Coincidentally, the week our lab published the only scientific journal article on which I will ever have authorship, the journal changed its name from the Journal of Neuroscience to the Journal of Developmental Neurobiology. Hehe. All out subsequent lab articles were subjected to the same - the day this happened, our lab sat and cried.The change of name definitely makes the research sound less grand and more narrow in focus on resumes, though the essence of the journal's articles remained the same. Not that I care but given that papers are the only yardstick to measure progress in research, the paper serves to establish me professionally as a researcher during my stint in labs.Moreover, now as a science journalist, interviewing a lot of scientists can be less painful because of that. Sans this, scientists are the most arrogant species on the planet when talking to non-scientists and especially journalists whom they look upon with suspicion and disdain. Not only do they talk down, they reply to interview requests with "I will be happy to provide you with this interview". Are we receiving some kind of a blessing ( without disguise) here? Hehe. :).I think we're just trying to do our job - but unknown to them, we take our job just as seriously and don't always buy everything a scientist says.They explain at length with might , but we are not taking class notes, so we sift. To bring the jargon-loaded convoluted, twisted Nature and Science studies to the most generic reading material in the world which doesn't niche out its reader at all ( a newspaper) needs a whole other skillset. In fact, a PhD can sometimes do irreversible damage to a person - in the sense it can change a person's orientation to the highly specific and narrow to the point that this person is rendered incapable of communicating with anyone outside of science about science, the last of which is the layman.
It's like that GRE student phrases thing - so the neurobiology of compassion is published as "Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice". Hehehe. Enjoy you jargon loaded freaks.
Yet, Time magazine named Dr. Richard Davidson one of the world's top 100 most influential people in a 2006 issue.
Having been on both sides of the spectrum equally feels odd - one side where only jargon and narrow foci are considered signs of intelligence and the other where jargon is considered Greek and the layman or the interested but non-professional science magazine reader is the center of the universe. I know how scientists feel about the press, but now I'm learning how the press feels about science. Funny thing is, sometimes I feel like I still belong to both worlds which makes my loyalties blurred.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Confluence of Science and Journalism
Journalists and scientists espouse similar goals. Both seek truth and want to make it known. Both devote considerable energy to guard against being misled. Both observe a discipline of verifying information. Both insist that society allow them freedom to pursue investigations wherever they lead. Neither requires licensure or approval of an outside authority to practice its craft.
-Boyce Rensberger, Director, MIT Science Journalism Program
-Boyce Rensberger, Director, MIT Science Journalism Program
Friday, September 26, 2008
A Large Canvas
From an artist's point of view, the entire world is the canvas. Nature, the galaxy, and the individual human body - all worked upon to appeal to an artist's sense of aesthetics.
A famous Spanish artist - Salvador Dali painted this masterpiece. Is this a depiction of time "melting?"
A famous Spanish artist - Salvador Dali painted this masterpiece. Is this a depiction of time "melting?"
$$$
A few months back I would've given my right arm to get funded at UW .. this week, I'm faced with the dilemma of having to actually chose between well funded long-term positions..
Jo lagta hai wo nahi hota aur jo nahi lagta wahi hota hai - Golmaal
Jo lagta hai wo nahi hota aur jo nahi lagta wahi hota hai - Golmaal
Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright !
Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
For some reason, I remember these lines from this poem that was in our CBSE school syllabus ( did not then and do not still know its meaning ! But there is something about it - an aura?! Especially that first stanza..) As one of the first poems I read as a kid, it gave me the feeling of the "unchained freeness" of poetry for the first time...of letting go...the realization that creativity meant bending rules..and stretching the imagination..
Full version by William Blake :
The Tiger
Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?
And what shoulder and what art
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand and what dread feet?
What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? What dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?
When the stars threw down their spears,
And water'd heaven with their tears,
Did He smile His work to see?
Did He who made the lamb make thee?
Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
For some reason, I remember these lines from this poem that was in our CBSE school syllabus ( did not then and do not still know its meaning ! But there is something about it - an aura?! Especially that first stanza..) As one of the first poems I read as a kid, it gave me the feeling of the "unchained freeness" of poetry for the first time...of letting go...the realization that creativity meant bending rules..and stretching the imagination..
Full version by William Blake :
The Tiger
Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?
And what shoulder and what art
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand and what dread feet?
What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? What dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?
When the stars threw down their spears,
And water'd heaven with their tears,
Did He smile His work to see?
Did He who made the lamb make thee?
Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Unity In Diversity?
The diversity and heterogeneity of India makes it unique and presents the country with somewhat unique challenges. What made a bunch of such diverse Indian states join together into a country has been a subject of debate. No doubt Sardar Patel made huge efforts to get all 20-odd states to join India, but towards what end? What are international borders defined as? Whatever the definition is, India hardly fits into it anyway. Maybe it is cultural unity which is difficult to attempt defining or shared history? Either way, there are states in India which have MORE in common with neighboring COUNTRIES than with other states in India making the concept of a shared anything quite invalid.
With the challenge of such enormous diversity, comes the need to find and enforce some "commonalities" between all states - for example the choosing of something like a national language. Like any mainstream concept/idea, the introduction of Hindi leaves several other Indian languages marginalized in all areas except in their region of origin. This has led to widespread resentment against native Hindi speakers amongst many regional language speakers for what the latter perceive as lingual and therefore cultural oppression. The choice that there be a national language, and that it be Hindi were both taken by legislators, so while it is unfair to subject common folk to this resentment, it is easy to understand - just like any other ism, mainstream-ism also exists.
This is one reason why several different states in India have often wanted to break away from the country. To break away from mainstream-ism and have their own regional language and culture be dominant.
Mainstream-ism is widespread in the United States where not subscribing to the popular mainstream culture can leave people marginalized. This speaks poorly of a nation which is by definition an amalgamation of cultures - a melting pot of ethnicities. What is America ? It is a land of immigrants, and yet, shockingly, after centuries, many immigrants populations still see themselves as immigrants and still live in ghettos on the complete fringes of the mainstream white-dominant "coastal" culture. The mid-west and the south have little voice in the mainstream media and it is the culture of the coasts that is the face of America for the rest of the world to see. Though the United States can compare with India in terms of ethnic diversity, it has much to learn from the Indian model of unity in diversity, of the "live and let live" paradigm (of tolerance of all cultures to a larger extent), of meaningful integration and fine blending of heterogeneity to make for a more continuous country of shades rather than the stark and jarring white, non-white juxtapositions the United States presents.
But then, there is so much the United States can learn from India. :). Unfortunately for them, they stop at stealing patents for Neem, Basmati,turmeric, etc. To say nothing of those that think of India as one big tropical fruit.
In a town called Northampton in Massachusetts, there is a sign outside a classroom that invites you into " Mama Nirvana's Yoga Classes" - one cannot but wonder what the pop culture Mama will do next with respect to matters of the soul and salvation. Personally, I do not wish to find out.
With the challenge of such enormous diversity, comes the need to find and enforce some "commonalities" between all states - for example the choosing of something like a national language. Like any mainstream concept/idea, the introduction of Hindi leaves several other Indian languages marginalized in all areas except in their region of origin. This has led to widespread resentment against native Hindi speakers amongst many regional language speakers for what the latter perceive as lingual and therefore cultural oppression. The choice that there be a national language, and that it be Hindi were both taken by legislators, so while it is unfair to subject common folk to this resentment, it is easy to understand - just like any other ism, mainstream-ism also exists.
This is one reason why several different states in India have often wanted to break away from the country. To break away from mainstream-ism and have their own regional language and culture be dominant.
Mainstream-ism is widespread in the United States where not subscribing to the popular mainstream culture can leave people marginalized. This speaks poorly of a nation which is by definition an amalgamation of cultures - a melting pot of ethnicities. What is America ? It is a land of immigrants, and yet, shockingly, after centuries, many immigrants populations still see themselves as immigrants and still live in ghettos on the complete fringes of the mainstream white-dominant "coastal" culture. The mid-west and the south have little voice in the mainstream media and it is the culture of the coasts that is the face of America for the rest of the world to see. Though the United States can compare with India in terms of ethnic diversity, it has much to learn from the Indian model of unity in diversity, of the "live and let live" paradigm (of tolerance of all cultures to a larger extent), of meaningful integration and fine blending of heterogeneity to make for a more continuous country of shades rather than the stark and jarring white, non-white juxtapositions the United States presents.
But then, there is so much the United States can learn from India. :). Unfortunately for them, they stop at stealing patents for Neem, Basmati,turmeric, etc. To say nothing of those that think of India as one big tropical fruit.
In a town called Northampton in Massachusetts, there is a sign outside a classroom that invites you into " Mama Nirvana's Yoga Classes" - one cannot but wonder what the pop culture Mama will do next with respect to matters of the soul and salvation. Personally, I do not wish to find out.
