The last two days have been constructive for markets around the world. But today, they seem paused. A pause in the Indian markets too, would be fine and well-deserved. The markets may rest a little bit after the bounceback in the last two days. The coming days seem interesting for the markets, but today they would be flattish.
After the big-big rally this is a morning of a pause, nothing wrong with it you can't run up 5-6% everyday. After the last couple of days, which have been extremely constructive for almost all global markets including ours, most markets have just paused for the day. The US was flat, Asia is largely flattish this morning, so may be we need to rest little bit as well after the pull back of yesterday.
One day away from settlement that's the call we need to take whether we can move up a little bit more or we need to take a day off and consolidate some of the gains posted in the last two days.
Wednesday, March 26
Stock Market Consultants
I've come to the conclusion that the safest job in the world is stock market consultant. Take a look at CNBC TV18's Udayan's comments on moneycontrol.com. An excerpt:
I challenge you to find one statement in this that you can meaningfully use. Admittedly, this section is called 'Market commentary', but it is just gas, is it not? Nothing concrete, no insight, no analysis. Bullshitting at its glorious, polished best.
They talk about what is happening, what has happened and what should happen. But for all their jargon-infested mumbo-jumbo, they are just as clueless about what is going to happen. So stop wasting your time watching and reading these 'analysts', unless they give you some concrete information, and that too should be taken with a pinch of salt, because if they knew exactly what was going to happen, they wouldn't need to make money by selling their 'advice' to you in the first place!
Thursday, March 20
No ICL Coverage?
I must admit that the ICL has become a little more interesting with there being no other live cricket to watch these days. I also see that some of our newspapers completely avoiding any ICL coverage. Hmm, I wonder why. So is the news that you cover subservient to your 'other financial interests'? Certainly looks like that!
Monday, March 17
Megadeth at Rock 'N India, Bangalore - Palace Grounds India
A childhood dream was fulfilled this Friday the 14th of March. As children, most folks aspire to meet their favorite artist or sportsman or witness a particular event. Both of these aspects of my childhood dream reached fruition when I witnessed Megadeth perform on stage.
The day started out ok, with me reaching Bangalore a little groggy and out of sorts after a six hour bus ride that left my face feeling like an oil well. But a good breakfast at a friend's place and some chit chat emboldened my senses so as to leave all charged up for the Megadeth concert at Palace Ground, Bangalore. Nothing was gonna stop me now.
To start with, some Indian bands including MotherJane, Pentagram and Millenium performed. There were two stages: on the smaller of the two stages the Indian bands were lined up with Pentagram headlining that act; and on the larger stage, we had Machine Head and Megadeth. Like many others, I stood for about 6 hours at the international stage, determined not to lose a prime spot when 'Deth came on. Some Indian bands came out and dissed us for not supporting them, but I had come with a single-minded purpose, and pseudo-patriotic claptrap wasn't going to change that.
Machine Head was ok, I have never followed them closely enough, but Megadeth was certainly fulfilled all expectation. Being molested by a thousand guys didn't really make a difference that day! Guitarist Chris Broderick was par for the course for the most part, but you could see that some notes flew out of control, especially the clean Marty piece in Holy Wars. Dave Mustaine, on the other hand was his flawless, professional, solid self. I always thought that rhythm guitar and vocals was a tough job, but try playing some of those blazing riffs that he dished out that day and you will know why this man is a class apart.
At 27, I felt I was one of the oldest in the crowd, with most of these kids not being born when Megadeth released their first album. And even though I had come all alone, we were all brothers in 'Deth that day, and the sight of seeing Dave Mustaine saying those famous closing words will not leave me till the day I die, "You've been great, we've been Megadeth."
Amen.
Some shaky cellphone pics here.
Some shakier cellphone videos here.
The day started out ok, with me reaching Bangalore a little groggy and out of sorts after a six hour bus ride that left my face feeling like an oil well. But a good breakfast at a friend's place and some chit chat emboldened my senses so as to leave all charged up for the Megadeth concert at Palace Ground, Bangalore. Nothing was gonna stop me now.
