Genetic Origin of Coorgs

Last month i.e, October 2009, while I visited Kodava Samaja at Bangalore to collect 'Tala Kaveri Theertha', two ladies approached me and asked if I could help them to speak to some one at Kodava Samaja. The mother and daughter had come from the United States, and they were here to find out the genetic origin of the Coorgs, as this clan is one of the "vanishing races" here in South India.

I took them to the Samaja and as the Youth Committee had gathered there for a meet, I asked their help to lend a hand to the mother and daughter who were doing their Phd research. They collected my saliva samples in a container for examination. There were other adult coorgs giving the samples as well.

After collecting the samples, they would take it back to the US to continue their research. They told me that they would keep the Samaja officials informed about the progress of the research. We all indeed know that our clan is a 'vanishing race' and getting to know our origin is definitely very interesting. I must say, it is very very sad that a uniques and exclusive community like ours is diminishing day by day. I request all the Coorgs to help our community grow more and more in numbers everyday.

I am sure we don't want to see ourselves not existing here in this planet.

COORG - We belong here. - A Poem

Coorg is so beautiful

Hearts of coorg divine,

Endless coffee estates and

Nice delicacies to dine;

Daring people all around

Amazingly look so good,

Nature is so exotic with the

Dazzling beauty of wood;

Alas !!! today we see in coorg

Danger days ahead for us all,

Its a heaven for others, as we

Lose ground, but coorgs don't fall;

All the coorgs, rise to say, we have

No fear; coorg is for coorgs we know, We belong here.

- Chendanda Dilan Uthappa

Dt:30Sep2009

This is a poem dedicated to every single Kodava, who loves his/her motherland.

Lets spread the message " COORG IS OURS - WE BELONG HERE "

The Moon Walker

Today we have lost THE WORLD'S BEST TALENT and genius of the music industry.

He was PURE MAGIC. He may not be here with us any more . . . . . but,

he will walk on the moon and shine as a STAR, always.

He is the MOON WALKER, the one and only MICHEAL JACKSON.

May his soul Rest In Peace.

History of MJ - The King of Pop

Micheal Jackson.

He has been my all time favorite dancer and pop star. There is none like him. His moves, talent, creative movies etc., has made him a historical figure. But the sad stories of his recent past has ruined him very badly. This is REAL SAD.

But for his sad stories, he is the one who will always remain in our hearts forever n ever.

Micheal, You are the Best.

Micheal, then . . . . and now ,

MJ in 1984

MJ in Bad

MJ in April 2007

MJ, recent close-up

MJ, very weak, gettin' outta his car


MJ, taken to court, in bad state

MJ near a book store, in a very bad state

MJ, in a very bad state, wheeled by his care taker

Holi - The colour of India

Holi is a festival of colours. It is a popular Hindu festival observed in India, Guyana, Trinidad, the UK and Nepal. This very day our country gets colourful at its best.

In West Bengal, it is known as Dolyatra or Boshonto Utsav.On the first day, burning of the demoness Holika, Hiranyakashipu's sister, in huge bonfires at night. It is called Kama dahanam in Andhra Pradesh.On the second day, known as Dhulheti, people spend the day throwing coloured powder and water at each other.

The spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral fever and cold. Thus, the playful throwing of the coloured powders has a medicinal significance: the colours are traditionally made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva, and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Āyurvedic doctors. A special drink called thandai is prepared, sometimes containing bhang.

Rangapanchami occurs a few days later on a Panchami (fifth day of the full moon), marking the end of festivities involving colours. Holi takes place over two days in the later part of February or March. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the Phalgun Purnima.

Fuel Cell Homes at Japan

Japan has Fuel Cell homes now. What at way to go eco-friendly. Indeed, this is a major break-through in energy consumption and saving. I appreciate the initiative to save the planet and energy.

When introducing the residential fuel cell co-generation system, there are merits from the environmental and family budget standpoints.