Not Unredeemed
Having said that about isms, India has had its share of reforms. This is not a list of contributers, but amongst notable individuals involved in reform in India is Raja Ram Mohan Roy who has been credited with catalyzing diverse socio-economic changes in 18th century Bengal to the point of causing what is called the Bengal renaissance. No doubt, incidents of sexism are markedly reduced in present day Bengal. This may have to do with decades of communist party rule in the state too though.
Regions in other Indian states like in Kerela have been known to have matrilineal societies historically. The noted Indian diplomat and UN-under secretary Shashi Tharoor has written much about the subject and about India's awakening in general in some his books (like The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cell Phone). Again, a combination of communist rule and almost 100% literacy may have to do with far more equality of the genders in this state.
We need to keep going, however. Long road ahead.
Regions in other Indian states like in Kerela have been known to have matrilineal societies historically. The noted Indian diplomat and UN-under secretary Shashi Tharoor has written much about the subject and about India's awakening in general in some his books (like The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cell Phone). Again, a combination of communist rule and almost 100% literacy may have to do with far more equality of the genders in this state.
We need to keep going, however. Long road ahead.
The 100th
This is the 100th post on this blog ! What better than poetry for that. The juxtapositions, the cross-fertilization of ideas and the analogies and metaphors used in Rang De Basanti's song below are the same strategies journalists use to write. Almost any concept can be explained better using analogies or metaphors from life - provided one is ready to cross-fertilize...
Thodi si dhool meri dharti ki, mere watan ki
Thodi si khushbuu mast pavan ki
Sapne rang de, apne rang de
Khushiyaan rang de, gam bhi rang de
Naslen rang de, faslein rang de
Rang de dhadkan, rang de sargam
Rang de surat, rang de darpan
Aur mohe tuu rang de basanti yaara
Mohe tuu rang de basanti
Dheemi aanch pe tu zara ishq chadha
Thode jharne laa, thodi nadi mila
Thode saagar aa, thodi gaagar laa
Thoda chhidak chhidak, thoda hila hila
Phir ek rang tu khila khila
Mohe mohe tuu rang de basanti yaara
Mohe tuu rang de basanti
Basti rang de, hasti rang de
Hans hans rang de, nas nas rang de
Bachpan rang de, joban rang de
Ab der na kar sachmuch rang de
Angrez mere sab kuchh rang de
Mohe mohe tu rang de basanti yaara
Mohe tu rang de basanti
Thodi si dhool meri dharti ki, mere watan ki
Thodi si khushbuu mast pavan ki
Sapne rang de, apne rang de
Khushiyaan rang de, gam bhi rang de
Naslen rang de, faslein rang de
Rang de dhadkan, rang de sargam
Rang de surat, rang de darpan
Aur mohe tuu rang de basanti yaara
Mohe tuu rang de basanti
Dheemi aanch pe tu zara ishq chadha
Thode jharne laa, thodi nadi mila
Thode saagar aa, thodi gaagar laa
Thoda chhidak chhidak, thoda hila hila
Phir ek rang tu khila khila
Mohe mohe tuu rang de basanti yaara
Mohe tuu rang de basanti
Basti rang de, hasti rang de
Hans hans rang de, nas nas rang de
Bachpan rang de, joban rang de
Ab der na kar sachmuch rang de
Angrez mere sab kuchh rang de
Mohe mohe tu rang de basanti yaara
Mohe tu rang de basanti
Neuroscience of Compassion Costs $2.5 Million
http://www.news.wisc.edu/releases/14726
I get to report on this stuff !!
I get to report on this stuff !!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Pauses
The pauses in between notes are as important in music/conversation as the note played/sentence spoken - it is what lends beat/rhythm and melody to the rendition...
Now I'm learning that in journalism as in music, the right amount of pause after asking an interview question can sometimes make all the difference between eliciting a beautiful quote versus getting the routine. Takehome for me - know when to freakin shut up.
Now I'm learning that in journalism as in music, the right amount of pause after asking an interview question can sometimes make all the difference between eliciting a beautiful quote versus getting the routine. Takehome for me - know when to freakin shut up.
Sifting and Winnowing
The Cardinal's motto, printed at the bottom of every front page and taken from a 1894 declaration by the university's board of regents, is
"...the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found."
The sixth oldest daily student newspaper in the country, began publishing on Monday, April 4, 1892 and currently has a circulation of 10,000.Nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate student volunteers and employees work at the paper.
"...the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found."
The sixth oldest daily student newspaper in the country, began publishing on Monday, April 4, 1892 and currently has a circulation of 10,000.Nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate student volunteers and employees work at the paper.
Bhakti is the Essence of Music
Bhakti is the essence of music
-Bharat Ratna Awardee M.S. Subbulakshmi in presidential address
Vathapi Ganapathim
-Bharat Ratna Awardee M.S. Subbulakshmi in presidential address
Vathapi Ganapathim
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Haunting...
Performed by Panchamam Students at the Esplenade, Singapore
Alai Payudhe
Bho Shambho
Raghupathy Raghava
Alai Payudhe
Bho Shambho
Raghupathy Raghava
Jagadananda Karaka Lyrics
Jagadananda Karaka (Courtesy www.musicindiaonline.com)
Ragam: Natai
Thalam: Aadi
Composer: Thyagaraja
36 calanaaTTai janya
Aa: S R3 G3 M1 P D3 N3 S
Av: S N3 P M1 R3 S
Pallavi
jagadAnanda kAraka! |
jaya jAnakI prANa nAyaka! ||
Anupallavi
gaganAdhipa! satkulaja! rAja rAjeshwara! |
suguNAkara! sura sEvya! bhavya dhAyaka! sadA sakala || (Jagada)
caraNam 1
amara tAraka nichaya kumuda hita
paripUrNA! anagha! surasurabhU - |
ja dadhi payodhi vAsa haraNa!
sundaratara vadana! sudhAmaya va - |
chO brunda gOvinda sAnanda! mA -
varAja rApta shubhakara! AnEka || (Jagadha)
caraNam 2
nigamanIraja amrutajapOshaka!
animishavairi vArida samIraNa! |
khaga turanga! satkavi hR.dAlaya!
agaNitavAnarAdhipa! NatAnghriyuga! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 3
indra nIlamaNi sannibhApaghana!
chandra sUrya nayana! apramEya! VA- |
gIndra janaka! sakalEsha! shubhra nA-
gEndra shayana! shamanavairi sannuta! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 4
pAda vijita mauni shApa! sAva pari
pAla! vara mantra grahaNa lOla! |
parama shAnta siddha janaka jAdhipa
sarOja bhava varada! akhila- || (Jagadha)
caraNam 5
srushti sthityantakAraka! amita!
kAmita phalada! asamAna gAtra! Sha- |
cIpati sutAbdhi mada hara! anurAga
rAga rAjita kathA sArahita! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 6
sajjana mAnasAbdhi sudhAkara! ku
suma vimAna surasA ripu karAbja |
lAlita caraNa! avaguNa asuragaNa-
madaharaNa! sanAtana! Ajanuta! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 7
OMkAra pa.njara kIra pura-
hara sarOja bhava kEshavAdi |
rUpa! vAsava ripu janakAntaka! ka-
lAdhara kalAdharApta! ghR.NAkara! sha- |
raNAgata janapAlana! sumanO ra-
maNa! nirvikAra! NigamasAratara! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 8
karadruta sharajAla! asurama-
da apaharana! avanIsura surAvana! |
kavIna bhilajamauni kR.ta caritra-
sannuta shrI tyAgarAjanuta! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 9
purANa purusha! svarAtmajA! ashrIta
parAdIna! kharavirAdha rAvaNa- |
virAvaNa! anagha! parAshara manO-
hara! vikR.ta tyAgarAja sannuta! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 10
agaNita guNa! kanaka cEla!
sAla vidhalana aruNAbha samAna caraNa! |
apAra mahima! adbhuta! sukavijana-
hR.tsadana! suramuni gaNa vihita! kala- |
sha nIranidhijA ramaNa! pApa gaja-
nR.simha! vara tyAgarAjAdi nuta! || (Jagadha)
Translation
Meaning:
pallavi: The creator of happiness throughout the world ! The beloved
of Sita ! Victory be yours !
anupallavi : The inheritor of Suryavamsa ! King of Kings ! You are
worshipped by the Devas ! You bestow good things !
caraNam 1: Amidst the Devas, you are like the moon amidst the stars.
You are flawless, like the Karpaga Vriksha for the Devas. You steal
the pots filled with curd and milk. You have a beautiful face. You say
sweet words. You take care of the cows. You are the Lord of Goddesses
Lakshmi. You are filled with happiness. You are ever youthful and you
help your beloved.
caraNam 2: You were brought up by the amrtham from the lotus flowers
which are the Vedas. You are like forceful wind that dispells the
clouds, while you dispell the enemies of the Devas. Garudavahanan. You
reside in the hearts of poets. Your feet is worshipped by innumerable
kings of the Vanaras (monkeys).
caraNam 3: You have a body that is as bright as Lord Indra's blue gem.
