Instant Messaging

I got introduced to instant messaging sometime during 1997 0r 98. At that point of time access to internet was pricey and not everyone was into IM. So it was kind of a mellow thing. But ever since I graduated in 99 and got into work, Instant Messaging (IM) became more or less 'The medium' of communication. Even between people sitting across cubicles in the office, IM ruled. Though I was and am still a yahoo user, I got used to AOL as it was the mainstream communication medium in the company I worked for and is still by far my most widely used IM.
Being a highly talkative guy, getting hooked on to IM was pretty fast and these days I prefer IM over any other means of communication: telephones, emails, snail mails or faxes. Another mode of preferred commumication is SMS. Other than meeting anyone face to face , IM is my preferred medium of communication. As I see these are some of the advantages of IM:

1. Cost effectiveness: when it comes to communicating with people across the globe.
2. Discreet: Unless you have hooked your pc to a projector
3. Conferencing abilities : A pretty decent alternative to telephonic conference calls
4. Smileys and emoticons: Quite useful in expressing oneself.

That goes to explain, I spend almost 40- 50% of my time on IM. I even learnt to type fast and accurate.However IM comes with its disadvantages: primary one bieng the usage of short forms like 'l8r'. Also am kind of losing the 'attitude' to write. I have 2 travel diaries, one essay and numerous posts on my blog still in a 'pending' state. That bieng said, I just cant imagine a world without IM.

Portland - The City Of Roses

I will be moving to portland, Oregon shortly from the 'revered' bay area. Though portland is another IT hub, its far less expensive and not very crowded. The sad part is the climate, its gloomy and cloudy almost 8-9 months in a year. That hurts. The reason for my move is that all our offices are getting consolidated in our headquarters here in portland. I had an option of working from home but I hate that idea. Also some benevolent exec decided to hand out some money to aid in relocation which worked to my advantage.
The Oregon coast is voted as one of the most scenic coastlines in the world. The rocky sea shores are paralleled by none. The historic 101 route trudges all along the coast. What this means is that am gonna drive on thie route for 5-6 days starting from san francisco and ending in portland, stopping at various places and enjoying the coast. The drive is not planned as of yet. The most definite pit stops are Redwood National park, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Crater Lake National Park. 5-6 days of solitary driving, its just me, my coupe and mother nature.
So why is portland called the city of roses? In summer roses just grow like weeds in this city.

UPDATE : The itenerary is set. All hotel bookings are done.

Day 1:
8 PM - Departure
Next morning 5 AM - Reach Crescent city.: 300 miles

Day 2 and 3 : Crescent city, Explore the Redwood national park

Day 4:
7 AM : Start the drive up the coast of oregon, drive all day: 230 miles
8 PM : Reach Newport, check in and relax.

Day 5:
8 AM: Depart Newport, drive till evening: 110 miles
8 PM : Arrive Cannon beach, check in.

Day 6:
8 AM: Explore Cannon beach
Evening depart for portland : 80 miles

So we are having this conversation while having our usual drinks:

Me : I donno what it takes to get into sales, seems to be a fun job.
He : Dude, its a hit or miss career, either you feast or you are in famine.
Me : I would rather feast for 10 days and stay for 30 days in famine, rather than eat shit for 40 days.

Everyone at the table bursts out laughing at this. Am not sure if it was all that humorous .

Creating religious disharmony seems to be the birthright of islamic terrorists. Now why did they have to attack the disputed site in Ayodhya. Though am not a proponent of violent activities, its fair to say that the CRPF did a commendable job in gunning down the terrorists. Hope this doesnt lead to any communal fights.