Sabya's Niche

The only thing that I know about this latest fiasco about the Indo-US nuclear deal is that I know nothing about it. In fact, no ordinary citizen of India knows exactly what are the clauses of the deal, though their fate is apparently going to be sealed by it. After a much-hyped Parliamentary hullabaloo about the confidence motion, the ruling party remains with a new set of allies (Politics makes strange bed-mates, somebody said?) and the leftists have reverted back to their more accustomed role of the Opposition. But how are the general masses more enlightened or benefited by this tempest in a tea-cup? Ask me, and I'll say a big Nothing. It is a boon you know, to keep the general people uneducated. It serves two-fold purposes : 1) People would ask less questions 2) They'll be taken for rides (directly into the ballot-box even) more easily.

Have entered into the second month and phase of my weight training schedule. Increased the schedule from 20 minutes to 50 minutes. Believe me, it's real hard work but absolutely worth it. At my age and in my profession, physical fitness is a necessity and nothing can keep one more vital than a moderate dose of planned weight-training. The schedule's three-days a week with weekends off, so it's not too harsh on time too. I feel fresh each morning, though a little tired on the workout days. All said and done, I'll positively recommend some form of exercise for all of you out there. I'm reaping its benefits, want you people to do so too.

Though not a techie, I've tried various operating systems. This time downloaded the latest version of Ubuntu - the 'Hardy Heron' and am using it; in fact, I'm posting from it right now. It's like visiting a new country every time I venture away from the well-treaded Windows path. Yet Ubuntu has its own charm, the homely feeling of smelling one's native soil. It does not have the finesse or sophistication of its superior competitor, but is miles ahead in utility and experimentation. You can mould your own operating system a lot and learn more about the functioning of computers through Ubuntu. The chief con is that most software we're used to don't run on linux. Although there are substitutes for most, but many licensed software do not have any linux version at all. Anyway, I'm on a dual boot - a (legal!) version of Windows XP Media Center and the Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron) (freeware, so obviously legal). So no problems - I can feast both my workaholic ...