Bulk update

[sunson]

I call this a bulk update because I haven't written on this blog since Aug 2009. I'd like to blame it on twitter for allowing me to keep folks updated without having to sit and find time to write lengthy blog entries.

So here are some updates, in the order of significance:

• Deepti and I invested 50% of our genes into a beautiful girl baby (and I caught the birthing process on video too!). Her name is Avani meaning Earth in both Tamil and Sanskrit. I really wanted to name her "Mrinmayi" (means "made of earth") but that name got shot down saying "She will never be able to pronounce her own name until she is about 5". To tell the truth, I was just looking for a name that gives me the opportunity to explain Evolution and how she, like every other living thing, is made out of the earth and will return to the Earth. In some ways, its also to say that there is no "Heaven" or "Hell" and that its only on Earth. On second thoughts, maybe I should have named her the equivalent of "The one who was born at the Peak". She has inherited my palm prints ditto and from what I've observed thus far, she seems to stop crying immediately when there is music :)
• I quit Yahoo! about 3 months ago to join InMobi to help with their Operations. Thus far it has been a great experience and I hope it remains that way! What with learning about everything that I took for granted in large organisations. Plus, it keeps me engaged productively while I figure out an exit from the Rat Race.
• A used 2001 Santro is currently my mode of transportation. It was primarily purchased for the purpose of transporting the mother and the baby around to hospitals, etc., But it has also to helped fill the void left over by the missing awesome "Yahoo! Bus Service". Most of the time, I get very senti and switch off the music to listen to the Engine's murmur. Call it a "religious" practice - it makes me realize the finite nature of the very fuel that powers my and the zillion other cars that queue up on Bangalore's congested roads. Today, I'm booking a motorbike. Yet to decide which one, but its going to be one of those 100CC or 125CC ones that gives 5x more fuel efficiency, is a lot more easier to drive around in Bangalore traffic, several folds easier to find parking space and of course, pollute lesser. The thing that gets me silly proud of is the "Darwin Fish" sticker that I put up on the car along with my daughter's name.
• The fish in our farm are doing well and so are the native organic varieties of paddy and the vegetables. Come pongal, we'll have several gunnies of organic rice fresh from the farm! We're looking for organic shops in tier 1 cities like Bangalore, Chennai, etc., that would like to directly buy "Gandakesala" (a fibre-rich, red rice variety). If you're either interested in buying red rice from me directly for your home needs, or if you know of organic shops that are looking for stocking up such rare native varieties, please leave a comment.