5000 ODIs Across 55 Years: My Top 5 Matches and Individual Masterclasses....

 #751

One-Day International cricket has completed a remarkable journey. On 7 August 2026, Scotland defeated Canada by nine runs in Dundee in what became the 5000th men’s ODI, exactly 55 years, seven months and a few days after the format’s accidental birth.

That first match, on 5 January 1971 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, was a rain-affected afterthought. The third Ashes Test had been washed out, so Australia and England played a 40-over (eight-ball overs) game. Australia chased 191 and won by five wickets. Few present imagined they were watching the start of a format that would define modern cricket.

I was eight years old then. Four years later, as a Grade 8 student, I followed the 1975 World Cup in England with pure fascination. Eight teams, white clothes, red ball, and a final that stretched deep into the Indian night on the longest day of the northern hemisphere. We laughed that a cricket World Cup was happening so soon after West Germany’s football triumph in 1974. The game has changed beyond recognition since — coloured kits, white balls, day-night matches, powerplays, and now the shadow of T20 leagues. Many fans of my generation feel both the 50-over game and Test cricket are on life support. Still, the first 3500-odd ODIs produced moments that remain etched in memory. Here are my personal top five matches from those 5000, followed by five unforgettable individual performances.

#5: India beat Pakistan, Sharjah, 22 March 1985

India scraped to 125 on a difficult pitch. Imran Khan took 6 for 14. Pakistan then collapsed to 87. Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri and Laxman Sivaramakrishnan did the damage. No television for many of us in India — pure radio tension as the low-scoring thriller unfolded. India won by 38 runs.

#4: South Africa chase 435 to beat Australia, Johannesburg, 12 March 2006

Australia posted a then-record 434 for 4, Ricky Ponting 164. South Africa replied with 438 for 9. Herschelle Gibbs smashed 175, Graeme Smith 90, and Mark Boucher finished it with a boundary off the penultimate ball. The highest successful chase in ODI history at the time, and still one of the greatest games ever played.

#3: England beat New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup final

At Lord’s the scores finished level at 241. The Super Over also finished level at 15. England won on boundary count. Ben Stokes’ extraordinary 84 not out, the overthrows, the drama — followed mostly on radio and web, with the Super Over on television. An unforgettable, chaotic classic.

#2: West Indies beat Pakistan, 1975 World Cup, Edgbaston

Chasing 267, West Indies slumped to 203 for 9. Deryck Murray (61 not out) and Andy Roberts (24 not out) put on an unbroken 64 for the tenth wicket. They won with two balls to spare. Still the highest successful tenth-wicket stand in a winning cause in a World Cup.

Clive Lloyd with the 1975 World Cup. 

#1: West Indies beat Australia by 17 runs, 1975 World Cup final, Lord’s

Clive Lloyd’s magnificent 102, supported by Rohan Kanhai’s 55, took West Indies to 291 for 8. Australia reached 274. Viv Richards’ three run-outs in the field were decisive. The first World Cup final remains pure magic.

Top 5 individual performances

#5: Viv Richards 189 not out vs England, Old Trafford, 1984

West Indies were 166 for 9. Richards and Michael Holding added 106 unbroken. Richards finished on 189 off 170 balls — still among the greatest ODI innings ever.

#4: Winston Davis 7 for 51 vs Australia, 1983 World Cup

At Headingley the young fast bowler produced the best figures in ODI history at the time, routing Australia for 151 after West Indies made 252.

#3: Jonty Rhodes’ fielding vs West Indies, Brabourne Stadium, 1993

Five catches in one innings — a world record for a non-wicketkeeper that still stands. Rhodes redefined what was possible in the field.

#2: Collis King 86 vs England, 1979 World Cup final

Coming in at 99 for 4, King smashed 86 off 66 balls while Viv Richards played the supporting role. Their 139-run stand turned the match; West Indies won comfortably.

#1: Lance Klusener 31 not out off 16 balls, 1999 World Cup semi-final

Needing nine off the last over against Australia at Edgbaston, Klusener hit two fours to level the scores. The subsequent run-out of Allan Donald produced a tie, and Australia advanced. Heartbreak, but pure theatre.

Honourable mentions: Douglas Marillier’s scoop shot that dismantled India in 2002-03, and Greg Chappell’s underarm delivery against New Zealand in 1981 that caused international outrage.

Five thousand matches. Fifty-five years. From a wet Melbourne Tuesday to a quiet ground in Dundee. The one-day game may feel overshadowed now, but its greatest days still glow.

What were your memorable moments in these 55 years? 

Karthik. 

12/8/26

9am. 

My 22 Days with Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Lessons from the Libre 2 Plus

 #750 (Wow what a topic to post) ----> "Health is wealth "no wonder our ancestor said!!

Sensor Impregnated stayed good, I need to replace once after 6 days, II one worked 16 days. 

Living with fluctuating blood sugar has always felt like navigating a fog—guessing, reacting, and hoping for the best. That changed when I started continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus. Over 22 days, this small sensor on my arm delivered roughly 2,600 data points, painting a real-time picture of how my body responds to food, activity, and daily life. Here’s what I learned, what surprised me, and where I’m headed next.

