Scam of understanding Power - Noam Chomsky

Avram Noam Chomsky, born in December 7, 1928 is an American linguist, philosopher,cognitive scientist, logician,historian, political critic, and activist. He is an Institute Professor and Professor (Emeritus) in the Department of Linguistics & Philosophy at MIT, where he has worked for over 50 years.

In addition to his work in linguistics, he has written on war, politics, and mass media, and is the author of over 100 books.According to the Arts and Humanities Citation Index in 1992, Chomsky was cited as a source more often than any other living scholar from 1980 to 1992, and was the eighth most cited source overall.

He has been described as a prominent cultural figure, and he was voted the "world's top public intellectual" in a 2005 poll.

Chomsky has been described as the "father of modern linguistics" and a major figure of analytic philosophy. His work has influenced fields such as computer science, mathematics, and psychology.

After the publication of his first books on linguistics, Chomsky became a prominent critic of the Vietnam War, and since then has continued to publish books of political criticism. He has become well known for his critiques of U.S. foreign policy and the mainstream news media. (source wikipedia)

I read one of his very interesting interviews. I am reproducing it here :

Man: Mr. Chomsky, I’m wondering what specific qualifications you have to be able to speak all around the country about world affairs?

Noam: None whatsoever. I mean, the qualifications that I have to speak on world affairs are exactly the same ones Henry Kissinger has, and Walt Rostow has, or anybody in the Political Science Department, professional historians — none, none that you don’t have. The

 only difference is, I don’t pretend to have qualifications, nor do I pretend that qualifications are needed. I mean, if somebody were to ask me to give a talk on quantum physics, I’d refuse — because I don’t understand enough. But world affairs are trivial: there’s nothing in the social sciences or history or whatever that is beyond the intellectual capacities of an ordinary 15 year-old. You have to do a little work, you have to do some reading, you have to be able to think but there’s nothing deep — if there are any theories around that require some special kind of training to understand, then they’ve been kept a carefully guarded secret.

In fact, I think the idea that you’re supposed to have special qualifications to talk about world affairs is just another scam — it’s kind of like Leninism [position that socialist revolution should be led by a “vanguard” party]: it’s just another technique for making the population feel that they don’t know anything, and they’d better just stay out of it and let us smart guys run it. In order to do that, what you pretend is that there’s some esoteric discipline, and you’ve got to have some letters after your name before you can say anything about it. The fact is, that’s a joke.

Man: But don’t you also use that system too, because of your name-recognition and the fact that you’re a famous linguist? I mean, would I be invited to go somewhere and give talks?

Noam: You think I was invited here because people know me as a linguist? Okay, if that was the reason, then it was a bad mistake. But there are plenty of other linguists around, and they aren’t getting invited to places like this — so I don’t really think that can be the reason. I assumed that the reason is that these are topics that I’ve written a lot about, and I’ve spoken a lot about, and I’ve demonstrated a lot about, and I’ve gone to jail about, and so on and so forth — I assumed that’s the reason. If it’s not, well, then it’s a bad mistake. If anybody thinks you should listen to me because I’m a professor at M.I.T., that’s nonsense. You should decide whether something makes sense by its content, not by the letters after the name of the person who says it. And the idea that you’re supposed to have special qualifications to talk about things that are common sense, that’s just another scam — it’s another way to try to marginalize people, and you shouldn’t fall for it.

http://noam-chomsky.tumblr.com/

Name of Indian Spices,Pulses and vegetables etc in English

I am a foodie and part time chef. But whenever I want to learn any new dish, the English names of various ingredients always play a spoilsport. This is a compilation of Indian names of spices,vegetables,fruitsetc.

