Free speech in India

Amit Varma's India Uncut has a very thoughtful article. As I gear up for my visit to India in 5 years - there are several things I will get present to. Not the least of which I am sure will be the incidents of Nandigram - which keeps me reminding - that behind the veil of Tom Friedman's India there is the core that most of us have known over the years - growing up. Like it or not, that India is changing at a very slow pace.

Perils of solo-sailing

I am not a sailor. Nor am I comfortable challenging myself against nature. And that's probably why I am so intrigued and awed by those who do so. Why do people risk their lives? What are they accomplishing? Especially, those who have meaningful jobs and loads of accomplishments in much more sane "real" world.

Take for example, Jim Gray. Turing award winner (considered the Nobel prize in Computer Science) gone missing earlier this year.

I recently watched Deep Water. A fascinating documentary/movie on the perils of solo-sailing and how the indifferent sea can impact the human mind in solitude. Though I will never fathom what draws people like Jim to such adventures, but I did get some insights through this movie. Highly recommended.