Sunday, July 24, 2005
Éric Lévénez… History…History…History…of Computing…
Lévénez, this man has a very interesting hobby… he has tracked the history of the computing world. I Was bit amazed to see how world has evolved, as he tracks the history from the year 1954.
1. Languages History
2. Windows History [even tracks the "Vista" announcement made last week]
3.UNIX... Okay *nix History
And if you thrilled about this, you can paste these across the walls… here is what people have done… http://www.levenez.com/wall/
Okay, now looking around the office or home for the space :-)
posted by Logu Krishnan : 11:41 PM
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
An Afternoon at the US Consulate
Last week, I had an appointment at the US Consulate at 2:15 PM. After normal chores and queues, I was awaiting for my token call, and it was already 4:30 PM…[wasn’t my appointment at 2:!5 PM!!!] Whatever…I’ve decided not to get pissed off, and started diverting my attention to observing people. I was on the 1st row, so I had a clear visibility of whatz happening in the 1st 3 counter…
Some interesting conversations I can remember...
...
American: So, you are a muslim
Indian: Yes,
American: How many families you have ?!
[Me: What… ?! Should every muslim have 4 families !!!]
Indian: [stranded] 1 Family with 6 Kids
[Me: Oh! My God... Good that he didn’t have 4 families :-)]
…
…
Counter 2
American: Why do you want to go to US ?
Indian: I’m going to build payroll software for my company ?
American: [with a grin] Don’t you get your salaries now ?!
Indian: Yes… Yes.. I do… and yes, we do have a payroll system
American: Then why do you want to go to US ?
Indian: I’m…I’m… going to enhance the system
American: Why not do that in India ??? I Just don’t understand…blah blah…
[Me: Okay… this guy is rejected…]
Then a old couple struggling with a person who thinks he can manage without a tamil translator, and another lady who wants to go to live with her husband was rejected as, her marriage was not approved by the US consulate !!... et al…
Meanwhile I was called upon, I was bit cool and ready for my own interesting conversation… :-)
American: Good Evening sir.
Me: Good Evening
[Gave out all the documents and passport]
[He Saw my face closely, then browsed thro’ the passport]
American: Sir, First… we shall start with the Finger prints
[First…hmm.. looks like he has lots of questions… Finger Prints reading done]
American: You are working for your company for last 6 months, is that correct ?
Me: Correct
[Again he browsed thro’ my passport, he typed something in his computer]
American: Fine sir, you can pay the fee at counter 1, we shall courier you the passport.
Me: [Whaaat… Is that all…No questions ?! He did not even ask for my invitation letter or purpose of visit…anyway…hmm]…. Fine, Thanks
[Before Leaving the counter]
American: I’m sure you are not from Chennai, Are you?
Me: [Puzzled] Excuse Me …
American: I mean your origin…
Me: Yeah, right… I’m from a place called “Coimbatore”, located 500 Kms south-west from Chennai.
American: “Coimbatore”… Yeah I know that place,I’ve been there some time back, I’ve been to ooty as well… Nice place… Nice People…
Me: [Ah! Is this man reading my face… !!] Yes, indeed it’s a nice place…Thanks
[We exchanged smiles and left the counter… I was quite surprised…later after 3 days Michael from logistics team said I’ve got a B1 for 10 year multiple entry… I was not surprised at all… :-)]
posted by Logu Krishnan : 5:47 AM
ITHACA
When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon - do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.
Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
visit many Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from scholars.
Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.
Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean
-- Constantine P. Cavafy (1911)
posted by Logu Krishnan : 5:16 AM
