Blah Blah, Blog, Bala

I gave a shot at Accenture interview and was in the last round. The interviewer asked which was considered so typical back then- where do you see yourself 10 years down the lane? Me, with all flying mode, already having an offer in hand, remember shrugging off and replying him- I would see myself in the cover page of Time magazine. Looking back, it was fun. I eventually sucked at that interview and joined Cognizant –which raised me up for the most part of the next 10 years followed.

I’m here to jot down the yearly habit of writing notes. I missed the 2018 train and dont want to make missing a habit. But yes, let’s cut some slack for the new daddy and the full time entrepreneur (?!)

She and him.

So follow-up to where I ended my 2018 post. That december disaster indeed got real. In the middle of 2019, I was married to Gomathi and sometime in the year followed, we had a boy. It’s now, like the next two years with commitment rate of 300%. Someone please let this life breath well and take it slow? Hunting a name for the boy or planning a small getaway, it’s by far been a long quest in finding a common ground. I’m more thrilled about this year as we begin to build the family full time.

V

The best company you can ever get. The cognizance, the style, questioning just everything, taking care of little ones, V is nicely doing it all- and with passion and elan.

Work

We moved to a new dedicated place from the garage (immediate saving: no mosquitoes!). And this helped us scale team (now we are four), explore new markets, create a new name (roopac along with cardnival), and the ride by far is nothing but fascinating. As we pan out new and creative ways to reach market, we had some convincing numbers to validate our experiments and we are now all in, doubling the efforts. If there is a new thing I’ve personally learnt, it is snowballing small clients and seeing it become a large amount. Along the run, we even had to grievingly let go one of our latest sales hires.

Reads and Cinema

Ride of a lifetime by Disney boss, Shoe Dog by Nike boy, Deep work from Cal Newport, and Yuval’s 2018 release: 21 lessons resonated so well. A rare find on twitter, Naval Ravikant’s wisdom is so beautifully told to an extent that I tried exploring ways to name the kid of us with Naval but ended up with Agan Murugasamy.

OTTs and Podcasts were so much 2019, I’ve subscribed to what not and listened/seen almost everything that was brought to me by internet. Staying current with Shunya One and She says she’s fine. I also loved seeing the might Forrest Gump for the first time and watching Super Deluxe (Tamil) was an acing experience

Running

I have kept at running for most part of the year. A mile a day, 20 runs a month-at a pace of 10.5-11.25 minutes a mile. Fairly good isn’t it? I skipped running half marathons and I might pass this year too. Best find was Annamalai University ground- but would be sad to see it go this year. In all, the days with no morning run somewhow felt shaddy. Did I also tell, transit to Chidambaram- Tiruppur covered most of my foursquare checkins?

Time to celebrate the end of one and the beginning of other. 

 There's a personal logbook around since 2014.. (some hints, boasting, grief - all packed up) and I take public all the time just because otherwise I fear my procrastination would take over the commit and goes never written. The best part is, before I begin telling last year’s story, I re-read the archived posts, that way you re-live them multifold. Aand here we go.

 Around.

For a news junk, one of good friends famously calls me "Perumaal Pichai" (of Tamil movie Saamy to having been surrounded by newspaper almost every time I see him), this year is no short of happening things! Chandra's elevation to don Tata Sons is a sure a story to watch for, a school teachers third son from down south in a city of Namakkal to adorn the seats on the nations premier brand.. what a tale! Cryptocurrencies is another fancy story if you look at the sheer timeline. On politics, Trump to Rajinikanth comes in a full circle. The contemporary media (like Quartz) even introduced a Trump-snooze at their iOS app.

 V and Cardnival.

Having a kid see growing up from 2 to 3 is probably the best thing that can happen. From being a little worm out there to talk, scream, question, disagree- and the times when you be more enlightened than the infant would while arguing (obvious right).. such a delight to be with V this year!

And professionally, I left Cognizant sometime around July, setting up Cardnival on full time. It was also a personal high moment and by far, the explorations were so fulfilling. Ideas per minute have crossed every while and I think its time, to sit, jot down and start striking them. Although I miss working on a team (you know how cool its to have people around all the time), sometimes a self pat in terms of go build a one, really helps!

 Run and books.

This duo has been my best companion for years now and glad they are with me. They know me well than anyone does. Run, as always, I get to do it whenever and wherever I get a chance (best part this time/ outdoor at Amritsar between Jallianwalla Bagh and Partition museum, and getting to see people and places around)

I completed Homo Deus - Yuval has perfectly taken the Sapeins' sequel to a whole new level and lets you prepare for tomorrow. Aram, by Jeyamohan, is a cult classic.. It tells the real life stories of men who took judgment, rationality and fair call when on crossroads. (incidentally the movie Aramm was also a pretty decent one). When Breath becomes Air - is a memoir - and boy, what a write up when the author says "I'm to ready" to death. Asura- I took a break to be at our farm house during Puja holidays. It was quick, taking on the antagonists side of the story - sure has many aha moments and you wouldn't stop admiring the great Ravana. And then Hit Refresh is slick and cool, for the Valley types.. the Nadella fan in me just got larger. Bottom line-there's nothing I cannot recommend.. Go on enjoy the ride.

Bests.

Having kind of watched almost all the cinemas of Kollywood town this season (also check -Dunkirk and Coco), I think I should probably stop assessing the movie by its content from next time. Its just another form of art and the experience is subjective with the factors ranging from the cast and crew, to the place where you watch ,to whom you sit next to. that said, I loved Kattru Veliyadai and Aruvi for the glorious filmmaking. 

And Music is a different form - it always outlives the cinema and the time.( how many times you have heard Poovasam against watching Anbe Sivam).. Yaanji (from Vikram Vedha) and Vaan (from KV) appear to be the most sung in my Music's playlist this year.

Travel.

Going by Foursquare numbers, I stayed in a single place more than ever (when work  and home confines- although not a big fan, operating from garage has its own perils). Also, by miles, I have clocked traveling more miles domestic than ever. The last trip to Punjab has its own story to tell. And then there's somebody who's wanting me to write a December disaster post (behold!)

Buys.

Attrition phase this, although it didn't stop me buying Spectales (by Snap)- that I'm figuring out to use in day to life yet, Jaybird headphones (i don’t know to set the presets yet) and Google home mini (you know it- a fad of the season).

True wealth is time and freedom

— Expa (@expa)

December 21, 2017

“

A personal and professional note from me: after more than 6 years at Cognizant, I've decided to take up a new challenge. This is a tough decision for me because I love this company, people and the connections it has given. The truth is- I need more of that in my life. So I'll be leaving Cognizant this week and starting up a new venture, Cardnival. I'm excited about this and I'm deeply thankful to Cognizant for the wonderful years I've had. I grown up here and been given every chance a young school kid can ever ask for. My leads have been kind and good, and colleagues are already second family to me now. So I'll miss you, the organization and I hope our human connection continues.

