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| Shringeri Mutt |
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| The misty route to Mangalore |
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| Suratkal Beach |
Bliss.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Monsoon Diary
Saturday, June 15, 2013
In Limbo #2
Two years ago, when I'd finished my Board exams, I was nervous, uncertain and also excited to join Deeksha for the my PUC. But at least, at the very least, I knew that I would be studying in Deeksha. I'd interacted with students, I'd seen the campus and I knew what to expect.
But This is NOTHING like that. I repeat, NOTHING.
I've written the exams, the results are coming in trickles and it really doesn't guarantee anything. Not for me atleast. Not to mention that off late, all I do is S.U.L.K. (For several seemingly legit reasons.)
And now is a long, long wait where I can only hope that everything works out fine and right now, my life is more like a dull grey cloud that drizzles ever so often.
So basically, it should be medical college in Karnataka. That's all I can say. How to be positive? Tell me, somebody! When I'm enveloped in a fog of self-created pessimism. -_-
But there are some really good things that have happened recently. :)
Photowalk with Vidhathri!
So we met at Megamart around 7.20 and then travelled to GB where we began with the fresh flowers, neatly stacked fruits and veggies and the occasional confounded cow in the middle of the street. After this, we had a truly oily breakfast at Vidhyarthi Bhavan. It's famous for it's masala dosa but honestly it was drenched and dripping with Oyl. After this we walked to MN Krishna Rao Park and played baddie for a while. It was fun but I was tired too soon and we began clicking pictures of everything around us and we realized we had to take pictures of each other, so we did in great earnest. :) So we returned after making plans for meeting up again soon for another such photowalk.
So I realized a lot of things:
But This is NOTHING like that. I repeat, NOTHING.
I've written the exams, the results are coming in trickles and it really doesn't guarantee anything. Not for me atleast. Not to mention that off late, all I do is S.U.L.K. (For several seemingly legit reasons.)
And now is a long, long wait where I can only hope that everything works out fine and right now, my life is more like a dull grey cloud that drizzles ever so often.
So basically, it should be medical college in Karnataka. That's all I can say. How to be positive? Tell me, somebody! When I'm enveloped in a fog of self-created pessimism. -_-
But there are some really good things that have happened recently. :)
Photowalk with Vidhathri!
So we met at Megamart around 7.20 and then travelled to GB where we began with the fresh flowers, neatly stacked fruits and veggies and the occasional confounded cow in the middle of the street. After this, we had a truly oily breakfast at Vidhyarthi Bhavan. It's famous for it's masala dosa but honestly it was drenched and dripping with Oyl. After this we walked to MN Krishna Rao Park and played baddie for a while. It was fun but I was tired too soon and we began clicking pictures of everything around us and we realized we had to take pictures of each other, so we did in great earnest. :) So we returned after making plans for meeting up again soon for another such photowalk.
So I realized a lot of things:
- That it's possible to rekindle old friendships. :)
- That Vidha3 is still awesome in photography.
- That her SLR is nearly equally awesome.
- That my Camera is begging for retirement.
- That we will keep in touch and meet very soon. :D
Yesterday I met my homies, Sanjana and Medha. Obviously it was insane and I had a tiramisu and yet felt pretty drunk. :O Everybody's headed to different parts of the country/ world. Am I feeling overwhelmed or obscure in this melee?
I'm currently reading Blind Slate by Steven Pinker (not much headway) as well as I've got your number by Sophie Kinsella.
Seeya! :)
^I'd like to see what an 'In Limbo #3' would be like! When I'd have graduated with a degree and probably gunning for post-grad. Gosh.
^I'd like to see what an 'In Limbo #3' would be like! When I'd have graduated with a degree and probably gunning for post-grad. Gosh.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Clarity.
^. I Love the song ( By Zedd) and need the same in my life.
The sad truth is, to blog coherently, I need to be unconscious of the fact that people will read my blog.
So June 2nd was JSS Entrance Exam and since then I've been obliged to do nothing whatsoever!