Pictures of Vegetables, Fruits, Spices, Lentils, Legumes, Nuts, Wholegrains

Fruits and Vegetables English to Hindi names

Apple, apricot, Asparagus, Colocassia, Arbi, banana, beet root, Bathua, Bengal gram, Bitter gourd, Cardamom, Carom seeds, Lobia, Chukander, Custard Apple, Pattagobhi, Bandhgobhi, Brussels Sprout, Broccoli, Bottle Gourd, Blueberries , Kharbuja, Cantaloupek, Green Berry, Flash (Frash) Beans, French Beans, Shitaphal, Saripa, Phoolgobhi, Bhutta/Macca, Kheera, Shitaphal, Baigan, Anjeer,Lahsun, Adrak, Angoor, Amrud,Guchi, Kukurmutta, Bhindi, Narangi, Ananas, Anaar, Prun, Kashiphal, Kismis, Mooli, Papita,Turaii, Palak, Salad Patta, Kasmisaag, Shakarkand, Singhara, Shatwar, Sootmooli, Musli, Tamater, Haldi, Tarbooz, Tori, Turai, Turmeric, ber,White goose-foot, Water Chestnut, Zizyphus, Zucchini.

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Lentils/Legumes/Whole-grains English to Hindi names

Chick Peas, Chhole, Corn/Maiz Mackka,Green Gram Dal,(Mung Dal), Mung Dhuli (Skinned),Dal- Bengal Gram Chana Dal,Dal- Black Gram Whole, Urad Sabut, Dal- Black Gram, Split Urad Dal Chhilka, Black Eye Beans, Lobia, Kidney (Red) Beans, Rajmah, Oats.

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Dairy Products English to Hindi names

Butter Milk, Mattha, Chhach , Milk, Dudh, Clairified Butter, Ghee, Cheese, yogurt, curd.

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Spices English to Hindi names Glossary

Asafoetida, Bay Leaf Tej Patta, Black Pepper, Kali Mirch, Carom Seeds, Ajwaiin,Chillies-Red Lal Mirch, Cinnamon Dalchini,Coriander Powder, Dhania Powder, Cumin Jeera, Hing, Curry Leaves Kadipatta, Cloves Laung, Cardamom, Elaichi,Fenugreek Seeds, Dana Methi, Nutmeg, Jaiphal, Poppy seeds, Khus Khus, Saffron Keshar, Turmeric Powder,Haldi Powder.

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Nuts English to Hindi names

Walnut Akhrot Almond Badam Cashews Kaaju Pea Nuts in Shell Mungphali Pea Nuts Mungphali Pistachio Pista.

Nuts Glossary names

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Dairy Products English to Hindi names

Vermicelli, Seveian, Vinegar, Sirka, Semolina, Sooji, Sesame Seeds, Til, Suga,r Chini, Mustard ,Sarason, Refined flour, Maida, Aniseed, Saunf, Honey, Shahad, Jaggery, Gud, Saffron, Kesha,r, phitkari, alum.

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Hindi to English Names Glossary

Aam, Aamchur, Adrak, Ajwain, Akhrot, Aloo, Alubhukhara, Amla, Amrood, Anaar, Ananaas, Angoor,Anjeer, Arbi, Badam, Baingan, Bajra, Besan,Bhindi, Chironji, Dalchini, Elaichi, Heeng Imli, Jaiphal, J avitri, Kaddu, Kesar, Kishmish Lauki, Masoor dal, Moong dal, Panee, Pista, Pyaaz, Rajma, Shakarkand, Urad dal ,Torai, apple, apricot, Colocassia, Arbi, banana, beet root,Asafoetida,Bengal gram, Bitter gourd, Cardamom, Carom seeds, Lobia, Chukande, Pattagobhi/Bandhgobhi,Kharbuja, Cantaloupek, Phoolgobhi, Bhutta/ Macca, Kheera, Shitaphal, Baigan, Anjeer, Lahsun, Adrak, Angoor, Amrud, Guchi/Kukurmutta, Bhindi, Narangi, Ananas, Anaar, Prun, Kashiphal, Kismis, Mooli, Papita,Turaii, Palak, Shakarkand,Tamater, Haldi, Tarbooz,Tori/Turai,Turmeric, Zucchin