What CGM Actually Is—and Why It Helps

Unlike finger-stick tests that give isolated snapshots, a CGM measures glucose in interstitial fluid every few minutes, 24/7. The Libre 2 Plus is a small disc worn on the upper arm; you scan it with a phone or reader for instant readings, trends, and alerts for highs and lows. It shows arrows indicating direction and speed of change, plus historical graphs.

The power is in the patterns. Instead of wondering why I felt tired or energetic, I saw the cause in numbers. Spikes, dips, and recovery times became visible. This feedback loop is transformative for anyone managing diabetes or prediabetes—it turns abstract advice into personal data. You stop guessing and start adjusting with evidence.

What the 22 Days Revealed

Activity Log. (I bought a kitchen scale to weigh food) 

Across those days I kept a detailed activity and food log alongside the sensor data. The results were eye-opening. Classic South Indian staples—idli, dosa, and poha—sent my readings soaring close to 300 mg/dL. The rise was sharp and the recovery slow. Protein-focused meals, which I expected to keep things steady, still produced higher numbers than I anticipated. Even “healthy” choices weren’t automatically safe.

Sample of Log...

One sample day (24 July) captured the range clearly: morning readings around 145–201 mg/dL, a sharp jump to 293 mg/dL mid-morning, then a gradual decline through the afternoon into the 90s and low 100s. The color-coded logbook made the story obvious—greens for steadier periods, orange for concerning highs, arrows showing rising or falling trends. Over the full 22 days the pattern repeated: carbohydrate-heavy breakfasts and snacks drove the biggest excursions, while consistent movement helped blunt the peaks.

I average around 20,000 steps daily. That volume of walking is excellent for insulin sensitivity, yet it also demands steady energy. The CGM data forced a practical question: what can I eat that keeps glucose in a safer range and fuels that activity without the crash?

Practical Adjustments and Next Steps

Today I met my internal medicine doctor, Dr. Srividya. She reviewed the Libre data and activity log and adjusted my medications accordingly. Her guidance was clear and evidence-based—exactly the kind of conversation CGM enables. We’ll monitor how the new regimen interacts with my readings over the coming weeks.

The timing is imperfect. Next week I head to the United States, where portion sizes are larger, sugar hides in nearly everything, and temptation is constant. I’ll need extra vigilance: scanning frequently, choosing protein and fiber first, and treating the Libre as my non-negotiable travel companion.

On the brighter side, my weight has stayed stable—or even dropped a kilogram—since arriving in India, after losing a solid 10 pounds in the US. I’m now in the borderline-normal range, which is encouraging, but it also means I must avoid swinging into underweight or malnutrition territory. The goal is steady energy and metabolic health, not endless restriction.

Looking Ahead

CGM doesn’t replace medical care, but it dramatically improves the quality of that care. Seeing nearly 2,600 real-time data points removed the mystery and replaced it with actionable insight. Idli and dosa taught me humility; protein meals taught me nuance; 20,000 daily steps taught me that fuel and glucose control must work together.

The next phase is refinement—finding the foods that keep numbers calmer while still powering long walks, navigating American food culture without undoing progress, and staying in the healthy weight zone. The Libre 2 Plus has already proved its value. Now the real work begins: turning 22 days of data into lasting habits.

Take care

Karthik

11/8/26

1630 Hrs.

Homecoming on Smooth Highways: A Week in Tamil Nadu

 #749

The Pond @Karaikudi (near our old home) in 1967, as 4 year old, I threatened to jump in to rather than going to school, while waiting for the School van!!! 

I am back in Bangalore today after a week-long journey through Tamil Nadu, a trip that felt both familiar and newly invigorating. What began as a visit to Karaikudi, my hometown, expanded into Trichy (Lalitha’s hometown), Velankanni, Swamimalai, temples around Tanjore, and a stop in Madurai. It was a week of family, temples, memory, and quiet surprises.

We travelled with Lalitha’s siblings to the Basilica of Our Lady of Velankanni, that enduring place of faith by the sea. From there the road led us to Swamimalai, where we began arrangements for Samarth’s first birthday rituals according to Hindu tradition. The ceremonies are planned for the end of November, soon after we return from the United States on 22 November. A few temples near Tanjore rounded out the spiritual circuit. For someone who has been visiting these places for thirty years, the familiarity is comforting; the priests still recognise us, and the visits proceeded with the ease that only long acquaintance brings.

The emotional centre of the trip was Gayathri Niwas in Karaikudi. We had planned only a day, yet stayed three. The house has stood largely unoccupied since my father passed in 2017 and was locked after my mother’s departure in 2021. The top floor, once let out under a caretaker arrangement for Amma, is now vacant by choice. My children want to spend a few days there in November—after roughly twenty-five years—so we set about cleaning and sprucing the place. Dust, locked rooms, and the quiet of long absence gave way to the practical work of making a home ready again. Standing outside the gate one afternoon, I bumped into a few of Appa’s old colleagues. They stopped, recollected, and smiled. One sentiment repeated itself: Dad was like a jackfruit—rough, prickly, and thorny on the outside, yet all sweetness within. The same recollection surfaced at Shankar Mutt, where he had once served as treasurer. Memory, it seems, softens the edges.

