YouTube - Amjad- Sabir Khan- MSG -TVG- Malkauns
Vintage video of MSG-TVG combination in Jugalbandi with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Flammable, Inflammable, Non-flammable
'Inflammable' and 'flammable' mean the same thing. The 'in' prefix has crept in from the Latin source word.
However, there is a subtle difference in the usage:
So much for our lingua franca.
However, there is a subtle difference in the usage:
- Flammable - Matter catches fire when it comes in contact
- Inflammable - Matter catches fire without a source of ignition; for example - by excessive pressure, sudden impact, reaction to the environment.
So much for our lingua franca.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Home remedies for Mouth Ulcer
Direct application
Diet
- coconut milk
- honey + powdered Indian Gooseberry
- turmeric +glycerine
- peppermint oil
- any toothpaste
- paste of amla
- hydrogen peroxide
- tulsi or basil
- paste of lemon skin + white catechu (kattha)
- guava leaves + catechu (kattha)
- Licorice paste
- water + fenugreek / methi leaves
- water + coriander seeds
- water + hydrogen peroxide + salt + baking soda (don't swallow)
- water + leaves of the Indian plum (jambula)
- water + adulsa
- Listerine
- alternate hot and cold water
Diet
- Lots of curds and buttermilk
- Banana + curds
- tomatoes juice
- chew raw onions
- Vit C - orange juice, lime juice
- Papaya
- hot and spicy food
- fatty food
- tea, coffee, chocolate
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Merchant Banks vs Private Equity
| Merchant banking | Private equity | |
| Incorporation | Bank | Private Fund |
| Regulation | Banking regulations | NBFC regulations? |
| Investment | securities trading, derivative market plays, financing arrangements as well as assisting clients with active private equity investments | passive investment in assets where the equity is not freely tradable on a public stock market |
| Capital raised | through IPO | Privately raised |
| Other services | advise on mergers and acquisitions, undertake limited project financing, and investment management, or underwrite short and medium-term corporate debt | leveraged buyouts, venture capital, growth capital, angel investing, mezzanine capital |
| Philosophy | conservative | aggressive |
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Crony capitalism
Crony capitalism is a pejorative term describing an allegedly capitalist economy in which success in business depends on close relationships between businesspeople and government officials. It may be in the form of favoritism in the distribution of legal permits, government grants, special tax breaks,etc.
There is a thin line between lobbying and 'nexus', and probably the latter is prevalent in crony capitalism. While lobbying is acceptable in a capitalist world, excess of it can lead to crony capitalism. Lobbying is a legally and socially recognised profession in the US but not so in India. Some of the world's biggest corporate scandals are possibly the result of crony capitalism and Enrons & Satyams of the world are proof of that.
There is a thin line between lobbying and 'nexus', and probably the latter is prevalent in crony capitalism. While lobbying is acceptable in a capitalist world, excess of it can lead to crony capitalism. Lobbying is a legally and socially recognised profession in the US but not so in India. Some of the world's biggest corporate scandals are possibly the result of crony capitalism and Enrons & Satyams of the world are proof of that.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
International real estate disputes
The story of Arunachal Pradesh:
As school children, we have always seen Arunachal Pradesh on the Indian map - clearly, without any ambiguity. Elections take place like all other Indian states and people of Arunachal Pradesh recognise themselves as part of India. As per the MacMahon line (drawn by the British in 1914), Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh lies within India.
However, as you begin to understand international politics, you see that post-1962 Indo-China war, China has been raising claims over this district. The only official reason for Chinese claim is their control over the region for a short period after the 1962 war and the presence of a sizable Tibetan population.
Today, Chinese troops infiltrate quite often into the Indian territory and there has been a build-up of troops now and then. Why is the tension mounting? Latest news is the criticism by Arunachal Pradesh CM.
What masquerades as a border issue need not necessarily be one. There seems to be more than what meets the eye. Arunachal Pradesh is known to be a potential hydroelectric power resource. Is this a strategic control point?
The Aksai Chin region has been a disputed area even before the Indo-China war. The construction of Chinese National Highway in Aksai Chin area was one of the reasons for the war. Whereas it figures as part of J&K in Indian maps, its part of China in their maps.What is surprising is that China recognises PoK as part of Pakistan and not India.
The gas pipeline planned from Iran to China through Pakistan and India, has also been dragged into the larger dispute of border issues.
New Moore Islands are yet another dispute between India & Bangladesh. The underlying economic reason - alluvial delta at the mouth of mineral-rich river Haribhanga; marine resources; potential reserves of oil and gas as well.
