2010 Year in Review for RSG!

In about six hours, it is 2011! Can you believe it? 2010 was the first year of a new decade for me. The first year of the decade was a stellar one. It was stellar, since it involved working again in the corporate world (and other good experiences). Moving into a new environment also helped RSG to grow as a person. Being around the right friends who supported me during my every day in 2010 also helped me. Here are some more highlights:

1. Traveling to new and old places (like Seattle, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Bethesda, MD, and New Mexico)
2. Going to sporting events and concerts (John Mayer & Owl City)
3. Being involved in a fun, exciting relationship with a woman

These highlights are experiences that I never would have dreamed of happening. No matter what happens, these situations give me hope to move forward in 2011. Just Keep Living (aka J.K. Livin').

"How the G8 became the G-20 in the 21st century?"

In this post, you will learn about the G8 (The group of eight established nations from Europe, North America, and Asia). This group was formed in the late 1970s and 1980s (during the end of the 20th century), and the eight original members were the United States, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, and Russia. This group of nations would send their prime minister (president, or premier) to a yearly summit meeting, in order, to discuss the current situation of the world economy.

Each calendar year, the responsibility of hosting the summit would rotate through the member states in a certain, specific order. The holder of the presidency would set the agenda, host the yearly summit, and determine the ministerial meetings which will happen. From 1993-2000, Bill Clinton (the great U.S. president) and other worldly leaders met in various cities on different continents to discuss the world economy (and how it could expand further).

With the world economy growing (in terms of gross domestic product in developing nations), the G8 grew from eight original members to twenty members (which boast some of the strongest world economies ever) in 2009. The twenty members which comprise the G-20 are the European Union & the following countries: South Africa, Canada, Mexico, United States, Argentina, Brazil, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and Australia. The G-20 has countries from six of the seven continents. The G-20 is a collection of the largest, (most populous) civilized (developing economies) world powers (countries) which meet semi-annually, starting since 2008.

The goal of the G-20 is to preserve the international finance system, and to consult (plus collaborate) amongst each member nation on international policy issues. Each country sends its finance ministers, president (prime minister, or premier), plus secretary of state (or other cabinet positions) to conduct the meetings and to oversee ideas which help to improve the world economy. Finally, the future of the G-20 will continue to look bright if each member (nation) provides strong input on how the world economy can grow and prosper. The world recovery started back in the 3rd quarter of 2009, and it's up to the G-20 to assure the world that the recovery will stay for many years to come.

What’s happening with the PIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Greece, and Spain)?

In my last post, the BRIC economies and the CIVETS were defined. This post enumerates another group of countries, PIGS, and their economies. The PIGS are Portugal, Ireland, Greece, and Spain. About two weeks ago, Ireland requested a bailout of $113 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union (EU). Recently, Ireland received the bailout and their banks are getting some relief. Debt-strapped Ireland was forced to accept the bailout from both organizations, as the country is mired in an economic slump thanks to its ailing banks.

Next on the radar for countries which may need another bailout, are Portugal and Spain. Spain’s unemployment rate is 20% and joblessness has increased by almost 6% this year. The long-building construction and real estate bubble in the country has made Spain (the country with) the highest unemployment rate in the 27-member European Union. In addition, there is a widespread fear that Lisbon and Madrid are also in danger of defaulting that has led investors to dump those countries' bonds plus push up their borrowing costs in recent days. Spain’s Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is trying to reassure financial markets by granting 426 Euros/month to people, who have exhausted their 24 month unemployment benefits. Zapatero has mentioned that the country does not need a bailout, but his tone has changed in the past week. Recently, Spain reported a flat GDP (gross domestic product) number in the third quarter which is in line with their past reports of low growth for the majority of 2010.