source: http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/hindiname.html


OR

Glossary Of Pulses:
English Name	Indian / Hindi Name
Beaten Rice	Poha
Bengal Gram	Chana
Black Gram Sabut	Urad Dal / Kaali Dal
Black Eyed Beans	Chawli / Lobhia
Broken Wheat	Dalia
Chickpeas (brown)	Chana
Chickpeas (green)	Cholia / Hara Chana
Chickpeas (white)	Kabuli Chana
Gram Flour	Besan / Chane Ka Atta
Green Gram	Moong
Horse Gram	Kulthi
Maize Flour	Makai Ka Atta
Puffed Rice	Kurmura
Red Kidney Beans	Rajma
Red Lentil	Masoor
Refined Flour	Maida
Rice	Chawal
Semolina	Rava / Suji
Split Bengal Gram	Chana Dal
Split Black Gram	Urad Dal / Kaali Dal
Split Green Gram	Moong Dal
Split Red Gram	Tuvar Dal / Arhar Dal
Split Red Lentil	Masoor Dal
Wheat	Gehun
Wheat Flour	Gehun Ka Atta

Indian Names For Spices, Fruits, Dairy Products and Their Categories:
Common Indian Names	English Names	Category
Adrak / Sonth	Ginger	Spices
Ajwain	Carom Seeds / Thyme	Spices
Amchoor	Dried Mango Powder	Masala
Anaar Dana (Powder)	Pomegranate Seeds (Dried)	Masala
Angoor	Grapes	Fruit
Atta	Wheat Flour	Flour
Badam	Almond	Dry Fruit
Besan	Gram Flour	Flour
Bhutta	Corn Cobs	Vegetable
Chana	Bengal Gram	Pulses
Chana Dal	Gram Dal	Pulses
Chikoo	Sapota	Fruit
Chhuara	Dates (Dried)	Dry Fruit
Dahi	Curd	Dairy Product
Dalchini	Cinnamon	Spices
Dhania Patta	Coriander Leaves	Vegetable
Dhania Powder	Coriander Powder	Masala
Elaichi (Chhoti)	Green Cardamom	Spices
Elaichi (Moti)	Brown Cardamom	Spices
Ghee	Clarified Butter	Dairy Product
Hari Mirch	Green Chilly	Vegetable
Hing	Asafetida	Spices
Imli	Tamarind	General
Jaiphal	Nutmeg	Seeds
Javitri	Mace	Spices
Jeera	Cumin Seed	Seeds
Kaju	Cashew Nut	Dry Fruit
Kala Jeera / Black Cumin Seeds	Caraway Seeds	Seeds
Kala Namak	Rock Salt	Masala
Kali Mirch	Black Pepper	Spices
Kari Patta	Curry Leaves	Herb
Kheera	Cucumber	Vegetable
Khoya, Mawa	Dried Whole Milk/Thickened Milk	Dairy Product
Kishmish	Currants	Dry Fruit
Lasan / Lahsun	Garlic	Spices
Laung	Clove	Spices
Maida	Fine Wheat Flour	Cereal
Malai	Cream	Milk Fat
Mattha (Chhaach)	Butter Milk	Dairy Product
Methi	Fenugreek Seeds	Seeds
Mirch	Chilly	Vegetable
Moong Fali	Groundnut	Dry Fruits
Nimboo ka Sat	Citric Acid	Acid
Paneer	Cottage Cheese	Dairy Product
Patta Gobi	Cabbage	Vegetable
Paav / Pav / Pao	Bun	Cereal
Phitkari	Alum	General
Phool Gobi	Cauliflower	Vegetable
Poha, Chiwda	Flaked, Beaten rice	Cereal
Pudina Leaves	Mint Leaves	Vegetables
Raai / Raee	Mustard Seeds (Small)	Spices
Saboodana / Sabudana	Sago	General
Sarson	Mustard Seeds (Moti)	Spices
Saunf	Aniseed	Seeds
Shimla Mirch	Capsicum	Vegetable
Tadka	Seasoning	Cooking Process
Tej Patta	Bay Leaf	Herb
Urad Dal	Horse Bean	Pulses

Thyme = Ajwain
Leek = spring onion type

source: http://www.indianfoodforever.com/glossary.html


There are some other nice sites also :

http://www.indif.com/food/refer/glossary/gloss.asp


or

http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com

How market analysts differ on perception of same company within 3 days from the same Research house

I read this funny article recently in Economic Times. It shows how market analysts differ on perception of the same company within 3 days, from the same house. It shows how important it is to have independent understanding and views and not blindly follow the recommndations

Kotak Units not on Same Page on GCPL Rating , RAJESH MASCARENHAS MUMBAI 

Even as brokerages rue the fall in retail participation in equity market, two divisions of a leading broking house have come out with contradictory recommendations on the share of the same company for its retail and institutional clients within a space of just three days.The broking house is Kotal Securities while the company in question is Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL).

