Google Goliath

A poll conducted by MSN Search found that search engines are the first port of call for nearly half of men seeking advice. Family are consulted by a third, while partners are the choice for only one in four men. Hmm...doesnt that mean men talk to search engines more than their girlfriends, colleagues and family? That is the power of search engines...That is the power of Google. I am sure some of you want to go and search for "poll +MSN search + seeking advice" on Google as soon as you finish reading this. Well, thats what I would do.

I simply love Google for the simple matter of fact that I can continue to remain ignorant on any topic and still get information I need on the topic with a mouse click. No more long hours in the library trying to find answers (and I dont mean answers to only my school assignments and homework). I sometimes wonder how it would have been to do homeworks/coding assignments when Google was not around. (Hate to have been studying when there was no Internet, no search engines !! )

As everyone continues to heap lavish praises on Google's speed/accuracy etc, there's something I would like to discuss. Google is now diversifying. Its into anything thats something on the internet. It now has its own mail service, map service, news site, ecommerce site, blogger site, photo organizer among a host of other services. And guess what?! Google now has its own domain name registration site !! Will Google start integrating these? Probably using something called a Google Passport to login. Coming to think of it...Will Google become the Microsoft of the Internet? Well, according to http://www.google-watch.org , that might well be in the offing. I wouldnt agree completely with what the site says (It potrays Google as the scheming sinister force that wants to take over your world). But, it was interesting to see things from another perspective.

PS: Comparing Google to Goliath was certainly a no-no. But, I simply couldnt resist the tempation to equate the growing Google giant to the biblical Giant who was killed by a shepherd's sling.

Nothing.

This post is about 'Nothing'. Seinfeld fans can relate this to George and Jerry's idea for a TV show about 'Nothing'.

I simply dont know what to write today. But realize that people will stop seeing my blog if it isnt updated regularly. So, here we go..

My college basketball team (The KU Jayhawks) were handed their third consecutive loss today. This time at the hands of Oklahoma. At one point, we trailed by almost 19 points before making a comeback attempt by closing the lead to just one point. But, guess the effort was just not enough for a win. This is the first year I am following college basketball and I am already weak in my knee everytime KU loses. A couple of weeks back, we were the No.2 team in the country and now we've come down to No.8. :(

What else? The wireless card on my laptop's went crazy today. Cant seem to make it work. Spent almost 4 hours on it! Now, I have this long ethernet cable running across the room (tripping my roommates when they walk).

Even my little niece Ashmita had a sad story to tell me today. She did not get the 'Best singer' sticker in her kindergarden class. Maybe, my next post will be about her. !!

Although I dont feel sad or anything, after writing all this, I wonder if this has been a bad day for me !

Schumi vs Narain

If you had read my first post (which reasoned the name 'Janus' for the blog), here's an instance of Janus-ism at its best.

I am sure most of you are aware that Narain Karthikeyan has been signed by Jordan to be their race driver for 2005. I have reason to be especially proud since Narain is from my hometown - Coimbatore. One more reason I relate to him is that, his younger brother was my classmate in school. How I wish I had moved more closely with him :-)

Also have to tell you that I am a great fan of Ferrari and Schumi.. ( Well, I was one of the Red Ferraristi, watching Schumi win in Indy last year.) So, this year Narain brings with him a truck load of confusion to my already confused head ! Although I understand (just like Narain would) that its going to be long way before Jordan even matches Ferrari standards, I kind of have this secret desire that Narain makes a podium finish (and maybe even break open the champagne) before the end of this year.

So, the 'Schumi vs Narain' in the title is in no way related to the race on the tracks...simply the confusion that looms in my head. Well, I've decided to go with the dark horse this time.

Go Narain !! Run those fellas over!

Black - Review

Brilliant ! One word to sum up Amitabh Bachchan's performance in this movie.

Amitabh Bachchan has proved time and again that he still has it in him after so many years. KBC was his comeback vehicle after forgettable performances in movies like 'Lal Badshah' ( which I thought was Amitabh's biggest mistake). This time, its 'Black' that has taken Amitabh to a entirely new zone. The phoenix rises again from the proverbial ashes.

Just when you thought Amitabh was getting typecast in his new post-KBC avatar, he manages to break free from it. Seems Amitabh mentioned in an interview that he cant see himself beyond 'Black'. Well Mr. Amitabh, having seen you do this time and over, we know we can expect more like this. Hats off!

Also have to mention about:

The lil girl (Ayesha)- Simply awesome
The mom - Refreshingly natural. Pleasantly surprised at the importance given to the role.

I havent been a big fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali after Devdas!! I hated that movie. (possibly because I can not see Shahrukh cry.. He's one of the worst criers in the world. And he does that so often too ). This movie takes him up a notch too.

So, anyone reading these posts? Need comments to improve. Or I am still going to keep writing like this.

Janus Man 

Janus Geek?

Janusgeek?

For people who are wondering why my blogger name is Janus ( but are still lazy to not go and figure it out for themselves ) - this post is for you!

Janus is Greek God of something. He supposedly has 2 heads that point in entirely opposite directions. Relates to me coz I never seem to have the same belief on anything forever. One day, I regret having taken the decision to quit my job and do my masters degree. The next day (when I get to sleep till 12 noon) I am supremely confident that THAT was my best decision ever :-)

On a more serious note - This janus has his head looking to the East ( his motherland) and to the West (his fosterland) always. Naturally, his head leans a little more towards the East and he loves to take occasional digs at the West :-) So, what to expect from my posts? Nothing at all... it is going to be a series of rantings coming from a totally confused dude!!

Should stop referring to myself in the 3rd person (should also stop writing stuff within brackets). Well, hopefully things will get better with the next post.