Reasoned Rebellion

As computing scholars, when we talk about the evolution of software and hardware we cannot help but reminisce about the good old days when a floppy disk was so flexible it actually "flopped" or how much the thumb drives of today put the computers of yesteryear to shame. We also cannot help but talk about the continued Windows vs. Mac battle of the titans.

As it stands, even now, 85% of operating systems worldwide are still running Windows. That number is down significantly from the state of affairs twenty years ago when the Apple logo was only seen by schoolchildren. Why is that? The reason is simple: software applications. Apple computers were known to be the superior educational tool because of the breadth of academic software available for the platform. In contrast, private sector developers were attracted to Windows and so Microsoft won the choice of the business user. Now, thanks to dual development, most software libraries cater to both. Although the two operating systems are at a more even playing field than ever before, user loyalty is arduously influenced this late in the game.

Most recently, cloud computing and Web 2.0 have revolutionized software development. Google has championed the paradigm bringing to the browser software tools that run circles around natively installed competitors. Gmail, Google Dogs, Google Maps, Google Voice, Youtube and Picasa are just a few of their many triumphs. They have metamorphosized the browser into a great OS equalizer; "Mac vs. Windows" has become irrelevant to applications and their programmers are finally liberated from the confines of redundant development. Any device with a browser can use cloud-based products. The day of the software "application" is slowly dying. Google is not alone. Other wonderful services we use everyday have surrendered to the cloud: Netflix, Pandora, Bing, CNBC, Flickr, CNN.com, Paypal, EBay, Bank of America, Skype, Hulu all just scratch the surface of the benefits platform neutrality has already brought to our daily lives.

Until now. With five little words, Apple has decided to breathe new life into the climate that was responsible for their misfortune two decades ago: "there's an app for that." A loyal iTunes customer eloquently explained it to me one night: "The internet is old news. Apple beautifully created so many of these new things called apps! Nobody uses websites anymore. Now, there's an app for everything! Why go to the website when there's an app?"

Sadly, apps are nothing new. Applications are in fact a primitive concept that we should be evolving away from. Mobile devices are no different than computers and have browsers that can share in the benefits of the cloud. The "app" culture is nothing more than proprietary and monopolistic shackles on computing advancement engineered by Apple, Inc. The giant has exploited the popularity of a single device to engage software makers who are once again faced with preferred platform anxiety.

And so, history will repeat itself once more; dual and triple development for most vendors is necessary. They are now focusing less development dollars on the neutral web browser and are being forced to choose a mobile platform in which to release new functionality. Will it be iOS? Android? Windows? Can a new OS player even enter the market? Will developers now have to maintain and debug apps for all of these platforms to satisfy the segregated user base? Why should they have to? Instead of creating more value for the end user these organizations are wrongly preoccupied with the viral spread of our colossal leap backward into using "apps" once again.

Labels: economics/finance, education, tech

 

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The Nazis were obviously wrong to hate the Jews. But their hating the Jews was not without a cause… But the cause wasnʼt real. The cause was imagined. The cause was FEAR.

Letʼs leave the Jews out of this for a moment and think of another minority. One that can go unnoticed if it needs to.

There are all sorts of minorities, blondes for example, but a minority is only thought of as one when it constitutes some kind of threat to the majority. A real threat or an imagined one. And therein lies the FEAR. And, if the minority is somehow invisible……the fear is even greater. And this FEAR is the reason the minority is persecuted. So, there always is a cause. And the cause is FEAR. Minorities are just people. People……like us.

Fear, after all, is our real enemy. Fear is taking over our world. Fear is being used as a tool of manipulation in our society. Itʼs how politicians peddle policy and how Madison Avenue sells us things that we donʼt need. Think about it. Fear that weʼre going to be attacked, fear that there are communists lurking around every corner, fear that some little Caribbean country that doesnʼt believe in our way of life poses a threat to us. Fear that black culture may take over the world. Fear of Elvis Presleyʼs hips.Well, maybe that one is a real fear. Fear that our bad breath might ruin our friendships… Fear of growing old and being alone.

Labels: movies, politics, quotes

Driving up through the mountains of Kasauli was a true adventure. Monkeys at every curve of the dangerously narrow road almost seem to be mocking us in hopes our car would tip over. The ordeal was worth it. The views from this hill station were unlike any that I have ever seen!



