Some interesting site with lots of inspiration...
Finally after a very long time I found a website with some intellectual substance, that is worth browsing through.
Hope you find it interesting.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
IT Security Issues at Department of VA.
Case study Questions:
Q1:
Some of VA’s IT security issues, were such as:
1- Department of VA did not having clear rules and regulations on handling governing transfer of sensitive clients personal data. And control on where and where not, data can be transported.
2-Lack of electronic data inscription, that would further secure data from unauthorized access.
3-Lack of security measures at VA’s Office, that would have prevented the data to be accessed easily. That would have been storage of data in a special format requiring special software, and only accessible through department secure server connection and only by authorized users.
Q3:
VA did not manage the security bridge well. News on the stolen computer did not reach the chain of command properly and on time.
The incident was reported to the manager, but upper managers noticed of the incident through ‘office gossip’ and indirect meetings, clearly exhibiting organization’s lack communication and contingency plans for such crises.
Finally, it took VA office two weeks before authorities and FBI were informed. That was a long time for starting an investigation.
Q4:
As the case states, utilization of a special data handling software that would be accessible solely through VA’s server based software with passwords would be an effective way to control access to sensitive information. In addition, having a contingency plans in case of security bridge is essential and can help minimize the damage.
They also need to place Standard Operating Procedures that define extend and manners of handling sensitive data outside the organization.
Q1:
Some of VA’s IT security issues, were such as:
1- Department of VA did not having clear rules and regulations on handling governing transfer of sensitive clients personal data. And control on where and where not, data can be transported.
2-Lack of electronic data inscription, that would further secure data from unauthorized access.
3-Lack of security measures at VA’s Office, that would have prevented the data to be accessed easily. That would have been storage of data in a special format requiring special software, and only accessible through department secure server connection and only by authorized users.
Q3:
VA did not manage the security bridge well. News on the stolen computer did not reach the chain of command properly and on time.
The incident was reported to the manager, but upper managers noticed of the incident through ‘office gossip’ and indirect meetings, clearly exhibiting organization’s lack communication and contingency plans for such crises.
Finally, it took VA office two weeks before authorities and FBI were informed. That was a long time for starting an investigation.
Q4:
As the case states, utilization of a special data handling software that would be accessible solely through VA’s server based software with passwords would be an effective way to control access to sensitive information. In addition, having a contingency plans in case of security bridge is essential and can help minimize the damage.
They also need to place Standard Operating Procedures that define extend and manners of handling sensitive data outside the organization.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Poor Call-Center Service Angers Indians, Too
With better-paid, better-trained operators working for foreign call centers, Indian consumers are often frustrated by the service they get.
By Mehul Srivastava.
From: businessweek.com, April 24, 2009
This article interestingly points out the quality of service a customer may expect when calling a “call-center” that is outsourced to India. Article describes how, many telecommunication customers are unsatisfied from the quality of services when they are connected to an Indian service center. The issue has reached to the point that some American companies like Delta (DAL) has pooled its call center from India. Similarly Indians are speaking out too, Indian customers are unsatisfied with the service they get from the service centers in India. They complain from poor quality of service and untrained technicians. They also know that employees of call-centers who work in ‘Noida’ (a town 20 kilometers outside New Delhi) for internal Indian customers get paid less, use outdated equipments and get less training compared to their counterparts who work for a western company in the same town. “It makes economic sense, of course; foreign clients pay more than Indian clients do, sometimes by as much as 50% for total contracts, which are often decided by the number of ‘seats’ that an operator has to fill to service a contract.”(1)
Even though broadband Internet, fast and cost effective telecommunication technology has paved the way for globalization and resource utilization from distance, it still has quality issues. The human factor and local skills still plays a great role in success of many aspect of a business, and cannot be ignored.
I recall contacting a service center for resolving a connection issue I had with my XYZ internet router. I was connected to a customer service rep which I Initially thought was a robot-computer, but then I noticed that it was a live person. I noticed he had ‘an electronically altered accent’ that I had hard time understand! He refused to say where he was located and was distressed that I could not understand his robotic accent!
