Unreal Blog – Page 24 – Life, Work and Money. Perception, Physics and Philosophy

Humboldt’s Gift by Saul Bellow

manoj / January 27, 2009

To say that Humboldt’s Gift is a masterpiece is like saying that sugar is sweet. It goes without saying. I will read this book many more times in the future because of its educational values (and because I love the reader in my audiobook edition). I would not necessarily recommend the book to others though. I think it takes a peculiar mind, one that finds sanity only in insane gibberish, and sees unreality in all the painted veils of reality, to appreciate this book. In short, you have to be a bit cuckoo to like it. (If you like the book and still maintain that you are not cuckoo, well, you just feel that way because you are!)

Humor, Email Flotsam

Bushisms

manoj / January 21, 2009

Bush has just left the building. Perhaps the world will be a kinder, gentler place now. But it will certainly be a less funny place. For life is stranger than fiction, and Bush was funnier than any stand-up comedian. Jon Stewart is going to miss him. So will I.

Books, Life and Death, Philosophy, Creative

The Razor’s Edge by W Somerset Maugham

manoj / January 19, 2009

This brief look at possibly the best book I have ever read is perhaps my last post in the book review series. At least for a short while, as I’m beginning to find it a bit hard to keep up with all the demands on my time now, what with my next book efforts and everything. Besides, the books have already said it all better, haven’t they?

The Wilmott Magazine, Quantitative Finance, Columns

House of Cards

manoj / January 17, 2009

The lessons we need to learn and a sneak preview of the upcoming changes that are sure to impact those of us in the financial industry. Here is the last excerpt from my next column to appear in the Wilmott Magazine in March.

Columns, The Wilmott Magazine, Quantitative Finance

Free Market Hypocrisy

manoj / January 14, 2009

How free is free market? Less than you think. Here is why. Another excerpt from my next column to appear in the Wilmott Magazine.

The Wilmott Magazine, Quantitative Finance, Columns

Quant Culprits

manoj / January 12, 2009

Are quants to blame for the financial mess our banks are in now? I don’t think so. Here is another excerpt from my next column to appear in the Wilmott Magazine.

Columns, The Wilmott Magazine, Quantitative Finance

Where Credit is Due

manoj / January 9, 2009

The paradigms employed for managing credit and market risks proved inadequate during the credit crunch and the ensuing meltdown. Here is another excerpt from my next column to appear in the Wilmott Magazine.

The Wilmott Magazine, Quantitative Finance, Columns

Hedging Dilemma

manoj / January 7, 2009

Ever wonder why those airfares are quick to climb, but slow to land? One word — hedging. Here is another excerpt from my next column to appear in the Wilmott Magazine.

Columns, The Wilmott Magazine, Quantitative Finance

Risky Business

manoj / January 5, 2009

More on the systemic reasons behind the financial meltdown. Here is another excerpt from my next column to appear in the Wilmott Magazine.

Quantitative Finance, The Wilmott Magazine, Work and Life

Ambition vs. Greed

manoj / January 2, 2009

Was corporate greed to blame for the financial debacle we are in? Perhaps. Here is an excerpt from my next column to appear in the Wilmott Magazine.

Books, Life and Death

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

manoj / December 29, 2008

I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I did not realize that Catch-22 was caricature, the first time I read it. I thought caricatures are visual. I was wrong, of course. Here is an unreal review of this masterpiece that needs to be more widely read.

Email Flotsam, Humor, Corporate Life

Geeks

manoj / December 10, 2008

I have been doing a bit of geeky stuff lately — writing Wordpress plugins. That made me think… We all started off as geeks, didn’t we? What’s the use denying it? Remember how the teachers loved us, and the sexy cheerleaders, well, didn’t? During our moments of panic, we go back to our geeky roots. At least, I do.