You have the Sun and the Moon as your eyes. You are the father of the
great Brahma whose greatness cannot even be imagined. You are all
powerful. You rest on the Adisesha. You are worshipped by Lord Siva
who humbled Yama.
caraNam 4: You removed the curse of Gowthama Rishi by the greatness of
your feet. You guard the rituals of your devotees. You have learnt the
two great mantras of Pala and Athipala. You granted boon to Brahma.
caraNam 5: You do the three jobs of creation, protection and
destruction. You fulfill numerous desires of your devotees. You are
handsome . There can be none equal to you. You are worshipped by
Indra. You humbled the pride of the ocean king. You are the essence of
the Ramayana which shines through its musical & bhakthi content.
caraNam 6: You reside in the hearts of good people like the moon that
rises in the sea. You have the Pushpaka Vimanam. Your feet is being
touched by Hanuman's lotus hands that won over the demon Surasai. You
control the bad tempered demons. You are eternal. You are worshipped
by the four faced Brahma.
caraNam 7: You assume the form of Lord Siva who resides inside the
Omkara form, Lord Brahma and Vishnu. You killed Ravana, the father of
Indrajith. Lord Siva with the crescent shaped moon on his head likes
you. You show mercy. You protect those who take refuge in you. You
create happiness to good people. You are impartial. You are the
essence of Vedas.
caraNam 8: You have arrow in your hand. You control the anger of the
demons. You protect the Devas and brahmins. You have been praised by
Valmiki, who is like a sun among other poets. You are worshipped by
Tyagaraja.
caraNam 9: You are the first person, son of the great king. You become
slave to those who worship you. You killed Karan, Viradhan and
Ravanan. You are sinless. You stole the heart of Parasaran. You are
worshipped by Tyagaraja.
caraNam 10: You have good qualities. You wear Pithambaram. You split
trees. You have red feet. You have innumerable greatness. You reside
in the hearts of great poets. You are the friend of Devas and saints.
You are the Lord of Lakshmi who came from the Paarkadal. you are the
Narasimha who kills the elephants of sin. You are worshipped by
bakthas like Tyagaraja.
Ragam: Natai
Thalam: Aadi
Composer: Thyagaraja
36 calanaaTTai janya
Aa: S R3 G3 M1 P D3 N3 S
Av: S N3 P M1 R3 S
Pallavi
jagadAnanda kAraka! |
jaya jAnakI prANa nAyaka! ||
Anupallavi
gaganAdhipa! satkulaja! rAja rAjeshwara! |
suguNAkara! sura sEvya! bhavya dhAyaka! sadA sakala || (Jagada)
caraNam 1
amara tAraka nichaya kumuda hita
paripUrNA! anagha! surasurabhU - |
ja dadhi payodhi vAsa haraNa!
sundaratara vadana! sudhAmaya va - |
chO brunda gOvinda sAnanda! mA -
varAja rApta shubhakara! AnEka || (Jagadha)
caraNam 2
nigamanIraja amrutajapOshaka!
animishavairi vArida samIraNa! |
khaga turanga! satkavi hR.dAlaya!
agaNitavAnarAdhipa! NatAnghriyuga! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 3
indra nIlamaNi sannibhApaghana!
chandra sUrya nayana! apramEya! VA- |
gIndra janaka! sakalEsha! shubhra nA-
gEndra shayana! shamanavairi sannuta! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 4
pAda vijita mauni shApa! sAva pari
pAla! vara mantra grahaNa lOla! |
parama shAnta siddha janaka jAdhipa
sarOja bhava varada! akhila- || (Jagadha)
caraNam 5
srushti sthityantakAraka! amita!
kAmita phalada! asamAna gAtra! Sha- |
cIpati sutAbdhi mada hara! anurAga
rAga rAjita kathA sArahita! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 6
sajjana mAnasAbdhi sudhAkara! ku
suma vimAna surasA ripu karAbja |
lAlita caraNa! avaguNa asuragaNa-
madaharaNa! sanAtana! Ajanuta! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 7
OMkAra pa.njara kIra pura-
hara sarOja bhava kEshavAdi |
rUpa! vAsava ripu janakAntaka! ka-
lAdhara kalAdharApta! ghR.NAkara! sha- |
raNAgata janapAlana! sumanO ra-
maNa! nirvikAra! NigamasAratara! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 8
karadruta sharajAla! asurama-
da apaharana! avanIsura surAvana! |
kavIna bhilajamauni kR.ta caritra-
sannuta shrI tyAgarAjanuta! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 9
purANa purusha! svarAtmajA! ashrIta
parAdIna! kharavirAdha rAvaNa- |
virAvaNa! anagha! parAshara manO-
hara! vikR.ta tyAgarAja sannuta! || (Jagadha)
caraNam 10
agaNita guNa! kanaka cEla!
sAla vidhalana aruNAbha samAna caraNa! |
apAra mahima! adbhuta! sukavijana-
hR.tsadana! suramuni gaNa vihita! kala- |
sha nIranidhijA ramaNa! pApa gaja-
nR.simha! vara tyAgarAjAdi nuta! || (Jagadha)
Translation
Meaning:
pallavi: The creator of happiness throughout the world ! The beloved
of Sita ! Victory be yours !
anupallavi : The inheritor of Suryavamsa ! King of Kings ! You are
worshipped by the Devas ! You bestow good things !
caraNam 1: Amidst the Devas, you are like the moon amidst the stars.
You are flawless, like the Karpaga Vriksha for the Devas. You steal
the pots filled with curd and milk. You have a beautiful face. You say
sweet words. You take care of the cows. You are the Lord of Goddesses
Lakshmi. You are filled with happiness. You are ever youthful and you
help your beloved.
caraNam 2: You were brought up by the amrtham from the lotus flowers
which are the Vedas. You are like forceful wind that dispells the
clouds, while you dispell the enemies of the Devas. Garudavahanan. You
reside in the hearts of poets. Your feet is worshipped by innumerable
kings of the Vanaras (monkeys).
caraNam 3: You have a body that is as bright as Lord Indra's blue gem.
You have the Sun and the Moon as your eyes. You are the father of the
great Brahma whose greatness cannot even be imagined. You are all
powerful. You rest on the Adisesha. You are worshipped by Lord Siva
who humbled Yama.
caraNam 4: You removed the curse of Gowthama Rishi by the greatness of
your feet. You guard the rituals of your devotees. You have learnt the
two great mantras of Pala and Athipala. You granted boon to Brahma.
caraNam 5: You do the three jobs of creation, protection and
destruction. You fulfill numerous desires of your devotees. You are
handsome . There can be none equal to you. You are worshipped by
Indra. You humbled the pride of the ocean king. You are the essence of
the Ramayana which shines through its musical & bhakthi content.
caraNam 6: You reside in the hearts of good people like the moon that
rises in the sea. You have the Pushpaka Vimanam. Your feet is being
touched by Hanuman's lotus hands that won over the demon Surasai. You
control the bad tempered demons. You are eternal. You are worshipped
by the four faced Brahma.
caraNam 7: You assume the form of Lord Siva who resides inside the
Omkara form, Lord Brahma and Vishnu. You killed Ravana, the father of
Indrajith. Lord Siva with the crescent shaped moon on his head likes
you. You show mercy. You protect those who take refuge in you. You
create happiness to good people. You are impartial. You are the
essence of Vedas.
caraNam 8: You have arrow in your hand. You control the anger of the
demons. You protect the Devas and brahmins. You have been praised by
Valmiki, who is like a sun among other poets. You are worshipped by
Tyagaraja.
caraNam 9: You are the first person, son of the great king. You become
slave to those who worship you. You killed Karan, Viradhan and
Ravanan. You are sinless. You stole the heart of Parasaran. You are
worshipped by Tyagaraja.
caraNam 10: You have good qualities. You wear Pithambaram. You split
trees. You have red feet. You have innumerable greatness. You reside
in the hearts of great poets. You are the friend of Devas and saints.
You are the Lord of Lakshmi who came from the Paarkadal. you are the
Narasimha who kills the elephants of sin. You are worshipped by
bakthas like Tyagaraja.
Nirvana Shatkam
Nirvana Shatkam (Sextet of salvation)
-Aadhi Shankara Bhagawat Pada
Translation by P.R.Ramachander
Mano budhya ahankara chithaa ninaham,
Na cha srothra jihwe na cha graana nethrer,
Na cha vyoma bhoomir na thejo na vayu,
Chidananada Roopa Shivoham, Shivoham.
Neither am I mind, nor intelligence ,
Nor ego, nor thought,
Nor am I ears or the tongue or the nose or the eyes,
Nor am I earth or sky or air or the light,
But I am Shiva the all pervading happiness,
Yes ,I am definitely Shiva.