China & Japan have been disputing the status of Okinotorishima islet. China contends that Okinotorishima is just a rock (which probably is submerged during high tide) and doesn't even qualify as an island, hence disputing Japan's exclusive economic zone of 400,000 sqkm in that region . In this case, it is a militarily strategic point.
Will add to this list as and when I find time.
As school children, we have always seen Arunachal Pradesh on the Indian map - clearly, without any ambiguity. Elections take place like all other Indian states and people of Arunachal Pradesh recognise themselves as part of India. As per the MacMahon line (drawn by the British in 1914), Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh lies within India.
However, as you begin to understand international politics, you see that post-1962 Indo-China war, China has been raising claims over this district. The only official reason for Chinese claim is their control over the region for a short period after the 1962 war and the presence of a sizable Tibetan population.
Today, Chinese troops infiltrate quite often into the Indian territory and there has been a build-up of troops now and then. Why is the tension mounting? Latest news is the criticism by Arunachal Pradesh CM.
What masquerades as a border issue need not necessarily be one. There seems to be more than what meets the eye. Arunachal Pradesh is known to be a potential hydroelectric power resource. Is this a strategic control point?
The Aksai Chin region has been a disputed area even before the Indo-China war. The construction of Chinese National Highway in Aksai Chin area was one of the reasons for the war. Whereas it figures as part of J&K in Indian maps, its part of China in their maps.What is surprising is that China recognises PoK as part of Pakistan and not India.
The gas pipeline planned from Iran to China through Pakistan and India, has also been dragged into the larger dispute of border issues.
New Moore Islands are yet another dispute between India & Bangladesh. The underlying economic reason - alluvial delta at the mouth of mineral-rich river Haribhanga; marine resources; potential reserves of oil and gas as well.
China & Japan have been disputing the status of Okinotorishima islet. China contends that Okinotorishima is just a rock (which probably is submerged during high tide) and doesn't even qualify as an island, hence disputing Japan's exclusive economic zone of 400,000 sqkm in that region . In this case, it is a militarily strategic point.
Will add to this list as and when I find time.
Omphalos Syndrome
This is something interesting that I learnt in International Business.
In India and Europe, kids grow up with a world map that looks like this:
Kids in USA grow up with maps looking somewhat like this:
School children in China have this as their world map:
And the reason is 'Omphalos syndrome', misguided belief that one's polity is the center, or navel (omphalos), of the world. 'The-world-is-the-way-I-say-it-is' philosophy has often created a sense of artificial supremacy and blinded the citizens to potential dangers. The so-called powerful nations are the biggest victims of this syndrome.
To extend this a little further, the refusal to accept reality as-is is the real problem. And this is true at a micro level - in households, families and individuals. We always see what we want to see. This is where education should make a difference which literacy alone cannot.
In India and Europe, kids grow up with a world map that looks like this:
Kids in USA grow up with maps looking somewhat like this:
School children in China have this as their world map:
And the reason is 'Omphalos syndrome', misguided belief that one's polity is the center, or navel (omphalos), of the world. 'The-world-is-the-way-I-say-it-is' philosophy has often created a sense of artificial supremacy and blinded the citizens to potential dangers. The so-called powerful nations are the biggest victims of this syndrome.
To extend this a little further, the refusal to accept reality as-is is the real problem. And this is true at a micro level - in households, families and individuals. We always see what we want to see. This is where education should make a difference which literacy alone cannot.
The Hanuman syndrome
One of our profs has coined this term called 'Hanuman syndrome'.
In Ramayana, when Lord Hanuman was asked to bring sanjeevani plant from the Himalayas to cure Lakshmana, he couldn't find the right plant and instead brought the entire mountain with him so that the vaidya (physician) could pick the right one.
In academics, 'Hanuman syndrome' occurs when the expected answer is not given but the student writes all that he knows and expects the prof to figure out the answer.
As students, many of us suffer from Hanuman syndrome quite often and tests have shown that sleep-deprivation and ambiguity are the main causes. Although we have found the remedy for the first cause, the second one is very elusive.
In Ramayana, when Lord Hanuman was asked to bring sanjeevani plant from the Himalayas to cure Lakshmana, he couldn't find the right plant and instead brought the entire mountain with him so that the vaidya (physician) could pick the right one.
In academics, 'Hanuman syndrome' occurs when the expected answer is not given but the student writes all that he knows and expects the prof to figure out the answer.
