Preternatural

Ooh! Shiny!

2011-11-04T07:31:00.000-05:00

I am notorious for starting out, all excited and rejuvenated about blogging and then stopping after a post or two. Classic case of the generation with perennial ADD, right?Meh...I lurrve the new look of Blogger and I thought I'd take a shot again. Yea, we'll see how long that lasts :)

I'm A Geek - Prelude

2011-03-15T00:23:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's no secret. To say that I am excited by gadgets, technology, apps and anything with a button (wink, wink) is an understatement. Tech blogs and tech websites are first on my bookmarks bar, followed by GMail which seems like life-support sometimes. I strive to be on the beta-invite list for every new product out there. Losing out on the Cr-48 made me experience withdrawal symptoms for days. Finding out that a friend of mine got it and I didn't gave me heartburn. Being one of the first people to try out Asana, EightBitMe etc. is something I gloat about to all and sundry. Whether they care or know is not the point.

You get the idea right? So, these past weeks, I was trying to measure how big a geek I am. I'd like to be big, like the big hairy guy in the Japanese movie?(The person who guesses the movie gets nothing, but a big kudos from a fellow geek). I don't know how I can, but I figured we're all about numbers, and how many alphas and betas we've tested right? Meh....I dunno. But I'm still going to count.

So, i'm on a mission to find out how many products I use right now, which are not mainstream. To be able to say that I am probably using the next Facebook or Twitter, a year before people realize what it's going to be, is number one on my Bucket List of things to do. The first thing I realized was that I'm using wayyyyy too many applications! Or used them atleast once. What I also realized was that I had lost count of them, and a number of them had removed themselves from my memory (Needless to say, these are the ones which are definitely not going to be the next Facebook or Twitter, or so I would like to believe). The first places I started looking to see what applications I've been using was Facebook and Twitter (er, obviously right?). The apps/websites/services I had 'Facebook Connect'ed and Oauth'ed. So this is what I came up with, in no specific order.

SCVNGR
Digg
Quora
Asana
connect.me
Brand-Yourself.com
Groupon
LivingSocial
Klout
GoToGuru
Canvas
Foursquare
Foodspotting
SocialTalk
Quirky
Gowalla
Etsy
Photobucket
PageModo
Sosasta.com
Chirply
JIBE
DTR Music
Blekko Search
gogobot
Pulse
paper.li
picplz
about.me
Flipboard
Cortex
Xtranormal
Rockmelt
BraveNewTalent
Gist
StumbleUpon
Etacts
Friend.ly
EightBit
Dropbox
twidroyd
oneforty
UberMarket
Hashable
Hype Machine
GateGuru
BeamMe
Tweeter Karma
Twitgether
Twinfluence
Twiangulate
SocialToo

Now, mind you, I don't use even 10% of these on a regular basis. So, I'm trying to figure out if I can objectively evaluate the items on this list (which will most definitely keep on growing) and predict the next Twitter or Facebook (or Google for that matter)! OK, maybe not that far-seeing, but to find out if I can make observations on why I do and don't use or see the use for them.

We'll see if I succeed. Or we won't. Meh.

Cricket V/S Football

2010-06-21T23:41:00.000-05:00

It's only natural to post something about sports when it's the season. Football fever is running high all around. And cricket is well, the sport of all seasons for us Indians.

It's been a hard cricket season for our cricketers and there's been a huge debate about what format of the game really does justice to the players, spectators and well, the sport itself. Thinking about that, it's interesting to look at football (or soccer) as a sport and its evolution. Soccer as we know it, has always been the same format. 90 min of play and plus a few. Never have we seen a 30 min or a 60 min, shortened or bastardized version of the game. One may argue that indoor football or such variations exist, but realistically what share of viewership or commercial clout do these formats hold?

What i think i'm trying to get at is - Football has grown from strength to strength, gaining fans and followers all over the world. BUT, the game, the beautiful game, is still the same! Why then, do we feel the need to add 'novelty' or more 'excitement' to the game of cricket? I can already hear arguments about the pace of the game and how the 2 games are so inherently different. I AGREE. But even so, there probably needs to be some underlying thread that connects all sports at a higher level. There is also the fact that Cricket and all the 1.3 billion Indians have a connection far stronger than football and my countrymen. So, instead of trying to tap the 'lucrative' American markets, how about increasing your reach from 200 million TV viewers to 1 billion? I automatically foresee a 20 fold increase in revenue, viewership and commercial viability. Oh, and I haven't even spoken of using various formats! As much as i love the 20-20 format, I feel that it has cannibalized the other formats. To the extent, that there is talk of completely dumping the One-dayer or Test format. Which in itself is a sign of the mismanagement of the sport. I don't have a solution here, but I do believe it is important to voice the concern of a sizable chunk of cricket or sports lovers, about the side-effects of letting misinformed bureaucrats and short-sighted industrialists running the game.

Make sense?

Peace!

-R

Delhi Travails

2010-06-13T10:02:00.000-05:00

So, it's been about a fortnight since I moved to Delhi and there are a ton of impressions that I've made about the city. Some good, some umm...not-so-good.

The good - Undoubtedly, the food. More pointedly, Paneer (Cottage Cheese, if you may). I have never had such good paneer ever in my life. There are defined places where you go to find good paneer in Bombay, but the paneer here is just - good. Anywhere you eat it!