You can comment or further read here.

Bala”

 Ok, that was my good bye note at last day in office- and I meant every single word.  After a solid career in tech, its natural to get into a role that ask for a similar expertise or build a similar service.. but this is hardly something I’d agree. While we get better every day dealing with delusioning figures, persuading people and therewith making (already) smart boxes to a super smart one, I feel its only important when you talk to thick of things in the real physical world.

An entirely contrasting set of audience you bet, building a new age workplace you crave, shipping something with rickshaws and locomotives (and we talk about deploying in a single click on GIT) –doesn’t it all sound cool! These are tons of things around - and I think applying the takeaways from here is more than important.

Cardnival is a shot in taking physical go digital.. and what better than something you love. Designs! (Okay, a series of posts on ‘how designs can change the world’ is coming along your way- but that’s for later). No its not another software eating the world, but helping the world we live in to be a better and beautiful place.

Those extended hours in last few weekends have brought the site into a functioning ecommerce experience- but a long way in waiting. Cardnival.in

To jump start, we will make invitation cards and similar sorts of packaging materials, and over the course, shall evolve to what its intend to. Getting your invitation card is going to be as easy as taking a sip of coffee at your favourite place. Type Cardnival.in in your favourite browser and search for anything you need, give in the details (mixing up sugar- you are with my brewing analogy right!)- that is pretty much it! And no matter you are a filter coffee or a cappuccino type, our attractive designs are sure to cater to your taste.. all with a hassle free doorstep delivery.

 I’ll stop here with a telling quote and look forward to your thoughts in shaping Cardnival.

I returned to my phone from my Pongal ritual. Trying to get up early, dressed up, walking across "Kappu Kattu and punched Mango leaves" adorning all the curtains and doors to reach the grandeur place with early sunrise that sheds a bit of light to the place where mom sets up the Pongal - this is special and been with me all the growing up ages. After Pongalo Pongal happened, the once super-busy Dad gets to his TV room, Mom to her kitchen- and me left with what exactly to do (very much always!). Next day "The Maatu Pongal" would be celebrated in farms- life in outdoors with cat and herds! That’s all it!

 I have never been exposed to anything beyond (nor someone who's at late 20s who lived a partly-urban life) and I'm happy with it. A few edition as a visitor to Sevakattu near Koyiloor in Karur, a chicken version of Bullfight was quite daunting. Honestly Jallikattu is something that's always on the news for all reasons. But this year, unlike ever, there's a wave. A pop music director composes a song for it, WhatsApp Profile Pictures, Masculine machos mushed up and updating their Instagram feeds, Twitter rages between pros and antis... the list goes on! I even had a personal invite from a good friend who setup a rally at Coimbatore with those cool and bullied Tees that were hashtaged SaveJallikattu. Not to mention Politicians, they always master at show business.

 So what’s my stand... or perhaps, the right stand? Well, let's take a step back and decide.

Today

The wave is true, honest. Last time I remember seeing it was during Chennai floods. People came forward themselves, campaigned to their messages, articulated well that it reaches the hard core end audience. Something that deservedly needs a pat for their participation in having this happen. On other side, AWBI (or PETA and other NGOs for that matter) take a different perspective which sounds bit similar to "This is an absolute bulls**t". And of course a few good gentlemen who knows to capitalize the wave- sell their native breed cows and bulls at a pumped up price, sell the milk with *new* vigor and price tag- no harm though, after all we live in a Capitalist society.

 And the numbers endorse the pros view- with monumental Dairy industry now, Cow to Bull ratio is hardly 8:1. Gone are those bullock carts and they ploughing fields when the industrial wheel is soaring up. So the point is, we cannot keep bulls at farms and homes just to inseminate the cows. Eventually, the bulls would lose its potential (Remember Darwin's line!) to remain themselves. So let them on streets, may guys do the bullies- and allow the festival mood prevail. Look at Bullfight in Spain, Stockyard shows in Texas.

 30 years back

 Like Rekhla race in Western Tamilnadu, popular events were run across the state. Jallikattu is quite significant in southern Tamilnadu. People in the farms kept the promise of their ancestors to live a life with cattle and crops. Little did they know the advancements in industrialization would disrupt this setting and usage of Bull would be redundant over the course.

 2000 years back

The Sangam period, that really sensed the economics of having cattle along with us. Merchants, Artisans, Farmers with the imperialist kings drafted the verses that put Cows as Gods and insisted a cultural connect around it. Equally enough- the Sanskrit literature did the same to the civilization that sprawled across Indus and Ganga.

 10000 years back.            

There was no such thing called domesticating an animal. In the wild, cattle roamed like any other life. Viola, the great Agricultural Revolution was born! Followed is the castrated oxen wasted their life under yoke with lash. Cows were made to lead a life for laboring alone- natural instincts were broken, aggression and sexuality contained, freedom of movement curtailed. The most celebrated Agricultural revolution just made the breed- Fatter, submissive, and lesser curious albeit honestly without it happened, Mankind wouldn’t have been led to progress, prosperity and power.

So a local sport played by some 10s of 100 men in the place, watched by another 1000s on ground and few more in this WhatsApp and Facebook live age, is argued to hurt both men and the bull, and hence it needs to be let go! There's a longer story to be told than we think. What's your call? I’m anyway participating for “The Maatu Pongal” at mom’s village tomorrow.

This is one of the rollercoasters times.. highs and deep lows, deliberate stuff and a phone call away to a radically changed life- I’m certain the year will have its place in days to come. 2016 which’s supposedly a perennial one of 2015 is gone bit wild..

I’m keeping this post relatively quick that two of earlier blogs has briefed the soul of it.

Travel. Never had i thought I can bring out the nomad psycho in me this well. And boy, how diverse and fulfilling- Broken Bow in Arkansas, Andhiyur Cattle festival, Dhoni falls in Palakkad, South by South West in Austin, Surfing at Varkala, Diving in Ray Roberts.. and how can I miss the team parties at Dallas(Parties were PARTIES!) - all of which were sure an experience!

Books. Started with Manjal Aaru early, went well with David and Goliath, and it took off- Zero to One, Sapiens, Anilaadum Mundril (unfortunately it turned out to be a eulogic read for the poet)- this incredible list of 2016 by records. Book fair attendance in Coddissia is a must-stay.

Run and other set goals. As I set bar for 2016, I had a hidden agenda to run a mile a day on average- and ended up doing 423km -which is fair enough and I wish it keeps going. Art: Had the fun of playing with Palette knife in the art class at Dallas- with apparently me the only hopeless guy in the whole classroom and cannot complete a single in a 6 weeks leg. And on Cooking, I’m hoping to be there before closing the next year.