As students, many of us suffer from Hanuman syndrome quite often and tests have shown that sleep-deprivation and ambiguity are the main causes. Although we have found the remedy for the first cause, the second one is very elusive.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Quote regarding 'change'
When an egg is broken from outside, a life ends.
But when the egg breaks from within, a life begins........ Great things always begin from within
..... (Anonymous)
But when the egg breaks from within, a life begins........ Great things always begin from within
..... (Anonymous)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Facilitation payments vs. Bribe
There is a thin line between facilitation payments and bribe. While the former is an accepted business expense in some countries, the latter is never considered as legal expenses.
Facilitation payments are payments made to speed-up the transaction or facilitate faster disposal of a matter without any material change in the treatment or decision. Such payments are not considered as bribery.
On the other hand, bribe has a much larger element of corruption and is meant to change the decision in favour of the person making the payment. This is certainly against ethics.
Of late, the distinction is getting increasingly blurred.
In India, thankfully both facilitation payments and bribe are payments contributing to corruption and not recognised as business expenses.
Facilitation payments are payments made to speed-up the transaction or facilitate faster disposal of a matter without any material change in the treatment or decision. Such payments are not considered as bribery.
On the other hand, bribe has a much larger element of corruption and is meant to change the decision in favour of the person making the payment. This is certainly against ethics.
Of late, the distinction is getting increasingly blurred.
In India, thankfully both facilitation payments and bribe are payments contributing to corruption and not recognised as business expenses.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Bird and centipede
Bird and centipede were good friends.
Whereas bird could fly, centipede, inspite of having a 100 legs, could only crawl and was always in fear of being trampled.
Once, centipede asked bird for a suggestion - "I'm always in fear of being trampled. Please suggest a way for me to escape while in danger". Bird thought for some time and suggested that centipede must fly when he's in danger.
Centipede retorted - "but tell me how to fly?". Bird again thought for some time and suggested that he must grow wings.
Centipede was at wit's end and asked bird - "how do I grow wings" and bird said "that's for you to find out".
There are centipedes and birds in organisations. Question is - if you are centipede, can you grow wings?
Whereas bird could fly, centipede, inspite of having a 100 legs, could only crawl and was always in fear of being trampled.
Once, centipede asked bird for a suggestion - "I'm always in fear of being trampled. Please suggest a way for me to escape while in danger". Bird thought for some time and suggested that centipede must fly when he's in danger.
Centipede retorted - "but tell me how to fly?". Bird again thought for some time and suggested that he must grow wings.
Centipede was at wit's end and asked bird - "how do I grow wings" and bird said "that's for you to find out".
There are centipedes and birds in organisations. Question is - if you are centipede, can you grow wings?
Monday, September 28, 2009
Some interesting acronyms
WIIFM –What’s in it for me
KISS (for the boss) - Keep it short and simple
KISS (for a friend) - Keep it short, stupid
KISS (for the boss) - Keep it short and simple
KISS (for a friend) - Keep it short, stupid
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Metaphorical references
One of my profs who teaches an elective on managing Finance Function has an interesting way of using metaphors to explain aspects of finance function.
An interesting reference was about 'dial tone'. When we pick up the phone, what one wants to hear is a 'dial tone' instead of a promotional message, however useful it may be. Similarly, for a CFO, the ability to maintain books of accounts and keep the company solvent is much more important than understanding the business and giving strategic direction.
The latest that he came up with was the restatement of an old proverb.
Old proverb: A man is judged by the company he keeps.
New proverb (his version): A CFO is judged by the company he keeps solvent.
An interesting reference was about 'dial tone'. When we pick up the phone, what one wants to hear is a 'dial tone' instead of a promotional message, however useful it may be. Similarly, for a CFO, the ability to maintain books of accounts and keep the company solvent is much more important than understanding the business and giving strategic direction.
The latest that he came up with was the restatement of an old proverb.
Old proverb: A man is judged by the company he keeps.
New proverb (his version): A CFO is judged by the company he keeps solvent.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Hiccups
Just thought of sharing something different.
How do you arrest hiccups?
A simple solution: take a deep breath, hold it as long as possible.... and lo! no more hiccups.
Wish we could have such simple solutions to other hiccups in life :-)
How do you arrest hiccups?
A simple solution: take a deep breath, hold it as long as possible.... and lo! no more hiccups.
Wish we could have such simple solutions to other hiccups in life :-)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Google's encounter with The Great Wall
In our International Business class today, we discussed the case regarding Google's China entry and how google.cn was restricted in their operations.