Then I thought, if I would hear his Indian or Malaysian … accent, I would understand him much better, with less frustration (maybe because I have an accent too)…
In my opinion technology is useful but lets not over do it!
Sources:
(1) http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/apr2009/gb20090424_777061.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_news+%2B+analysis
By Mehul Srivastava.
From: businessweek.com, April 24, 2009
This article interestingly points out the quality of service a customer may expect when calling a “call-center” that is outsourced to India. Article describes how, many telecommunication customers are unsatisfied from the quality of services when they are connected to an Indian service center. The issue has reached to the point that some American companies like Delta (DAL) has pooled its call center from India. Similarly Indians are speaking out too, Indian customers are unsatisfied with the service they get from the service centers in India. They complain from poor quality of service and untrained technicians. They also know that employees of call-centers who work in ‘Noida’ (a town 20 kilometers outside New Delhi) for internal Indian customers get paid less, use outdated equipments and get less training compared to their counterparts who work for a western company in the same town. “It makes economic sense, of course; foreign clients pay more than Indian clients do, sometimes by as much as 50% for total contracts, which are often decided by the number of ‘seats’ that an operator has to fill to service a contract.”(1)
Even though broadband Internet, fast and cost effective telecommunication technology has paved the way for globalization and resource utilization from distance, it still has quality issues. The human factor and local skills still plays a great role in success of many aspect of a business, and cannot be ignored.
I recall contacting a service center for resolving a connection issue I had with my XYZ internet router. I was connected to a customer service rep which I Initially thought was a robot-computer, but then I noticed that it was a live person. I noticed he had ‘an electronically altered accent’ that I had hard time understand! He refused to say where he was located and was distressed that I could not understand his robotic accent!
Then I thought, if I would hear his Indian or Malaysian … accent, I would understand him much better, with less frustration (maybe because I have an accent too)…
In my opinion technology is useful but lets not over do it!
Sources:
(1) http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/apr2009/gb20090424_777061.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_news+%2B+analysis
Sunday, April 19, 2009
"Simply secure" with Apple.
One of the things that I enjoy about using UNIX OS is the security and protection from viruses.
Before I became a MAC user I had many incidences of virus infection on my PC. Once I even received a message from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, telling me "...Stop infecting our servers... and hacking into our network...' I paraphrased. While I had never even visit their website!
Next thing I knew, was that my computer was long infected and was being used to infect others. Finally when the antivirus software detected it ... the computer went mad. After a long battle with the virus and trying many software to cleat it, my PC was operable again but its window messages were mixed up!
How? For example, when it was asking me " Do you want to save this document? Cancel/OK
OK was cancel, and Cancel was OK!!!!
Imaging what did I go through before I figured that out... I think I started loosing my hair then...
I even tried to donate that PC to the Salvation Army, but they did not take it!
For a few years I was computer free at home and lived a happy life until my wife (who was my girlfriend at that time and was and is a Techie) lured me to get a computer again.
This time I converted to Apple and I am very happy about that. My computer is 5 years old now and still works like a charm .
Here is a little article on apple security for OS X.
Simply secure.
The Mac offers your organization a simple way to protect critical data and systems company-wide, with out-of-the-box security that’s easy to maintain and customize. Built on a proven, fully-compliant UNIX foundation, Mac OS X Leopard and Mac OS X Leopard Server provide layers of protection that are built-in, not bolted-on. This means your organization gets in-depth security at all levels of operation—from hardware to operating system to applications.
The Mac is easy to keep secure with under-the-hood technologies that require minimal IT management—providing crucial security while easing the burden of managing systems across the enterprise. With built-in features such as automatic software updates, application-based firewall, strong encryption tools, and integrated Internet security, systems are secure right out of the box. For easy customization, the Mac delivers robust tools that help IT administrators control system and server safety in just a matter of clicks.
sources:
http://www.apple.com/business/solutions/it/security.html
Before I became a MAC user I had many incidences of virus infection on my PC. Once I even received a message from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, telling me "...Stop infecting our servers... and hacking into our network...' I paraphrased. While I had never even visit their website!