Bests. Movie, it’s a tie b/w Dharmadurai and Lalaland. Music, Irudhi Suttru topped my Spotify charts but I give it for Kabali- for once Music over Thalaivar. App of the year, Quartz for its cool casual conersation types. On personal note, this is the year where being at home become synonymous with spending time with Varnavi- who beckons our everyday… you literally grow up when a kid is around.

Otherwise Trump, Spectacles by Snap, Chinnamma, Instagram Stories, BlackMoney, Allo, Apple’s iOS10 (or no it’s actually that 120 second Do not Blink ad) - and the memes were all bit overwhelming to put into a 365 day kitty.

So past June 1st week, past Sunday evening- my friend and I raised our hands and toasted Belgian Ale to the last drink in our Plano home, as we move to our new condo in Irving. Chit chatting in the patio with some gud'ol stories followed (quite common when you have a school friend around?). I left my cell phone in the bedroom  on top of “David and Goliath” (which I borrowed from Municipal library last month) - and kept our long conversation fume further longer. It was otherwise a typical Sunday evening until I turned towards the phone. I read something unusual. Some 7 missed calls from different friends and relatives closer home, and a few "Be stronger" pings on WhatsApp. I did a phone call to Dad- and (had to) prepared myself! I flew in next few hours to home.  Farewell to the fairy tales followed.

Some 18 weeks passed, I made up to be at home. I pretend and tried everyone in home to feel normal about it and this is October..

🏃👊� On�one side, there are some great friends- someone who let you give a shot at running, other who’d burn his 300lbs to now being a charm 160 lb-er and can quite overwhelmingly talks his walk all day and  somebody with sheer drive went on to be at Armed forces. And then on the other side there is you. Never-a-sportsmen material (think a scene of some 10 kids playing cricket, a red shirted kid in leg slip misses the catch in the 1st over of the opening batsman that turns out to be a game-changing err.. and you know what the fellow men come to you and err.. oh hold on, you get it- that is easily me). Somehow even with this adorned, I become consistent to be 1 km runner every day- and kept on with the pace since ’15.  So this was the story until mid June’16 and now I am literally in a state, how to start off even a morning and go on.. In other words, I was challenged by the sudden change. An ironic ad flashed in a local FM station on Coimbatore Marathon .. Ta-da! Sleeves rolled up, shoes laced tight- 1k became a mile, and weekly targets, very nominal increments and I'm there, a HALF MARATHONER!  

Booyah! #21k #doneanddusted

A photo posted by Balakrishnan (@bkrishn) on Sep 30, 2016 at 9:41pm PDT

🎨🎉 Card in the Cards. So Marathon is an experience. Even those jargons- fitness, endurance, perseverance – a big no-no i never wanted it all. Experience above all! So apparently again, next needs to be something i desire for... Designs!  Allow me into a super grandeur show like SxSW or in the backwaters of Alappuzha, I do not end up enjoying just the moment. Rather wondering what is the design equation that sets the people up, which color brings it sexy- and stuff! And incidentally, Santhosh and Vishnu's wedding was all buzzing up. Signed up to make the card along with Surya. Woo-hoo! surprisingly the whole thing went on well to the extent that somebody even lauded, it was a great execution! Grounded - the pat is taking me to explore what is further left for me here. 

There are few things that keep bringing joy with ages and- graphic designing has its place! #aboutlastnight

A photo posted by Balakrishnan (@bkrishn) on Oct 15, 2016 at 2:17am PDT

💵🎲 Remember Stock market means you're ready for a whole bloodbath.So my fascination to design apparently introduced me into Robinhood (the 2015's ‘App for the year’ awardee from Apple). It all started with "hey! you look so cool" types to literally “oh f…ish! It’s grave timing.” Not once but thrice. And this gimmick of penny stocks(a big no-no even you are a wolfie fan of Decaprio!) made me soar to a pseudo-millionaire in overnight before the reality tapped my medulla oblongata that an app restart would clear the cache. Bottomline- don't ever. DO NOT EVER play with something that you don't control. I said don’t play with things you hardly have a hold, right! 

♥💔 So is the next drama aired in same October, that turned a friend to gf to foe to (thankfully) a friend now. I yearned enough.

 "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." tells Mohammed Ali who passed away on the week I made it on the roads.

My quest for places (yes, just new places) has gone bit wild. Wild enough to bend my spine straight on 2200mi in a long weekend.

Hmm, so should I take a leaf out of the whole story, draft a colorful sequel to Jungle book and send it out to Disney for a full-time. Stick with my ever-boring documentary style. Or perhaps, a what not-to-do when you're planning for a 2200mi- would be a befitting Medium post? Or go even 'white-collar' with Pulse (Linked-IN) in the lines of, Takeaways from long-ride to Business Place. Too-much ado, right! Lets jump on.

  Below's the heatmap of places I've been through (Courtesy: Foursquare checkins and Google Fusion Table),

Step one: It's common for people to crib about your plan even in nurturing shape- your to-be welcoming friends, should-be warm buddies, peers, boss- and what not. Mom and Dad (oh yeah, it’ll get even worse). It’s okay to let people know, but nothing should stop you going. In other words, you gotta dream.. you have to protect it. So Step 1- Don’t give answers, return smile to everyone.

 Carry every possible thing you can. Spare phone, power bank, go-jo kit, first-aid stuff, chain lube, tire repair kit, torch light, cool clothes (to show-off), rough ones to make sure its endurance is tested and more and more food that you love. And yeah, dont forget to Insta your back-packing picture (that sets up the whole idea).

 It's okay to miss the timeline.. Although you'll hardly have the luxury to enjoy every bit of the sight across your travel (and especially when your boss is following your updates on twitter), the whole thing is essentially a trade-off between men/machine/and the mighty nature. Breaks (and breaks (and BREAKS)) is the most important to relish and keep yourself going.

 Cops.. are there, don’t worry. (until you end up paying Tennessee's State trooper, speeding tickets and console yourself that you've come down all the way to do a community service for the local county). De facto, Highway patrol’s made sure to hop me in to the Dodge Sedans- on a thunderstorm in Alabama and when I was shivering down in Louisiana.

 Have the best friends host you. This is trivial. Have you now been in ISRO or NASA, all this sheer quest would have let you land in Moon (or unearthing a new planet- may be), where you can graciously put the flag on- and let those pride tunes sing. Yes, I woke up.  After all, something should call the purpose. And there's no better when you have nice friends around… my case- I ended up seeing near life- threatening roller coaster rides again in a theme park, some great food-outs, and enjoyed watching a crap movie. And isn’t it nice to have a weatherman, sharing the forecast every while?