Na cha praana samgno na vai pancha vaayur,
Na vaa saptha dhathur na va pancha kosa,
Na vak pani padam na chopa stha payu,
Chidananada Roopa Shivoham, Shivoham.
Neither am I the movement due to life,
Nor am I the five airs, nor am I the seven elements,
Nor am I the five internal organs,
Nor am I voice or hands or feet or other organs,
But I am Shiva the all pervading happiness,
Yes ,I am definitely Shiva
Na me dwesha raghou na me lobha mohou,
Madho naiva me naiva matsarya bhava,
Na dharmo na cha artha na kamo na moksha,
Chidananada Roopa Shivoham, Shivoham.
I never do have enmity or friendship,
Neither do I have vigour nor feeling of competition,
Neither do I have assets, or money or passion or salvation,
But I am Shiva the all pervading happiness,
Yes ,I am definitely Shiva
Na punyam na paapam na soukhyam na dukham,
Na manthro na theertham na veda na yagna,
Aham bhojanam naiva bhojyam na bhoktha,
Chidananada Roopa Shivoham, Shivoham.
Never do I have good deeds or sins or pleasure or sorrow,
Neither do I have holy chants or holy water or holy books or fire sacrifice,
I am neither food or the consumer who consumes food,
As I am Shiva the all pervading happiness,
Yes ,I am definitely Shiva
Na mruthyur na sankha na me jathi bhedha,
Pitha naiva me naiva matha na janma,
Na bhandhur na mithram gurur naiva sishya,
Chidananada Roopa Shivoham, Shivoham.
I do not have death or doubts or distinction of caste,
I do not have either father or mother or even birth,
And I do not have relations or friends or teacher or students,
As I am Shiva the all pervading happiness,
Yes ,I am definitely Shiva
Aham nirvi kalpi nirakara roopi,
Vibhuthwascha sarvathra sarvendriyanaam,
Na cha sangatham naiva mukthir na meya
Chidananada Roopa Shivoham, Shivoham.
I am one without doubts , I am without form,
Due to knowledge I do not have any relation with my organs,
And I am always redeemed,
And I am Shiva the all pervading happiness,
Yes ,I am definitely Shiva
-Aadhi Shankara Bhagawat Pada
Translation by P.R.Ramachander
Mano budhya ahankara chithaa ninaham,
Na cha srothra jihwe na cha graana nethrer,
Na cha vyoma bhoomir na thejo na vayu,
Chidananada Roopa Shivoham, Shivoham.
Neither am I mind, nor intelligence ,
Nor ego, nor thought,
Nor am I ears or the tongue or the nose or the eyes,
Nor am I earth or sky or air or the light,
But I am Shiva the all pervading happiness,
Yes ,I am definitely Shiva.
Na cha praana samgno na vai pancha vaayur,
Na vaa saptha dhathur na va pancha kosa,
Na vak pani padam na chopa stha payu,
Chidananada Roopa Shivoham, Shivoham.
Neither am I the movement due to life,
Nor am I the five airs, nor am I the seven elements,
Nor am I the five internal organs,
Nor am I voice or hands or feet or other organs,
But I am Shiva the all pervading happiness,
Yes ,I am definitely Shiva
Na me dwesha raghou na me lobha mohou,
Madho naiva me naiva matsarya bhava,
Na dharmo na cha artha na kamo na moksha,
Chidananada Roopa Shivoham, Shivoham.
I never do have enmity or friendship,
Neither do I have vigour nor feeling of competition,
Neither do I have assets, or money or passion or salvation,
But I am Shiva the all pervading happiness,
Yes ,I am definitely Shiva
Na punyam na paapam na soukhyam na dukham,
Na manthro na theertham na veda na yagna,
Aham bhojanam naiva bhojyam na bhoktha,
Chidananada Roopa Shivoham, Shivoham.
Never do I have good deeds or sins or pleasure or sorrow,
Neither do I have holy chants or holy water or holy books or fire sacrifice,
I am neither food or the consumer who consumes food,
As I am Shiva the all pervading happiness,
Yes ,I am definitely Shiva
Na mruthyur na sankha na me jathi bhedha,
Pitha naiva me naiva matha na janma,
Na bhandhur na mithram gurur naiva sishya,
Chidananada Roopa Shivoham, Shivoham.
I do not have death or doubts or distinction of caste,
I do not have either father or mother or even birth,
And I do not have relations or friends or teacher or students,
As I am Shiva the all pervading happiness,
Yes ,I am definitely Shiva
Aham nirvi kalpi nirakara roopi,
Vibhuthwascha sarvathra sarvendriyanaam,
Na cha sangatham naiva mukthir na meya
Chidananada Roopa Shivoham, Shivoham.
I am one without doubts , I am without form,
Due to knowledge I do not have any relation with my organs,
And I am always redeemed,
And I am Shiva the all pervading happiness,
Yes ,I am definitely Shiva
Monday, September 22, 2008
Teaching is Cheating Jumbled !
I'm teaching 70 kids Intro Bio this sem at UW - it is rewarding like there's no tomorrow !!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Duet of a Lifetime (Hindustani & Carnatic Vocal)
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi AND Dr Balamurali Krishna - DOES it get any better ?! The animation ! The sheer splendor !!
Raaga Malkauns
Raaga Yaman Kalyan
Raaga Bhairavi
Raaga Malkauns
Raaga Yaman Kalyan
Raaga Bhairavi
Performance Under Pressure
A centipede was happy quite,
Until a frog in fun,
Said, "Pray, which leg comes after which?"
This raised his doubts to such a pitch,
He fell distracted in the ditch,
Not knowing how to run.
Cool way to capture the pressure of performing under pressure ! I cannot perform under pressure. Cannot tell a jokes if asked to easily. Guess stand-up comedy isn't for everyone.
Paper Without Paper
From time to time, UW's daily and independent student run newspaper The Daily Cardinal declares that it has no paper to print the science section ! As a writer for the science section, this is bad news. :(.
This paper takes not a dime from the school, maintaining the complete independence of the paper from UW's jurisdiction. The Cardinal then has the janamsiddha adhikar to come up with headlines like "Chancellor Wiley Sucks". However, obviously it is always short of money. Its only sponsors are agencies that place advertisements in the paper and often that just aint enough. So the poor but proud Cardinal is forced to remove entire sections for some weeks. Gareeb, lekin garv !
This paper takes not a dime from the school, maintaining the complete independence of the paper from UW's jurisdiction. The Cardinal then has the janamsiddha adhikar to come up with headlines like "Chancellor Wiley Sucks". However, obviously it is always short of money. Its only sponsors are agencies that place advertisements in the paper and often that just aint enough. So the poor but proud Cardinal is forced to remove entire sections for some weeks. Gareeb, lekin garv !
Carnatic Music Vs Western Classical Music
Ashwin and Rohin Iyer's Jagadananda Karaka
L.Subramaniam's Raaga Hamsadhwani
Vanessa Mae plays a Bach piece
The following views are based entirely on my observations over the past few years and informal learning from peers / professionals :
Classical carnatic music stands out amongst all forms of classical music whether western or hindustani classical in terms of its use of "fractions" of notes/swaras used. Both hindustani and western classical music use seven notes to make up an octave/raga and hindustani music uses some pitches in between two swaras ( for e.g. in between Sa and Re).Carnatic music is heavily interspersed with these in between pitches and functions primarily on fractions. Therein lies its inherent complexity. 4.357, 8.598, 9.214, 2.853 - if these represent the in between pitches adopted by the carantic vocal/instrumental singer, then most of the renditions are composed of such fractions.
Hindustani music may be represented by 1, 5, 6, 5.7, 7.6, 9, 3, 6.9, 5
Western classical music ONLY uses discrete notes and can be represented entirely by whole numbers - 1,2,3,4,5
There is variation amongst instruments with respect how discrete/continuous the sound they produce are. So the violin for example, is a more continuous instrument than the piano. That is because while the piano has individual discrete notes and sounds in between one note and the next cannot physically be produced, the violin's strings allow for all pitches in between two swaras. That is one obvious reason why the violin has been easily integrated into classical carnatic music and why the piano will probably not find a place there. As part of an amateur fusion group, some of my friends and I tried blending the piano with carnatic music a few years ago and it was not the best of blends. The use of the pedal on the piano ( which functions to create and sustain resonance between all notes ) greatly increases its "continuity" and decreases its discreteness. This creates the illusion of completeness for the piano as as instrument - the piano can sound very incomplete without the use of the pedal.
So to the untrained ear, like to me, carnatic music is whole other world of beauty and very easily identifiable by the use of fractions. The mridangam keeps up with the fractions of swaras and is very fast paced, making the music energetic.
