I finally managed to read this book. I had heard some very good reviews about it, and thought that it would be worth a read.
Now, after finishing it, I have some pretty mixed feelings. I liked the story itself, and the plot was gripping. But I did not like the authors style of writing. It felt too much like a schoolmasters style, and was stilted and artificial (to me).
But like most books, its worth reading at least once. Though if you have to start, be warned. This is one thick book.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Some Poetry...maybe
I usually hate poetry...especially if it does not even rhyme. But at 1:50 am local time, my resistance collapsed, and I decided to try my hand at that Worse stuff. So here goes.
Visions of tomorrow
Each day I have I see something fresh
A flower blooms tonight, and fills my mind
Fragrances vie for attention
And today is a free day.
Don’t shed a tear when it wilts
Its time is done
And the dawn brings a new surprise.
The world of forever
Leaps out to surprise me.
And tomorrow is already today.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
A Long Day!
Sunday was one of my longest days so far. I had gone to sleep only by around 12:00 on Saturday, and was up at 4:00 in the morning in order to pick up some distant cousins from the Railway station.
It was all quite surreal. It was ridiculously early in the morning, and the station wore a really deserted look. There was this solitary pigeon cooing in the rafters which supported the roof of the old Cantonment station at B'lore. I was sitting with my cousin on the bench , admiring the beauty of the station, and glorying in its pristine condition. Then this train comes chugging in, and this sudden crowd of people get off, and then the train itself disappears a few instants later, leaving no signs of the mob that recently crowded the stations. Well, when I say no signs, I meant no VISIBLE signs! There were certainly enough olfactory signs floating around. It ensured that my cousin and I spent the next 20 minutes vainly trying to evade the stench that certain inconsiderate passengers left behind as their calling cards.
Anyway, we finally picked up cousins (who arrived to play the violin and mrudangam for a concert) at about 5:00 in the morning. Got back home, to play a couple of games of Warcraft III, and then to finish "Eldest" (To be reviewed).
Went out in the afternoon, and purchased a laptop for self and sister. Mine is comparitively cheaper, at about 47k...but that is still freaking expensive...especially for the loser config that all laptops seem to have! Got back home at 5:45 to attend said concert, which was actually very good indeed.
Then went to my aunts place to pig out, and dropped the cousins back to the railway station. It was almost 12:00 by the time I got back. Writing this, my computer clock says that the time is 1:01a.m...and considering the way my eyes feel, I think that the clock is showing the right time.
So my book and music reviews will have to wait until my next post...which might not be too soon.
It was all quite surreal. It was ridiculously early in the morning, and the station wore a really deserted look. There was this solitary pigeon cooing in the rafters which supported the roof of the old Cantonment station at B'lore. I was sitting with my cousin on the bench , admiring the beauty of the station, and glorying in its pristine condition. Then this train comes chugging in, and this sudden crowd of people get off, and then the train itself disappears a few instants later, leaving no signs of the mob that recently crowded the stations. Well, when I say no signs, I meant no VISIBLE signs! There were certainly enough olfactory signs floating around. It ensured that my cousin and I spent the next 20 minutes vainly trying to evade the stench that certain inconsiderate passengers left behind as their calling cards.
Anyway, we finally picked up cousins (who arrived to play the violin and mrudangam for a concert) at about 5:00 in the morning. Got back home, to play a couple of games of Warcraft III, and then to finish "Eldest" (To be reviewed).
Went out in the afternoon, and purchased a laptop for self and sister. Mine is comparitively cheaper, at about 47k...but that is still freaking expensive...especially for the loser config that all laptops seem to have! Got back home at 5:45 to attend said concert, which was actually very good indeed.
Then went to my aunts place to pig out, and dropped the cousins back to the railway station. It was almost 12:00 by the time I got back. Writing this, my computer clock says that the time is 1:01a.m...and considering the way my eyes feel, I think that the clock is showing the right time.
So my book and music reviews will have to wait until my next post...which might not be too soon.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
A movie review...Finally!