Next thing I knew, was that my computer was long infected and was being used to infect others. Finally when the antivirus software detected it ... the computer went mad. After a long battle with the virus and trying many software to cleat it, my PC was operable again but its window messages were mixed up!
How? For example, when it was asking me " Do you want to save this document? Cancel/OK
OK was cancel, and Cancel was OK!!!!
Imaging what did I go through before I figured that out... I think I started loosing my hair then...
I even tried to donate that PC to the Salvation Army, but they did not take it!
For a few years I was computer free at home and lived a happy life until my wife (who was my girlfriend at that time and was and is a Techie) lured me to get a computer again.
This time I converted to Apple and I am very happy about that. My computer is 5 years old now and still works like a charm .
Here is a little article on apple security for OS X.
Simply secure.
The Mac offers your organization a simple way to protect critical data and systems company-wide, with out-of-the-box security that’s easy to maintain and customize. Built on a proven, fully-compliant UNIX foundation, Mac OS X Leopard and Mac OS X Leopard Server provide layers of protection that are built-in, not bolted-on. This means your organization gets in-depth security at all levels of operation—from hardware to operating system to applications.
The Mac is easy to keep secure with under-the-hood technologies that require minimal IT management—providing crucial security while easing the burden of managing systems across the enterprise. With built-in features such as automatic software updates, application-based firewall, strong encryption tools, and integrated Internet security, systems are secure right out of the box. For easy customization, the Mac delivers robust tools that help IT administrators control system and server safety in just a matter of clicks.
sources:
http://www.apple.com/business/solutions/it/security.html
Marrill Lynch
Q1:
Merrill Lynch needed to update its It services to keep up with the competition and maintain its IT gained revenue and services.
Q2:
Since online data management and service had great revenue for the company and the trend in business was moving fast toward use of internet. It was prudent for Marrill Lynch to consider a strong IT as part of their business strategy
Q4:
It appears that Andrew Brown had finally convinced the management that selling the technology was a money saving strategy for the company but it does not appear that Marrill Lynch eventually had solved its IT issues nor its economical situations.
As a Merrill lynch service user, I do not think their web services are as intuitive or useful as Fidelity for example. And as we all know, the company has been in a grave financial problem recently …
Merrill Lynch needed to update its It services to keep up with the competition and maintain its IT gained revenue and services.
Q2:
Since online data management and service had great revenue for the company and the trend in business was moving fast toward use of internet. It was prudent for Marrill Lynch to consider a strong IT as part of their business strategy
Q4:
It appears that Andrew Brown had finally convinced the management that selling the technology was a money saving strategy for the company but it does not appear that Marrill Lynch eventually had solved its IT issues nor its economical situations.
As a Merrill lynch service user, I do not think their web services are as intuitive or useful as Fidelity for example. And as we all know, the company has been in a grave financial problem recently …
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The penny pincher's tool
While working at Amgen I noticed a unique software used by our purchasing group and wondered how help the company while we have a dozen other softwares doing almost the same job for the company?!
Recently I came across this article which directly answered my question. Now it make more sense why Amgen is using services of this company.
Software maker Ariba helps Fortune 500 companies suss out waste, cut costs.