Finally, let’s discuss Greece. Greece had implemented a program of austerity in its economic system. The country was proceeding in the direction of bankruptcy. Greece announced painful new austerity measures worth 4.8 billion Euros ($6.5 billion) to deal with a financial crisis; which has hammered the euro and unsettled financial markets. This report is from March 2010. As of December 1, 2010, Greece received an extension until 2021 to repay its 110 billion euro ($145.7 billion U.S.) EU/IMF bailout loan. Policymakers hope the move will help stop fears the overborrowed country will restructure its debt after the three-year EU/IMF funding ends. This extension will give the Greeks more time to return their economy to stable growth, and to pay off this overpowering debt. In closing, the world economy is suffering from the ongoing problems in the PIGS economies. At this time, the U.S. may get involved in helping the eurozone economies with the various bailouts.

CIVETS, BRIC, and other B.J. terms!

First, there's the BRIC economies which are flourishing these days. The BRIC stands for Brazil, India, Russia, & China. China is the world's second largest economy, as it overtook Japan for that title recently. India is home to the world's largest democracy, and the 2nd most populous country after China. Russia is home to Medvedev, Putin and a mix of capitalism plus independence from the E.U. (European Union). It will be a surprise if the Russians ever join the European Union. Why join when the 12th largest economy (Russia) is becoming a free market system filled with billionaires (a la Mikhail Prokhorov, Owner of the N.J. Nets). Finally, Brazil is the eighth largest economy and it is possibly the most powerful in South America. The country could boast one of the top five economies in the world in decades to come.

In addition to the BRIC, there is a new batch of emerging economies. The new list includes Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey, and South Africa (CIVETS). This sextet is known for having both diverse economies, and a growing population to support it. Why should Americans care about these countries? Because sovereign wealth funds ((U.A.E., Qatar, Oman, Singapore, etc.) are investing in these countries, as opposed to the traditional names.

Lastly, can the discussion of CIVETS and BRIC be discussed in a bar
(or nightclub)? Surely, there must be something better to discuss on a friday or saturday night. Not if you are RSG or Danielle G.! This past saturday, Hollywood G. discussed these terms and other business journalism acronyms with a friendly, dapper woman. Heck, the highly intelligent woman even thought RSG was in the wrong field. It was quite the compliment. Maybe if the I.T. world is too technical for me, then business journalism may be the right calling. 'Til then, I will keep supporting business software for customers in global markets as one of my careers.

Crazy Birthday Party!

Well, last night was a fun birthday party for my friends, Moni & Pooja. Their birthdays were in early October, but some common friends decided to throw a party for them. At the party, RSG tried to be the DJ by playing Jay-Z & Drake cds. Yet, the public did not like the music as much as he hoped. So, bhangra and alternative were played frequently. Also, top 40 songs were played which brought about some cool dancing. It appears that two friends of RSG, M.S. & M.M., were having a good laugh on Rahulio's dance moves. Don't get me wrong when everyone says that "RSG is a self proclaimed dancing fool." He devises his own moves on the dance floor, and people enjoy watching it. All in all, the party was a fun time. People had a lot of alcoholic beverages to consume. People consumed tons of food. Some people smoked hooka. The party went on until 2 am, and of course the cops came to break up the fiesta. They did not want to hear the bhangra. :)

This morning, People went home. The party was in P.V., which is a beautiful part of phoenix. P.V. is paradise valley, and it truly lives up to its name of being a valley of paradise. Ciao!

The Meaning of Diwakar and Other Names

Yesterday, my uncle, Diwakar Kale, passed away in Pune, India. It was a sad day for RSG. There are many fond memories of D.K., and he meant a lot to me. Diwakar Kaka was a person whom I could call "Light" uncle. His name had a meaning of a person who brings about "Light". Similarly, Divakar means "Sun" in Sanskrit. It may be related to Diwakar. On another note, names have different meanings. The R in RSG stands for Rahul. Rahul is a popular name in India. One of its meanings is "conqueror of all miseries" according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahul.

Another meaning of Rahul is "as bright as the sun." Rahul is the name uttered by Buddha, and it also means "bondage." If you have not read "Siddhartha" by Herman Hesse, it is a must read. It depicts the real life of Buddha, yet it does not mention the name of Rahul in it. Rahul was the name of Buddha's son. Other well known people with the name of Rahul are Rahul Bose, Rahul Dravid, and Rahul Gandhi.