To start with, some Indian bands including MotherJane, Pentagram and Millenium performed. There were two stages: on the smaller of the two stages the Indian bands were lined up with Pentagram headlining that act; and on the larger stage, we had Machine Head and Megadeth. Like many others, I stood for about 6 hours at the international stage, determined not to lose a prime spot when 'Deth came on. Some Indian bands came out and dissed us for not supporting them, but I had come with a single-minded purpose, and pseudo-patriotic claptrap wasn't going to change that.
Machine Head was ok, I have never followed them closely enough, but Megadeth was certainly fulfilled all expectation. Being molested by a thousand guys didn't really make a difference that day! Guitarist Chris Broderick was par for the course for the most part, but you could see that some notes flew out of control, especially the clean Marty piece in Holy Wars. Dave Mustaine, on the other hand was his flawless, professional, solid self. I always thought that rhythm guitar and vocals was a tough job, but try playing some of those blazing riffs that he dished out that day and you will know why this man is a class apart.
At 27, I felt I was one of the oldest in the crowd, with most of these kids not being born when Megadeth released their first album. And even though I had come all alone, we were all brothers in 'Deth that day, and the sight of seeing Dave Mustaine saying those famous closing words will not leave me till the day I die, "You've been great, we've been Megadeth."
Amen.
Some shaky cellphone pics here.
Some shakier cellphone videos here.
Why the Indian Premier league may not be as much fun
Well, I have two reasons why I don't think I will dig this new avatar of cricket so much.
1. It's not international cricket. Following sport is a lot about having a team / player to support and cheer for. Somehow, I think I won't have half as much fun following the Delhi Jets or the Chennai Super Stars as much as India or Roger Federer.
2. It's on fuckin' Sony Max! They don't even care about cricket, they are mainly interested in Mandira Bedi's cleavage and advertisements. They are very likely to skip the last ball of a critical match or show delayed coverage just so that they can show more ads or cut into a soft porn show.
I'm not too interested in the hype surrounding IPL, I will just look forward to the tests this year, I think an international form of the IPL that is not covered by Max would probably work better. Oh wait, wasn't that the 20-20 World Cup?
1. It's not international cricket. Following sport is a lot about having a team / player to support and cheer for. Somehow, I think I won't have half as much fun following the Delhi Jets or the Chennai Super Stars as much as India or Roger Federer.
2. It's on fuckin' Sony Max! They don't even care about cricket, they are mainly interested in Mandira Bedi's cleavage and advertisements. They are very likely to skip the last ball of a critical match or show delayed coverage just so that they can show more ads or cut into a soft porn show.
I'm not too interested in the hype surrounding IPL, I will just look forward to the tests this year, I think an international form of the IPL that is not covered by Max would probably work better. Oh wait, wasn't that the 20-20 World Cup?
Bloggered off
Well, March has been thin on the blogging front, but replete with a lot of activity in the flesh and bones world. Will check back soon with updates. Cheers.
Friday, March 14
'Deth for life!
Today, I will watch Dave Mustaine in front of me. Today a childhood long standing dream will be fulfilled. Today, I will attend a Megadeth concert. Long live 'Deth! Here I go again, whooaaaaaaaaaaa, Sweating Bullets!!!!
Sunday, March 9
The most wonderful things
Grandparents are the most wonderful things. They were old since the day you were born, they had all kinds of physical problems, they consumed medicines more than food, they told you the same stories a million times over and each time it sounded more fascinating than the last, and as you approached youth, they, in some sort of manic reverse race, beat you to childhood.
Grandparents are the most wonderful things. And today I'm one grandparent less. My grandmother Mai passed away at 10 AM this morning. Rest in peace, Mai. I know your smile lights up wherever you are right now. And that bouncing laughter of yours has a room full of angels in splits. I love you - till we meet again.
Grandparents are the most wonderful things. And today I'm one grandparent less. My grandmother Mai passed away at 10 AM this morning. Rest in peace, Mai. I know your smile lights up wherever you are right now. And that bouncing laughter of yours has a room full of angels in splits. I love you - till we meet again.
Thursday, March 6
Chris Anderson - FREE
No, I don't have the free e-book, you dummy! But, I'm so looking forward to reading it when it does release. Especially, after this little preview. And most readers aren't really getting the concept of economic marginal cost. Here's a good place to start.