By Jia Lynn Yang, writer-reporterApril 10, 2009: 10:45 AM ETNEW YORK (Fortune)
It used to be that only a few CEOs were known for their obsessive love of cost-cutting -- guys like Mark Hurd at Hewlett-Packard (HPQ, Fortune 500) and Jamie Dimon at JPMorgan Chase (JPM, Fortune 500). But these days, with revenues everywhere grinding to a halt, everyone's getting into the act. Not surprisingly, a new breed of enterprise software has emerged to help the bean counters. Ariba (ARBA), for example, sells software that helps companies track where they spend money. In your typical big organization, there are thousands of people making purchases individually, and they might be using different systems to track those expenses, especially if there have been acquisitions of other companies over time. The simple act of finding out how much the company spends on ballpoint pens, for instance, can be riddled with red tape. Here's where Ariba comes in. The company can consolidate all that information into one place, so it becomes clear that instead of using seven different suppliers for pens, the company could just use one. Then Ariba sets up a reverse auction for suppliers to bid for business. Or if someone wants to order a huge shipment of pens but that spending would put the company over-budget, Ariba's software prevents the purchase. Voila -- savings. "It's the one area in technology that companies are spending money on because they can make a difference in their profitability," says Mickey North Rizza, an analyst with AMR Research. While software giants Oracle (ORCL, Fortune 500) and SAP (SAP) offer similar services, Ariba is the largest software provider that focuses exclusively on what the company calls "spend management." It works with more than half of the FORTUNE 500. Like Salesforce.com (CRM), Ariba uses the so-called "cloud computing" subscriber model where clients essentially rent access to Ariba's software and can access it online. Analysts at Gartner project that while IT spending overall will drop by nearly 4% this year, "cloud computing" revenues will rise 21.3% to $46.4 billion. Last quarter, Ariba's subscription revenues were up more than 70% from the year before; total revenues were up 12%. Diebold (DBD), the company that makes ATMs and voting machines, has worked with Ariba since 2001. In 2006, Diebold set out a goal of saving $100 million in the next three years. Using Ariba's tools, the company found savings in literally every corner: from office supplies to travel expenses to the supply base for manufacturing ATMs. Before using Ariba, Diebold had trouble making sense of its purchases, which were tracked by different software platforms throughout the company. Ariba's software became "key to understanding who our suppliers were," says Michael Rager, a procurement executive at Diebold. "Its like having a black box that takes English, Portuguese and Chinese and spits out a standard language that everyone can understand." Other examples: Ariba recently helped a major fast food chain consolidate its pickle purchases. And it also worked with a bank to renegotiate its temporary labor costs. Ariba's software revealed the company was spending $40 million on 13 different suppliers with about 30 different contracts. After on online auction, the company reduced that total cost to $30 million. But what happens when the economy rebounds? Bob Calderoni, Ariba's CEO, points out that even after a company finds a new supplier who's helping it save money, there has to be a system in place to make sure employees stick to that supplier. "This never ends," says Calderoni. "As time goes on, [people] use more of it, rather than less of it." Thrift is in, and maybe it's here to stay.
Work Cited:
http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/10/technology/ariba_saving_costs.fortune/index.htm
Recently I came across this article which directly answered my question. Now it make more sense why Amgen is using services of this company.
Software maker Ariba helps Fortune 500 companies suss out waste, cut costs.
By Jia Lynn Yang, writer-reporterApril 10, 2009: 10:45 AM ETNEW YORK (Fortune)
It used to be that only a few CEOs were known for their obsessive love of cost-cutting -- guys like Mark Hurd at Hewlett-Packard (HPQ, Fortune 500) and Jamie Dimon at JPMorgan Chase (JPM, Fortune 500). But these days, with revenues everywhere grinding to a halt, everyone's getting into the act. Not surprisingly, a new breed of enterprise software has emerged to help the bean counters. Ariba (ARBA), for example, sells software that helps companies track where they spend money. In your typical big organization, there are thousands of people making purchases individually, and they might be using different systems to track those expenses, especially if there have been acquisitions of other companies over time. The simple act of finding out how much the company spends on ballpoint pens, for instance, can be riddled with red tape. Here's where Ariba comes in. The company can consolidate all that information into one place, so it becomes clear that instead of using seven different suppliers for pens, the company could just use one. Then Ariba sets up a reverse auction for suppliers to bid for business. Or if someone wants to order a huge shipment of pens but that spending would put the company over-budget, Ariba's software prevents the purchase. Voila -- savings. "It's the one area in technology that companies are spending money on because they can make a difference in their profitability," says Mickey North Rizza, an analyst with AMR Research. While software giants Oracle (ORCL, Fortune 500) and SAP (SAP) offer similar services, Ariba is the largest software provider that focuses exclusively on what the company calls "spend management." It