 Strangers make it count- My Airbnb host in Little-rock, Arkansas offered me Chicken pasta late in the night- while I check-in, knowing I'll find no time for food. Fellow biker in the apartment community offered inspection on chain sprocket in his garage -while the whole of towns motorcycle's service were wide closed for the long weekend. Another lady in her late 40s allowed me to come over in her Cherokee sport, while I was drenching at Mississippi.  More fun, a fellow nomad (I could safely use the term) with long white beard, his Tee-shirt written "It's not me! It's your law DAMN-IT!" lifting a bag, during one of my hourly squats in the highway walking close to me, more closer- with his hands in pockets.. I had no choice than in next few seconds, to become invisible guessing what's the scene in the next minute. Well, there’s always the other side. And.. and. did I say about my 83year old travel buddy, who was on a ride in his Harley from DC to Austin (a whooping triple of what I did), a retired Army vet who’s active during the historic Vietnamese war. We happen to ride across together Alabama and Mississippi- and a handful of anecdotes we kept sharing each other, would sure remain a treasure. And not to mention, the Bears, Leopard, Deers- which truly (and fortunately let me all the way till drafting this post) have abided the Law of Jungle.

 Trust the nature. There’s sure a bit of un-certainty around. Believe in Sun (the supremo!), that lonely Moon which is the only source of hope in that black dark nights, have faith in those blue clouds turning black.

 You’re now Zealous, and have got razor-sharp Focus, ah and finally- for once, you can enjoy adding these adjectives to prefix your Title. More than calling not an easy thing, this is not something everyone attempts this.

And a glimpse of photos, here.

>

On one of the many things, which is left in the middle- was this book, Zero to One- which starts beautifully "Doing what we already know how to do takes the world from 1 to n, adding more of something familiar. But every time we create something new, we go from 0 to 1."  2015 has been a year of many firsts- new place, new people, and a fair chance to give new me. While the quote had some rare connection w/ my post here, here's a take.. my 2015 in review!

- first 6 months of laptop madness: do I even know to burn midnight oil to sparing weekends for work? Hardly I'm that material,  when I look back at 2015, and no less, to being an active participant in literally all day in meeting rooms- tough deadlines to catch on one side, light music and biking on other side- what a ride it was!  go-getters, operational mammoths, sales super heroes- this stint in office is one solid pack. All I had to do was 'No matter how I feel- get up, dress up and show up.. but wait- don't look at your clock again, yes I'm late!'

- and know what! the complete makeover took the dais in the form of carrying lunch boxes- had I ever thought to carry them, uff! Staying in hostel from Class 3, you'll have the privilege of having the hot served food just out of the pan, how worse regardless. Felt more of a shame on early days, before it had become a 'this too shall pass' thing.

-  Remember the Jaggi, who sits in the snake skin bedded chair in Vellingiri foothills, and preaches - "Athanaikkum Asaipadu" (lust towards everything!).. Perhaps that has gone deep into the mind and grey cells started reacting - what a list of buying list all the year- bike and motorcycle, its fat fellow gears, two new phones, its close-connected watch and amazon echo, to anything and everything that excited- give it a no second thought. Welcome to Americas and Credit systems!

- That brings to the two nice items in the next. 1 Bikes (aka Cycles) - made me realize, is life even this beautiful. In fact, it started with let's try this out until it promoted to "the official commute" for the next 7 months. Looking back again, it would have been no better- to come out of the daily mind cycles and streamline with thoughts that was going for a toast every while. Getting some good pictures to Instagram, Long office calls, daily home catch ups, to come with all new tricks to handle things around - bike and the trail road stayed as best fit. Why did I even miss this fun back home?

taking next charge of being a rookie on roads: Motorcycles, the apparent doubt of how can a motorcycle even survive in the middle of mighty Texan trucks- is all addressed with 'Pacha' Ninja. And it was in late August when the feeling of home-grown kid is suddenly let free to fly.. And the rest demands a separate post- 5200 miles in next few months, w/ a month break when in India.

-  Since the first few months are more of going back to the ages with bikes and waiting at bus stations, which in reality doesnt always work, Uber came in rescue. Sometimes you'll grateful about being in 2015 for the technologies bestowed to the world you live in. While most of the people you hangout, both in office and home, remain more of same suit of Indian club, Uber is the answer- to hear the very new American stories - all in a 20 mins pitch before driver get me to' the office or home - it ended making some good friends to hearing "Power Sleep" kind of interesting stories.

- Kathukuthu, Kedavattu attendance rating, unlike last year, is so poor. For that matter, neither did I participate (nor had an invite) to any of the American parties. Clubs- for which the western nations are typically branded, although, spell great energy on friday nights- for some reason, it doesn't excite me at all! Same blue and red flicker lights with beaming faces around- I am odd to the crowd. Except for the time we happen to see Cedric Gervais on floor (Pure genius!). Of course, couple of birthday parties, baby showers, luncheons and happy hour dinners -all came to rescue.

- On a consecutive four weekends, you'll get to Hanuman temple on north Dallas, have a holistic Buddhist temple, let go on to the biblical museum in Downtown, and enjoy the Bakrid biryani that your Pakistan friend gets it to the office- will not you feel lucky?

- Places, Foursquare rates my Indian restaurant checkins the most in this year. Not bad right, for all home-away yearning kids- food is the only relief! Of in numerous places in Texas, Texoma lake is close to heart, for the exotic birds/ mineral mining/ and managed as a not so happening place. The first long ride to Lubbock, and frm there to witness the Baloon fiesta at Albequerque, Chicago, and lastly San Antonio- all fall into this years super long list of making memories. Texas State fair and the resort at Sethumadai- both brought the authenticity, in their style!

- This is another year when i thought - Facebook has more light than it deserves. But that doesn't stop me(!) being participate in sharing economy- Swarm, Instagram and Twitter have become mainstream this year- that I enjoy myself a hero in no-man's world. And this new wave of robotics, IoT and AIs, sounding big, is fun- which even made Dad amused, when I made a phone call to sister with a voice command in wrist watch. App of the year goes to "IF" for the possibilities it's opening up. Do you hear my, Hello Alexa! in the mornings.

 -Two best things I've carry forwarded from 2015 (and wish I could pull it ever)- Running and Yoga. I run- almost at all the worst conditions- when it was snowing, scorching 90F sun- in all frequencies you bet- some random runs here and there- and what does it al make up? If you think fitness will be my answer, I should have built some sexy six-packs and bold arms by now - which doesn't explain me! May be it establishes more connect between you and the place you run?

