So Far

Course work has been mainly number crunching. Even marketing, since we are engineers and our professor specialises in quantitative marketing (Bayesian Econometrics, Pricing, etc.), involves analyses of numbers in large quantities.

Accounting just doesn't make any logical sense until one begins to accept that it is not meant to expalin observable phenomena but to organise as best as possible (read - as best suits the interests) the commercial transactions of firms. Even then some 'concepts' are simply counterintuitive.

One saving grace has been Excel. Before coming here, I never thought I would appreciate anything sold by MS, but Excel so far has been absolutely indispensable. So much so that I would even purchase MS Office for it.

Durham is a crime ridden ghettoed hick town. Entertainment is therefore largely restricted to on campus activities and neighbouring towns. Thankfully, Duke provides high quality entertainment and cultural experiences. Over the course of my stay, I have seen basket ball matches between the US and Australian womens' teams, a performance of Cats, performances by famous classical musicians from Iran and Turkey, various orchestras apart from other events. More Broadway shows including The Great Game and The Man from La Mancha set to hit the campus. One great thing about education in USA is the abundance of free food, free T-shirts and free booze. Roti, kapda aur sharab.

Last week, the Chinese ambassador gave a speech in what is normally our classroom. He essentially conveyed that China is in no hurry to fully deregulate its exchange rate, that USA should stop crying about it and take concrete steps to up its economy instead. He suggested USA might decrease its trade deficit (deficit is simply inadequate to describe the situation) by selling more products that China is looking to import (read - restricted arms and other sensitive high tech equipment). When questioned about IP issues, he frankly admitted this was a problem and that they trying to tackle it. He also told USA in no uncertain terms to keep off Taiwan. Contrasted to the spinelessness of Indian politicians and bereaucrats, the Chinese approach is refreshing and admirable. I wonder if Microsoft's review of its China policy might be a consequence of this speech, farfetched perhaps.

Last month, the Indian ambassador, Mr. Ronen Sen visited Duke. The visit was rather short and low key, no speeches, only a few words for us, mainly on the emerging co-operation in space technology.