works with more than half of the FORTUNE 500. Like Salesforce.com (CRM), Ariba uses the so-called "cloud computing" subscriber model where clients essentially rent access to Ariba's software and can access it online. Analysts at Gartner project that while IT spending overall will drop by nearly 4% this year, "cloud computing" revenues will rise 21.3% to $46.4 billion. Last quarter, Ariba's subscription revenues were up more than 70% from the year before; total revenues were up 12%. Diebold (DBD), the company that makes ATMs and voting machines, has worked with Ariba since 2001. In 2006, Diebold set out a goal of saving $100 million in the next three years. Using Ariba's tools, the company found savings in literally every corner: from office supplies to travel expenses to the supply base for manufacturing ATMs. Before using Ariba, Diebold had trouble making sense of its purchases, which were tracked by different software platforms throughout the company. Ariba's software became "key to understanding who our suppliers were," says Michael Rager, a procurement executive at Diebold. "Its like having a black box that takes English, Portuguese and Chinese and spits out a standard language that everyone can understand." Other examples: Ariba recently helped a major fast food chain consolidate its pickle purchases. And it also worked with a bank to renegotiate its temporary labor costs. Ariba's software revealed the company was spending $40 million on 13 different suppliers with about 30 different contracts. After on online auction, the company reduced that total cost to $30 million. But what happens when the economy rebounds? Bob Calderoni, Ariba's CEO, points out that even after a company finds a new supplier who's helping it save money, there has to be a system in place to make sure employees stick to that supplier. "This never ends," says Calderoni. "As time goes on, [people] use more of it, rather than less of it." Thrift is in, and maybe it's here to stay.
Work Cited:
http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/10/technology/ariba_saving_costs.fortune/index.htm
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Blockbuster vs. Netflix Which Will Win Out?
Q2: Block buster was the business leader for movie rentals for a long time until Netflix came up with a new business model and introduced an online Video/DVD rentals for lower cost and no late fees. Netflix was a forerunner (First in business) and rapidly gained ground on movie rental business. Netflix could efficiently reach customers and conveniently deliver movies to their doors with less overhead cost and bigger variety of choices. Putting Blockbuster stores in a tough position to complete. Blockbuster and Wall Mart both tried to complete by following suit but have not been successful. And now with coming of downloadable movies through other “Network providers” and “Apple” competition has become more complex and vital for Blockbuster.
Q4: Netflix has been so far quite successful in its business strategy, compare to ‘mom an pops stores’ and Blockbuster for that matter. However, with rapid improvement of digital technology and movie on demand they may face some challenges and may loose some of their business to newer technology such as offering of downloadable and writable DVDs.
So far Netflix has the brand name recognition, clientele and subscribers that can follow the company with any new method of movie delivery that Netflix can offer. Company just needs to be quick and efficient in offering downloadable movie option, and not to loose much of the market share.
Q5: Chances of succeeding for Blockbuster or Netflix on this business depends on how fast they can capture larger market share with the help of the latest technology, who can offer more options and availability of new releases as well as hard to find movies...
They need to be on top of their ‘technology game’ and invest on new means of delivery as well as movie rental per see. IT plays a great role in their business and their viability depends on how adaptive they are and how creative they are in using information technology to their advantage.
Q2: Block buster was the business leader for movie rentals for a long time until Netflix came up with a new business model and introduced an online Video/DVD rentals for lower cost and no late fees. Netflix was a forerunner (First in business) and rapidly gained ground on movie rental business. Netflix could efficiently reach customers and conveniently deliver movies to their doors with less overhead cost and bigger variety of choices. Putting Blockbuster stores in a tough position to complete. Blockbuster and Wall Mart both tried to complete by following suit but have not been successful. And now with coming of downloadable movies through other “Network providers” and “Apple” competition has become more complex and vital for Blockbuster.
Q4: Netflix has been so far quite successful in its business strategy, compare to ‘mom an pops stores’ and Blockbuster for that matter. However, with rapid improvement of digital technology and movie on demand they may face some challenges and may loose some of their business to newer technology such as offering of downloadable and writable DVDs.
So far Netflix has the brand name recognition, clientele and subscribers that can follow the company with any new method of movie delivery that Netflix can offer. Company just needs to be quick and efficient in offering downloadable movie option, and not to loose much of the market share.
Q5: Chances of succeeding for Blockbuster or Netflix on this business depends on how fast they can capture larger market share with the help of the latest technology, who can offer more options and availability of new releases as well as hard to find movies...