So I watched YJHD with Makshi on Monday. Well, the movie is longer than it should be and it's formulaic to a large extent but it makes for a good one time watch. I got a few books from her too! :)
The next day, after a quick visit to Deeksha, I met my Lunch gang! (Minus Priyanka, Sonika and Lavanya :-/ ) As always, it was a lot of fun and we went bowling at Amoeba.
So I read Rozabal Line by Ashwin Sanghi and it made for a good read. Ashwin Sanghi is dubbed as the 'Indian Dan Brown' and reading his book, one feels that this title is well deserved. However, the huge number of unnecessary characters/elements/locations tend to bog you down mainly because they do not contribute significantly. Furthermore, halfway through the book, the plot fizzles out. Yet, It makes for an interesting read (probably because I'm partial towards Indian authors or because the author has done an extensive research for the book). Basically, the book explores the popular myth that Jesus Christ was buried in Kashmir. It involves a fair amount of terrorism and religious beliefs.
I'm disappointed to inform that I'm STILL not done with it. Initially the book seemed to be 'promising' and I was eager to know more about 'Objectivism'. However, halfway through the book, I lost interest (Something that doesn't happen often) mainly because of the authors treatment of the female characters. Not to mention the abysmally long commentaries on mundane matters. The book has a fair amount of philosophy (which I detest) so I must be fair. I should refrain from denouncing the book any further. (I'll do that after I finish the book).
So you've heard about the mantis shrimp? Doesn't matter. Head here for the Cutest way to know about it: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/mantis_shrimp . I found this when I stumbled upon the UChicago essay topics for this year. :)
So long! :)
The sad truth is, to blog coherently, I need to be unconscious of the fact that people will read my blog.
So June 2nd was JSS Entrance Exam and since then I've been obliged to do nothing whatsoever!
So I watched YJHD with Makshi on Monday. Well, the movie is longer than it should be and it's formulaic to a large extent but it makes for a good one time watch. I got a few books from her too! :)
The next day, after a quick visit to Deeksha, I met my Lunch gang! (Minus Priyanka, Sonika and Lavanya :-/ ) As always, it was a lot of fun and we went bowling at Amoeba.
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| Us @ Amoeba. :) |
Room on the Roof was typical Ruskin Bond and it was a pleasant read but nothing noteworthy. (I've read most of his books, so I guess it was a bit repetitive.)
Anyway, I'm currently reading Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. The blurb of the book reads:
When The Fountainhead was first published, Ayn Rand's daringly original literary vision and her groundbreaking philosophy, Objectivism, won immediate worldwide interest and acclaim. This instant classic is the story of an intransigent young architect, his violent battle against conventional standards, and his explosive love affair with a beautiful woman who struggles to defeat him. This edition contains a special afterword by Rand’s literary executor, Leonard Peikoff, which includes excerpts from Ayn Rand’s own notes on the making of The Fountainhead. As fresh today as it was then, here is a novel about a hero—and about those who try to destroy him.
I'm disappointed to inform that I'm STILL not done with it. Initially the book seemed to be 'promising' and I was eager to know more about 'Objectivism'. However, halfway through the book, I lost interest (Something that doesn't happen often) mainly because of the authors treatment of the female characters. Not to mention the abysmally long commentaries on mundane matters. The book has a fair amount of philosophy (which I detest) so I must be fair. I should refrain from denouncing the book any further. (I'll do that after I finish the book).
So you've heard about the mantis shrimp? Doesn't matter. Head here for the Cutest way to know about it: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/mantis_shrimp . I found this when I stumbled upon the UChicago essay topics for this year. :)
So long! :)
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Questions Kids Ask
Divya is at that age where she finds it obligatory to question everything around her. While I try my best to patiently answer them to the best of my ability, I can't help but marvel at the questions she's asking.
What I like is, she doesn't stop with an answer, she'll process what you've just said, think it over and come up with a volley of new questions.
Here's how a questionnaire usually goes:
En route to an exam.
Me: Divya, I have an exam today. I'll come back in the afternoon.
Di: Why are you writing an exam?
Me: To study in another college.
Di: If you don't write the exam?
Me: I won't get into a college.
Di: What will you do in the college?
Me: Study, to become a doctor.