Watching "The Social Network" & Other Good Flicks

A couple of days ago, RSG saw "the social Network" in a movie theater. It is a great movie about the founding of Facebook. David Fincher did a fantastic job with directing this movie. Let's hope it is a legitimate oscar contender in February 2011. Jesse Eisenberg (see picture above) plays the part of Mark Zuckerburg in the movie. Andrew Garfield does a stupendous job as Eduardo Saverin in the movie. Another incredible movie was "The Town." Three weeks ago, Rahulio saw the Ben Affleck directed movie. Jeremy Renner and Jon Hamm are enemies in this Boston based motion picture. Finally, "Wall Street Money Never Sleeps" is another fall classic starring Shia LaBoeuf and Michael Douglas. It is directed by Academy Award winner Oliver Stone. Wall Street 2 was not as good as the first one, but it brings real events (9/11, bank bailout, etc.) together to tell the story. As for future fall movies, Matt Damon plays a character with a strange gift in "Hereafter." Since Matt Damon is one of my favorite actors, this movie is a must see.

Latest Headlines (Mexican Independence Day, Rafa wins Grand Slam, & celebration for RSG!)

In a few hours, it's Mexican Independence Day. Viva La Mexico! Mexican Independence Day is September 16. Celebrate the day with some Pacifico, and good burritos. In other news, Rafael Nadal completed the career Grand Slam in tennis by winning the US Open tournament. King Rafa beat Novak Djokovic to capture his first US Open title. Rafael Nadal won in 4 sets over the Serbian tennis stud. Novak pulled the shocker of the tournament by derailing the Federer express (aka Roger Federer) in the semifinals in a thrilling five setter. Last but not least, Rafael Nadal has congratulated Rahulio Ganpuleone on celebrating a score, a decade, plus 4 years on the planet. Rafa has asked RSG for some advice, on how he can win the Australian Open in 2011. This is no joke, but the real deal! All Rsg had to say to Rafa was "Vamos Rafa." For future advice that Rafa can ask RSG, stay tuned!

August in Retrospect

August is the eighth month of the calendar. It is a month, which means majestic in the english dictionary . For RSG, August is becoming a beautiful month. On August 18, 2010, Rahulio Ganpuleone went to the John Mayer & Owl City Concert at Cricket Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ. It was incredible to see John Mayer for the 2nd time. RSG had the opportunity to see John M. in 2004 with Maroon 5. That was a great show. But, John M. has become a great musical act over the years. By producing four popular albums in the past decade, John has continued to "say what you mean to say." Owl City did a stupendous job with their blend of synthpop, as an opening act. Their album cover has the august Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai on it. Their song, Umbrella Beach, is a classic melodious track. Before the John Mayer concert, RSG decided to take upon a new identity on the Facebook . The RSG is Rahulio Ganpuleone as of 8-13-2010 on Facebook . So far, people have realized that it is a joke which RSG devised. On another note, rsg has decided that posting status updates on facebook may be cool. But, writing on my weblog may be my own release!

Jetsetting the Western USA

Two weeks ago, RSG was in L.A. visiting friends and family. He had a chance to hit the orange county beaches (Newport Beach and Laguna Beach) as well. It was great to walk around Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Then, Las Vegas was the next city for Hollywood G. to check out. The view from my room in the mirage was pretty sweet (check the picture). Also, I went to the new Aria hotel and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel as well. Mandarin Oriental Hotel is one of the most expensive hotels on the strip. This trip to Las Vegas was great because of a friend's bachelor party. One of the events of the bachelor party was clubbing at Jet in the Mirage. That was a fun time. In five weeks, Seattle is the next and final stop in the Western USA. Mount Rainier might be a great mountain for me to see. The city of Seattle has not graced RSG's presence since the early '90s. It's been way too long! After Seattle, it's time to think of a new travel destination. Jetsetting is definitely cool!