The mere beauty in Yoga, which sister taught me if you happen to read the last year's post, is like one stop solution for anything. The vacation to Azhiyar, to see the artistic place of eastern ghats turn out to be a full circle- from practicing with lame techniques to get the privilege and pleasure in seeing the place where Mahirishi had begun his run! Personal record: solitude again, unlike 2014 there was no company for either of it- run and yoga! Bottom line is improving.

- Music and Movie. New place, new people, new things- and I bet, there is no better company than Music. All the modes, channels, the beautiful Tamil songs kept the eardrum packed and super-happy. Pandora, Apple Music, some good old collection I had in iPad, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify- you name it! O Kadhal Kanmani topped the list- and what a nice feeling it brings every time you listen!! On the big screen, when you have a friend who alarms for not missing a Tamil cinema and Tooring Talkies that release just every picture on Thursday evenings (hello Friday morning, in India) - will not you become flat? Result is starting Isai, wowing at houseful stickers for Yennai Arindhal, brilliant Bahubali, classic Porampokku, poetry in Papertowns, Mi4 for the first of a iMax experience- and many many more (Twitter timeline, check!). Off the screen, i enjoyed ever- fresh Aval Oru Thodorkathai by K. Balachander.

- Books and Blogs. Subscribed to the digital version of Vikatan - and it took a perfect place on the Newstand app. result of course, all 52 editions on toe. Parthiban Kanavu, Who moved my Cheese, Megathai Thurathvan- in done bucket! Thinking Fast and Slow, Getting more, Zero to One, What I talk about when I talk about Running- is running for 2016!

Blogging- started to write actively(!) for Tumblr since 2 years and is delighting so far. 9 posts into 2015- except for  First 15 days which i still love reading it- all others are topical. Time to market (if you're in a service or product business- this term should be ring you) for every blog is so huge - should ideally work in fixing it - or i'm sure this not going to stay. Albeit the facts -1. it gives a feeling 'while you have a pen, you are a creator!' 2. When someday something doesnt turn to your way-may all the writings stand as an evidence for your walk.

should I bring the post to close, I don't find any better than this- Jack Dorsey during his re-entry to Twitter.

A few things about each company, and their impact in the world. What we stand for gives us purpose, and that purpose dictates our job ahead.

— Jack (@jack) October 5, 2015

Up and Straight. Why's people in America not happy while someone plans for Mexico. Is it  another- high deemed affluent landlord doesn't want to see his kids getting along with the flat neighbor- hmm, am I missing those fairy tales. Or there's something real?

Im writing this laying back in the couch of the apartment, that I just booked few mins back in airbnb. I had a brief chat with the lady and her US-PostalSevices clerical son. I rode all the way from Dallas to Levada, with a single narrow minded 'I'll die as an explorer' thought - even bypassing ceremonial Travel alerts from USCIS and my friend.

Few interesting hearings from Max (San Antonio based artist- friend) and a tip from a random 'Unnai Pol Oruvan' Kamal Hassan- looked gentleman while Subway-ing- advising me to take the toll road (Cuotas) when I enter Mexico- all of this had in fact triggered the curiosity bar even higher. Activated International roaming in my T-Mobile.. notified Credit card company.. made sure the vehicle's insurance is all in for Mexico.. Currencies exchanged- Pesos already in hand- I was just all set to bike over before the guy at Shell gas bunk just told it might get dark while you go Monterry (the place I planned to visit in Mexico). Better you start off in the morning. Alright- book a room, and hop on for a talk with the owner!

(after an hour and 30 minutes)

The talk just ended as she gets up in the living room, with her Catholic cross and mentioning, 'hope everything gets well with you. But had you been my son, I would've tied you in the backyard doors.' What a 'don't rush your blood' talk! Why are moms emotional everywhere! Or perhaps, they just know what would work!

Mom and son gave a brief perspective with living all their life on the border.. Now it's my turn of decision- where a night left, either I had to do rationalize their thoughts and return home. Or you know- there's always a thrill side in next 2 miles.

~

Here's a shot!

- There are many people visiting back and forth from States safely- USCIS reports more than 150,000 cross the border every day. Are they all harmed by some or other means? Certainly not.

- Tourist places are way safe. Mexican government has deployed military into action to make sure there's just nothing on toss in any of the puntos turísticos (read "tourist spots" in Spanish)- after all, who wants to risk at the Golden Egg- Tourism. By Air, By ship- as it takes you right to the place- and you are absolutely okay.. you can catch up with some great backpackers documenting their travel through Mexico and get even inspired! http://bkpk.me/one-month-in-mexico-how-much-it-cost-us/

It then unfolds a bit.

- Policemen. One of those 'not-so-serious' reasons. Looks there had been a wide criticism on State deployed Police officers. Complaints that officers pull through people on road for no reason- and what's cool is- just a couple of dollar bills would do wonders with them. and it now become a ritual, farce policemen are easily handleable - for both good and bad crowds. 

Drilling down,

- Myth: People who knows to converse in Spanish will never be harmed. 

Fact: Tenant of the lady, whom I'm Airbnb-ing now, originally from Mexico- settled in Levada (U.S) has left for a vacation- and he hadn't turned back. His wife is given no notice post the incident from Mexican Govt. He is just added into one of those infinite Found Missing in Mexico lists. One thing probable is, if you don't look like a Anglo-white, there's a less chance for people to treat you as foreigner. But that gets beaten- with the random shootings, robberies on roads, restaurants, and where not.. and did I say trafficking!

- Arms, Drugs and Borders.

The crux part of it. Mexico's strict weapon laws don't allow arms. But the strictest laws are only for commen men and the blind tourists- who carry little pocket knives and wildlife hunting tools. Handguns, Shotguns, Riefels - you name it with any caliber, you can see it through out the country. All while the sad truth in books is- there's only one store where gun can be sold legally. Of late, there's a name tagged to it. Gun Politics.

And. 

NYT reports in 2012 tells, estimated worth of drugs trasmitted from(through) Mexico to United States is 20Billion, hence pride, power and violence come along. So almost every Mexican border (adjacent to States'-largely California, Arizona and Texas) is controlled by  (or communals) - popularly known as Drug wars.  The stories of El Chapos, drilling a subway tunnel through Mexico- California, makes more sense... oh enough, politics!   TL/DR: You can be one of those thousand safest travelers, and get a story of a lifetime. Or get caught- trafficked, put in a spot with just no ways to escape- and be there in the headlines for couple of days in Fox News (or a weeks time- if Donald Trump mentions you) - and stay on the missing list, forever.

~

Next day, I wake up in the morning, quickly backpack all that I brought- wrote a greeting card to the lady and his kid, and starting my motorcycle at 7.30a. 

