I’m a Social Media Entrepreneur, Professor of Digital Marketing, Author of 9 books, Podcaster and an Organic Farmer.

I was touched when i received a wedding invitation from Lazy Geek ( a.k.a Guru Subramanian ). We have never seen each other. Never talked to each other. Heck, I don’t even recall exchanging emails. But we’ve both been following each other’s blog for a long time and I feel like we’ve known each other for a long time. Now, I receive this personalised wedding invitation . A standing example of bonds that develop between bloggers. So when I go with my family to his wedding on the evening of 4th March, that’d be the first time I’d know how he even looks like !!

It’s going to be an unusally packed weekend. So packed, that I had to list down the timings to organize the schedule. Rest? What rest?!

The most amazing thing I’ve ever seen an elephant do is to deftly peel open a banana, throw the peel out and eat the fruit alone…. all in one single clean motion with its trunk. I went to the Amman temple in Thiruverkadu ( 14 kms from Madras ) and saw the temple elephant do this. Amazing indeed !

56 Days , 31 renewed friendships : One of my New Year Resolutions was to get in touch with atleast one old friend a day. with whom I had lost touch. I’ve religiously kept up with this new year wish. I’ve renewed ties with 31 old friends and acquantainces and some have truly been heart warming.

Ever given yourself a self-haircut? I tried my hands at it, last night. I wasn’t feeling sleepy. I took a flash decision to try cutting my own hair. With the rest of the house asleep, I armed myself with a scissor and a comb. The hand – eye coordination was a challenge. It took time and *lots* of patience to get used to it. The cut turned out better than I anticipated. As for the experience, it was fun alright but…. I’d rather go to the saloon next time !

India Shining Campaign : Right or wrong to spend taxpayers money? That’s what is going to be debated on Feb 25th, 11:00 a.m at the Chennai Press club.

Peter Alphonse (congress leader), Raja ( BJP leader), Subramaniam (ex-advocate general) and Sudha (activist) will be on the debating panel. I have a feeling its going to be like ‘The Big Fight’ show on NDTV.

The debate is organised by the Journalists Action Group in association with the Network of Women in Media. This program is the brainchild of Suresh ( better known as DSK) with whom I’ve aquainted with.

Cognizant is organising its monthly usability meeting in Bangalore. Here are the details..

Date: February 27, 2004

Time: 5 – 6.30 pm

Venue: Diamond conference room, 10th floor, Cognizant Technology Solutions, “The Millenia” Tower -B, Level 10, #1 & 2, Murphy Road, Ulsoor, Bangalore.

Seating is on first come first served basis. Register with jkeerthi [at] chn.cognizant.com .

Workshops on “Design for Strangers” : Rashmi from Uzanto Consulting is organising workshops on usability and successful user experience design in Bangalore, Delhi & Mumbai. ( thanks Alex )

We went to Elliots beach, Besant Nagar to spend the sunday evening. I used to live just a stone’s throw from it during my school days and I’ve got a special attachment to it. That’s one reason why I’m saddened by the mushrooming of the bajji, sundal and balloon shacks in the beach. I’d hate it to go the marina way. There used to be a time when these shops were banned from the beach but now they are allowed to set shop. I hate them for dirtying the beach and for using those irritatingly bright “petromas” lamps which completely spoil the moonlight touch.

I’ve decided to buy a digital camcorder. I’ve even decided on the model, a Sony TRV22E. Its small, powerful and kicks arse. So far so good. The problem came in when I had to decide where to buy.

In India, the Sony cam costs Rs.54,990 ( $1145 ) at the Sony World store.

In the US, the same model costs just Rs.26,400 ($ 550 ) in most of the US stores.

I was shocked at the huge price difference between India and US. The savings was good enough for me to decide to buy one from the US. But there are some lingering doubts.

1) Will the camera work even after I use an adaptor to make the 110v plug adaptable to the Indian 220v power supply?

2) Will there be a customs tax problem for the person bringing in the camera? Is there a short cut to avoid this customs tax?

If you have experience in getting any electronic stuff from the US, I’d love to hear your suggestions. Thanks in advance.