First, my day today started off with quite a surprise. I discovered that IIT Madras decided that my interview was not bad enough to throw me out, so I have a call from them as well.
However, I am pretty sure that I will take Kgp. Liked it a lot better than Madras anyway! :)
I was doing some basic googling for laptops, prices and features. While I never expected a laptop to be as good as a desktop, the prices and config did come as quite a shock. I would be shelling out 55k Rs, for a config which frankly, seems rather outdated. My current system, which is now almost 4 years old has a better configuration than todays notebook. (My box costed me...or rather my dad:) 35K)
I am starting to take up Batminton somewhat seriously again. Planning to go today and enrol in some place which has a court! And maybe play for about an hour a day.
Now for a movie review that I promised. My Cousin Vinny, which I watched on Sunday.
What can I say, this is one great movie. Funny as hell, and some splendid acting. Marisa Tomei (I hope I spelled it right) acted brilliantly in this movie, and really stood out. The plot itself follows two hapless college kids from New York who are accused of murder in Alabama. And they end up hirinng Vinnie, a rookie (of sorts) lawyer, who is handling his first case. Watch the movie. I doubt you would regret the choice!
However, I am pretty sure that I will take Kgp. Liked it a lot better than Madras anyway! :)
I was doing some basic googling for laptops, prices and features. While I never expected a laptop to be as good as a desktop, the prices and config did come as quite a shock. I would be shelling out 55k Rs, for a config which frankly, seems rather outdated. My current system, which is now almost 4 years old has a better configuration than todays notebook. (My box costed me...or rather my dad:) 35K)
I am starting to take up Batminton somewhat seriously again. Planning to go today and enrol in some place which has a court! And maybe play for about an hour a day.
Now for a movie review that I promised. My Cousin Vinny, which I watched on Sunday.
What can I say, this is one great movie. Funny as hell, and some splendid acting. Marisa Tomei (I hope I spelled it right) acted brilliantly in this movie, and really stood out. The plot itself follows two hapless college kids from New York who are accused of murder in Alabama. And they end up hirinng Vinnie, a rookie (of sorts) lawyer, who is handling his first case. Watch the movie. I doubt you would regret the choice!
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Eventful Week
I got a couple of results in this last week. First there was IIT Kharagpur, where I got through...and then there was IIT Delhi, where again, much to my surprise, I got through as well.
Anyway, I spent a couple of days thinking over what I wanted out of an MBA, and I have finally decided on IIT Kharagpur rather than delhi. The final reason was fairly simple. With a focus on management systems, and recruiters who are mainly IT firms, I did not feel that I would suit my own interests all that much taking the course.
I am just not focussed enough now to say that Systems is the right way for me to go. I would like to have an OR/Operations look, and even finance and marketing before making a choice. And taking IIT Delhi would have foreclosed those options even before I tried them.
Yes, placements are said to be a bit better at Delhi. But honestly, as long as you find a job that satisfies you, and earn more than you spend...does it really matter beyond that? And the difference is still only quite small. So I put placements out of my criteria in order to make my decision.
So anyway, that is done. I have mailed the DD for the 1st sem fees...of 50K! Which again brings me to one of my pet points. These courses, whichever way we look at it, are still aimed at the middle class...or upper middle class. Where are the management classes for those who are educated in their vernacular languages, and who are more likely to be entrepreneurs? We don't seem to have too many courses for those types, and the exams, frankly handicap anyone who is not great at English . Something for all of us to think about...and a problem that has few easy solutions.
Today is also my Birthday, and I spent it with some of my friends. Had fun watching My Cousin Vinny (which i should review some other day), and playing batminton...after several years! I shall sign off now, and probably write again sometime later.
Anyway, I spent a couple of days thinking over what I wanted out of an MBA, and I have finally decided on IIT Kharagpur rather than delhi. The final reason was fairly simple. With a focus on management systems, and recruiters who are mainly IT firms, I did not feel that I would suit my own interests all that much taking the course.