They need to be on top of their ‘technology game’ and invest on new means of delivery as well as movie rental per see. IT plays a great role in their business and their viability depends on how adaptive they are and how creative they are in using information technology to their advantage.
New Use of this blog.
I will be using this blog spot for a while to post some information and assignment for my Business Information System Course. giving my opinion on some case studies, etc,
So it may not contain much of my fussy philosophical thoughts and photos.I hope it still have some substance to offer.
Cheers
Amir
So it may not contain much of my fussy philosophical thoughts and photos.I hope it still have some substance to offer.
Cheers
Amir
Monday, February 02, 2009
a sad day ....
My boss a brilliant scientist at AMGEN just passed away this weekend from a sudden and massive heart attack while biking.
He was in better physical shape then I. Life is a strange thing!
I spent in average 8 hours a day with him for the past 3 years and learned a lot from him… he will be missed. It was a great shock, I could not stay at work, I left work after leaving some flowers on his chair….
He was in better physical shape then I. Life is a strange thing!
I spent in average 8 hours a day with him for the past 3 years and learned a lot from him… he will be missed. It was a great shock, I could not stay at work, I left work after leaving some flowers on his chair….
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Changing Seasons in California
Enjoy the little things in life gets me going every day... how about you?!
Friday, December 26, 2008
life
..."And life,
is skinny dipping in the pond of ' now .'
Lets take off our cloths,
water is a step away." ...
-Sohrab S.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Bogie's Birthday
Happy Holidays to all,
Today was the birthday of my very first favorite actor, Humphrey Bogart. I think he was a great movie icon. I love his movies ...
May he rest in peace.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
A note from a friend,
The day Cyrus was born a friend sent this message regarding the origin of name Cyrus and its link to Indian culture and history. I found it interesting.
This is what she wrote,
"The name Cyrus is derived from either the Persian word "kurush," which may relate to the sun,
or "kuru", which relates to throne. Cyrus the Great was the first Persian ruler;
he conquered Babylon, and is known Biblically for releasing the Hebrews from their captivity there.Cyrus is the name of several saints.
BTW there is a KURU dynasty in Hindu mythology too. And they fought a great war in KURUSHETRA which means Land Of The Kurus...
hmmm....go figure ..........."
-Anisha Verma
This is what she wrote,
"The name Cyrus is derived from either the Persian word "kurush," which may relate to the sun,
or "kuru", which relates to throne. Cyrus the Great was the first Persian ruler;
he conquered Babylon, and is known Biblically for releasing the Hebrews from their captivity there.Cyrus is the name of several saints.
BTW there is a KURU dynasty in Hindu mythology too. And they fought a great war in KURUSHETRA which means Land Of The Kurus...
hmmm....go figure ..........."
-Anisha Verma
Monday, November 10, 2008
Friday, November 07, 2008
If I were God...
“…
If I were God,
I would open the graves and let a thousand wondering spirit,
once again,
hide in the prison of bodies.
If I were God,
…”
-Forugh Farokhzad
If I were God,
I would open the graves and let a thousand wondering spirit,
once again,
hide in the prison of bodies.
If I were God,
…”
-Forugh Farokhzad
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Paul Newman, and my Mom!
Last night we were watching the movie ‘Cat On Hot Tin Roof’ with Paul Newman they said that movie was supposed to be in Black and White but just because director did not want to loose the sight of beautifully colored eye Paul and Elizabeth Taylor, they shot it in color. That was also one the only movie these two played together.
I remembered how my mom used to talk about that movie being one of her favorites…
After the movie was over I called my mom to check and see how she is doing. I also told her that we just watched her favorite movie and it was a tribute to Paul Newman who passed a couple weeks ago. She felt sad and said she loved Paul Newman a lot and will pray for him! Then told me a funny story, that when she was pregnant with my older sister, one night she dreamed of Paul Newman kissing her. So she, got up, excited, and told my dad “wake up… wake up, Paul Newman just kissed me!”