Great Month in Sports

The past month has been a great one in the world of sports. First, the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA title for the 2nd year in a row over the Boston Celtics. Second, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams won the men's and women's singles titles at Wimbledon. Finally, the World Cup has also been fun to watch. The semifinals will start this week with Uruguay vs. Netherlands on July 6, followed by Germany vs. Spain on July 7. Back to the NBA, the Lakers will have Phil Jackson back to coach them for 2010-11 season. The lakeshow won 4 to 3 over Boston in the series. Kobe Bryant was named the Finals MVP for the 2nd year in a row. The Lakers won their 16th NBA championship. Here's a nice picture of the Kobe-Odom tandem.

Being Resilient!

Well, this post is all about the word, "resilient". Resilient means springing back; rebounding. It is used as an adjective. This is the definition from www.dictionary.com. Here's an example of the word in a sentence. My good friend, Primo, has the great trait of being the most resilient of my friends. He displays resilience in many ways through being calm, cool, and having good stress management skills. Resilient is one of my favorite words, because RSG has learned to become flexible through various, tough catastrophes in the past year. Resilience is a two-dimensional construct concerning the exposure of adversity and the positive adjustment outcomes of that adversity, when it is defined in a psychological context. Resilient people are expected to adapt successfully even though they experience risk factors that are against good development. Resilience in psychology is the positive capacity of people to deal with stress and catastrophe. Resilience is also treated as an effective coping mechanism when people are under stress, such as a long period of unemployment. Finally, RSG concludes this post with a picture of Michael J. Fox. He is an inspiration for all of us, since he has Parkinson's Disease. His uncanny ability to cope with the disease for many years is an excellent example of being resilient.

Summer Movies 2010!

Well, there are some good flicks coming out this summer. Here are some of my top picks:

1. Iron Man 2
2. Robin Hood
3. The A-Team
4. The Prince of Persia
5. Shrek Ever After

I think these 5 movies will do pretty well at the box office. I really want to see Russell Crowe & Cate Blanchett in Robin Hood. There are other good movies for the summer also, such as "Inception." It is a movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page. I can't wait to see all of these movies. :)

http://www.robinhoodthemovie.com/

Kathryn Bigelow wins Best Director, & "The Hurt Lockers" wins 6 awards! Yeah!

Well, the Academy Awards are over. But, it was a great show. Kathryn Bigelow won Best Director Award and "The Hurt Locker" won 6 awards. Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin were really funny as the hosts of the show. Avatar won three awards, Up won two awards, and Crazy Heart won 2 awards. The show was better than last year's show in my mind. Unfortunately, Up in The Air did not win an award. Neither did Invictus or Nine. Yet, the show was great to watch. Heck, all movies were winners tonight. Check the picture of Kathryn Bigelow. She does not look to be in her 50s, as she is the true example that age is only a number.

Countdown to Academy Awards!

Well, it's February and the Academy Awards are only 33 days away. Yesterday, the Academy Awards Nominations were announced by Anne Hathaway. "Avatar" and "The Hurt Locker" received nine nominations each, which was the most for any movie. "Inglourious Basterds" received eight nominations. "Up In The Air" and "Precious" received six nominations each, and "Up" received five nominations. The show is hosted by Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin this year. It will be March 7, and I can't wait for the show. This year is the first year since 1943 that ten movies were nominated for best picture. For now, here are some front-runners in their respective categories. Look for Sandra Bullock to win the Best Actress prize in her first nomination, and Jeff Bridges to win the Best Actor prize. Hopefully, Kathryn Bigelow will win the Best Director prize for "The Hurt Locker." Finally, Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman were nominated for Best Supporting Actor & Best Actor for "Invictus." G. Ripley is very happy that these two great actors received nominations for this epic movie.

Golden Globes Recap: "Up", "Crazy Heart", & "Avatar" win the most awards!

"Up" won two awards, as did "Crazy Heart" & "Avatar." Unfortunately, "The Hurt Locker", "Invictus", & "Nine" were winless tonight. At the 67th Golden Globes, Ricky Gervais dazzled the crowd with his humor. It was a really funny show thanks to him. Sandra Bullock also won her first golden globe for "The Blind Side." Meryl Streep won a golden globe for her great portrayal of Julia Child in "Julie & Julia." If this awards show is a precursor to the Academy Awards, then hopefully Sandra Bullock will take home the Best Actress award. We'll see if that happens on March 7, 2010.