Learn more about the merits here,

http://www.tokyo-gas.co.jp/pefc_e/dev-fc_21.html

Its raining Oscars at India

The 81st Academy Awards have been announced and its raining Oscars here at India. A very proud moment indeed.

Hearty Congratulations to,

1. Academy Award winner, A R Rahman (Music Composer) - Two award winner

Original name : A S Dileep Kumar

India the 'Super Nation', is shining and making its name in many areas in the world, was once longing for the Oscars. Many talented actors like Kamal Hassan, Aamir Khan etc., and many directors like Ashutosh Gowitrikar and many more have been trying to achive the Oscars.

And finally, here we have today, Oscars galore. A R Rahman is the first Indian to win two Oscars for the Best Original Score ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and its foot-tapping song ‘Jai Ho’. The movie Slumdog Millionaire is directed by Danny Boyle.

A. R. Rahman was born to a Tamil Hindu family. His father R. K. Shekhar, was a composer and conductor for Malayalam-language films of Keralite cinema. He converted to Islam in 1989.

Rehman’s stint in Sandalwood

Source : http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Feb242009/city20090224120400.asp

Bangalore, DHNS: Kannada film fraternity is thrilled with A R Rahman creating history by winning two Oscars. Rahman has his own contribution to Sandalwood. As a new entrant to the industry, he worked for 10 - 12 films in Kannada as a key-board player.

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has also invited Rahman for its platinum jubilee celebrations scheduled between March 1 and 3.

Rahman worked for Kannada movies between 1984 and 1988. He started his career in Kannada, with music director Vijayananda by playing key board for Indina Ramayana, produced by Dwarakish.

Rahman worked for Dance Raja Dance, Nee Thanda Kanike, Ravana Rajya, Krishna Nee Kunidaga - all produced by Dwarakish. Later he worked with Hamsalekha, noted music director of Kannada for two years.

2. Academy Award winner, Gulzar (Lyricist)

Original name : Sampooran Singh Kalra better known by his pen name, Gulzar Deenvi

3. Academy Award winner, Resul Pookutty (Sound Mixer)

Other Academy Award winner Indians,

Academy Honorary Award winner, Satyajit Ray (Filmmaker)

Ray with his Academy Award just days before his death.

This award was given to the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, Robert Redford, Warner Bros, Deborrah Kerr among others; so i guess that makes it really special.

Academy Award winner, Bhanu Athaiya Rajopadhye (Best Costume Designer)

She shared an Oscar with John Mollo for the movie "Gandhi" (1982) in Costume Design category. She won it, whereas Ray was awarded.

Tips to get smarter, better at work

Here are some simple and effective tips that could enhance your career to a greater extent.

1. Effective communication forms the foundation for a positive work alliance. You need to be able to tell your potential ally what you need and listen deeply to what they need.

2. Treat your allies as equals. No matter their position within your organization, all people are equal; they just have different jobs. Believe this.

3. Exhibit total professionalism. Never participate in gossip or in discussing the business of coworkers behind their backs.

4. Make sure you are not forming an exclusive club that the rest of your organization will fear and resent. But, you must take the time to develop strong relationships with your allies.

5. When working on a project together, always put forth your best efforts. Be the person who is willing to do extra to strengthen the collaboration and the outcome or product.

6. Keep your promises. If you say you will do something, do it. People need to depend upon you and the deadlines to which you commit.

7. Resolve any conflicts or disputes at your earliest opportunity. Unresolved conflict festers just under the surface in organizations.

8. Be an ally. Support your colleague’s ability to accomplish his or her mission, too. Give credit for ideas and solutions.

9. Effective managers delegate and don’t micromanage. Prioritize your tasks to focus on the important ones.

10. Your workspace should keep you motivated, not provide hot spots for daydreaming. Dress up your desk with items that keep you focused.

11. Too much to do at work? Add another task to your list: take a vacation and relax. People can’t operate at full throttle on the job day after day.

12. It’s a fact that taking breaks will increase productivity. It’s been proven in studies. If you need to, find someone to help ensure you take a morning and afternoon break.