Travel is important for two reasons- one, to loose yourself to a crowd- experiment something which you have hardly tried and iterate your belonging to this immaterial world.. two of course, for the excitement and fun it gives.

Last week's was certainly one among those befitting types. Leaving behind couple of posts that are long-due to its time, here's a shot!

I was just back from India a week before and not really have overcome homesick with an extra down. (check: 40 Fahrenheit drop in three days time- and my homo-sapien body could react no better).

>> Fast forward

You’re so predictable! (12.05- 8.30p, RiverWalk )

tells Surya, to someone who deliberately doesnt want to build any stereotype around him. She had her reasons too (that being rational, you'll have to accept). We were at the end of West Market Street lane across San Antonio River ( a 350m old city from the place I live), waving at the Jingle bells kids who were on the ferries that pass by. It was double fun hearing Sathish (another cool friend) telling the ferry analogy- his Goldman Sachs runs b/w Jersey city and NYC.

Mom calling! (12.05- 10.40a, Subway at a small town called Italy )

I know and am prepared for it.. last 4 days were down w/ cold and cough ( 3 wfh’s too)- she was in all support remotely operating my whole being- what to eat, what not, sleep- you know mom’s thing! After all- she deserves to question me and i’m ever willing to explain my never-rational nonsense reasons, which i have been telling years. But in fact this time- it was those couple of heads or tails on my favor made it to game. Otherwise, me and weather report both were in monitoring state. So bungee on, new dainese jack on - wake up at 6.30, get set at 7.30, roll up the sleeves and start  noising the roads. First stop at Italy to fuel bike and me. 4 more stops along the way- to do biker's squat, to cover some nice landscapes (one below)- and i'm in.. the San Antonio!

Who are you! (12.05- 5.00p, Max's stay, SA Downtown)

I'm all new to this Airbnb business- having heard about this cool uber-like app for a while now. So sign-up, sort it by reviews and closer to where my other friends stay- and book in a home. (just yesterday it was- you know it, i had been in toss mode til then). I rode straight there- caught up with the Maxwell. It took a bit of time to unarmour the weapon-like suits i geared up for ride.. there came a Bollywood hero-like figure, in Spanish with his phone- with a sudden shock, he gave me " WHO ARE YOU" looks. Then we caught up in self introduction side, started with his fairy Cuba tales! mean time, an epilogue for the owner of the place- Maxwell- a glass of wine on one hand, and paint brushes in other - I wonder he shares a great pattern with Da Vincis and Picassos. Not to miss his couple of big peagant dogs giving a warm welcome at the downstairs. I was bit nervous (and equally thrilled) about the place and the people whom i'm going to share the room. But it made to non-noise, well managed- and so pleasing stay. look what he's written back on airbnb-

Hey Switzerland (12.05- 11.30p, Max's stay)

Back from the river walk sharing our cbe memories and setting up the plan for (the only!) tomorrow- we had our day called off. Back in Max's home. Between then and chceking out - it was more of fueling the midnight oil. First was Cuban story- the way he came to US- and the hotel management job he holds .. managing with a girl ( bit universal problems- you can sure read it once, kind of tale!). and the next guest - meeting him for the first time - we would keep hearing travel musings in the lines of-3 women to flag off their road trip from Delhi to London - but.. wait! how about having one next to you? With all goosebumps/excitement, i couldnt stop interviewing (even did a little voice memo too!). So, he is a Swiss Electrical engineer and started from home last July - and on a mission, although he never called it so, to travel around Americas - and a bit of Asia. He already seemed to have all the places in North America in his done bucket, and about to move on towards Mexico in the coming week. Introducing me to couchsurfing.com (and plenty other travel hints)-  when I asked how would he prepare for the worst scenarios if he happen to face in these new places, he was just solid in responding "its okay and all the experience travel has given me so far will cover it.. " here's his travelogue, that easily fell into my blogshelf, awayfrom.ch ..fascinating in all.

(so-called!) Deep inside the caverns. (13.05- 3.00p still in San Antonio)

I woke up the following day- after exchanging good-byes to Max and his guests, rode for the breakfast at Marriot, and we went per the plan (sounds motivating- aint it, actually we had to skip two of em along- call it lazy vacations!) We had some great photoshoots with the super-great compassionate photographer (she was once, right Sathish?) on&off our cavern walk. Caves - which ever remind me of visiting Ukhra coal mines (West Bengal, India) back in '08- in all dark  other than our head-lamps. May be the thrill of just not knowing whats going to happen next in Ukhra mines -or of late, watching a few hollywood movies- the discovery tour we took at caverns didnt ring a bell. But for the kid who was walking us along explaining the myths behind each stop, you could come over. As been expecting, Americans hadnt failed to equip the caves with gift shop and restaurant, but not having elevator and flushed toilets inside the trail is still has a room to consider. huh?

Dallas calling back.

so all's well story- started around 4.00p from San Antonio grabbing a "tuna sub" along the way- and trusting on Italian gears and Japanse engines, this leg was bit ahead of the estimated clocking of- 5.30 hrs.. Oh did I miss mentioning the Apple music playlist - singing "Ulagam Piranathathu enakkaga" as I checked-in my apartment at 10.35p.

We were all brought up with the tales- long list of nail biting fantasy tales. Of which one sure shot is- God will come to your dream someday and ask for your wishlist, be prepared. To fuel it, everyone of us had our own custom list- which varies from adventurous types to being a sadhu with wizard sticks!

Cut to, 2015 Fall. Technology is no more letting just rockets into space, it’s already come to your hands, cars, home- close to being omnipresent! Digital techniques are getting grounded every day- life without whatsapps and twitters is non-thinkable.  On a sunny day, it even let me think- those childhood stories are shaping up. Yes- Gods no longer need to stay in dreams.

When verticals like searches, smart-phones, nests and rokus start emerging- there arised VA like horizontals.

Now, define Virtual Assistant (VA)? Nothing but rationalized version of God that allows you to ask any number of things (see even most of the stories say God can fulfill only 3 in your wishlist)- and the magic is, when wishes begin to get into reality, it’ll let others believe there’s no magic has happened in its course.

Mean time, here’s a quick sneak-peek on the bigwigs,

Siri,

Its more of a movement now– say a 100 similar products get line up next selling the same pitch in different forms, all would be known and can market as this is “my version of Siri..” such is its reach/versatility- and undoubtedly Siri delivers. Latest addition, Siri in Apple watches. More on news, “Give us a hint Siri” wait till Sep 9 to see it in Cars, TV- oh no, I don’t want to add on to the rumour mills.