In Madurai we called on my cousin, the accidental “sick guy”  / Dog bite guy of the family. This time his wife of forty-five years was the person we had to call for her health. Expect the unexpected, as the saying goes; the visit was warmer and more complete with a 5 course lunch she cooked (Friday Speical) than the usual courtesy call.

What surprised me most were the roads. Across roughly 1,400 kilometres of state highways the surface felt like a carpet ride: almost no digs, no diversions, tolls that worked smoothly. The stretch from Madurai outskirts toward Trichy was especially striking—a new dedicated highway of about fifty kilometres, opened earlier this year, including an elevated section of roughly fifteen kilometres. We sailed through it like a whistle. For someone who has lost too many friends and colleagues to road accidents, and who carries the professional burden of road-safety awareness, the improvement is both welcome and sobering. I still hesitate to trust Indian roads for journeys much beyond a hundred kilometres; the Vande Bharat experience (even in executive class) only reinforced the preference for controlled travel—screaming mobile phones and restless children remain part of the Indian rail soundtrack. Wonder what my options are?? 

Other quiet improvements registered. Home-cooked food is available almost everywhere, including in Karaikudi—a small shock that made me think how much Amma would have savoured it. Temples appeared cleaner; conversations with priests suggested less of the old friction and more positive notes about the present administration with less Anti Brahmin feeling and hate. The heat was relentless, a surprise for July, yet power cuts were absent, so we managed the stay without the old summer ordeal.

Catching up with classmates, neighbours and friends at various stops was pure pleasure. Lalitha, meanwhile, had long conversations with her sisters and brother, updating the family ledger of Trichy life. The week closed with the quiet knowledge that the calendar has already started ticking toward the next departure: Father’s ninth-anniversary rituals on 7 August, then packing for San Francisco a few days later.

Tamil Nadu this time felt both changed and unchanged—better roads, cleaner temples, the same enduring pull of home and memory. Gayathri Niwas waits, cleaned and ready for the children’s return in November. And somewhere between the elevated highway and the jackfruit recollection, the week settled into something simple and lasting: a homecoming that still feels like one.

Karthik.

2/8/26 1715 Hrs. Amritkala, Bangalore. 

Great to catch up with Ananth my Direct Report (Monsanto 2006) at Trichy over lunch. 

Vedic Chants at a Spruced up Gayathri Niwas on occasion of Guru Purnima. Mom would have loved it. 

Mom's younger Sister Savithri only female sibling alive.. (Joke was that Mom, Vijaya, was named Savithri in school (1948) after her as uncle who took her mistakenly identified) 

Velankanni, Thanks Giving for Samarth/ Maithri. 

Staunch Anti Modi (Loathes Modi) and Staunch Pro Modi sharing idly vada hahahhah! Their Wives are sisters!!! heheheh! Dr Ravishankar. (Nuclear / Radiation Emergency expert). 

Great to Catch up AR Venkatesh, he lives 2km from home at Malleswaram, but we meet at Trichy after year or so!! hahah! 

Bumped in to Schoolmate at Karaikudi Hotel, Sengiah and I did +2 in 1980. (He recognised me!)..!!! He now settled in Karaikudi after stint in Abhu-Dhabi. 

Gayathri Niwas, built July 1971, Named after my sister. 

Distant Admiration, Local Reality: Why Many NRIs Defend a Record of Unmet Promises

 #748

Next PM Should be a married man so that he can talk to his wife to get a feel.. hahahah! He stole my thoughts!! (I have been saying for decades, we are a stupid nation to have elected 2 Prime Ministers who never had a wife, No other country has ever done, even once in living memory!)!!!! 

The recent Financial Times piece on India’s Gen Z unrest—sparked by exam leaks, soaring graduate unemployment, stagnant real wages, and the Chief Justice’s unfortunate “cockroaches” remark—has once again exposed a familiar divide. On the streets, young people are mocking official rhetoric and demanding accountability. Offline and overseas, a different conversation often unfolds.

A detailed response from an old classmate living overseas, illustrates the pattern. It acknowledges some failures—such as the Education Minister’s repeated exam scandals—yet quickly pivots to historical equivalence. Congress-era religious mobilisation, Bofors, the 1984 riots, and the commercial explosion of engineering colleges in the 1980s and 1990s are cited as root causes. Global trends in IT layoffs and wage stagnation are invoked to dilute specificity. The piece is also framed as potentially foreign-funded, with the familiar suggestion that criticism of the present government is indistinguishable from support for the opposition.

This reflex is common among many Non-Resident Indians. After twelve years in power, measurable delivery on the headline promises—twenty million jobs a year, a broad neo-middle class, transformed employment outcomes for the educated young—remains elusive. Over four in five of India’s unemployed are under thirty. Graduate joblessness is multiples higher than among the illiterate. Skill programmes have placed only a fraction of those trained. Yet the dominant NRI narrative frequently treats any focus on these gaps as partisan disloyalty rather than a straightforward assessment of results.

A long-standing skepticism of the Indian system and its governance—formed in the late 1970s and early 1980s and sustained across successive governments—makes the current moment less surprising. Patterns of over-promise, institutional evasion, and the steady normalisation of unaccountability predate any single political tenure. That longer view does not, however, grant immunity to the present administration. Twelve years is sufficient time for structural claims to be tested against outcomes. When the same administration continues to deflect toward earlier eras or external conspiracies, the deflection itself becomes part of the record.