I am just not focussed enough now to say that Systems is the right way for me to go. I would like to have an OR/Operations look, and even finance and marketing before making a choice. And taking IIT Delhi would have foreclosed those options even before I tried them.
Yes, placements are said to be a bit better at Delhi. But honestly, as long as you find a job that satisfies you, and earn more than you spend...does it really matter beyond that? And the difference is still only quite small. So I put placements out of my criteria in order to make my decision.
So anyway, that is done. I have mailed the DD for the 1st sem fees...of 50K! Which again brings me to one of my pet points. These courses, whichever way we look at it, are still aimed at the middle class...or upper middle class. Where are the management classes for those who are educated in their vernacular languages, and who are more likely to be entrepreneurs? We don't seem to have too many courses for those types, and the exams, frankly handicap anyone who is not great at English . Something for all of us to think about...and a problem that has few easy solutions.
Today is also my Birthday, and I spent it with some of my friends. Had fun watching My Cousin Vinny (which i should review some other day), and playing batminton...after several years! I shall sign off now, and probably write again sometime later.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Freedom at last!
Yeah! Today was my last interview. IIT Madras this time. And this one was truly different. I decided to be a lot more assertive during the interview process this time, but I think that I overdid the assertive, and went a bit overboard there.
Anyways, this was more a testbed of whether I could handle a group interaction and interviews. And while I can't say that I am one of those born leaders, I do perform well in an interview situation, and usually have all the answers...or most answers.
So what is my advice to all you aspiring MBA candidates? Apart from confidence, there is a bit of prep that can be done. Knowing what you want out of life (or an MBA) is always useful. And if you are a confused soul like me, remember to hide it under a cloak of certainty! :-)
Know something about your area of studies. ie: If you are an engineer, know something about your branch and subjects. Work related questions are another certainty, and are a great place to showcase your abilities. So that is about it. If any doubts still exist...contact me. I shall confuse you properly then.
Till my next post...
Ta Ta.
Anyways, this was more a testbed of whether I could handle a group interaction and interviews. And while I can't say that I am one of those born leaders, I do perform well in an interview situation, and usually have all the answers...or most answers.
So what is my advice to all you aspiring MBA candidates? Apart from confidence, there is a bit of prep that can be done. Knowing what you want out of life (or an MBA) is always useful. And if you are a confused soul like me, remember to hide it under a cloak of certainty! :-)
Know something about your area of studies. ie: If you are an engineer, know something about your branch and subjects. Work related questions are another certainty, and are a great place to showcase your abilities. So that is about it. If any doubts still exist...contact me. I shall confuse you properly then.
Till my next post...
Ta Ta.
Friday, March 17, 2006
More Interviews
Yesterday was the IISc Interview. I actually decided right at the last minute that I would attend the interview. So I landed up there completely free from the pressure of having to perform. I have to say, I was not terribly impressed with the way the event was handled. While interview time was a lot longer than the 10-12 minutes that the IIT's had, the profs failed to realise that in order to ensure 40 people get 30 minute interviews, it would take 20 hours with 1 panel!
A lot of people had to end up waiting ages for their interview. And for an already nervous candidate, the waiting can work very badly indeed. Anyways, my interview was OK...although I could not answer a whole flurry of questions on Operations and Costing...not my strength areas anyway! But I did very well in the technical questions about my work, and in justifying my need for an MBA.
So all in all, I doubt I would get it, simply because they are looking for someone who is academically brilliant (which I am not), and has a large base of mathematical and formulae knowledge (which I don't). But the interview was interesting, and even though I will probably not join (even if I get the call), the campus was worth a visit.
A lot of people had to end up waiting ages for their interview. And for an already nervous candidate, the waiting can work very badly indeed. Anyways, my interview was OK...although I could not answer a whole flurry of questions on Operations and Costing...not my strength areas anyway! But I did very well in the technical questions about my work, and in justifying my need for an MBA.