Back in 2002-03, Google.com was not functioning effectively in China unlike the way it was in the rest of the world. They wanted to enter the Chinese market (after all, who can ignore over 1B strong population and its associated revenue streams). However, Chinese govt did not allow google.cn (hosted in China) to function the same way as google.com. The former was restricted from showing some specific sites which were against the philosophy of the land. This was in direct conflict with Google's corporate objectives giving its customers unbiased search results. The US community & the Congress also reacted and questioned the restriction on the lines of 'freedom of expression'.
My argument is as follows: compliance with local laws is a prerequisite for any business to operate in a particular country. The case of Google has probably been exaggerated because of the profile of the company and country in question. To draw a parallel, protectionism, in principle also goes against 'freedom of expression' - so why don't we question the same thing in all those cases which are present even today in the goods and services market. We have probably accepted them since they have been defined and followed by developed nations.
Finally, it is just a question of the implicit power and dominance that certain nations exercise over others in the international community. That will decide the fate of businesses.
Back in 2002-03, Google.com was not functioning effectively in China unlike the way it was in the rest of the world. They wanted to enter the Chinese market (after all, who can ignore over 1B strong population and its associated revenue streams). However, Chinese govt did not allow google.cn (hosted in China) to function the same way as google.com. The former was restricted from showing some specific sites which were against the philosophy of the land. This was in direct conflict with Google's corporate objectives giving its customers unbiased search results. The US community & the Congress also reacted and questioned the restriction on the lines of 'freedom of expression'.
My argument is as follows: compliance with local laws is a prerequisite for any business to operate in a particular country. The case of Google has probably been exaggerated because of the profile of the company and country in question. To draw a parallel, protectionism, in principle also goes against 'freedom of expression' - so why don't we question the same thing in all those cases which are present even today in the goods and services market. We have probably accepted them since they have been defined and followed by developed nations.
Finally, it is just a question of the implicit power and dominance that certain nations exercise over others in the international community. That will decide the fate of businesses.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Insurance vs Assurance
Although people have been using these terms interchangeably, there is a subtle difference that exists.
An insurance policy insures a person or a property for a certain sum of money and claim can be made only IF the event (death or accident) takes place.
An assurance policy pays a certain sum of money on the death of insured or reaching of certain age. Assurance policies are applicable only to life. They are also investment instruments apart from being insurance.
Our finance prof in IIMA pointed out the paradox in India where we have LIC and New India Assurance where it should have been the other way round.
An insurance policy insures a person or a property for a certain sum of money and claim can be made only IF the event (death or accident) takes place.
An assurance policy pays a certain sum of money on the death of insured or reaching of certain age. Assurance policies are applicable only to life. They are also investment instruments apart from being insurance.
Our finance prof in IIMA pointed out the paradox in India where we have LIC and New India Assurance where it should have been the other way round.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Strategy by Prof.Vijay Govindarajan
Prof. Vijay Govindarajan of Tuck School of Business explains 'Strategy' differently. Strategy needs to be fundamentally different from what an organisation has done in the past. It's all about selective disposal of the past and renewal for the future - what he calls as looking at Box 3 (the future) instead of Box 1 and 2 (past and present).
Besides, strategy is contextual and relative, not an 'absolute' concept. What works for X firm may not work for Y in the same industry. What works for X organisation in one country may not work for the same X organisation in another country.
During my classes at IIMA, I happened to see his presentation. As an anecdote, he quoted Ford's introduction of a mid-sized car for India in the 1990s. They planned to introduce the $20,000 version for the Indian market. A new design team at Detroit worked on cost-cutting and, inter alia, proposed to retain power-windows only for the 2 front doors so as to reduce costs. In the Indian context, this was bound to be a disaster since labour is cheap and people who could afford a Rs.10 lakh car could very well hire a chauffeur. Finally, the one who got power windows in this Ford car was the chauffeur of the rich Indian.
I saw a few more talks by Mr.Govindarajan on youtube and was impressed by the way he delivered the concepts of strategy and innovation.
Besides, strategy is contextual and relative, not an 'absolute' concept. What works for X firm may not work for Y in the same industry. What works for X organisation in one country may not work for the same X organisation in another country.
During my classes at IIMA, I happened to see his presentation. As an anecdote, he quoted Ford's introduction of a mid-sized car for India in the 1990s. They planned to introduce the $20,000 version for the Indian market. A new design team at Detroit worked on cost-cutting and, inter alia, proposed to retain power-windows only for the 2 front doors so as to reduce costs. In the Indian context, this was bound to be a disaster since labour is cheap and people who could afford a Rs.10 lakh car could very well hire a chauffeur. Finally, the one who got power windows in this Ford car was the chauffeur of the rich Indian.