Di: So you''ll treat people who aren't feeling well?
Me: Uhm.. Yes.
Di: If they're feeling well?
Me: I won't have to treat them.
Di: What if they're scared of the injections and everything?
Me: I'll be nice to them.
Di: Hmm. Can I be a sister (nurse)?
Me: Yes, but you can also be a doctor.
Di: But I want to be a sister.
Me: Ok, whatever you want. I'll go write my exam now, Bye. :)
On a rainy day with thunder and lightning.
Di: Why is there lightning?
Me: Clouds are dashing each other.
Di: Why?
Me: Uh.. They're not friends, they're both opposites.
Di: And what's that loud sound?
Me: It's the sound when clouds dash against each other.
Di: Why did I hear it later?
Me: The sound is slower.
Di: Why?
Me: Uhh.. Its different from lightning. Lightning can be very fast.
Next day
Di: Why is there no thunder now?
Me: The clouds aren't bumping into each other.
Di: Why not? They did it yesterday.
There are many more questions I've been bombarded with and I'll put them up if my memory would be kind enough. :)
A month or two ago, I read an article in the newspaper about children asking questions. Here are the excerpts:
The sorts of questions mums tend to get asked varies greatly, but the most difficult include 'why is water wet?' and 'what are shadows made of?'.
The research found the amount of questions asked by children differs with age and gender, four year old girls being the most inquisitive. (OMG!)
Other, more awkward, queries include 'why do we have to go to school?' and 'why are you so old?'.
The five toughest questions:
1) Why is water wet? (35 per cent)
2) Where does the sky end? (34 per cent)
3) What are shadows made of? (33 per cent)
4) Why is the sky blue? (20 per cent)
5) How do fish breathe under water? (18 per cent)
Di: And what's that loud sound?
Me: It's the sound when clouds dash against each other.
Di: Why did I hear it later?
Me: The sound is slower.
Di: Why?
Me: Uhh.. Its different from lightning. Lightning can be very fast.
Next day
Di: Why is there no thunder now?
Me: The clouds aren't bumping into each other.
Di: Why not? They did it yesterday.
There are many more questions I've been bombarded with and I'll put them up if my memory would be kind enough. :)
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| On her first day of School. :) |
The sorts of questions mums tend to get asked varies greatly, but the most difficult include 'why is water wet?' and 'what are shadows made of?'.
The research found the amount of questions asked by children differs with age and gender, four year old girls being the most inquisitive. (OMG!)
Other, more awkward, queries include 'why do we have to go to school?' and 'why are you so old?'.
The five toughest questions:
1) Why is water wet? (35 per cent)
2) Where does the sky end? (34 per cent)
3) What are shadows made of? (33 per cent)
4) Why is the sky blue? (20 per cent)
5) How do fish breathe under water? (18 per cent)
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Happiness
Nothing can be compared to the happiness of being with a family, being with loved ones, who care for you no matter what.
Here's hoping for better days ahead!
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| At Ooty, 2011 |
Monday, May 20, 2013
MIT discovers the location of memories: Individual neurons
This is an old (March 2012) I found here.
MIT researchers have shown, for the first time ever, that memories are stored in specific brain cells. By triggering a small cluster of neurons, the researchers were able to force the subject to recall a specific memory. By removing these neurons, the subject would lose that memory.
As you can imagine, the trick here is activating individual neurons, which are incredibly small and not really the kind of thing you can attach electrodes to. To do this, the researchers used optogenetics, a bleeding edge sphere of science that involves the genetic manipulation of cells so that they’re sensitive to light. These modified cells are then triggered using lasers; you drill a hole through the subject’s skull and point the laser at a small cluster of neurons.
Now, just to temper your excitement, we should note that MIT’s subjects in this case aremice — but it’s very, very likely that the human brain functions in the same way. To perform this experiment, though, MIT had to breed genetically engineered mice with optogenetic neurons — and we’re a long, long way off breeding humans with optogenetic brains.
In the experiment, MIT gave mice an electric shock to create a fear memory in the hippocampus region of the brain (pictured above) — and then later, using laser light, activated the neurons where the memory was stored. The mice “quickly entered a defensive, immobile crouch,” strongly suggesting the fear memory was being recalled.