Appeals to patriotism fare poorly in such discussions. They function less as analysis and more as a conversational dead-end—the last refuge that shuts down scrutiny at the dining table or among friends and relatives. Evaluating whether stated targets were met, whether institutions performed, and whether young people gained durable economic ground requires no loyalty oath. It requires evidence.

Distance amplifies the bias. From abroad, national image, continuity, and selective success stories often loom larger than the daily friction of job scarcity, compromised examinations, and precarious gig work. Those living inside the system experience the gap between rhetoric and reality more directly. Both perspectives can be informative, but only if the conversation refuses the false choice between uncritical admiration and reflexive opposition.

The Gen Z protests are not an isolated spasm. They reflect cumulative pressure on a generation that was promised transformation and has received, for the most part, continuity of the same structural shortfalls. Holding power to account after more than a decade is not anti-national. It is the minimum requirement of democratic scrutiny.

Karthik

Bangalore, 26/7/26 11am. 

A Tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers: The Greatest All-Rounder Cricket Has Ever Seen.

 #747

The cricketing world lost one of its brightest stars on July 17, 2026, with the passing of Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers at the age of 89. For my late father, Sir Garry was the undisputed king—his all-time favorite alongside the evergreen Rohan Kanhai, who, remarkably, continues to inspire at 90. Dad’s stories of Sobers’ magic filled our evenings, and I was fortunate enough to live some of those memories firsthand.

I was just nine years old when I followed Sobers’ final two Test series against England in 1973–74, home and away, glued to the BBC radio commentary. The images remain etched in my mind: his majestic 26th and final Test century at Lord’s in August 1973. Coming in at 256/4, Sobers hammered an unbeaten 150 in quick time despite a stomach ailment, helping West Indies declare at a mammoth 652/8. That innings, laced with elegant drives and powerful pulls, powered an innings-and-226-run victory. Pure genius.

Over two decades (1954–1974), Sobers played 93 Tests, scoring 8,032 runs at a stellar average of 57.78 with 26 centuries—including that record-breaking 365* against Pakistan in 1958. He took 235 wickets with his versatile left-arm pace and spin, and was a brilliant fielder anywhere. He captained West Indies with distinction from 1965 to 1972, led Nottinghamshire, and became the first to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket. Knighted in 1975, he was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Century.

While Sir Don Bradman remains the greatest pure batsman, Sobers was the ultimate complete cricketer—a left-handed genius who could dominate with bat, ball, or in the field. Yet, beyond the records, he was a modest, humble human being who carried himself with grace on and off the pitch.

The world of cricket will forever miss Sir Garry Sobers. His legacy of brilliance, sportsmanship, and joy continues to inspire generations. Rest in peace, Sir. You entertained millions and left an indelible mark on the game and on countless hearts, including my father’s and mine. Thank you for the memories.

Karthik.

Bangalore, 18/7/26 330pm. (Good to be back home. 6 months flew!). 

Navigating the Unpredictable: Real Stories from the U.S. Immigration Line

 #746

Airports promise excitement, but few moments spike anxiety like facing a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. Two recent encounters shared in my circle highlight just how unpredictable the process can be — even for prepared travelers.

A friend arriving in a US Port last week. with Global Entry was asked why he enrolled. “To be regarded as a trusted traveler,” he replied. Unsatisfied with reply the officer pondered, he added it minimizes wait times. The officer shot back, “I wait, so why shouldn’t you?” and directed the couple to secondary inspection. After a short hold, another officer waved them through. The experience felt eerily like college ragging — arbitrary power on display.

In another case, a Non American woman on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa provided a home address for her stay. The first officer insisted tourists must list a hotel and detained her briefly. Minutes later, a second officer reviewed her documents and cleared her without further hassle.

My own family has breezed through many arrivals with quick waves. But when my wife Lalitha and I, came for an extended stay near six months — supporting our daughter Radha’s delivery in January 2026 — the questions turned deeper. Purpose, ties abroad, exact plans return ticket as evidence of our plan to return… we answered calmly and were admitted.

These stories reveal CBP’s broad discretion. Primary inspection is fast, but secondary allows officers time for extra checks — random, discretionary, or triggered by details like stay length or addresses. Global Entry helps statistically but isn’t foolproof. Tourists face extra scrutiny on plans and intent.

Key takeaways for travelers:

• Expect the unexpected. Officers vary.
• Prepare clear, consistent answers and documents (hotel confirmations, return tickets, proof of ties).
• Stay calm and polite — it de-escalates.
• Longer stays invite more questions; transparency helps.

U.S. borders balance security with welcome. Most encounters end positively for genuine visitors. Share your stories below — have you faced surprising secondary inspections?

Regards

Karthik.

3rd July 2026

1045am. Foster City, CA.

Baked in the Sun, Drama in the 95th: Qatar’s Epic Draw vs Switzerland at Levi’s – FIFA 2026

 #745

Today Saturday 13th June, Eshwar, Shravan, and I attended the Qatar vs Switzerland FIFA World Cup 2026 match at Levi’s Stadium (Bay Area Stadium they call, as FIFA wont allow non sponsors name) Santa Clara. What a mixed-bag experience it turned out to be!