The first report was published on Friday (November 2) by Kotak Institutional Equities,which retained its Add rating with a price target of.760.GCPL shares gained 0.6% to.724 on that day.An Add rating,according to Kotak Institutional Equities,forecasts a 5-15 % return by the stock over the next 12 months.

On Monday November 5,a report from another unit Kotak Securities Private Client Research downgraded the GCPL stock to Sell with a target price of.600.The stock fell 5% to.688 on the day.

When contacted,Dipen Shah,head of Kotak Securities private client research,said such a contradiction,while not a usual occurrence,was not an anomaly since analysts from both divisions didnt discuss their recommendations and both cater for a different class of investors whose views on certain aspects of a companys performance were not necessarily similar.A pretty strong Chinese Wall exists between both groups which cater for different sets of clients,institutional and non-institutional, said Shah.While not too much difference exists on financial parameters available to analysts from one-on-ones and concalls with management,etc,we feel markets have discounted the positives (on GCPL) too fast and that it could be due for a correction. However,that does not mean we are perennially negative on the stock.If there is a correction,but the fundamentals continue to remain robust we could well be positive on the stock, Shah clarified.

In a report for its institutional clients,Kotak Securities said: We increase FY2014E earnings by ~2% as GCPL reported a good quarter with strong volume growth in all segments,the launch of new products,marketshare gains and cross pollination of products across geographies, the report added.For its private clients,Kotak Securities said: We believe that GCPL is trading at expensive valuations,and likelihood of earnings disappointment is rising,given a less favourable base (high growth in Q3FY12,as well as less favourable forex position from Q4FY12 onward. 

However,a few market experts doubted the existence of a Chinese Wall in the capital market.There is always a doubt whether a Chinese Wall exists in the capital market, said Arun Kejriwal,CEO,Kris Research.The fact that two different client servicing arms of the same organisation have made opposite recommendations three days apart and stock prices have moved as suggested indicate that no such wall exists.It also indicates that probably the price target of the second report came after the first failed to achieve its objective. 

http://mobileet.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=10&sectid=edid=&edlabel=ETKM&mydateHid=08-11-2012&pubname=Economic%20Times%20-%20Kolkata&edname=&articleid=Ar01000&publabel=ET


ANOTHER EXAMPLE

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 at 15:30

Exit Bajaj Auto: Sukhani

Sudarshan Sukhani, s2analytics.com is of the view that one can exit Bajaj Auto. ......

Sukhani told CNBC-TV18, “......

I am very gratified because when Bajaj Auto  was Rs 1,800, we had given repeated buy signals and suggested it is likely to cross Rs 2,000. Once the stock hits the target then it should go out of the radar because then the only effort we are making is to exit at the maximum highest possible price, we do not want to add to our positions now.

So those who have it, should be looking to exit now either below today’s low or make some strategy for exiting the stock. There is no further buying till new patterns come.”

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/stocks-views/exit-bajaj-auto-sukhani_793620.html?utm_source=MC_Mail_Stock_watch

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 at 16:01

Buy Bajaj Auto with a target of Rs 2400: Sekhar

Phani Sekhar, Angel Broking is of the view that one can buy Bajaj Auto with a target of Rs 2400...He told CNBC-TV18, “For Bajaj Auto good times have just begun because this two-wheeler market has reached such a steady state with muted volumes and very low ability for OEMs to increase prices. Anyone with innovative products like Bajaj Auto is bound to do well and that is something that you have already seen with both Discover 125ST and Pulsar 200NS. The market share in the executive segment has increased in the last six months from 17 percent to 23 percent, which is no mean achievement. Moreover the three-wheelers which are a very high operating margin business for Bajaj Auto have started doing well.”

