Happy Birthday Dad. Get well soon.

Today was my Dad's 81st birthday. And for the first time since 2010, when my Dad celebrated his 75th birthday all the 4 kids were here in Mumbai. Along with all the grand-kids who were with on his 75th. Which meant that once again Freia, his favorite grand-kid, or at least that's what she thinks, was missing. She was in SFO doing her summer internship.

While we all intended to have a grand celebration, it was not to be. For the last few days he wasn't keeping too well. Yesterday, he became seriously ill and we had to admit him to Nanavati hospital.

And that's where we celebrated his 81st birthday. Happy that we could all be there. And happy that he was feeling better.

I'm not one who's able to express my emotions well. And don't have enough words to say Thank You and Happy Birthday in a manner that will express my gratefulness to my Dad for bringing us all up in such an amazing way, inspite of the zillion hurdles that he had to face.

Let me re-use the words that Freia had written for her grand-father's 75th birthday.

You brought us up,
with so much love,
showed us how much you care.
You were always ready,
to help us with anything,
Dad, you were always there.

So once the clock,
strikes midnight,
the candles are blown,
the songs are sung,
we wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
as you turn 81 years YOUNG !!!
We had made a video of memories we made for the occasion "a walk down memory lane". I was pleasantly surprised to find it still existed. And brought back fond memories.

http://animoto.com/play/i8fPlrWRC3ZluQr3DDWicw

You can read the original blog post written on the occasion of my Dad's 75th birthday at:
http://lobodecoded.blogspot.com/2010/08/happy-75th-birthday-dad.html

Get well soon Dad. We love you more than words can say. Happy Birthday.

The Greatest Movie Ever Sold

I had watched a few episodes of Morgan Spurlock's Inside Man on CNN and found it extremely interesting. I had enjoyed his "Super Size Me", and loved his compelling style of story telling.
http://www.cnn.com/shows/inside-man

I recently came across a movie made by Spurlock called "The Greatest Movie Ever Sold". I found the title intriguing and while looking for it, came across a TED Talk on the same subject. Naturally I was compelled to see it. Definitely worth a view.

The greatest TED Talk ever sold - Morgan Spurlock

Buffets: They can be Awesome too

Earlier this week I went to Barbeque Nation, a buffet restaurant with a difference. Like all buffets, the food was unlimited. However, unlike most buffets, they were the pioneers of love grills, embedded on the dining tables.

http://www.barbeque-nation.com/

The meal was amazing. And I could go on. But, I'll let the images do the talking. They are now open in several cities across India and in case you do get an opportunity, I strongly recommend trying it out.

 

 

 

 

 

p.s.: Gotta Run. Literally, to get rid of the zillion calories I ate.

DigiLocker: Your documents anytime, anywhere

DigiLocker is one of the key initiatives under the Digital India Program.

Although it's a relatively new initiative its already heavily used. As of date it has:
Over 2,000,000 registered users
Over 40,000,000 documents issued

The Online document sharing system is simple and brilliant. All agencies including universities that sign up for the initiatives can send e-Documents as valid as the paper documents through the system. And the Government can send you e-Documents in a secure, safe way. Getting rid of all the lines, red tape and bureaucracy hurdles. Okay, all may be a stretch, but its definitely expected to lower the angst faced by anyone trying to get Government Certificates.

DigiLocker was launched by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 1. This facility by the Government of India helps citizens digitally store their important documents, such as PAN card, passport, mark sheets and degree certificates.

The primary idea of DigiLocker was to provide a safe and secure system for an Individual to store their documents. The larger thought is to create a paper free India.

Like all initiatives of the Modi government, this too has a professionally made video in multiple languages to convey the message.

You find more info as well as register at:
https://digilocker.gov.in/

Brain Magic

I've always been fascinated with Magic. In recent years I've been equally fascinated by the Brain. And have become increasingly aware of how reality is as the brain perceives it. Even though it may have nothing to do with what actually happens. And so I was doubly fascinated when I came across a TED Talk that had both of my favorite words in it, and they were the only words, "Brain magic".

The talk did not disappoint. I hope you enjoy it too.

Keith Barry: Brain magic