What he's essentially saying is that the market forces and technological advances that very-nearly ended some industries (like CD sales), are now forcing industries to use these very advances to come up with new models of business. Apart from that, there's also a nice little history lesson about Gillette and some beautiful examples of Calypso and cocaine thrown it. Read it, it's worth one look.
Anyway, I'm off to Pondicherry for the weekend. Cheers!
What he's essentially saying is that the market forces and technological advances that very-nearly ended some industries (like CD sales), are now forcing industries to use these very advances to come up with new models of business. Apart from that, there's also a nice little history lesson about Gillette and some beautiful examples of Calypso and cocaine thrown it. Read it, it's worth one look.
Anyway, I'm off to Pondicherry for the weekend. Cheers!
Sunday, March 2
A very happy day - India vs Australia - First Finals CB series
I am feeling extremely happy right now. A simple analysis reveals that any, many or all of the following may be the reasons:
- It's Sunday and
- India beat Australia
- in Australia
- in a series final
- and we chased
- and Tendulkar scored a century
- and he carried his bat through the innings
- and it was his first century in Australia
- and Bhajji dismissed Symonds
- and Bhajji dismissed Hayden
I guess the only thing wrong was that my predictions didn't come true and it wasn't the second finals! Tendlya, you rock!
- It's Sunday and
- India beat Australia
- in Australia
- in a series final
- and we chased
- and Tendulkar scored a century
- and he carried his bat through the innings
- and it was his first century in Australia
- and Bhajji dismissed Symonds
- and Bhajji dismissed Hayden
I guess the only thing wrong was that my predictions didn't come true and it wasn't the second finals! Tendlya, you rock!
Saturday, March 1
Obama or Hillary?
None. McCain. Why? Ever seen a black or lady American president? Must be a good reason for that, don't you think?
Prediction Time
Ok, predictions for 'Super Sunday' are as follows:
1. India Seniors vs Aussies - India lose finals 2-0. :(
2. India Juniors vs SA - India Juniors beat SA in a cliffhanger.
Pray prediction #1 doesn't come true!
1. India Seniors vs Aussies - India lose finals 2-0. :(
2. India Juniors vs SA - India Juniors beat SA in a cliffhanger.
Pray prediction #1 doesn't come true!
Prakash Amritraj's gateway to nowhere
Sony Pix has always been my no 4 channel for English movies. They had finally got my weekend TV time when they advertised our very own version of "On the lot" in "Gateway". But what turned out was a horrible, amateurish show with precious little to evince or retain interest.
At first sight, it seemed that the short films that were bad. It was only after watching the fourth incomprehensible film that I realised the films got chopped to one and a half minutes in the show! How can the most important part be chopped to cater to Mr Boring Amritraj repeating his question, "So is this your first film?"? Wonder who's directing this series; he surely needs to be the first one to be eliminated!
Amritraj also keeps extolling the chance that he's giving these budding film directors in glowing words. Self-promotion is ok, but he has penetrated and radiated "Gateway" so badly that it seems like we're watching, "I'm Amritraj, the champion producer" rather than a reality series about film makers.
Anurag Basu and Rajat Kapoor did nothing spectacular to add to the series, leaving this show with the status it started - that of a great idea. Two thumbs down, Mr Amritraj.
More here.
At first sight, it seemed that the short films that were bad. It was only after watching the fourth incomprehensible film that I realised the films got chopped to one and a half minutes in the show! How can the most important part be chopped to cater to Mr Boring Amritraj repeating his question, "So is this your first film?"? Wonder who's directing this series; he surely needs to be the first one to be eliminated!
Amritraj also keeps extolling the chance that he's giving these budding film directors in glowing words. Self-promotion is ok, but he has penetrated and radiated "Gateway" so badly that it seems like we're watching, "I'm Amritraj, the champion producer" rather than a reality series about film makers.
Anurag Basu and Rajat Kapoor did nothing spectacular to add to the series, leaving this show with the status it started - that of a great idea. Two thumbs down, Mr Amritraj.
More here.
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