Pitch: The name brand “Apple”

Google Now,

‘OK Google..’ That’s the slogan Google preaches. This came to mainstream when most of the whole world came to consensus- where Google is the Internet and Internet is through Google. Even the critics keep acclaiming for its copy cat and data mining mindsets, Google has gone way beyond anyone’s thought no-one can stop! Google started building platform and products with m&a’s, and its deep pockets- Now is becoming important for its own X labs.

It operates in two models- 1. Google Now, just like Siri- you can click on voice button in any of its search boxes/long press menu keys in Android devices – and ask. 2. Cards, uses in-built GPS and other defined (or predictive) interests, now cross-leverages all of its home made goods and throw it whenever you shall be in need. (Area of improvement, of course the name- make it better NOW)

Pitch: Not needed- you keep using Google, and that’s way enough for the alphabet corporation.

Image source: wsj.

 Cortana,

Named after its own video game character, Cortana rides on Micrsoft’s super famous Azure boat- making possibilities so much.. but currently I reserve my comments as I have little idea that was gathered from some Google listings (oops.. read it as Bingo!!)

Potential pitch: With Azure offerings in cloud, and Office suite’s own line up of products in local- Cortana could trace, connect and create a platform that has never been imagined.

Echo,

as like any new item in valley, this is been creating sensation for 6 months, and post the full roll- out, looks it’s well fitting into the scenario.. Post successful attempt in Firefly, Amazon’s next baby step is Echo- and it talks one message- gone should be the days where bluetooth speakers are just the talkers. Priced 180$, Echo is designed to be a intelligent house-wife (duh!)- singing a song to your tune (read as ‘esa paattu’ in Tamil), switching on the kitchen lights, helping you set up things and stuff like that.

Pitch: brilliant idea to build a home-centric accessory.

M,

New addition to the family of Facebook is M (tentatively called)- which is currently being piloted, this likely is focused more on commerce.

Pitch: Knowing your friends to your interests, and with Messenger game already worked and declared a hit (consistent place in top 5 downloads of App store), Facebook knows how to scale up its market share in just no time- and it dares do anything- who knows from ‘login’ to its trademark ‘like’, we might be forced to use M till it becomes a habit.

So, back to the tale- with Virtual Assistants the new Gods, pick your religion, and- what would your asks?

Oh, wait- this is not an astronomical stuff.. But no, no who knows- anything can change your complete life!

‘Keep your brand freak aside, and be charged for all new experience.’ this is exactly what I kept thinking when zeroing in Pebble Time- in the ages of Apple watches and Android gears. Not so longer, from one of my twitter friends, it started- the sensation (yes it still is) to follow anything about Eric and his Pebble.

$5 million funding in 6 hours - WOW !!!! https://t.co/ovFpvOZfyp via @kickstarter #yam

— Jay Chittenipat (@CPJay)

February 26, 2015

And I was told, you’d have either been a Kickstarter backer (God knows what was it by then!), or wait until August- ah, neither is mine. fortunately happen to  come through Lumoid- a Valley based startup that offered mix of drones, wearable gears in decent rentals.. and this was on June! Xoom.. placed an order, and here’s the story of it. 

Wearable market, healthcare/fashion/electronic industry- throw all the metrics aside, this is something new, to be precise- a new extension of what its been around… aren’t you interested?

I'm ready for this new ride! #time #pebble #red #timelineos #epaper #wearlumoid

A photo posted by Balakrishnan (@bkrishn) on Jul 2, 2015 at 11:50pm PDT

By look.

Debatable question at the first shot. A simple silver boundaried casing, closely tied with plastic strips (my Red colored Pebble has already got some rave reviews, Deadly Apple fan-friends started something like this..  design is just copy-cated from one of those we used to get at Car festivals back in home.. grr, you get the idea!)… I cannot completely agree, and here’s the killers for them-

Battery: we are already sick of running out of charge in handful of electronic items, ‘not another one on queue to the socket please!’ is how general audience perceives- Pebble took it seriously, and delivered it extremely well- “color e-ink display” is the answer. Think of reading Kindle paperwhite in rainbow colours.. (interesting, wouldn’t be!). Adding perspective, I charged the Time just before starting my Chicago trip of 6 days- and it threw the thirsty low battery sign (makes you feel so, ‘design thinking’- check) only after I come back- should agree it’s a great USP!

 Smartstraps facility, which can certainly open countless possibilities- Imagine GPS, or any specific use-case that the watch doesn’t hold now and you’ll receive it in no-time. Currently a W-i-P project. (Just to note: neither does Apple watch provide GPS option–you gotta carry your phones for the run or when you bike, in my case- even after these wearable companies market  and trying to position themselves as Fitness supplements.. which make me sick!)

Watchfaces are cool.. see some examples? Oh it’s July 4, want to show your patriotism- make US flag face- done! Wearing a blue top, and search for a matching sandal? Oh, yeah.. pick a perfectly sync-ing one from 100s of faces, will well serve the deal… you how long is the list! And did I mention it makes for an extraordinary Timepiece too (after all, it’s a watch right!).

In Action.

Timeline Interface- which would let you fall in love just in seconds- and will stay the same, everytime, you look at your wrist. In the emoji world, the interface is designed so so cool- simple and structured doing some dazzling stuff from grassroot level. Call the illustrative icons or the switch from one page to other – every detail has been worked out so well. Finally a personal touch without touch screens- which makes me glad.. hard to find something ‘digital’ today without ‘Gorilla touches’, no?

App-store/ Notifications: I was more interested about this part beacuse we are in the age of apps and it again gets adorned blamelessly. Whatsapp pings, News alerts, sport scores and so wil buzz right on your wrist - no more thinking of a lag in checking your phones.. everything on-the-go (we are almost there, Google- consider Glasses is the next disruption!!). And there are Feature apps that caught my attention, both in-house and that of 3rd parties. Calendar does an awesome reminder job, Weather tells it’s hot out- keep staying in office (:@) .. and other stalwarts like Uber to Foursquare is again so well designed. Fitness apps are okay to start with. I think once the gps enabled straps are in place, it can go for a full spin. One of the major backlog, nonetheless, Android gears and Apple watches are trying to debate is- TimelineOS still doesn’t have the place to show the pictures- Insta/whatsapp/message. And wish more standalone apps take charge, and can function without the phone’s help in the offing.

In all, for the company which kick-started the idea of “smart-watch” has done pretty refining to bring the second edition for the ‘price’ with some cool exuberance. But something to watch- the market is certainly not the same when the earlier version was launched.

Self-bet: With Lumoid offering try-and- buy options, I decided not to go this one until this post is published…. voila now, I cant wait to placing the order tonight. Or Apple’s new watchOS preview is letting me another wait till this fall and go for Cupertino? 

hjsadadshahd

Tried acroyoga.