L.Subramaniam's Raaga Hamsadhwani
Vanessa Mae plays a Bach piece
The following views are based entirely on my observations over the past few years and informal learning from peers / professionals :
Classical carnatic music stands out amongst all forms of classical music whether western or hindustani classical in terms of its use of "fractions" of notes/swaras used. Both hindustani and western classical music use seven notes to make up an octave/raga and hindustani music uses some pitches in between two swaras ( for e.g. in between Sa and Re).Carnatic music is heavily interspersed with these in between pitches and functions primarily on fractions. Therein lies its inherent complexity. 4.357, 8.598, 9.214, 2.853 - if these represent the in between pitches adopted by the carantic vocal/instrumental singer, then most of the renditions are composed of such fractions.
Hindustani music may be represented by 1, 5, 6, 5.7, 7.6, 9, 3, 6.9, 5
Western classical music ONLY uses discrete notes and can be represented entirely by whole numbers - 1,2,3,4,5
There is variation amongst instruments with respect how discrete/continuous the sound they produce are. So the violin for example, is a more continuous instrument than the piano. That is because while the piano has individual discrete notes and sounds in between one note and the next cannot physically be produced, the violin's strings allow for all pitches in between two swaras. That is one obvious reason why the violin has been easily integrated into classical carnatic music and why the piano will probably not find a place there. As part of an amateur fusion group, some of my friends and I tried blending the piano with carnatic music a few years ago and it was not the best of blends. The use of the pedal on the piano ( which functions to create and sustain resonance between all notes ) greatly increases its "continuity" and decreases its discreteness. This creates the illusion of completeness for the piano as as instrument - the piano can sound very incomplete without the use of the pedal.
So to the untrained ear, like to me, carnatic music is whole other world of beauty and very easily identifiable by the use of fractions. The mridangam keeps up with the fractions of swaras and is very fast paced, making the music energetic.
Friday, September 19, 2008
No Rhyme Or Reason
Gentlemen,we don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.
-Professor John Keating in the Movie Dead Poet's Society
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Some Quotes From the Bhagavad - Gita
One who is not disturbed in mind even amidst the threefold miseries or elated when there is happiness, and who is free from attachment, fear and anger, is called a sage of steady mind.
The senses are so strong and impetuous, O Arjuna, that they forcibly carry away the mind even of a man of discrimination who is endeavoring to control them.
One who restrains his senses, keeping them under full control, and fixes his consciousness upon Me, is known as a man of steady intelligence.
While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment anger arises.From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion, bewilderment of memory. When memory us bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost, one falls down again into the material pool.
One who is not connected with the Supreme can have neither transcendental intelligence nor a steady mind, without which there is no possibility of peace.And how can there be any happiness without peace? As a boat on the water is swept away by a strong wind, even one of the roaming senses on which the mind focuses can carry away a man's intelligence. A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires - that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still - can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.
A person who has given up all desires for sense gratification, who lives free from desires, who has given up all sense of proprietorship and is devoid of false ego - he alone can attain real peace.
One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, in intelligent among men, and he is in transcendental position, although engaged in all sorts of activities. In this world, there is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge. Such knowledge is the mature fruit of all mysticism. And one who has become accomplished in the practice of devotional service enjoys this knowledge within himself in due course of time.
A faithful man who is dedicated to transcendental knowledge and who subdues his senses is eligible to achieve such knowledge and having achieved it, he quickly attains supreme spiritual peace. But ignorant and faithless persons who doubt the revealed scriptures do not attain God consciousness;they fall down.For the doubting soul there is no happiness neither in this world nor in the next.
One who works in devotion, who is a pure soul, and who controls his mind and senses is dear to everyone, and everyone is dear to him. Though always working, such a man is never entangled.
One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water.
The steadily devoted soul attains unadulterated peace because he offers the results of all activities to Me; whereas a person who is not in union with the Divine, who is greedy for the fruits of labor, becomes entangled.
A person who neither rejoices upon achieving something pleasant not laments upon obtaining something unpleasant, who is self-intelligent, who is unbewildered, and who knows the science of God is already situated in transcendence.
One must deliver himself with the help of his mind. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well. For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy.
As a lamp in a windless place does not waver, so the transcendentalist, whose mind is controlled, remains always steady in meditation on the transcendent self. From whenever the mind wanders due to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the self. For the mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Arjuna, and to subdue it, I think is more difficult than controlling the wind.
O son of Kunti, at the end of the millennium all material manifestations enter into My nature, and at the beginning of another millennium, by My potency, I create them again. The whole cosmic order us under Me. Under My will it is automatically manifested again and again, and under My will it is annihilated at the end. Intelligence,knowledge,freedom from doubt and delusion, forgiveness,truthfulness,control of the senses,control of the mind,happiness and distress,birth,death,fear,fearlessness,nonviolence,equanimity,satisfaction,austerity, charity,fame and infamy - all these various qualities of living beings are created by Me alone.
I am the Supersoul, O Arjuna, seated in the hearts of all living entities. I am the beginning, the middle and the end of all beings. I am inexhaustible time. I am also the gambling of cheats,and of the splendid I am the splendor. I am victory, I am adventure, and I am the strength of the strong. I am the goal, the sustainer, the master, the witness, the abode, the refuge and the most dear friend. I am the creation and the annihilation, the basis of everything, the resting peace and the eternal seed.
The senses are so strong and impetuous, O Arjuna, that they forcibly carry away the mind even of a man of discrimination who is endeavoring to control them.
One who restrains his senses, keeping them under full control, and fixes his consciousness upon Me, is known as a man of steady intelligence.
While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment anger arises.From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion, bewilderment of memory. When memory us bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost, one falls down again into the material pool.
One who is not connected with the Supreme can have neither transcendental intelligence nor a steady mind, without which there is no possibility of peace.And how can there be any happiness without peace? As a boat on the water is swept away by a strong wind, even one of the roaming senses on which the mind focuses can carry away a man's intelligence. A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires - that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still - can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.
A person who has given up all desires for sense gratification, who lives free from desires, who has given up all sense of proprietorship and is devoid of false ego - he alone can attain real peace.
One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, in intelligent among men, and he is in transcendental position, although engaged in all sorts of activities. In this world, there is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge. Such knowledge is the mature fruit of all mysticism. And one who has become accomplished in the practice of devotional service enjoys this knowledge within himself in due course of time.
A faithful man who is dedicated to transcendental knowledge and who subdues his senses is eligible to achieve such knowledge and having achieved it, he quickly attains supreme spiritual peace. But ignorant and faithless persons who doubt the revealed scriptures do not attain God consciousness;they fall down.For the doubting soul there is no happiness neither in this world nor in the next.
One who works in devotion, who is a pure soul, and who controls his mind and senses is dear to everyone, and everyone is dear to him. Though always working, such a man is never entangled.
One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water.
The steadily devoted soul attains unadulterated peace because he offers the results of all activities to Me; whereas a person who is not in union with the Divine, who is greedy for the fruits of labor, becomes entangled.
A person who neither rejoices upon achieving something pleasant not laments upon obtaining something unpleasant, who is self-intelligent, who is unbewildered, and who knows the science of God is already situated in transcendence.
One must deliver himself with the help of his mind. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well. For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy.
As a lamp in a windless place does not waver, so the transcendentalist, whose mind is controlled, remains always steady in meditation on the transcendent self. From whenever the mind wanders due to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the self. For the mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Arjuna, and to subdue it, I think is more difficult than controlling the wind.
O son of Kunti, at the end of the millennium all material manifestations enter into My nature, and at the beginning of another millennium, by My potency, I create them again. The whole cosmic order us under Me. Under My will it is automatically manifested again and again, and under My will it is annihilated at the end. Intelligence,knowledge,freedom from doubt and delusion, forgiveness,truthfulness,control of the senses,control of the mind,happiness and distress,birth,death,fear,fearlessness,nonviolence,equanimity,satisfaction,austerity, charity,fame and infamy - all these various qualities of living beings are created by Me alone.
I am the Supersoul, O Arjuna, seated in the hearts of all living entities. I am the beginning, the middle and the end of all beings. I am inexhaustible time. I am also the gambling of cheats,and of the splendid I am the splendor. I am victory, I am adventure, and I am the strength of the strong. I am the goal, the sustainer, the master, the witness, the abode, the refuge and the most dear friend. I am the creation and the annihilation, the basis of everything, the resting peace and the eternal seed.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
To The Gypsy Kings
Djobi Djoba
Bomboleo
Volare
C'est La Vie !! To the Gypsy Kings with Love :
And Then My Heart With Pleasure Fills,
And Dances With The Daffodils
- William Wordsworth
Bomboleo
Volare
C'est La Vie !! To the Gypsy Kings with Love :
And Then My Heart With Pleasure Fills,
And Dances With The Daffodils
- William Wordsworth
Yes, Minister
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIto5mwDLxo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJMW6M28Clw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvNw0P5ZMbA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on2I1U-F3BY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJMW6M28Clw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvNw0P5ZMbA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on2I1U-F3BY&feature=related
Why Did the Chicken?
PLATO: For the greater good.
ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross roads.
KARL MARX: It was a historical inevitability.