He further added, “So with 40,000 new permits coming from Delhi government expect domestic three-wheeler volumes to increase meaningfully. The export volumes of three-wheelers which had fallen to about 14,000 units per month have also increased to about 24,000 units per month. So expect a steady 10-11 percent volume growth in three-wheelers. What it does to the earnings profile of Bajaj Auto next year is earnings will increase by minimum of 20 percent and might go all the way to 25 percent and valuations today at 15 times are not very demanding. So the investor can hold on to Bajaj Auto and maybe buy on more declines for the target of Rs 2,400 over a one year timeframe

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/stocks-views/buy-bajaj-autoa-targetrs-2400-sekhar_793643.html?utm_source=MC_Mail_Stock_watch

TRAVEL TIPS: Best Strategies to Exchange Money into Local Currencies - Lash

This article is written by blogger Lash. This is very important for travelling outside own country.....

I’ve been traveling more or less continuously since 1998. During these 14 years I’ve been regularly moving between different countries, each with their own currency. Each time I arrive in another country I need to get local cash as quickly as possible so I can function- to get transport from the airport or station, eat, get a room, and so on.

When I first started traveling internationally back in the 1980s, I used to exchange my money at US banks into my destination country’s currency before leaving on my trips. That was handy because I already had local currency when I arrived.

Since then I’ve learned quite a lot about exchanging money! Nowadays, I most definitely recommend against exchanging money in your home country. You’ll get much better rates in the destination country than in the US, Europe or UK. In addition, with the widespread use of ATM machines, it’s generally not necessary to exchange cash anyhow. You can withdraw local currency from the ATM machines after arrival in almost every country in the world.

On the other hand, it’s a good policy to carry some cash in a major currency for times when you can’t withdraw money from an ATM. As I noted in my post Back-up Plans for Accessing Money When ATMs Problems Strike a lot can go wrong with ATM withdrawals.

Here are my tips, amassed over more than 20 years of international travel, for exchanging money into local currency.

Euros

Pre-trip preparations:

1. Before you head to a new country, become familiar with their currency, particularly the current exchange rates. You can easily find that information online at various websites. My favorite is Yahoo’s finance pages, which have a currency exchange page. You just plug in the two currencies you want to check and their table gives the prevailing rates.

2. Figure out how much local currency you’ll need upon arrive to get started.

3. As I mentioned above, I personally recommend against exchanging money in your home country, where exchange rates for foreign currencies are generally quite bad and banks charge fees on top of poor rates. UK is the worst I’ve come across in my travels. UK exchange booths and banks give absolutely horrible rates with high fees on top. You’ll get much better rates after you arrive in your destination country, whether it’s through an ATM or cash exchange.

US 100 dollar bill

4. Before leaving for your trip, get some cash in $US, € or £ British at a bank. Make sure you get clean, crisp new bills since some exchange shops overseas are picky about which bills they will take. Make sure the bills are not creased or crumpled and have no rips, tears, tape, or writing on them. Get a variety of denominations to use in different situations. I usually get a mix of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 bills. I might need to just exchange a small amount of money at some point, for example upon arrival at an airport, during an airport lay-over or just before leaving a country.

5. I also generally advise against traveler’s checks. They might have been very useful back in the days before ATM machines, but even then they had their drawbacks. Basically, they cost a lot more than using cash or ATMs. First off, you have to buy them. Secondly, when you exchange them for local currency, you’ll get a worse rate than you would for cash. So you’ve already lost money at both ends. On top of that, you can only use them in major cities, tourist destinations, and banks. Forget about trying to use them in small towns, rural areas and off-the-track destinations.

The advantage of traveler’s checks, in fact the whole purpose of them, is that if they are lost or stolen you can get back your money. They’re a kind of cash insurance. However, getting your money back is a long drawn-out process. You wont’ be reimbursed immediately, which in turn, doesn’t help you at the moment they’re lost, while you’re traveling. 

red ATMs

Arrival:

 Upon arrival in a new country you’ll need some local currency before you can do anything at all. You’ll need local cash for transportation from the airport or station, to eat, to get a room, and any other miscellaneous things you might need to purchase.

I generally follow one of two strategies for getting local cash when I arrive in a new country.