I saw a few more talks by Mr.Govindarajan on youtube and was impressed by the way he delivered the concepts of strategy and innovation.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Clayton Christensen - World Innovation Forum
Check out this SlideShare Presentation:
Clayton Christensen - World Innovation Forum
View more documents from Braden Kelley.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Anthropomorphism vs. Personification vs. Exemplification
Learning is a continuous process and here is something that I learnt today.
Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human qualities, traits, characteristics or form to Gods, animals, objects or natural phenomena. Eg: Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, etc.
Personification is the embodiment of a particular characteristic or quality. Eg: If dogs are man's best friend, diamonds are women's best friends. (Diamonds personified as friends)
Exemplification is just the act of representing as a person, such as speaking of the sun as 'he' and the moon as 'she'. Eg: The Titanic was such a huge ship that 'she' carried almost a mini city.
Anthropomorphic Personification - Eg: 'Agni' is the Anthropomorphic personification of fire.
Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human qualities, traits, characteristics or form to Gods, animals, objects or natural phenomena. Eg: Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, etc.
Personification is the embodiment of a particular characteristic or quality. Eg: If dogs are man's best friend, diamonds are women's best friends. (Diamonds personified as friends)
Exemplification is just the act of representing as a person, such as speaking of the sun as 'he' and the moon as 'she'. Eg: The Titanic was such a huge ship that 'she' carried almost a mini city.
Anthropomorphic Personification - Eg: 'Agni' is the Anthropomorphic personification of fire.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Engrish-san
In my previous job, I used to travel to Japan quite frequently and one of the peculiar things that I observed was the way they speak English. First of all, their pronunciation is very peculiar - 't' is replaced 'th' or 'd' by 'dh'. Probably they can't roll their tongue upwards behind the teeth and bring it down. In some cases, they have their own words to identify places or people - 'nihongo' for Japanese, 'Indo' for India or Indian, etc. Its hard to understand what they say sometimes because they use the sentence structure of Japanese translated with English words - and sometimes it doesn't make any sense or its just too funny.
See this website Engrish.com filled with snaps taken in Japan & China. There are some hilarious statements and captions.
This post is just on the lighter side and not intended to mock any particular person or set of people.
See this website Engrish.com filled with snaps taken in Japan & China. There are some hilarious statements and captions.
This post is just on the lighter side and not intended to mock any particular person or set of people.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Opposite of 'clarity'
After a serious discussion, my colleagues looked his female team-mate and said "I hope there is no unclarity". He didn’t stop at using that sentence once but kept repeating it. His team-mate was not 'clear' what he was saying and went on asking "what do you mean by ‘unclarity’?”. The only person who was clear about ‘the disconnect’ was – me, overhearing and jamming my teeth to control my laughter. For a full 15 minutes I forced myself to contain my outburst, whilst my colleague kept chanting "I hope there is no unclarity" and "I hope they are clear" interchangeably. Standing perplexed, dazed and wide-eyed was the female team-mate still confused.
Although my conscience appealed to intercept and bridge the vocabulary gap, the fiend in me held me back. After all, incorrect English is pardonable in a heated argument.
One of these days, I hope to educate my colleague about the word 'ambiguity'.
Although my conscience appealed to intercept and bridge the vocabulary gap, the fiend in me held me back. After all, incorrect English is pardonable in a heated argument.
One of these days, I hope to educate my colleague about the word 'ambiguity'.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Satyam Nursery Rhymes
raju raju
yes papa
eating profit
no papa
cheating public
no papa
telling lies
no papa
open your balance sheet
ha ha ha
-----------------------------
Ramalinga Raju had a ball (of a time)
all the Rajus had a great fall
all the SEBI officials and learned men
could not put Satyam together again?
yes papa
eating profit
no papa
cheating public
no papa
telling lies
no papa
open your balance sheet
ha ha ha
-----------------------------
Ramalinga Raju had a ball (of a time)
all the Rajus had a great fall
all the SEBI officials and learned men
could not put Satyam together again?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Edward de Bono's interesting interview
Part1
Part2
He gives an awesome definition for complacency:
"a person committing suicide by falling from the top of a skyscraper - as he crosses the 3rd floor says 'so far so good'"
Part3
Part2
He gives an awesome definition for complacency:
"a person committing suicide by falling from the top of a skyscraper - as he crosses the 3rd floor says 'so far so good'"
Part3
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