TIMOTHY LEARY: Because that's the only trip the establishment would let
it take.
SADDAM HUSSEIN: This was an unprovoked act of rebellion and we were quite
justified in dropping 50 tons of nerve gas on it.
CAPTAIN JAMES T. KIRK: To boldly go where no chicken has gone before.
HIPPOCRATES: Because of an excess of phlegm in its pancreas.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.: I envision a world where all chickens will be
free to cross roads without having their motives called into question.
MOSES: And God came down from the Heavens, and He said unto the chicken,
"Thou shalt cross the road." And the chicken crossed the road, and there
was much rejoicing.
RICHARD M. NIXON: The chicken did not cross the road. I repeat, the
chicken did NOT cross the road.
MACHIAVELLI: The point is that the chicken crossed the road. Who cares
why? The end of crossing the road justifies whatever motive there was.
BILL GATES: The newly released Chicken 2007, will not only cross roads,
but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your
checkbook.
DARWIN : Chickens, over great periods of time, have been naturally
selected in such a way that they are now genetically disposed to cross
roads.
EINSTEIN: Whether the chicken crossed the road or the road moved beneath
the chicken depends upon your frame of reference and relativity.
GEORGE BUSH: We are committed to establishing a democracy where chickens
freely cross roads without oppression from terrorist organizations.
Azharuddin: "I am totally innocent, you know, I'm unnecessarily being
dragged into this, you know, because I'm from the minority community... ..
I neither know the chicken nor the road, you know...."
George Fernandes: "I am deeply hurt that this question is being asked
after my 40 clean years of public life. I don't own a house, or a car,
leave alone a chicken !!!"
Mulayam: "I demand a 50% reservation of the road for the chicken class,
so that they can cross the road freely without their motives being
questioned"
ARJUN SINGH: Our policy will ensure the development of socially
underprivileged chickens so that they can also cross roads.
Abdul Kalam: "Yes, why did the chickens cross the road? .. please tell me
why? .. they crossed to go to the other side of the road... now repeat
after me ...."
Advani: "I see Pakistani hand in this ..."
Vatal Nagaraj: "No Tamil or outside chickens will be allowed to cross our
roads, our roads are meant only for Kanadiga chickens!".
Bal Thackarey: "Chickens crossing the roads is against our culture, my
followers will stone all such chickens which cross the road".
Jayalalithaa: "From reliable sources I've got the information that the
chicken belongs to Karunanidhi. He is making his chicken cross the road
to create law & order problems. The chicken has now been imprisoned under
POTA".
Amitabh Bachhan: "The chicken has crossed the road?.. are you sure.. very
sure ... really sure..."
Venkaiah Naidu: "We are very sure of the fact that the chicken did not
cross the road. It's a conspiracy by the congress. The poor chicken has
been made a scapegoat in this whole issue"
H.S.Surjeet: "We are adopting a wait and watch policy. We have convened a
meeting of the third front today. We will decide the future course of
action after the chicken comes back.."
Maneka Gandhi: "Chicken crossed the road alone...!! If a vehicle had
passed over it, we would have lost one of our dearest creatures. Ban all
vehicles from using the road. Protect our chickens..."
Salman Khan: "I ran over the chicken (Hic!). It was not intentional
....... It was accidental (Hic!)... ... you're now asking this question
to me only because I'm a celebrity (Hic!)".
ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross roads.
KARL MARX: It was a historical inevitability.
TIMOTHY LEARY: Because that's the only trip the establishment would let
it take.
SADDAM HUSSEIN: This was an unprovoked act of rebellion and we were quite
justified in dropping 50 tons of nerve gas on it.
CAPTAIN JAMES T. KIRK: To boldly go where no chicken has gone before.
HIPPOCRATES: Because of an excess of phlegm in its pancreas.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.: I envision a world where all chickens will be
free to cross roads without having their motives called into question.
MOSES: And God came down from the Heavens, and He said unto the chicken,
"Thou shalt cross the road." And the chicken crossed the road, and there
was much rejoicing.
RICHARD M. NIXON: The chicken did not cross the road. I repeat, the
chicken did NOT cross the road.
MACHIAVELLI: The point is that the chicken crossed the road. Who cares
why? The end of crossing the road justifies whatever motive there was.
BILL GATES: The newly released Chicken 2007, will not only cross roads,
but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your
checkbook.
DARWIN : Chickens, over great periods of time, have been naturally
selected in such a way that they are now genetically disposed to cross
roads.
EINSTEIN: Whether the chicken crossed the road or the road moved beneath
the chicken depends upon your frame of reference and relativity.
GEORGE BUSH: We are committed to establishing a democracy where chickens
freely cross roads without oppression from terrorist organizations.
Azharuddin: "I am totally innocent, you know, I'm unnecessarily being
dragged into this, you know, because I'm from the minority community... ..
I neither know the chicken nor the road, you know...."
George Fernandes: "I am deeply hurt that this question is being asked
after my 40 clean years of public life. I don't own a house, or a car,
leave alone a chicken !!!"
Mulayam: "I demand a 50% reservation of the road for the chicken class,
so that they can cross the road freely without their motives being
questioned"
ARJUN SINGH: Our policy will ensure the development of socially
underprivileged chickens so that they can also cross roads.
Abdul Kalam: "Yes, why did the chickens cross the road? .. please tell me
why? .. they crossed to go to the other side of the road... now repeat
after me ...."
Advani: "I see Pakistani hand in this ..."
Vatal Nagaraj: "No Tamil or outside chickens will be allowed to cross our
roads, our roads are meant only for Kanadiga chickens!".
Bal Thackarey: "Chickens crossing the roads is against our culture, my
followers will stone all such chickens which cross the road".
Jayalalithaa: "From reliable sources I've got the information that the
chicken belongs to Karunanidhi. He is making his chicken cross the road
to create law & order problems. The chicken has now been imprisoned under
POTA".
Amitabh Bachhan: "The chicken has crossed the road?.. are you sure.. very
sure ... really sure..."
Venkaiah Naidu: "We are very sure of the fact that the chicken did not
cross the road. It's a conspiracy by the congress. The poor chicken has
been made a scapegoat in this whole issue"
H.S.Surjeet: "We are adopting a wait and watch policy. We have convened a
meeting of the third front today. We will decide the future course of
action after the chicken comes back.."
Maneka Gandhi: "Chicken crossed the road alone...!! If a vehicle had
passed over it, we would have lost one of our dearest creatures. Ban all
vehicles from using the road. Protect our chickens..."
Salman Khan: "I ran over the chicken (Hic!). It was not intentional
....... It was accidental (Hic!)... ... you're now asking this question
to me only because I'm a celebrity (Hic!)".
The (Spotted) Cow Concept
SOCIALISM:
You have 2 cows and you give one to your neighbour.
COMMUNISM:
You have 2 cows; the Government takes both and gives you some milk.
NAZISM:
You have 2 cows. The Government takes both and shoots you.
AN AMERICAN CORPORATION:
You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of
four cows. Later, you hire a consultant to analyze why the cow dropped dead.
A FRENCH CORPORATION:
You have two cows. You go on strike because you want three cows.
A RUSSIAN CORPORATION:
You have two cows. You count them and learn you have five cows. You
count them again and
learn you have 42 cows. You count them again and learn you have 2 cows. You
stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.
A BRITISH CORPORATION:
You have two cows. Both are mad.
LEBANON'S SYSTEM:
You have two cows. One is owned by Syria and the other is controlled
by the government.
EGYPT'S SYSTEM:
You have two cows. Both vote for Mubarak.
DUBAI'S SYSTEM:
You have two cows. You create a website for them and advertise
them in all magazines. You create a " Cow City " or " Milk Village " for
them. You sell off their milk before the cows have even been milked to both
legit and shady investors who hope to res ell the non-existent milk for a
100% profit in two years time. You bring Tiger Woods to milk the cow first
to attract media attention.
SHARJAH'S SYSTEM:
You have two cows. You sell them to an investor in Dubai. The cows get
stuck in traffic between Sharjah to Dubai and die. You have zero cows now.
You have 2 cows and you give one to your neighbour.
COMMUNISM:
You have 2 cows; the Government takes both and gives you some milk.
NAZISM:
You have 2 cows. The Government takes both and shoots you.
AN AMERICAN CORPORATION:
You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of
four cows. Later, you hire a consultant to analyze why the cow dropped dead.
A FRENCH CORPORATION:
You have two cows. You go on strike because you want three cows.
A RUSSIAN CORPORATION:
You have two cows. You count them and learn you have five cows. You
count them again and
learn you have 42 cows. You count them again and learn you have 2 cows. You
stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.
A BRITISH CORPORATION:
You have two cows. Both are mad.
LEBANON'S SYSTEM:
You have two cows. One is owned by Syria and the other is controlled
by the government.
EGYPT'S SYSTEM:
You have two cows. Both vote for Mubarak.