So all in all, I doubt I would get it, simply because they are looking for someone who is academically brilliant (which I am not), and has a large base of mathematical and formulae knowledge (which I don't). But the interview was interesting, and even though I will probably not join (even if I get the call), the campus was worth a visit.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Eventful month
Yesterday was the day my GATE Results came out. Rank 1200 odd, which is really not very good. Admittadly, its a lot better than what I was expecting though. Which led me to consider again, whether our country really produces quality engineers.
I know my own skills, and while I am not a bad engineer, I have to say that I lack the knowledge to be a complete one. I need to refer to my formula table for almost any calculation. Any real life problem has to be broken into tiny bits for my mind to take it in. And most importantly, my technical and mathematical knowledge is truly abysmal (and I should know!).
Having said this, I must say that I am an excellent problem solver, and given enough time, I can analyse and solve almost any problem given to me...at least in the concept stage. I still lack the mathematical skills to make a rigourous proof stand up to scrutiny.
As for work, I have to say that what with attending the interviews and generally being in limbo, I have not been paying as much attention to it as I ought to. Besides, with most of the development already completed, I am left with the documentation to complete. Which is fun in its own way, but it tends to pall as the day wears on. But it would be good to release a product that is all mine...and mine is pretty close to being that! :)
I know my own skills, and while I am not a bad engineer, I have to say that I lack the knowledge to be a complete one. I need to refer to my formula table for almost any calculation. Any real life problem has to be broken into tiny bits for my mind to take it in. And most importantly, my technical and mathematical knowledge is truly abysmal (and I should know!).
Having said this, I must say that I am an excellent problem solver, and given enough time, I can analyse and solve almost any problem given to me...at least in the concept stage. I still lack the mathematical skills to make a rigourous proof stand up to scrutiny.
As for work, I have to say that what with attending the interviews and generally being in limbo, I have not been paying as much attention to it as I ought to. Besides, with most of the development already completed, I am left with the documentation to complete. Which is fun in its own way, but it tends to pall as the day wears on. But it would be good to release a product that is all mine...and mine is pretty close to being that! :)
Saturday, March 11, 2006
My Life, and interviews
I had an interview with IIT Kharagpur for their MBA Programme today. Must say, it was not all that bad...though I took it rather bindaas indeed. I was impressed by the sincerity of the team there, and their obvious friendliness.
As for the interview, I hope I convinced the man about the working of a variable displacement vane pump. But the rest of the questions were rather entertaining. The last part of the interview was the killer...where he asked where I would go if I got both Delhi as well as Kharagpur...and I answered Delhi.
But now, sitting back home, I am beginning to wonder. IIT Delhi does have a better reputation as a mgt. school. But both are quite close to each other in quality, and as for first impressions, I liked the attitude of the students from K'pur. They seemed less well...prepared with pat answers (though there were a couple of those as well), and happier to share gyan with us.
However, Delhi WAS more professional (checking your id and proof of education, rather than taking your word for it). And they had larger interview panels. But on the upside for K'pur, they kept centres in at least 2 other places, which is far more friendly for me. (I had to take 2 days off work and fly to Delhi for their interview!)
So what should I do? Considering neither has made an offer, that might be a wee bit premature! :) But now I am confused, and am looking for more data before I make a decision.
As for the interview, I hope I convinced the man about the working of a variable displacement vane pump. But the rest of the questions were rather entertaining. The last part of the interview was the killer...where he asked where I would go if I got both Delhi as well as Kharagpur...and I answered Delhi.
But now, sitting back home, I am beginning to wonder. IIT Delhi does have a better reputation as a mgt. school. But both are quite close to each other in quality, and as for first impressions, I liked the attitude of the students from K'pur. They seemed less well...prepared with pat answers (though there were a couple of those as well), and happier to share gyan with us.
However, Delhi WAS more professional (checking your id and proof of education, rather than taking your word for it). And they had larger interview panels. But on the upside for K'pur, they kept centres in at least 2 other places, which is far more friendly for me. (I had to take 2 days off work and fly to Delhi for their interview!)
