which falls just into that category.
Yep, a show based on the lives of guys belonging to the New York Fire Department. Beer drinking, swearing, women interested dudes who are also dealing with the after effects of the 9/11 incident that shocked us all. The show primarily revolves around a certain Tommy Gavin, who has recently separated with his wife, has 3 kids, and also lost a close cousin at, what is now known as, ground zero. He has a problem with dealing with the dead and often converses with his dead cousin for advice. He also, has a problem with leaving his wife.
Anyway, don’t go by my word alone. The first two seasons are up on Hulu. I don’t get the time to watch this on a regular basis anymore, but I whenever I do get the time, I try and catch an episode.