The game itself was mediocre for long stretches. Switzerland dominated and should have been 4-0 up, but could only manage a 1-0 lead. Qatar, fighting as underdogs and down for nearly 90% of the match, showed incredible resilience and equalized dramatically in the 95th minute. That late goal turned the day memorable — a classic underdog story that left the crowd buzzing despite the patchy quality of play.

However, the off-field experience highlighted stark contrasts with the superbly organized 2022 Qatar World Cup, where we attended 6 matches in just 4 days. Levi’s Stadium is completely open-roofed, leaving us fully exposed to the blazing sun for over two hours — more direct exposure than I’ve had in the last 160 days combined. The hydration break called at the 22nd minute felt almost comical, underscoring how American organizers are still adapting to football’s global rhythms.

Logistics were equally testing. Public transport and stadium access/exit in Qatar were seamless thanks to the excellent Metro system. Here, exiting and getting home took a painful 100 minutes via Uber. Road closures created chaos, but our second Uber driver (After we cancelled the first ride after 20 min unable to move an inch from the parking lot) cleverly navigated back alleys to finally get us home.

Tickets were nearly four times more expensive than in Qatar, adding to the “only in America” feeling. While FIFA’s hosting decisions (and past controversies) invited their share of skepticism, the raw passion of the live World Cup atmosphere still made it worthwhile.

Overall, it was a memorable, if sun-baked and chaotic, day. Qatar’s fighting spirit stole the show and reminded us why we love this beautiful game. I watched Brazil and Morocco draw 1-1. It was also a pleasure to meet Lalitha’s cousin with his family who had driven down from LA for the game.

Regards

Karthik.

13th June 26

1900 Hrs 
Foster City CA. 

Raja and Family ( Lalitha's cousin- Drove down from LA for the match). 

A Heartwarming Reunion After 20 Years – Old Friends, Timeless Bonds...

 #744

I wanted to share a beautiful moment from the Bay Area that filled my heart with joy and nostalgia. Recently, Chidambaram, Ganesh,Thirumalai Rajan and I reunited after nearly 20 years. What a special evening it was on a Sunday!

We spent two wonderful hours catching up at Kailash Parbhat in Santa Clara, where laughter and memories flowed effortlessly. Later, we continued the conversation at Ganesh’s home nearby. It was heartening to see Ganesh well-settled in the Bay Area for the past two years. Thirumalai and Chidambaram attend family events in San Jose in 2025.

Ganesh first arrived in the USA in 1987, while the rest  followed in 1994.  I have been visiting the USA for the past 25+ years on Business… As we reflected, it felt like time had flown by — 43 years since we graduated from Madurai Thiagarajar College of Engineering. Looking back, those college days seem like an eternity ago, yet the bond remains as strong as ever.

We shared stories of our journeys, masters specializations, careers, and life’s twists and turns. It feels incredibly good to see how far we’ve all come. Life has been kind. God has been gracious. Our families remain our greatest treasure to cherish and nurture. Of course, as expected at this stage, we also reminded each other to pay closer attention to our health.

These reunions remind us of what truly matters. Grateful for the memories and the friendship that time cannot fade.

Chidambaram, Ganesh, Thirumalai Rajan. Karthik. 

Karthik.

9th June 2026, 9am. PDT.

Foster City CA

Evening with Geoffrey Cain- "Steve Jobs in Exile" The gamechanger for the world.

 #743

At a recent Computer History Museum event, attendees gained rare insights into Steve Jobs’s “wilderness years” through a compelling book talk with Geoffrey Cain, author of Steve Jobs in Exile: The Untold Story of NeXT and the Remaking of an American Visionary. Joined by NeXT veterans Dan’l Lewin, Rich Page (via video), Avie Tevanian, and Bud Tribble—(A few moved to Apple too) who each knew Jobs for nearly 37 years—the panel illuminated how this turbulent decade transformed the tech visionary.

After his dramatic 1985 exit from Apple following a power struggle with John Sculley, Jobs founded NeXT with a handpicked team of Apple talent. Driven by ambition, he aimed to create the ultimate “3M” computer for education: one million instructions per second, one megabyte of RAM, and a one-megapixel display. The sleek black NeXT Cube embodied his design obsession, while NeXTSTEP software—led by Tevanian and Tribble—introduced object-oriented tools and networking that later became the foundation of Mac OS X and iOS. A NeXT Cube even powered Tim Berners-Lee’s invention of the World Wide Web at CERN.

Yet commercial reality struck hard. The Cube launched late and overpriced at $6,500, leading to near-failure. Panelists described how Jobs deployed his famed “reality distortion field” to its fullest, pushing teams through intense, marathon efforts amid lavish spending on factories, logos, and custom designs. Failures forced painful pivots, teaching Jobs operational discipline and better delegation.

A standout insight: Jobs’s marriage mellowed him significantly. The brash perfectionist evolved into a more introspective leader capable of building sustainable teams. Pixar's experiences complemented NeXT’s technical lessons, preparing him for Apple’s 1997 return after acquiring NeXT for $400 million.