So what should I do? Considering neither has made an offer, that might be a wee bit premature! :) But now I am confused, and am looking for more data before I make a decision.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Book Reviews!
Well, its been a while, but that is life! Been a bit too busy to write...but not too busy to miss reading, so here review of a couple of books that I (re)read this month.
CJ Cherryh--Fortress in the Eye of Time
Now this is a book that I vaguely recall reading several years ago (at least 4...probably 5 or more years ago). I remember reading it while I had a splitting headache, and thinking it was a bit wierd. A couple of weeks back, I spotted this book in an otherwise normal (ie: Filled with self help and Da Vinci Code books) bookshop in a Gurgaon mall. Of course, I had to buy it to see whether it was the book that caused the headache!
Well, I have to admit, the book is pretty good. VERY SLOW...but good. You follow the protoganist, Tristen as he meanders along the plot that the autheress takes him on. Very good writing, although I can't quite place why I liked the book. At any rate, I am going to read book 2 once I get back to Delhi (or can con my sister into couriering it back to namma Bengaluru!).
Caves of Steel & The Naked Sun -- Isaac Asimov
Again, books that I read back in my student days at school. But the opportunity to buy a hardbound edition of these two books for 200 bucks was just too good to resist. And reading them again, I have to say that these are the best books that Asimov wrote. Brilliant in concept, and with an awesome plot, the essential buddy story is amazingly written, and should be recommended reading for every fiction fan...and not just Science Fiction. Well worth the price...and Elijah Baley is the best SF detective I have found so far!
Well, that is it for now. I hope to review a few more books when I find the time to write. Suggestions on author and book recommendations are welcome, and ought to be directed to basel_gill--at--yahoo.co.uk. (Hmm....wonder where I got that name from!)
CJ Cherryh--Fortress in the Eye of Time
Now this is a book that I vaguely recall reading several years ago (at least 4...probably 5 or more years ago). I remember reading it while I had a splitting headache, and thinking it was a bit wierd. A couple of weeks back, I spotted this book in an otherwise normal (ie: Filled with self help and Da Vinci Code books) bookshop in a Gurgaon mall. Of course, I had to buy it to see whether it was the book that caused the headache!
Well, I have to admit, the book is pretty good. VERY SLOW...but good. You follow the protoganist, Tristen as he meanders along the plot that the autheress takes him on. Very good writing, although I can't quite place why I liked the book. At any rate, I am going to read book 2 once I get back to Delhi (or can con my sister into couriering it back to namma Bengaluru!).
Caves of Steel & The Naked Sun -- Isaac Asimov
Again, books that I read back in my student days at school. But the opportunity to buy a hardbound edition of these two books for 200 bucks was just too good to resist. And reading them again, I have to say that these are the best books that Asimov wrote. Brilliant in concept, and with an awesome plot, the essential buddy story is amazingly written, and should be recommended reading for every fiction fan...and not just Science Fiction. Well worth the price...and Elijah Baley is the best SF detective I have found so far!
Well, that is it for now. I hope to review a few more books when I find the time to write. Suggestions on author and book recommendations are welcome, and ought to be directed to basel_gill--at--yahoo.co.uk. (Hmm....wonder where I got that name from!)
Friday, January 27, 2006
First post!
Well, here I am...And here I hopefully shall remain!
First an introduction though.
I am a 24 year old Indian (from the orient...not the Red). I enjoy fantasy novels, physics, and lazing around. Frequently (when the mood strikes me), I tend to pontificate on any or all of the above. Or maybe something else entirely.
So oh audience, wait with bated breath...or considering my incorrigable laziness, that may not be a great idea. :)
First an introduction though.
I am a 24 year old Indian (from the orient...not the Red). I enjoy fantasy novels, physics, and lazing around. Frequently (when the mood strikes me), I tend to pontificate on any or all of the above. Or maybe something else entirely.
So oh audience, wait with bated breath...or considering my incorrigable laziness, that may not be a great idea. :)
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