The main significance here is that we finally have proof that memories (engrams, in neuropsychology speak) are physical rather than conceptual. We now know that, as inEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, specific memories could be erased. It also gives us further insight into degenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders, which are mostly caused by the (faulty) interaction of neurons. “The more we know about the moving pieces that make up our brains,” says Steve Ramirez, co-author of the paper. “The better equipped we are to figure out what happens when brain pieces break down.”
Bear in mind, too, that this research follows on from MIT’s discovery last year of Npas4, the gene that controls the formation of memories; without Npas4, you cannot remember anything. MIT has successfully bred mice without the Npas4 gene.
The question now, though, is how memories are actually encoded — can we programmatically create new memories and thus learn entire subjects by inserting a laser into our brain? We know that a cluster of neurons firing can trigger the memory of your first kiss — but why? How can 100 (or 100,000) neurons, firing in a specific order, conjure up a beautifully detailed image of an elephant? We’ve already worked out how images are encoded by the optic nerve, so hopefully MIT isn’t too far away from finding out.
MIT researchers have shown, for the first time ever, that memories are stored in specific brain cells. By triggering a small cluster of neurons, the researchers were able to force the subject to recall a specific memory. By removing these neurons, the subject would lose that memory.
As you can imagine, the trick here is activating individual neurons, which are incredibly small and not really the kind of thing you can attach electrodes to. To do this, the researchers used optogenetics, a bleeding edge sphere of science that involves the genetic manipulation of cells so that they’re sensitive to light. These modified cells are then triggered using lasers; you drill a hole through the subject’s skull and point the laser at a small cluster of neurons.
Now, just to temper your excitement, we should note that MIT’s subjects in this case aremice — but it’s very, very likely that the human brain functions in the same way. To perform this experiment, though, MIT had to breed genetically engineered mice with optogenetic neurons — and we’re a long, long way off breeding humans with optogenetic brains.
In the experiment, MIT gave mice an electric shock to create a fear memory in the hippocampus region of the brain (pictured above) — and then later, using laser light, activated the neurons where the memory was stored. The mice “quickly entered a defensive, immobile crouch,” strongly suggesting the fear memory was being recalled.
The main significance here is that we finally have proof that memories (engrams, in neuropsychology speak) are physical rather than conceptual. We now know that, as inEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, specific memories could be erased. It also gives us further insight into degenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders, which are mostly caused by the (faulty) interaction of neurons. “The more we know about the moving pieces that make up our brains,” says Steve Ramirez, co-author of the paper. “The better equipped we are to figure out what happens when brain pieces break down.”
Bear in mind, too, that this research follows on from MIT’s discovery last year of Npas4, the gene that controls the formation of memories; without Npas4, you cannot remember anything. MIT has successfully bred mice without the Npas4 gene.
The question now, though, is how memories are actually encoded — can we programmatically create new memories and thus learn entire subjects by inserting a laser into our brain? We know that a cluster of neurons firing can trigger the memory of your first kiss — but why? How can 100 (or 100,000) neurons, firing in a specific order, conjure up a beautifully detailed image of an elephant? We’ve already worked out how images are encoded by the optic nerve, so hopefully MIT isn’t too far away from finding out.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Love Thy Neighbour.
This is probably coming very late, but there couldn't be a better time to mention this.
Pakistan.
I'm bound to get a wide spectrum of reactions at the mention of this word. But I'll plough on.
I, for one, had no feeling whatsoever towards Pakistan. I'd harboured a curiosity regarding this nation that tends to bring out the passionate patriot in every Indian.
Last August at Harvard MUN, I found the unspoken answers to my questions.
There were two delegations from Pakistan, one of them was from Karachi Grammar School. I won't deny that I was avidly curious to know about these 'exotic people from across the border'.
During the course of the conference, I befriended Navaera Sulaiman, a veteran MUNer from Karachi. A warm and affectionate person, Navaera proved to be a wonderful ambassador to her country.