Far from wasted time, NeXT’s bold ideas, breakthroughs, and humbling lessons forged Apple’s modern empire. As Cain and the panel emphasized, true innovation often emerges from spectacular failure and personal reinvention. The discussion reminded me of (how Apple acquired NeXT at 400Mn$ and created an ecosystem for flourishing when it had nothing) how Allied Signal, a behemoth, purchased an unknown entity called Honeywell and rechristened itself to work an image makeover and reached new heights!!) ( I was with Honeywell 2006-12)

Thank you Shravan for working on this, which is part of apple@50 event. Link for the book.

Karthik

28/5/26

5am PDT Foster City.

A Memorable Evening with Joanna Stern at the Computer History Museum.

 #742

Neelay Patel, Joana, Karthik, Shravan at the book signing post event. 

Long break. Time flies with Maithri and Samarth. Boy Samarth is 9 months today. Maithri 4, in a few days. We now begin to think about our departure for Bangalore in few weeks, wonder how it will feel leaving the infants? 

Last Tuesday, May 19, 2026, I had the pleasure of attending Joanna Stern’s (Ex-Tech Correspondent WSJ) book event at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. My son Shravan thoughtfully arranged the evening for us, and I’m so grateful he did. The 90-minute program featured a lively discussion between Joanna and tech podcast host Neelay Patel, followed by a book signing that left a lasting impression.

Joanna signed my copy of I Am Not a Robot with a simple yet powerful message: “Be Human.” Those two words perfectly capture the spirit of her work. In an age when AI is advancing rapidly, her reminder feels both timely and essential. As I told Shravan afterward, we will never trade genuine human connection for a “Hi-fi” interaction with an AI bot. Technology can assist us, but it should never replace the warmth, nuance, and authenticity of real human relationships.

The book itself is both enlightening and entertaining. Joanna spent an entire year surrendering parts of her daily life to artificial intelligence—letting AI tools and robots handle household chores, health management, family transportation, decision-making, and more. She interviewed leading tech figures building this future and reported back with honesty, humor, and refreshing clarity.

The core question she explores is one we should all be asking: What happens when intelligent machines aren’t just in our pockets but are driving our cars, making decisions, folding our laundry, and educating our kids? The promises are grand—better health, personalized education, greater efficiency, more free time, and breakthroughs we can barely imagine. But Joanna’s year-long experiment reveals a more nuanced reality: one that is often hilarious, sometimes unsettling, and always deeply human.

In the age of AI, her message resonates strongly: we must continue to read deeply and not allow ourselves to be distracted by summaries, shortcuts, or algorithm-curated feeds. Real understanding comes from engaging fully with ideas, not skimming the surface.

The evening was time exceptionally well spent. Joanna’s book offers less hype and more clarity, written for ordinary people rather than just the tech enthusiasts. It’s filled with illustrations and photographs, making complex topics accessible and enjoyable.

If you’re curious about what our AI-powered future might actually look like—and how to navigate it while staying grounded in our humanity—I highly recommend I Am Not a Robot. Joanna Stern is the perfect guide: funny, honest, and refreshingly no-nonsense.

Thank you, Shravan, for making this evening possible. And thank you, Joanna, for the reminder to “Be Human.”

Regards

Karthik.

Foster City, CA

21/5/26. 

11am.

When Heartburn Felt Like a Heart Attack: My GERD Scare

 #741

Three nights. That’s all it took for a simple post-dinner burning to spiral into full-blown fear.

Burning tightness in the chest after meals, worse when lying down, spreading from left to right side with temporary right-arm numbness. The same squeeze hit when I started my morning walk. With four stents placed in Bangalore in January 2026, diabetes for 32 years, and hypertension, my family and I were terrified. (Initially to my horror, the pain was only on all left side making me wonder Oh no not again!!!.) I had come to the USA in mid-January to help Radha for her delivery, and hoped to avoid American medical intervention until my planned return. Life had other plans.

On 17 April 2026, my daughter Radha calmly drove me to Mills Peninsula Medical Center’s Emergency Department in Burlingame. (Lalitha was taking care of Minikki). Six hours of tests followed: EKG, high-sensitivity troponins (twice), BNP, full blood panel, chest X-ray — everything done efficiently. The diagnosis? Not failing stents, but gastritis and acid reflux — GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Stomach acid had irritated my esophagus so severely it mimicked cardiac pain. One oily samosa plus my 14-hour intermittent fasting had triggered the flare. Troponins normal, heart stable. Enormous relief. GERD more an American thing they say? Why so I wonder?

Radha stayed right beside me the entire time — steady, reassuring, turning panic into teamwork, just as she has always done. Oh yes, first time, I was allowing her, let she do the talking 99% of time. Sometimes, mind just goes blank.

The experience surprised me in the best way. The US ER was thorough, calm, and protocol-driven. Nurses were highly capable, professional, and empathetic while managing heavy digital documentation. The Epic system connected every result instantly; the My Health Online portal gave us immediate access to reports and instructions. Discharge came with clear advice: Pepcid 20 mg twice daily, small frequent meals, and — importantly — no walking for the next 10 days, (25000 Steps a day, 3X Podcasts now all deleted to reload when I start walking again), as even mild exertion was hastening the tightness.