13. Establish a routine of planning your week and your day. This will allow you to have your most productive week all the time.

14. Delegate or delete the non-essential items from your to-do list. The best way to do this is to always do your most important things first.

15. Make sure you plan in enough time between activities and appointments, and find ways to fail proof being on time.

16. Choose to enjoy your time at work. Find others who are like this and spread good cheer. It’s contagious and it grows.

17. Deadlines, tough bosses, rude clients, slow computers. Don’t make them into large dramas. Don’t lament the challenges of the world.

18. Try doing something different. If you always go on a trip, try taking a more local vacation, and really get some good rest time.

19. When you complain or fight on everything, then your power to ask for things is diminished. Save it up for when you really need it.

20. Don’t wait for your company to tell you what to do. Think creatively about how you can work with others to generate a greater result than if you had each worked on this alone.

21. If you are asked a question that stumps you or surprises you, never feel like you have to answer it right away. Seek more time to think about or research your answer.

22. Don’t immediately reject critiques from others, even if you don’t like or respect them. Sometimes people you don’t like may be giving you more honest feedback.

23. Be open to change. Give it a chance. Adapt to new things while using your experience to guide you, and you will have great success.

24. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to learn and improve your skills. Look for good seminars and training.

25. Set up a routine for “busy days” - perhaps you work 2-4 extra hours, and stick to that schedule, working nothing beyond it.

26. Schedule things like “break”, “coffee”, or even “video games” into your calendar just like you would a conference call.

27. There is a time and a place for perfectionism - when things are busy, consciously choose the areas in which you are willing to slack.

28. Whether it be business or personal support, busy times call for a morale boost on a regular basis. Hire a temp virtual assistant or call a good friend.

29. Everyone has a few things that are guaranteed to bring your stress level down to normal. Know your ‘relax buttons’ and get them on your schedule now.

30. For many people, a computer is the central tool at work. Optimizing the energy settings for computers and other devices can be more than a modest energy saver.

How Money flows ( Cash flow ) ?

Cash flow statements throw light on the cash generating ability of a company.

Besides the balance-sheet and profit and loss account, the statement of cash flows is also a key disclosure forming part of a company’s annual report. It is a summary of receipts and payments disclosing the movement of cash during the period under consideration.

The CFS assumes significance as it reflects the liquidity and solvency position of a company. It throws light on the ability of the company to generate cash from its core operations, and where from it sources funds for expansion. Also, unlike the profit and loss account, which is based on the accrual method of accounting, the CFS discloses the actual movement of cash. Hence, it is also a useful tool to gauge a company’s ability to effectively manage cash. For example, while profit figures by itself may not help the company plan for repayment of debt and replacement of assets, an analysis of the cash flows will provide information on the funds available for the same.

Operating activities

Cash flows are classified under three heads — operating, investing and financing activities. Operating activities are defined as ‘the principal revenue-producing activities of an enterprise’. Cash sales, receipts from debtors, payment to suppliers, payment of salaries, selling and distribution of expenses, all fall under this head.

Actual cash flows differ from profits. A company may be low on cash but reported good earnings and vice-versa. The CFS explains the reason for this divergence. Consider this case. A company that has sold its goods on credit (captured as debtors) may take time or have trouble realising the cash. This may elongate the company’s working capital cycle and force it to resort to other funding options to keep the production cycle moving. Similarly, a company may have produced goods but piled them up as inventory without quickly converting them into revenues.

Here again the cost of holding such inventory instead of converting it into cash would affect operations. Both these may also be indicators of a slowing demand (in case of inventory build up) or higher risk of debtors becoming bad. Thus, a study of operating cash flows may be a key indicator of a company’s health or provide cues for any impending trouble in its business or financial position.

Investing and financing

While purchase and sale of fixed assets, investments, interest income/dividend received are examples of cash flows from investing activities, receipts from the issue of shares and debentures, repayment of loans, payment of dividends fall under financial activities. These are disclosed under separate heads in the CFS. Investing activities indicate the extent to which a company has spent on resources that generate future income and cash flows. Flows from financing activities indicate the various avenues from which a company’s funds are sourced and the debt servicing and repayments made to such sources.