At our committee, she was initially treated with animosity by a few members but she was prepared deal with them. At the end of the day, when her school was recognized for its wonderful team, she had silenced the rabble-rousers.
What I learnt was that they're people just like us. They read what we read, watch the same movies and have similar ambitions such as pursuing medicine or engineering. Of course, this doesn't speak for entire Pakistan. Karachi being a cosmopolitan city cannot be compared to the interiors of Swat Valley or the tribal regions where insurgents rule the roost. But neither did I generalize India. We have our own skeletons in the cupboard. So there's no harm in embracing that it's only a 'border' that divides two very similar nations.
I will refrain from taking names but I was surprised that many people were disappointed that this delegation outshone the other competitors and were unabashedly vocal.(and were at the receiving end of my ire)
My point is simple, its not everyday that you get an opportunity to know somebody from another country. Why be prejudiced? Go with an open mind, you will most certainly have a pleasant experience.
Why should we indulge in mudslinging and petty politics which, you and I know is beyond our realm? What is within our scope is to forge a friendship and spread the message.
Now this doesn't make me any less of a patriot. A true citizen will isn't fanatic. It's about building bonds and encouraging unity.
Pakistan.
I'm bound to get a wide spectrum of reactions at the mention of this word. But I'll plough on.
I, for one, had no feeling whatsoever towards Pakistan. I'd harboured a curiosity regarding this nation that tends to bring out the passionate patriot in every Indian.
Last August at Harvard MUN, I found the unspoken answers to my questions.
There were two delegations from Pakistan, one of them was from Karachi Grammar School. I won't deny that I was avidly curious to know about these 'exotic people from across the border'.
During the course of the conference, I befriended Navaera Sulaiman, a veteran MUNer from Karachi. A warm and affectionate person, Navaera proved to be a wonderful ambassador to her country.
 |
| Navaera and Me. Of course I look ugly. But that's beside the point. |
At our committee, she was initially treated with animosity by a few members but she was prepared deal with them. At the end of the day, when her school was recognized for its wonderful team, she had silenced the rabble-rousers.
What I learnt was that they're people just like us. They read what we read, watch the same movies and have similar ambitions such as pursuing medicine or engineering. Of course, this doesn't speak for entire Pakistan. Karachi being a cosmopolitan city cannot be compared to the interiors of Swat Valley or the tribal regions where insurgents rule the roost. But neither did I generalize India. We have our own skeletons in the cupboard. So there's no harm in embracing that it's only a 'border' that divides two very similar nations.
I will refrain from taking names but I was surprised that many people were disappointed that this delegation outshone the other competitors and were unabashedly vocal.(and were at the receiving end of my ire)
My point is simple, its not everyday that you get an opportunity to know somebody from another country. Why be prejudiced? Go with an open mind, you will most certainly have a pleasant experience.
Why should we indulge in mudslinging and petty politics which, you and I know is beyond our realm? What is within our scope is to forge a friendship and spread the message.
Now this doesn't make me any less of a patriot. A true citizen will isn't fanatic. It's about building bonds and encouraging unity.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Brain Babbling.
I'd read about this in the newspaper a month or so ago. Now that doesn't look good.
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/talking-back/2013/04/10/new-study-neuroscience-research-gets-an-f-for-reliability/
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/talking-back/2013/04/10/new-study-neuroscience-research-gets-an-f-for-reliability/
It all starts at the cellular level:
http://www.healthcanal.com/brain-nerves/38569-out-of-sync-with-the-world-brain-study-shows-body-clocks-of-depressed-people-are-altered-at-cell-level.html
http://www.healthcanal.com/brain-nerves/38569-out-of-sync-with-the-world-brain-study-shows-body-clocks-of-depressed-people-are-altered-at-cell-level.html
:)
Monday, May 13, 2013
Well, well, well. Look who's here!
That seems like an appropriate title for SO many reasons!
So CET, COMEDK, JEE, Manipal over. NEET, St. Johns and JSS left.
I suppose I'm marginally improving with each exam but then I would've been happier if the exams were scheduled differently. I mean CET is OVER!