DUBAI'S SYSTEM:
You have two cows. You create a website for them and advertise
them in all magazines. You create a " Cow City " or " Milk Village " for
them. You sell off their milk before the cows have even been milked to both
legit and shady investors who hope to res ell the non-existent milk for a
100% profit in two years time. You bring Tiger Woods to milk the cow first
to attract media attention.
SHARJAH'S SYSTEM:
You have two cows. You sell them to an investor in Dubai. The cows get
stuck in traffic between Sharjah to Dubai and die. You have zero cows now.
Coefficient of the Linear...
GRE vs NORMAL STUDENTS :
A GRE STUDENT: All articles that coruscate
with resplendence are not truly auriferous.
A NORMAL PERSON : All that glitters is not
gold.
A GRE STUDENT : Sorting on the part of
mendicants must be interdicted.
A NORMAL PERSON : Beggars are not choosers
A GRE STUDENT : Male cadavers are incapable of
rendering any testimony.
A NORMAL PERSON : Dead men tell no tales
A GRE STUDENT : Neophyte's serendipity.
A NORMAL PERSON : Beginner's luck
A GRE STUDENT : A revolving lithic
conglomerate accumulates no congeries of small,
green, biophytic plant.
A NORMAL PERSON : a rolling stone gathers no
moss
A GRE STUDENT: Members of an avian species of
identical plumage tend to congregate.
A NORMAL PERSON : birds of the same feather
flock together
A GRE STUDENT : Pulchritude possesses solely
cutaneous profundity.
A NORMAL PERSON : beauty is only skin deep
A GRE STUDENT : Freedom from incrustations of
grime is contiguous to rectitude.
A NORMAL PERSON : cleanliness is godliness
A GRE STUDENT : It is fruitless to become
lachrymose of precipitately departed lactile fluid.
A NORMAL PERSON : there's no use crying over
spilt milk
A GRE STUDENT : It is fruitless to attempt to
indoctrinate a superannuated canine with innovative
maneuvers.
A NORMAL PERSON : u can't try to teach an old
dog new tricks
A GRE STUDENT : Surveillance should precede
saltation.
A NORMAL PERSON : look before you leap
A GRE STUDENT : Scintillate, scintillate,
asteroid minim.
A NORMAL PERSON : twinkle, twinkle, little
star
A GRE STUDENT : The person presenting the
ultimate cachinnation possesses thereby the optimal
cachinnation.
A NORMAL PERSON : he who laughs last, laughs
the best
A GRE STUDENT : Exclusive dedication to
necessitous chores without interludes of hedonistic
diversion renders Jack a hebetudinous fellow.
A NORMAL PERSON : all work and no play makes
jack a dull boy
A GRE STUDENT : Individuals who make their
abodes in vitreous edifices would be advised to
refrain from catapulting petrious projectiles.
A NORMAL PERSON : people who live in glass
houses should not throw stones
A GRE STUDENT : Where there are visible vapors
having their provenance in ignited carbonaceous
materials, there is conflagration.
A NORMAL PERSON : where there's smoke, there's
fire!
A GRE STUDENT: All articles that coruscate
with resplendence are not truly auriferous.
A NORMAL PERSON : All that glitters is not
gold.
A GRE STUDENT : Sorting on the part of
mendicants must be interdicted.
A NORMAL PERSON : Beggars are not choosers
A GRE STUDENT : Male cadavers are incapable of
rendering any testimony.
A NORMAL PERSON : Dead men tell no tales
A GRE STUDENT : Neophyte's serendipity.
A NORMAL PERSON : Beginner's luck
A GRE STUDENT : A revolving lithic
conglomerate accumulates no congeries of small,
green, biophytic plant.
A NORMAL PERSON : a rolling stone gathers no
moss
A GRE STUDENT: Members of an avian species of
identical plumage tend to congregate.
A NORMAL PERSON : birds of the same feather
flock together
A GRE STUDENT : Pulchritude possesses solely
cutaneous profundity.
A NORMAL PERSON : beauty is only skin deep
A GRE STUDENT : Freedom from incrustations of
grime is contiguous to rectitude.
A NORMAL PERSON : cleanliness is godliness
A GRE STUDENT : It is fruitless to become
lachrymose of precipitately departed lactile fluid.
A NORMAL PERSON : there's no use crying over
spilt milk
A GRE STUDENT : It is fruitless to attempt to
indoctrinate a superannuated canine with innovative
maneuvers.
A NORMAL PERSON : u can't try to teach an old
dog new tricks
A GRE STUDENT : Surveillance should precede
saltation.
A NORMAL PERSON : look before you leap
A GRE STUDENT : Scintillate, scintillate,
asteroid minim.
A NORMAL PERSON : twinkle, twinkle, little
star
A GRE STUDENT : The person presenting the
ultimate cachinnation possesses thereby the optimal
cachinnation.
A NORMAL PERSON : he who laughs last, laughs
the best
A GRE STUDENT : Exclusive dedication to
necessitous chores without interludes of hedonistic
diversion renders Jack a hebetudinous fellow.
A NORMAL PERSON : all work and no play makes
jack a dull boy
A GRE STUDENT : Individuals who make their
abodes in vitreous edifices would be advised to
refrain from catapulting petrious projectiles.
A NORMAL PERSON : people who live in glass
houses should not throw stones
A GRE STUDENT : Where there are visible vapors
having their provenance in ignited carbonaceous
materials, there is conflagration.
A NORMAL PERSON : where there's smoke, there's
fire!
Rangeela Re
The J school. UW-Madison's J school's orientation reinforced Journalism's "Rangeela Re" concept.
You Dirty Vole
Published in the Best American Science Writing compilation of 2003.
You Dirty Vole
By Gunjan Sinha / Popular Science
If you cheat on your spouse, you can't yet plead biochemistry in divorce court. But rodent-brain research sheds light on why some lovers stay, some stray.
George is a typical Midwestern American male in the prime of his life, with an attractive spouse named Martha. George is a devoted husband, Martha an attentive wife. The couple has four young children, a typical home in a lovely valley full of corn and bean fields, and their future looks bright. But George is occasionally unfaithful. So, occasionally, is Martha. No big deal: That's just the way life is in this part of America.
This is a true story, though the names have been changed, and so, for that matter, has the species. George and Martha are prairie voles. They don't marry, of course, or think about being faithful. And a bright future for a vole is typically no more than 60 days of mating and pup-rearing that ends in a fatal encounter with a snake or some other prairie predator.
But if you want to understand more about the conflict in human relationships between faithfulness and philandering, have a peek inside the brain of this wee rodent. Researchers have been studying voles for more than 25 years, and they've learned that the mating behavior of these gregarious creatures uncannily resembles our own-including a familiar pattern of monogamous attachment: Male and female share a home and child care, the occasional dalliance notwithstanding. More important, researchers have discovered what drives the animals' monogamy: brain chemistry. And when it comes to the chemical soup that governs behavior associated with what we call love, prairie vole brains are a lot like ours.
Scientists are careful to refer to what voles engage in as "social monogamy," meaning that although voles prefer to nest and mate with a particular partner, when another vole comes courting, some will stray. And as many as 50 percent of male voles never find a permanent partner. Of course, there is no moral or religious significance to the vole's behavior-monogamous or not. Voles will be voles, because that's their nature.
Still, the parallels to humans are intriguing. "We're not an animal that finds it in our best interest to screw around," says Pepper Schwartz, a sociologist at the University of Washington, yet studies have shown that at least one-third of married people cheat. In many cases, married couples struggle with the simple fact that love and lust aren't always in sync, often tearing us in opposite directions. Vole physiology and behavior reinforce the idea that love and lust are biochemically separate systems, and that the emotional tug of war many of us feel between the two emotions is perfectly natural-a two-headed biological drive that's been hardwired into our brains through millions of years of evolution.
No one knew that voles were monogamous until Lowell Getz, a now-retired professor of ecology, ethology, and evolution at the University of Illinois, began studying them in 1972. At the time, Getz wanted to figure out why the vole population would boom during certain years and then slowly go bust. He set traps in the grassy plains of Illinois and checked them a few times a day, tagging the voles he caught. What surprised him was how often he'd find the same male and female sitting in a trap together.
Voles build soft nests about 8 inches below ground. A female comes of age when she is about 30 days old: Her need to mate is then switched on as soon as she encounters an unpartnered male and sniffs his urine. About 24 hours later, she's ready to breed-with the male she just met or another unattached one if he's gone. Then, hooked, the pair will stick together through thick and thin, mating and raising young.
Getz found vole mating behavior so curious that he wanted to bring the animals into the lab to study them more carefully. But he was a field biologist, not a lab scientist, so he called Sue Carter, a colleague and neuroendocrinologist. Carter had been studying how sex hormones influence behavior, and investigating monogamy in voles dovetailed nicely with her own research. The animals were small: They made the perfect lab rats.