Negative cash flows

Theoretically, positive operating cash flows are considered an indicator of efficiency. But does that mean that operating cash flows should not be negative? Take the case of GMR infrastructure: In its annual report for 2007-08, the company reports a negative cash flow of about Rs 56.5 crore in its stand alone operations. At the same time, cash inflow from financing activities was a whopping Rs 4,095 crore as the company raisedfunds through issue of shares.This is typical of companies in the growth phase which raise money to expand operations and generate future cash flows (after a lag) whether directly or through subsidiaries.

Negative cash flow in one year should not be immediately misconstrued for trouble. An analysis of cash flows from one period to another may provide a better indicator of performance.

Negative cash flows from investing could suggest that the company is incurring capital expenditure, which would generate income in future. When a company is repaying debt or buying back shares or paying dividends, cash from financing operations tends to be negative. However, in this case, there is often sufficient cash generated from operations to make the above-stated payments.

Cash-rich companies

Sometimes, we read about companies sitting on several crores of surplus cash. This may be used for investing in new assets, expanding capacities, repaying debt or pay hefty dividends. It may also be used to fund inorganic growth plans (acquisitions). Some cash-rich companies also actively scout for short term investing opportunities and generate substantial treasury income.

Judging a stock’s value

A look at valuation metrics.

The thought of buying stocks may seem daunting, especially if you have read through textbooks that say that stocks should be bought when they trade below their intrinsic value. But how can you arrive at this intrinsic value? Well, that’s where valuation metrics come in. Read on to learn about some of these metrics and the stories they tell.

Price-earnings (PE) ratio: A key value indicator, the PE ratio measures the price that the stock market is willing to pay for every rupee of net profits (earnings) generated by the company per share.

When the ratio is on the high side, it means that investors are willing to pay more for that stock, because they expect its earnings to grow at a faster rate than its peers. Normally, a stock with a low PE ratio is cheap, if that isn’t reflecting high growth expectations. For example, a good part of last year saw real estate stocks command quite a premium over other sectors.

Price-to-book value: This is another ratio used to value stocks. It is arrived at by dividing the market price per share by the book value of each share. But what, in the first place, is book value? In essence, it is the assets of the company (such as land, plant and machinery etc) after deducting liabilities. In other words, it shows how much would be left for shareholders if the company folded immediately.

Dividend yield: This ratio is a measure of the dividend paid out by the company relative to its share price. If, as an investor, you give higher weightage to earning steady cash flows rather than capital gains, stocks with high dividend yields may be what you should look at.

Market capitalization: Simply put the price per share multiplied by the total number of outstanding shares. The market capitalization is often used to gauge what the market is willing to pay for an entire company. Apart from being used in takeover situations, ratios such as market cap-to-sales are used to value companies, especially so when they are yet to generate book profits.

A more evolved metric is the enterprise value (EV) or the sum of the market cap and debt of the company reduced by its cash balance. The EV reflects the market value of the company or the amount you might have to pay if you bought out the company. EV is used in relation to parameters such as sales. This metric is often used when analyzing cement companies.

A stock is said to be overvalued, if it enjoys a higher PE ratio or a higher price-to-book value relative to its peers in the sector or its growth prospects. Undervalued stocks are those that trade at low ratios, but have strong prospects which have been overlooked by investors.

What to apply

Ratios such as price-to-earnings or price-to-book can be calculated on a historic basis (past earnings) or expected future earnings (estimated). However, price and earnings ratios may be used only where the company has been around for some time and has logged revenues and profits.

For loss-making companies, ratios based on market capitalization to sales or enterprise value may provide a better assessment of their businesses’ worth. While the ratios discussed above are universally used, some may be more suitable to a specific sector than others.

For example, when looking at banking stocks, book value shows a better picture of assets and liabilities (since they indicate future earning capacity) than a simple earnings ratio.

Source: Hindu