We were warned about those monkeys. Don't feed them, don't make eye contact, just ignore them. They were known throughout India not to be the friendliest of creatures attacking without warning. We had a rude awakening after settling in and enjoying tea service out on the resort's patio. All of a sudden, an ape from a nearby tree pounces onto our table. Terrified, we jumped back and took cover in the room. We could do nothing but watch the creature stuff a few sugar cubes into his mouth and make a quick getaway with our buttered toast.

Unlike the weather we just came from, there was a slight chill which was exhilarating each time I took in a gulp of the crisp hill air. I was eager to get to the top -- Monkey Point -- a place, according to on-line sources, was the peak of Kasauli where all the monkeys congregated. Surely, it was a sight to see. It was even protected by an Indian Air Force base where we had to be searched before entering. The challenge of climbing to the top was a daunting one, but that would not dissuade me from seeing those adorable yet vicious little monkeys.

Once at the top, I realized that my trusted Internet was sorely wrong. This was not really Monkey Point. It was Manki Point -- a religious reference to Hanuman. Not a monkey in sight. Just a tiny Hanuman Temple. The few people who were there were buying rice puffs as prasad from the temple's "holy man" (or vendor) and offering the bag to the hanuman statue. The statue's attendant was placing the bag of puffs on the deity's mouth and emptying the contents into a bowl as an offering to the Lord.

I wondered where all the puffs were eventually going. My guess was right back into bags and resold to another sucker.

As I was about to begin my descent to the ground, I noticed an emaciated dog resting at the steps of the temple. Every bone in her body was visible. My heart went out to the pup. I couldn't do much to help, but then realized that there was indeed one food vendor atop Monkey Point. I quickly bought a bag of rice puffs, but instead of feeding it to the statue, I thought it more worthwhile to give the poor animal some hunger relief. I learned that day that a bag of rice puffs doesn't become prasad just by putting it near a piece of porcelain. It becomes prasad when you do something noble with it.

Labels: special events

It was very late at night when I started walking back to the guest house after the final ceremonies.  The moonlit sky was blue and appeared to have a light golden hue.  My strides were slow and steady as I pondered the events that took place over the past few days.

I thought to myself, in the middle of India, as stray dogs lay asleep on the warm pavement, as very wealthy men drove past me in their luxury cars and as a loving family completes a multi-day wedding ceremony, that all living beings on this planet are given life for a reason.

The reason is to build wealth.  That wealth can be defined in several forms, whether it be in accumulating large monetary assets, political power, or simply just being able to put food on the table.

I felt at that moment I was walking away from the wealthiest house in the neighborhood.

When I walked into their home for the first time I felt the warmth of their togetherness.  The groom's mother's smile filled my body with her joy.  The bride's laughter was like a tranquilizer that put me completely at peace.

Yes, indeed, this was a very rich family.

Labels: special events

On our way to Chandigarh, the car started shaking and with it my heart started to beat rapidly. The last thing I want is to be stranded in the middle of a hundred-degree sweltering Indian highway.

As we went from gas station to gas station seeking assistance, I was amazed at how well we were directed toward a competent mechanic. Not only are the natives very knowledgeable about their surroundings, they are extremely helpful and ready to share information when called upon.

So we finally pulled up to a repair shop -- simply a dirt road with several open-air shops. Multiple cattle, goats and dogs had clearly also made the area their home. Out from one of the three-walled structures ran 5 guys who immediately began to address our problem. Without the aid of a garage, advanced tools or computers, they were able to get us back on the road in 20 minutes flat. Try doing that at Pep Boys in the United States. The cost of this service? Four-hundred rupees. About 10 US Dollars when you factor in a generous tip.

Indian ingenuity is unlike that of any other I have ever witnessed.

Labels: special events

So while on the phone with V, I finally worked up the courage to step over the sleeping dog and made it outside. I noticed many street vendors with bikes or wagons going to door-to-door with fresh groceries and newspapers. With an ipod blasting through my ear phones and Nike's on my feet I was clearly a fish out of water.

Running on the street is something I would have to get used to quickly for my own safety. Negotiating with traffic is much harder to do here. The stray dogs don't make it easier either. After about a half mile of street jogging inside the colony, I came to a gated park; an oasis from the outside world.

I took a step into a beautiful part of India with flowers and trees I had never seen before. My favorite is the bottle brush tree which is soft and velvety to the touch.

The warmth of the sun caressed my face as I observed the residents walking, meditating or doing yoga. At risk of standing out even further, I converted the walking path into a jogging track and was the only one actually doing any strenuous activity.

Today I would leave Delhi for the Puttar's wedding in Chandigarh. In India for less than 24 hours and already starting a road trip adventure with friends. Maybe this isn't so bad after all.