I couldn’t help comparing the two systems I know well. In Bangalore, my stent procedure under Dr. Karthik Vasudevan was lightning-fast with warm personal attention and far lower costs. Doctors often spend more unhurried time with patients, and family presence is the norm. But electronic record sharing between hospitals can still be patchy. America shines in technology, data connectivity, standardized safety nets, rapid nurse-led protocols, their own decision on what tests to carry, and instant result sharing. India wins on speed, affordability, accessibility, and human touch. Both have real strengths. Oh, yes Insurance will now send bill soon since my guess is the amount will be within deductable level of my travel insurance. (Taken here in USA).

My old Monsanto days (2000–2006) taught me a mantra I now see in medicine: Underpromise and Overdeliver. The US team did exactly that — no drama, just quiet competence that turned fear into peace.

GERD is common and very treatable: small frequent South Indian meals (idli, mild rasam, steamed veggies), head-of-bed elevation, acid blockers, and strict avoidance of triggers. With my stents, every chest symptom still demands respect. For now, my plans to rush back to India early are on hold; I will continue local follow-up and fly as scheduled on 11 July.

Lesson learned: never ignore the body, never underestimate family support (thank you, Radhu), and never assume one healthcare system has all the answers. Grateful to be back home, symptoms easing, and already feeling more in control. Next 10 days rest and relax.

Life’s curveballs can teach the best lessons.

Karthik

19/4/26 430am PDT

Foster City. CA.

EMERGENCY: MAGA Is Imploding – We Need a New Charlie Kirk NOW, Before the Movement Dies

 #740

The time, marks exactly six months since September 10, 2025—the day a sniper's bullet assassinated Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. The founder of Turning Point USA wasn't just a commentator; he was the irreplaceable force holding the right together.

Since October 7, 2023, the MAGA coalition has fractured into chaos. Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, Mark Levin, Josh Hammer, Ben Shapiro, Dave Rubin, and others wage endless public battles. The core rift is brutal and paralyzing: Is "America First" compatible with strong Israel support? Does criticizing foreign aid or certain policies cross into anti-Semitism?

Charlie Kirk mastered the art of keeping the tent intact. He refused to let secondary debates eclipse the primary mission: secure borders, economic revival, cultural preservation, American sovereignty above all. He bridged factions, retained massive donors, mobilized youth, and kept the focus laser-sharp on winning for America. Without him, that adhesive is gone.

The fallout is catastrophic. Infighting has escalated into open attacks on fellow conservatives, Israel itself, and even elements of the Trump administration. Blame ricochets wildly while Democrats and anti-American forces exploit every fracture, gaining ground daily. The energy that powered 2024 is evaporating. Momentum is reversing. The movement that once felt unstoppable now looks like a self-destructing mess.

This isn't drama—it's an existential crisis. Six months post-assassination, and the right is bleeding talent, donations, focus, and voters. If this continues, the hard-won gains of recent years could vanish in a cycle of recrimination.

We need a new Charlie Kirk urgently—a unifier who can rise above the Israel-America divide, shut down the circular firing squads, and rally everyone back to the bigger picture: putting Americans first, no exceptions. Someone capable of commanding respect across the spectrum, holding donors steady, and reminding the base that division is the enemy's greatest weapon.

Will one emerge? The talent exists—Tucker’s reach, Shapiro’s intellect, Owens’ fire, Megyn's bluntness—but none has yet stepped up as the adhesive. Time is not on our side. Every day of infighting hands victories to the left.

This is a five-alarm fire. Stop the blame. Stop the purity tests. Start searching for—or becoming—the leader who can reunite us before it's too late.

America First hangs in the balance. Act now.

Karthik

20th March 2026

1530 Hrs PDT

Foster City.CA.

Should Parenting Require a License? Lessons from a $30 Haircut and a 50-Year-Old Tamil Song

 #739

30$ Hair Cut  @ Great Clips Foster City. 

Last week I walked into a barbershop in Foster City for a simple haircut. (My first in USA, in 26 years of travel to this country.) It cost me $30, nothing extravagant. But as I sat in the chair, something caught my eye: the hairstylist’s framed certificate hanging prominently on the wall. It wasn’t just decoration. It was proof that this person had met state standards to touch hair for a living. I dont recollect ever seeing such a certificate in many countries, in which I had my hair cut. (In Business travel I dont think you look around, it is more, Wham bam, thank you maa'mm)...

That got me thinking. Do you even need a certificate or license to become a hairdresser in California? I verified it, and yes—you absolutely do. In California, practicing cosmetology or barbering legally requires a license from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. You need a high school diploma or equivalent, at least 1,000 hours of training at an approved school, and you must pass both written and practical exams. No license, no cutting hair. It’s not optional; it’s the law to protect public safety and standards.

The irony hit me hard. We regulate something as mundane as a haircut with rigorous training and certification, yet bringing a human being into the world and shaping their entire future has zero formal requirements beyond basic biology and a birth certificate. What if parenting demanded the same level of demonstrated skill and competence?

I immediately recalled a Tamil song from about 50 years ago. The legendary poet Kannadasan wrote lines that translate roughly to: “Every child is a good child when born on this earth; whether they become good or bad depends on how their mother raises them.” The song (from the 1976 film -Intha Pachai Kilikkoru, movie Neethikku Thalaivanangu) captures a timeless truth: children start as blank slates full of potential. Their trajectory—good, bad, or somewhere in between—is shaped almost entirely by upbringing. That line has stayed with me for decades.

