I recently posted on social media that I had lost 30 lbs. of fat  The question I subsequently got asked by people was, "how did you do it?"  The short answer: there was no magic.  It was simply eating less, eating healthier and exercising more.  But, there were some specific things I did to help me along the way.  Read on if you are interested in learning the gory details of my fitness journey.

Palantir has been making headlines again (as seen in the image on the left) and have caused several people ask me, "What is it like to work for Palantir?"  In this entry, I attempt so summarize a day in the life of Palantirian.

I work in Santa Monica, along the up and coming "Silicon Beach" that features numerous startups and software behemoths alike.  Working in this area is a cool perk, but Palantir offers a lot more than just a cool location to work.  They feed us, do our laundry, give us a gym membership and stock the office with all kinds of snacks, drinks and toys. Up in the Shire (our code name for our Palo Alto headquarters), employees get free massages, free chiropractic adjustments, free onsite medical care, housing subsidies and much much more.

I'm back!  I haven't updated this blog in ages, but today, I felt it necessary to add a new entry to describe what has been one of the best vacations I have ever taken.  I went to Turkey and Greece with a touring company called Contiki.  What made this trip so awesome, you ask?  Read on...

You've probably heard about recent studies that showed spending too many hours sitting can lower your life expectancy, even with rigorous and regular exercise.  I always hated sitting in front of a computer for long hours, but I finally joined a company that allowed me to have a standing desk (and a pretty sweet one at that).  I've been using my standing desk now for several weeks and I thought I'd write a quick blog entry on my experience thus far.

For starters, it does take getting used to.  There definitely is a break in period with the desk.  The first few weeks can be a bit of struggle.  But, once you get over that hump, sitting long hours will seem like a drag.  In fact, you'll prefer to stand everywhere else.  Why?  The same reason why people who work out feel gross when they don't.  It just feels gross to just... sit.

I definitely feel different after standing most of the day.  I feel better.  Now, I can't go back.  Thanks Palantir.

There's a saying that all good things must come to an end.  But, for me, it's been replaced by something GREAT.  I'm happy to announce, that I have decided to take a position with Palantir Technologies.  It'll be located in the new, up and coming "Silicon Beach" area.  It's going to be a LOT of work, but it's also going to be super exciting and fun.  I am definitely looking forward to this new chapter in my life.

In other news, a new episode of STEM Radio is online!  We've recorded, edited and uploaded Episode 2 which features our new co-host Chloe Zak and our guest Dr. Deva Ramanan of the University of California in Irvine.  Check it out, it'll blow your mind!

Hello everyone! I know, it's been forever since I last updated this thing, but I've been busy with a lot of things including LAX Crossfit, traveling to China and moving to Marina Del Rey.  Recently, I created a new radio show called STEM Radio!  It's a podcast based program that covers the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math.  We'll be interviewing experts and looking at some of the most fascinating aspects of their domains.  It's going to be really cool and I hope you will enjoy it!

Welcome to my blog! This is my first post on my new website vimalgopal.com.  I used to have a blog on Google, but will be writing all future entries on this site from now on.  I don't have anything else to write today, but come back often to see what I've been up to.  See you soon!