— Balakrishnan (@bkrishn) August 3, 2015

asdasdasdasdad

This weekend is supposed to be at Austin. SxSW- the weeklong festival that gets hosted every year for South by SouthWest grabs every startups, standup shows, moviemakers, grads- and you guess it- the young unleashing energies. But weather report, and my project’s weekly status report went so haunting that i couldn’t get out of Dallas!

One thing for sure has still kept my weekend stay at home so cool and curious, made me think something out of Austin, or Friday nights neither, is my 48 hour-old new company- Firephone (frm Amazon!)

Fire.. it is!

A photo posted by Balakrishnan (@bkrishn) on Mar 21, 2015 at 12:08am PDT

First up, I’m not a fan of mainstreams. Facebook to whatsapps to Cricket to iPhone to Honda Cars in US- I try to stay out of it, and managed to get along with the peripherals. I kept my hunt with just those pre-conditions and ended up friday on this master piece!

Phone by itself has a solid engineering, weighs a bit more ( technically,1 oz than iPhone6- if you wanted to feel!). Five front facing cameras- weird right?- with a sharp 12mp at rear. Dynamic Perspective opens up the next dimension of seeing things. After a lot of criticism on App store, I still can see 8 out of my top 10 favourite apps coming handy, working perfect- not bad for a new comer? What stands out is Firefly- long tap the camera button, and the wand of firefly starts- It scans any product that sees, reads, and display the details subjected to Amazon.com. There's more commerce involved than it actually is- but this is something, Apple Siri or Google Now hadn't attempt yet. Mayday, helpdesk, too, is interesting- I queried on couple of items which i’m acknowledged in just no time. Stylish earphones- which means i stopped using my erstwhile House of Marley, and Amazon plaqued chargers come out-of-the-box. I dont feel anything to be improved for the penny i spent, albeit the dial-pad font must be changed- taking me to ages. 

Bottom line: Do you mind betting your vacation to place not much visited? I guarantee bonus or surprises. 

"It’s been a great year" meme was ruling Facebook over the last weeks of 2014, and I tried generating mine. However, I didn’t see a josh in publishing a half-baked story with just so-called giggling photographs. Neither the super-manipulative YEA( my boss is reading!) tells it fully.. So, I went on to the basics- diary (Evernote!)- and discovered how about a blog. And who better could write your story, and perspectives in a honest shot?

With a bit of owing help from foursquare checkins, and twitter feeds, I’m here to say what went my way, and what sucked in 2014. My debut attempt, hope you’d enjoy.

Technology. A year of consolidations.

Whatsapp acquired by Facebook for 19 Billion USDs, new Microsoft boss Satya thought the company cannot sell the same story it’s been doing for the decades- and revamped to the inclusive, sharing economy model which seems paying off. Ah, relax, here’s mine! I went on to learn web scrapping a bit with a cool friend, that’s something never my area. And in office, fortunate to learn eCom gigs- which finally taught me, Building a website is not that easy as it looks. PDAs: Nexus S to Nokia basic to/& iPad Air- I tested, and is working out. Phones are your best company, regardless of where/what you do. Nexus S had been with me for a while( even before N4/N5 has caught up Indian market this year)- solid build/specs have wow-ed me to play with Android apps. And then a riffle, one day, between both of us let it go off. Lull after a storm- came to the classic super-smart Nokia’s( now Microsoft) 105. Life became so simple- no lows, no ecstasies- very much clean and composed. Then, the iOS fan let me go for a fat buy- Air. This combo drives me - what to/when not- cooks me crazy, stay modest. Zig and zag.

Travel. And it goes.

Foursquare has almost become my lovely pal, to say how long I travelled, mischiefs I do, and turns pretty warm when I keep doing something. By virtue of tradition over the last few years, started 2014 with Then-Thirupathi, and the solace seeking kept going, as ever. Thirukadiayur, Thirupathi( all day queue makes this stand out!), Maruthamalai- on different occasions to name a few. Coming to chennai has become more a biz. than a hangout this year. Kathukuthu, Kedavattu, Kalyanam attendance rate was pretty green, as ever( I enjoy people mocking me for it). Goa another time, with a fresh gang- won&lost Casino at Deltin Jacq. Twice to Nilgiris. And.. stars did collide, in February, with many firsts in the list, to bake our plan to Thailand- walking street ramps, unmatched Thai food, exotic coral island, scuba- I had almost become the ambassador for Thailand trip for rest of the year. Did I say Central Pattaya police Station has even filed a case when we jet-skied?

Books, blogs and cinema. Never ending. Very much soaring. After exhausting the full 52 weeks of Vikatan, I had decent time to invest in books: Fighting tooth& nail- 31(by Upendra Namboodri), unfolding stories thru myth- mythia( devdutt pattnaik), a new life walk- how to fail at almost everything and still win big( Scott Adams). Blogshelf app in iPad /Quora have solved close to all my quest. Also, by virtue of with Curation team at office, found a handful of treasures in the blogging community. Cinemas: I’m made to move on from ‘only Tamil’ in theatres to Hollywood cinemas as well this year. Jigarthanda, Kochadaiiyan/ lingaa (amid critics),Sathuranga Vettai, Goli Soda, wolf of Wall Street, interstellar, pk - topped my chart ( not necessarily in order). I have stopped watching TV serials, and decided not to watch anymore as it being ‘serial’ time killer. And then, there is House of Cards- which absolutely rocks! Can’t wait for s03.

I try, and try to write. Anything and just everything. Of which reaped- my people-nomics blog - empathy-as-a-service. And a couple of book reviews. Designing thru Corel draw has already become a walk of making things, that continued even this year- winning many friends for facilitating their adhoc asks.

Health. You are nothing but your energy.

I hardly had a cup of caffeine, nor aerated drinks all the year (deviation level: less than 1 p.c.). No cold water between/after food. No toothpastes(!)- country salt is the answer, check my smile next time we meet. Found a technique of soaking the eyes in a bowl of water (Mounam pesiyathe style- but, water), holding the breath, close to a minute, rotating the eye-balls in all possible sequences. Repeat this sprint thrice every day, and you’d be wondered on the results. And with great friends, did 5k run twice, and exhausted a 10k. Luckily learnt Maharishi’s ‘Ezhiya udarpayirchigal’/ yoga from Sister- THAT IS delivering phenomenal results. Reason it on meeting Nammalvar, Aaaram thinai/Nalam 360 writings by Dr. Sivaraman, or after Dilbert’s book, I’m excited if all this model (system) work at America too, in the coming 2015.

And.

Sung twice in public. It’s been 18 years since I did Baasha song in class III hostel day, and I wanted to put a stop to the record. Flasmobed where my role turned to a bigtime farce, fun nevertheless. Had my gut play-off by telling someone ‘I like you.’