A few days ago, the idea resurfaced while I listened to the “No Stupid Questions” podcast co-hosted by psychologist Angela Duckworth (author of Grit) and economist Stephen Dubner. Their conversation touched on perseverance, human behavior, and the long-term impact of early habits—topics that naturally bleed into parenting. Duckworth’s research on grit shows that success isn’t just talent; it’s passion plus perseverance, qualities parents can nurture or accidentally destroy. In today’s world of economic pressure, social media, and cultural diversity, those qualities feel harder to instill than ever.

So let’s get concrete: what are the skills and competencies a good parent actually needs in 2026? I mulled over!!!

First, deep knowledge of child development. Not just “they’ll grow out of it,” but understanding milestones—physical, emotional, cognitive, and social—at every stage. A parent who doesn’t recognize early signs of anxiety or learning differences can miss critical intervention windows.

Second, emotional intelligence and self-regulation. You can’t teach a child to manage frustration if you’re constantly losing yours. Modeling calm under pressure, practicing empathy, and repairing ruptures after arguments are daily skills. Duckworth would call this the foundation of grit: showing kids that setbacks are normal and surmountable.

Third, communication mastery. Active listening instead of lecturing. Age-appropriate explanations instead of “because I said so.” In a diverse, competitive environment, parents must also teach cultural fluency—how to navigate different values, languages, and social norms without losing their own identity.

Fourth, consistent discipline paired with unconditional love. Boundaries without rigidity. Consequences that teach rather than punish shame. This includes nutrition knowledge, sleep science, screen-time limits, and safety protocols in an era of rising mental-health crises and online dangers.

Fifth, financial and practical competence. Raising a child today isn’t cheap. Budgeting for education, healthcare, and extracurriculars while preparing them for a job market where “above-average” opportunities are shrinking requires foresight many of us learn only through painful trial and error.

Sixth, adaptability and resilience coaching. The world is hostile in new ways: climate anxiety, political polarization, AI-disrupted careers, and a competitive global landscape where mediocrity no longer guarantees stability. Parents must teach kids to seize rare opportunities while building inner strength. Duckworth’s work shows this isn’t automatic; it’s deliberately cultivated through deliberate practice and high expectations balanced with support.

These aren’t soft skills. They’re professional-grade competencies that determine whether a child thrives or merely survives.

Now the provocative question: should any of this be mandated? As raising children grows tougher—economic inequality widening, attention economies hijacking focus, diversity demanding constant navigation, and the margin for “good enough” parenting shrinking—maybe yes, at least in part.

Imagine a world where prospective parents who choose to have children must complete a certified parenting course: 200–300 hours covering child psychology, emotional regulation, nutrition, financial planning, and grit-building strategies. End with a practical assessment—role-playing scenarios, written exams on developmental red flags, maybe even a supervised practicum with simulated or community childcare. Pass, and you get a “parenting competence certificate.” Fail, and you get support to improve before trying again. Voluntary for starters, but perhaps required for certain pathways like adoption or assisted reproduction.

The Tamil song reminds us upbringing is everything. If society already demands licenses for haircuts, driving, teaching, or practicing medicine—professions that affect others—why not the profession that shapes the next generation most directly?

How practical is this thinking? On paper, very. Countries already require parenting classes for high-risk families or in child-welfare cases. Prenatal classes are common. Scaling that into a universal, evidence-based program isn’t science fiction; it’s policy design. Studies show well-designed early interventions reduce abuse, improve school outcomes, and lower societal costs in crime and mental health. Duckworth’s grit research adds evidence that targeted parenting practices create measurable long-term advantages.

But practicality collides with reality fast. Who designs the curriculum? Government agencies risk cultural bias—Western individualism versus collectivist family values in immigrant communities. Who pays? Low-income parents already stretched thin would see another barrier. Enforcement raises dystopian fears: Big Brother deciding who may reproduce? Slippery slope toward eugenics-lite? And let’s be honest—some of the world’s most loving, successful parents learned on the job with zero certificates. Love, presence, and humility often trump book knowledge.

My compromise view: don’t mandate a full license to have children (that crosses a fundamental human right). Instead, make high-quality, accessible parenting certification voluntary but strongly incentivized. Free or subsidized courses through hospitals, schools, and apps. Tax credits or priority preschool spots for certified parents. Public campaigns normalizing the idea that parenting is a skill, not just an instinct. Tie it to existing touchpoints—marriage licenses, prenatal visits, school registrations.

We already accept that doctors need residencies, teachers need credentials, and yes, hairstylists in Foster City need 1,000 hours of training. Why treat the single most consequential role in society as the one exception?

Kannadasan was right 55 years ago: every child starts good. The question is whether we’re equipping parents with the tools to keep them that way amid 2026’s pressures. My $30 haircut reminded me that competence isn’t optional when outcomes matter. Maybe it’s time we applied the same standard to the people who matter most.

What do you think? Would you take a parenting certification course if offered? Should we require it? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear.

Karthik

20/3/26. 1400 PDT

Foster City. CA.

Today my sister Gayathri ( Our house is named after her as Gayathri Niwas at Karaikudi) celebrates her birthday. We moved in to the house months after her birth 50+ years ago. Best Wishes.

Radhu sent her a Boquet.. from Bay Area to Bhandup in minutes... delivered. I marvel at Technology.