1. If I can use an ATM at the airport, I generally withdraw enough cash for one week.

2. If I have to exchange cash into local currency, then I exchange the smallest amount possible at the airport. That’s because airport / station money exchange booths have the absolute worst rates. Get as little as possible then visit another exchange shop once you’re in town.

I exchange just enough for transportation from the airport/station, 1 or 2 meals, and bit extra. Basically, I exchange what I estimate I’ll need until later that day or the following day when I can visit a money exchange shop or ATM.

 

In the destination country:

Here are tips to keep in mind whenever you have to exchange cash overseas.

1. Be familiar with the current internet exchange rate on a regular basis. Rates do fluctuate from day to day. Use the internet rates as a basis to judge exchange rates you find at money exchange shops and to determine how much local cash to get.

2. ATMs usually give better rates than exchanging cash. If you can use ATMs, do that instead of exchanging cash. I generally use ATMs as much as possible, keeping my spare cash for emergencies or times when I just need a small about of local currency.

British pounds

3. Use real money changers, not those down back alleys. Be careful of shops that claim to be ‘official exchange shops’ via a sign. Don’t necessarily believe those signs! Check out the shop to determine if it really is an official shop or not. Official exchange shops are located on major streets, in shopping malls, stations and airports. They also usually look ‘official’ – clean and modern with a list of exchange rates displayed on the wall or even a digital sign board.

4.  If a shop offers rates better than the current internet rate, stay away! They’ve got some trick or other up their sleeves.

5.  Some countries / exchange booths only accept bills that are in excellent condition- no rips, taping, holes, ink. Be sure to get new clean bills from a bank in your home country before leaving on your trip.

6. In some countries, like Indonesia, exchange shops give higher rates for higher denomination US $ bills and lower rates for smaller denominations. Ie $100 US bills will get a better rate than $10 and $20 bills. I’ve only experienced this in Asia in Indonesia, but perhaps other countries are the same.

7. You cannot exchange coins, only bills.

8. You’ll find the best rates at exchange booths / shops in major cities and tourist destinations. Try to exchange money there and be sure to get enough to cover you while traveling in rural / off-track areas. If you run out in a rural area, you’ll end up paying more to exchange money later.

9. You’ll find worse rates in small towns, on islands, at resorts and hotels, and in upscale shopping malls

10. Each country has different policies about where you can exchange money. In some countries, you can only exchange money in major banks. Other countries have privately owned money exchange shops. Some countries also have ‘black market’ exchange options, whereby locals exchange money UN-officially. In countries where it’s possible to exchange money either at banks or exchange shops, generally the exchange shops offer better rates. But it’s worth checking since sometimes banks offer equal rates. You can usually find out this information from major guidebooks like Lonely Planet.

Singapore- Little India’s colorful shops before the crowds arrive

Country specific information:

- Thailand. Exchange money at banks.

- Malaysia has many exchange booths in places with large numbers of travelers – KL, Penang, Langkawi. In KL the best exchange booths are in Chinatown, Little India and minor shopping malls. Be sure to shop around since rates vary remarkably from shop to shop! Exchange booths at KL’s Sentral Station and major upscale shopping malls like KLCC have worse rates. Banks also have poor rates.

- Singapore also has many exchange shops in Little India, Chinatown and along Orchard Road. The exchange booths in Little India offer excellent rates, close to internet rates. They’re located inside small shops along Little India’s main streets. Banks have poor rates.

- Bali, Indonesia. Be sure to use real official money changers in Bali! You’ll get the best rates in Sanur and the Kuta-Legian-Seminyak sprawls. Shops are located on the major roads. Banks have poor rates.

- Laos. At the time I visited, it was only possible to exchange money at major banks in Laos’ major towns and cities, particularly Vientianne and Luang Prabang.

- Myanmar. At the time I visited the only place to officially exchange money was at major banks. Howver the rates were terrible. Black market exchange could be found in local markets that sold art, handicrafts and souvenirs to travelers. It was easy to find them and the rates were much better. They only accepted $US.

- Cambodia - Dollar is the defacto currency.You dont need to change local currency.(My note)

- England, Europe and USA have much worse rates. Better to take your UK £, € or $US overseas and exchange it there

http://www.lashworldtour.com/2012/11/travel-tips-exchange-money-local-currencies.html#comment-4551