The scientific literature was already rich with studies on a hormone called oxytocin that is made in mammalian brains and that in some species promotes bonding between males and females and between mothers and offspring. Might oxytocin, swirling around in tiny vole brains, be the catalyst for turning them into the lifelong partners that they are?
Sure enough, when Carter injected female voles with oxytocin, they were less finicky in choosing mates and practically glued themselves to their partners once they had paired. The oxytocin-dosed animals tended to lick and cuddle more than untreated animals, and they avoided strangers. What's more, when Carter injected females with oxytocin-blocking chemicals, the animals deserted their partners.
In people, not only is the hormone secreted by lactating women but studies have shown that oxytocin is involved in sexual behavior.
But there's more to vole mating than love; there's war too. Male voles are territorial. Once they bond with a female, they spend lots of time guarding her from other suitors, often sitting near the entrance of their burrow and aggressively baring their beaver-like teeth. Carter reasoned that other biochemicals must kick in after mating, chemicals that turn a once laid-back male into a territorial terror. Oxytocin, it turns out, is only part of the story. A related chemical, vasopressin, also occurs in both sexes. Males, however, have much more of it.
When Carter dosed male voles with a vasopressin-blocking chemical after mating, their feistiness disappeared. An extra jolt of vasopressin, on the other hand, boosted their territorial behavior and made them more protective of their mates.
But monogamous animals aren't the only ones that have vasopressin and oxytocin in their brains. Philandering animals do too. So what separates faithful creatures from unfaithful ones? Conveniently for scientists, the generally monogamous prairie vole has a wandering counterpart: the montane vole. When Thomas Insel, a neuroscientist at Emory University, studied the two species' vasopressin receptors (appendages on a cell that catch specific biochemicals) he found them in different places. Prairie voles have receptors for the hormone in their brains' pleasure centers; montane voles have the receptors in other brain areas. In other words, male prairie voles stick with the same partner after mating because it feels good. For montane voles, mating is a listless but necessary affair, rather like scratching an itch.
Why are some voles fickle, others faithful? Vole brains differ from one creature to the next. Larry Young, a neuroscientist at Emory University, has found that some animals have more receptors for oxytocin and vasopressin than others. In a recent experiment, he injected a gene into male prairie voles that permanently upped the number of vasopressin receptors in their brains. The animals paired with females even though the two hadn't mated. "Normally they have to mate for at least 24 hours to establish a bond," he says. So the number of receptors can mean the difference between sticking around and skipping out after sex. Might these differences in brain wiring influence human faithfulness? "It's too soon to tell," Young says. But it's "definitely got us very curious."
Lowell Getz, the grandfather of all this research, couldn't be more thrilled. "I spent almost $1 million of taxpayer money trying to figure out stuff like why sisters don't make it with their brothers," he says. "I don't want to go to my grave feeling like it was a waste."
Gunjan Sinha is a science writer based in Frankfurt, Germany.
You Dirty Vole
By Gunjan Sinha / Popular Science
If you cheat on your spouse, you can't yet plead biochemistry in divorce court. But rodent-brain research sheds light on why some lovers stay, some stray.
George is a typical Midwestern American male in the prime of his life, with an attractive spouse named Martha. George is a devoted husband, Martha an attentive wife. The couple has four young children, a typical home in a lovely valley full of corn and bean fields, and their future looks bright. But George is occasionally unfaithful. So, occasionally, is Martha. No big deal: That's just the way life is in this part of America.
This is a true story, though the names have been changed, and so, for that matter, has the species. George and Martha are prairie voles. They don't marry, of course, or think about being faithful. And a bright future for a vole is typically no more than 60 days of mating and pup-rearing that ends in a fatal encounter with a snake or some other prairie predator.
But if you want to understand more about the conflict in human relationships between faithfulness and philandering, have a peek inside the brain of this wee rodent. Researchers have been studying voles for more than 25 years, and they've learned that the mating behavior of these gregarious creatures uncannily resembles our own-including a familiar pattern of monogamous attachment: Male and female share a home and child care, the occasional dalliance notwithstanding. More important, researchers have discovered what drives the animals' monogamy: brain chemistry. And when it comes to the chemical soup that governs behavior associated with what we call love, prairie vole brains are a lot like ours.
Scientists are careful to refer to what voles engage in as "social monogamy," meaning that although voles prefer to nest and mate with a particular partner, when another vole comes courting, some will stray. And as many as 50 percent of male voles never find a permanent partner. Of course, there is no moral or religious significance to the vole's behavior-monogamous or not. Voles will be voles, because that's their nature.
Still, the parallels to humans are intriguing. "We're not an animal that finds it in our best interest to screw around," says Pepper Schwartz, a sociologist at the University of Washington, yet studies have shown that at least one-third of married people cheat. In many cases, married couples struggle with the simple fact that love and lust aren't always in sync, often tearing us in opposite directions. Vole physiology and behavior reinforce the idea that love and lust are biochemically separate systems, and that the emotional tug of war many of us feel between the two emotions is perfectly natural-a two-headed biological drive that's been hardwired into our brains through millions of years of evolution.
No one knew that voles were monogamous until Lowell Getz, a now-retired professor of ecology, ethology, and evolution at the University of Illinois, began studying them in 1972. At the time, Getz wanted to figure out why the vole population would boom during certain years and then slowly go bust. He set traps in the grassy plains of Illinois and checked them a few times a day, tagging the voles he caught. What surprised him was how often he'd find the same male and female sitting in a trap together.
Voles build soft nests about 8 inches below ground. A female comes of age when she is about 30 days old: Her need to mate is then switched on as soon as she encounters an unpartnered male and sniffs his urine. About 24 hours later, she's ready to breed-with the male she just met or another unattached one if he's gone. Then, hooked, the pair will stick together through thick and thin, mating and raising young.
Getz found vole mating behavior so curious that he wanted to bring the animals into the lab to study them more carefully. But he was a field biologist, not a lab scientist, so he called Sue Carter, a colleague and neuroendocrinologist. Carter had been studying how sex hormones influence behavior, and investigating monogamy in voles dovetailed nicely with her own research. The animals were small: They made the perfect lab rats.
The scientific literature was already rich with studies on a hormone called oxytocin that is made in mammalian brains and that in some species promotes bonding between males and females and between mothers and offspring. Might oxytocin, swirling around in tiny vole brains, be the catalyst for turning them into the lifelong partners that they are?
Sure enough, when Carter injected female voles with oxytocin, they were less finicky in choosing mates and practically glued themselves to their partners once they had paired. The oxytocin-dosed animals tended to lick and cuddle more than untreated animals, and they avoided strangers. What's more, when Carter injected females with oxytocin-blocking chemicals, the animals deserted their partners.
In people, not only is the hormone secreted by lactating women but studies have shown that oxytocin is involved in sexual behavior.
But there's more to vole mating than love; there's war too. Male voles are territorial. Once they bond with a female, they spend lots of time guarding her from other suitors, often sitting near the entrance of their burrow and aggressively baring their beaver-like teeth. Carter reasoned that other biochemicals must kick in after mating, chemicals that turn a once laid-back male into a territorial terror. Oxytocin, it turns out, is only part of the story. A related chemical, vasopressin, also occurs in both sexes. Males, however, have much more of it.
When Carter dosed male voles with a vasopressin-blocking chemical after mating, their feistiness disappeared. An extra jolt of vasopressin, on the other hand, boosted their territorial behavior and made them more protective of their mates.
But monogamous animals aren't the only ones that have vasopressin and oxytocin in their brains. Philandering animals do too. So what separates faithful creatures from unfaithful ones? Conveniently for scientists, the generally monogamous prairie vole has a wandering counterpart: the montane vole. When Thomas Insel, a neuroscientist at Emory University, studied the two species' vasopressin receptors (appendages on a cell that catch specific biochemicals) he found them in different places. Prairie voles have receptors for the hormone in their brains' pleasure centers; montane voles have the receptors in other brain areas. In other words, male prairie voles stick with the same partner after mating because it feels good. For montane voles, mating is a listless but necessary affair, rather like scratching an itch.
Why are some voles fickle, others faithful? Vole brains differ from one creature to the next. Larry Young, a neuroscientist at Emory University, has found that some animals have more receptors for oxytocin and vasopressin than others. In a recent experiment, he injected a gene into male prairie voles that permanently upped the number of vasopressin receptors in their brains. The animals paired with females even though the two hadn't mated. "Normally they have to mate for at least 24 hours to establish a bond," he says. So the number of receptors can mean the difference between sticking around and skipping out after sex. Might these differences in brain wiring influence human faithfulness? "It's too soon to tell," Young says. But it's "definitely got us very curious."
Lowell Getz, the grandfather of all this research, couldn't be more thrilled. "I spent almost $1 million of taxpayer money trying to figure out stuff like why sisters don't make it with their brothers," he says. "I don't want to go to my grave feeling like it was a waste."
Gunjan Sinha is a science writer based in Frankfurt, Germany.
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