I wondered how may dad had felt at that moment!? Anyhow, It was amusing to me to hear that story for the first time…
I remembered how my mom used to talk about that movie being one of her favorites…
After the movie was over I called my mom to check and see how she is doing. I also told her that we just watched her favorite movie and it was a tribute to Paul Newman who passed a couple weeks ago. She felt sad and said she loved Paul Newman a lot and will pray for him! Then told me a funny story, that when she was pregnant with my older sister, one night she dreamed of Paul Newman kissing her. So she, got up, excited, and told my dad “wake up… wake up, Paul Newman just kissed me!”
I wondered how may dad had felt at that moment!? Anyhow, It was amusing to me to hear that story for the first time…
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Namâd Ensemble...
When I was young or even until now that I am pushing through 30s. I was never a fan of traditional Persian music (sonati).
My eclectic taste of music expanse from Opera, Jazz, African, European pop and classics, North African to south American… but never got close to sonati music, it was as if it required a different blood type than mine ...
About two years ago I was introduced to a new band called “Namâd Ensemble”. They have a new, unique and delightful style, while holing on to the traditional music and instruments.
Last weekend we saw their latest concert in LA, introducing their new released album “Ossyan”. The music was very refreshing and vocals as great. They used beautiful poems from Forough Farrokhzad and Siavash Kasraei , something that you don’t hear very often….. with an exhilarating improvisations of traditional instruments.
We got the CD as well and for last few days we have been listening to it every day, that is unfathomable for me.
I just wished they would be there afterward signing CDs or even during the intermission…
If you are a fan of Sonati music or even not, I suggest try this album. You may like it.
My eclectic taste of music expanse from Opera, Jazz, African, European pop and classics, North African to south American… but never got close to sonati music, it was as if it required a different blood type than mine ...
About two years ago I was introduced to a new band called “Namâd Ensemble”. They have a new, unique and delightful style, while holing on to the traditional music and instruments.
Last weekend we saw their latest concert in LA, introducing their new released album “Ossyan”. The music was very refreshing and vocals as great. They used beautiful poems from Forough Farrokhzad and Siavash Kasraei , something that you don’t hear very often….. with an exhilarating improvisations of traditional instruments.
We got the CD as well and for last few days we have been listening to it every day, that is unfathomable for me.
I just wished they would be there afterward signing CDs or even during the intermission…
If you are a fan of Sonati music or even not, I suggest try this album. You may like it.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Got Wish?
I still remember that scene from 10 years ago… I was sitting in the center of Paseo Noevo mall in Santa Barbra next to two small water fountains, having my lunch, listening to the jazz musicians (hired by the city to play music for the tourist.)
There I saw a grandmother giving her 3 or 4 year old grand daughter some pennies to toss into the water. After the little girl excitedly throw the coins … grandma asked, “What did you wish for dear?” She said “ I wished to become a million dolor ballerina”.
And as my grandma used to say “your wishes come true, so wish for some thing good.”
Now I think if our wish is to become an artist, we need to make sure we state the salary requirement too, like the smart little girl I saw. But in the event that we forgot to put the salary on our wish, it helps to think of our wish as our ‘destination’, and not lose the sight of our journey…
There I saw a grandmother giving her 3 or 4 year old grand daughter some pennies to toss into the water. After the little girl excitedly throw the coins … grandma asked, “What did you wish for dear?” She said “ I wished to become a million dolor ballerina”.
And as my grandma used to say “your wishes come true, so wish for some thing good.”
Now I think if our wish is to become an artist, we need to make sure we state the salary requirement too, like the smart little girl I saw. But in the event that we forgot to put the salary on our wish, it helps to think of our wish as our ‘destination’, and not lose the sight of our journey…
Friday, September 05, 2008
To a Dad or a Mom
Who were you to do this,
with your heart
with your soul
with your body.
You took off the darkness from my soul,
you burned yourself to keep me warm,
you were burned but you did not moan,
You kept your ashes, your soul alight to keep me warm
so I would not feel the darkness in life.
with your heart
with your soul
with your body.
You took off the darkness from my soul,
you burned yourself to keep me warm,
you were burned but you did not moan,
You kept your ashes, your soul alight to keep me warm
so I would not feel the darkness in life.
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