And I'm not even writing JIPMER, AIIMS and CMC. Yes, very disappointing for a medical aspirant. But atleast I should do better in the upcoming ones.
As it happens, the only 'non-academic' reading I'm doing these days is the newspaper. Endless perusal, no doubt.
Planning to do a lot of things in the upcoming holidays (including learning to ride a 2/4 wheeler [people half my age are zooming around] and not excluding a haircut, volunteering at an NGO and writing a good 'piece'!)
Actually there was a problem with my St. Johns App. We'd written the wrong pincode and we panicked about it and sent a letter as well. But luckily, there was no hassle and I got my Hall ticket. What was surprising was when a letter addressed to me, containing the hall ticket of another student arrived a few days ago. So it's an applicant from Hooghly and we sent it back to her and hopefully it will reach her shortly!
But it also meant something more. It was a moment when it hit me that lakhs of students write these entrance exams to gain admission to a few prestigious colleges. It's a race. I wouldn't call it a rat race, but that's just being courteous.
Another interesting point is that a week or so ago, I re-established contact with an old friend. It turns out, not much has really changed. It maybe possible for friendship to stand the test of time. (some of my friendships have, some haven't. But they most certainly haven't failed for the lack of trying :) ) Maybe, people don't change. It is one of those rare times when we can pretend like that day never happened.
In a stark contrast to the this, I met an old 'acquaintance' (That's being polite. We were sworn enemies.) yesterday after COMED-K. Turns out that he's not as vile and insane as I'd known him earlier. (Possibly because the aforementioned qualities do not befit someone aspiring to be doctor) But honestly, it was a surprise that we could have a conversation without expletives. [Not Me. I don't Swear]
So maybe, people change for the better sometimes?
It is hard to let go of a dream. A dream perhaps built more in the air than in the firm foundations of reality. But a dream, nevertheless. A dream, for which I worked so that it maybe become true. A dream, which I still have, will always have. Adversity cannot quell a passion. One day, my dream will come true.
So CET, COMEDK, JEE, Manipal over. NEET, St. Johns and JSS left.
I suppose I'm marginally improving with each exam but then I would've been happier if the exams were scheduled differently. I mean CET is OVER!
And I'm not even writing JIPMER, AIIMS and CMC. Yes, very disappointing for a medical aspirant. But atleast I should do better in the upcoming ones.
As it happens, the only 'non-academic' reading I'm doing these days is the newspaper. Endless perusal, no doubt.
Planning to do a lot of things in the upcoming holidays (including learning to ride a 2/4 wheeler [people half my age are zooming around] and not excluding a haircut, volunteering at an NGO and writing a good 'piece'!)
Actually there was a problem with my St. Johns App. We'd written the wrong pincode and we panicked about it and sent a letter as well. But luckily, there was no hassle and I got my Hall ticket. What was surprising was when a letter addressed to me, containing the hall ticket of another student arrived a few days ago. So it's an applicant from Hooghly and we sent it back to her and hopefully it will reach her shortly!
But it also meant something more. It was a moment when it hit me that lakhs of students write these entrance exams to gain admission to a few prestigious colleges. It's a race. I wouldn't call it a rat race, but that's just being courteous.
Another interesting point is that a week or so ago, I re-established contact with an old friend. It turns out, not much has really changed. It maybe possible for friendship to stand the test of time. (some of my friendships have, some haven't. But they most certainly haven't failed for the lack of trying :) ) Maybe, people don't change. It is one of those rare times when we can pretend like that day never happened.
In a stark contrast to the this, I met an old 'acquaintance' (That's being polite. We were sworn enemies.) yesterday after COMED-K. Turns out that he's not as vile and insane as I'd known him earlier. (Possibly because the aforementioned qualities do not befit someone aspiring to be doctor) But honestly, it was a surprise that we could have a conversation without expletives. [Not Me. I don't Swear]
So maybe, people change for the better sometimes?
It is hard to let go of a dream. A dream perhaps built more in the air than in the firm foundations of reality. But a dream, nevertheless. A dream, for which I worked so that it maybe become true. A dream, which I still have, will always have. Adversity cannot quell a passion. One day, my dream will come true.
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