Labels: special events

The aircraft finally descended upon Delhi when that signature Indian aroma overwhelmed me. While waiting at baggage claim, I overheard a mother speaking to her young son who was clearly visiting the country for the first time.

"See, India isn't dirty is it" asked the mother.
"No way" adamantly confirmed the boy.
"Wait till you go outside, kid," I thought to myself.

I was right. Another Indian city that needed a good scrubbing. I was on my way to a dear friend's home where I was being hosted for the week. The first night of sleep would be critical to avoid jet lag. It wasn't a total success since I woke up at 4am and started reading my emails and began drafting this blog entry. I eagerly consulted weather.com for the outdoor temperature and sunrise time to determine when it would be safe to go out for a run -- 6:18am.

Having easily killed two hours at the laptop, I opened my door to a mongrel who decided to take a nap outside of my bedroom. Already forewarned that these animals can sense fear and bite without warning, I decided take refuge and the shut the door. What have I got myself into?

Labels: special events

This entry does NOT contain spoilers
So I went to go see Alice in Wonderland on IMAX 3D opening night. As always, Tim Burton has amazed me. Johnny Depp's performance is further evidence for his versatility as an actor.

Disney, however, proceeds to disappoint the Alice in Wonderland franchise. They continually diverge from the true essence of the characters to suit their storyline. For instance, the "Red Queen" appears in this and other Disney interpretations of Alice in Wonderland. In the book, the Red Queen first makes her appearance in the sequel, "Through the Looking Glass." The Red Queen is not to be confused with the villain in the first book, the Queen of Hearts. Disney thinks these two should be the same character. Regrettably, the only thing the Queen of Hearts and the Red Queen have in common is that they are both queens.

I guess I will have to once again accept the fact that another book was butchered on the big screen by production companies.

About this blog's headline image: The Cheshire Cat is one of many iconic characters depicted in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. At one point, the cat disappears gradually until nothing is left but its grin, prompting Alice to remark that she has often seen a cat without a grin but never a grin without a cat.

Labels: movies

An email I wrote to my boss and team this morning...

So you guys are never going to believe this but I did in fact leave on time today.

I stepped out of the house to a beautiful dusting of snow on the empty streets. The trees glistened in the delicate morning sunlight. The falling flakes cooled my recently shaven face.

On my way to the bus stop I was chased by a large black lab. My first instinct was to run, but that proved futile. My screams were only heard by the neighborhood trash cans. When cornered, I decided to reach out to the creature who indeed turned out to be quite friendly. Upon closer inspection, he had no tags or collar.

After a few minutes of worrying about what I would do with the beast, a frantic owner with a leash found us and was extremely grateful I kept the dog's attention long enough to prevent him from running further into the street.

I bid them both good day and proceeded onward to work having missed my regular bus. As I write this, I regret that I am now en route via my late bus, standing room only, with nothing better to do with my ride time than to regale you with my adventurous tale.

See you soon,

Vishal

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

 2 comments

As every HR professional probably has, I have been listening to and considering Obama's job creation plan very carefully.

The bottom line is that it is simply not within the government's capacity to create meaningful new jobs. The government can create the illusion of productive activity by creating temporary, unproductive positions in which people are paid with money taken from people who are being productive, but only the market creates jobs that are required to meet consumer demand, which create new wealth and trade production. The money we've already paid in taxes to take care of road maintenance and bridge building has obviously already been spent by a wasteful government, so now they're borrowing money which will have to be paid back in the form of higher taxes, so those types of jobs, although in some cases helpful, aren't creating wealth, and they are temporary.

In response to Obama's "green" strategy: If "green" products and services, whatever they are, were in demand, the market would be meeting that demand, so "green" jobs are also an illusion. This is government's attempt to play the part of producer, but it's a joke. The administration seems to think that by calling make-work jobs "green" it will somehow add value. The State can get out of the way, if they want to help, and not add regulatory and tax burdens to the free market. There's a fundamental problem with the State when it attempts to control economic activity and create growth by interfering in the market and attempting to spur and guide production by "creating jobs".

When the State attempts to adjust economic growth upwards because slow growth is politically damaging, it places political wishes above economic reality. If the State has this kind of power it would have found the right combination of interventions by now, after decades of tinkering, to maintain permanent full employment and steady economic growth.

You don't stimulate the healing of a recuperating patient by adding unnecessary layers of bandages and hiring more unnecessary doctors and nurses, even if the bandages are green and the healthcare workers will like you for giving them the work. The patient doesn't heal faster and the cost of treatment only skyrockets.

Labels: politics