Anyway, that's enough. I've already ordered in a Peppy Paneer Pizza from Domino's thanks to my lascivious rant about it :)

I read a blog a while ago, which was a cynical commentary about Delhi folks. I thought it was a funny and exaggerated account of the people of Delhi. Unfortunately, I think it's a lot closer to the truth than what I believed. Delhi men are lecherous. Open, unabashed and shameless in their objective view about women. Now, there's nothing wrong in appreciating a beautiful woman (of which there many in this city btw). But discretion is appreciated and necessary, or so I've grown up believing. Thanks to Bombay's culture.
P.S. I've lived and loved Bombay all my life, so there is definite bias in my opinions. Feel free to disagree and disapprove.

I'm put up at my second cousin's parents place here. So, I don't pay rent. Sweet. I don't need to do my dishes or clean the apartment. Sweeter. But, like they say, nothing in life is free.

Having to attend boring family get-togethers, avoiding late night outs with friends, ensuring that my aunt is aware of my every move and other such constraints, are probably, payment in kind! I need to find my own place soon. For more reasons than I can list here. So the search continues.

Until next time, from Delhi's Dark Underbelly - Gurgaon. Like the Delhiites would say - Later, buddy!

Internship.

2010-06-06T01:21:00.000-05:00

Yes, no confusion there. I finally have an internship. It's been a seriously long and arduous struggle, but I think I've finally found something which I am really excited about. Before I bore you with my internship details and my company, I wanted to ramble a little about the outlook of my folks, or probably, most Indian families about a job or a company.

DLF Galleria - My Workplace!

One, a job isn't a real job until the company has a turnover of at least a $100 million! Weird? Yes. True? Absolutely!

Two, working for a start-up or a small company, is a waste of time and intelligence. I can see the basic philosophy behind it - Small company = lack of stability. And if you know anything about most Indians, stability, is a big, big thing. But therein lies the fundamental reason why the world also seems to associate Indians with being meek and lacking that X-factor to take risks and make it really big in the business world.

I know a lot of people will give me tons of example of how, Indians are ruling the world and are going to be the next superpower. I don't disagree, but I just prefer having a more pragmatic approach. 10 people or maybe 100 or even 1000 people of out a potential 500 million 'employment worthy' countrymen, is a alarmingly small proportion of success stories.

Maybe, I'm too pessimistic. But I think this attitude and a desire to break away from the mold will eventually help me stand out (like a beacon or a sore-thumb, remains to be seen!) eventually! Well, let's see what the next 3 months and the future holds for me!

Now, about my internship. I'm working for a really exciting little company called Mirabilis Advisory Pvt. Ltd. In they're own words -

"Mirabilis Advisory is an economic development consultancy that works in the areas of globalisation, urbanization, sustainability and entrepreneurship. We undertake complex research-led mandates on behalf of clients, typically governments and institutions, to inform competitive positioning, economic development programmes and communication strategies. Based on our expertise, knowledge and insight, we also develop and own impactful brand-building platforms that influence and shape public opinion."

I think that's a really cool mission. I am working with a large American realty fund, which I can't name due to privacy and company policies, to evaluate the Indian retail market. My responsibilities include mapping the retail market, in terms of local geographies, residential and commercial influences on markets, impact of different retailing formats like malls, hi-streets or stand-alone establishments. The second part of my profile includes evaluating and creating a comprehensive report about the international brands which are looking to foray into India by interviewing their country brand managers.

That, I think, is enough gloating for the day!

P.S. It's a small office, but luckily I've met some really interesting and fun co-workers!

Peace!

The Good, The Bad and The Not-So-Bad

2010-04-08T07:54:00.000-05:00

It was one amazing and frustrating weeks, both at the same time. On the one hand, i experienced a truly electric atmosphere at a soccer match and on the other i've been twiddling my fingers waiting for someone to call and say, 'Can we offer you a position at our company?'

Let's start with the bad, so we can end this on a pleasant note, shall we?

So, yes, as you must've guessed, it is still status-quo. I still don't have an internship/job offer. In addition, I haven't been challenged at school either. It's a really, no, really bad combination! A lethal mix of lethargy and disappointment, with a dash of frustration and helplessness. Doesn't sound too appetizing does it? I'm so inclined to make one of my politically incorrect statement about the french education system and the french students, but I think that can wait until someone offers me a job! ;)

Alright then, on with the good stuff! Two great things - The sun is shining here in Bordeaux and that allowed us to be beachbums again! Second, I witnessed one of Europe's biggest passions - Soccer!

So, I never in my 24 years of existence, imagined that I would miss the sun so much! I mean, we never have a shortage of sunshine in beautiful Bombay, do we? We actually cringe at it more often than not! But, in my time in rainy Oregon, and an equally rainy and gloomy Bordeaux (albeit only in the winter, i must emphasize), I realized that I craved sunshine as much as Dracula despises it! I also realized how much I missed the water and the ocean! So the precursor to the ocean was an Easter Egg Hunt on a gorgeous sunny day out in the part! Laid around, munched on fattening easter eggs and played with the frisbee. Picture on left.And then, the next day, to complete our tryst with the sun, sand and water - off we were to the beach for a bright, warm and sunny day! I also discovered that I loved frisbee and had a knack for anticipating where the disc would land! I was even referred to as, a frisbee dog by someone! Funny, I thought.

The second was being part of a Champions League football OR soccer, for the Americans. For those in the know, you can imagine how grand the setting is for a Champions League Quarter Final. And boy, was I jumping like a 6 year old at the sight of candy, when I saw the entire stadium roar in unison when the home team ran onto the pitch! Team songs, chantings, the synchronized back and forth between the north and south stands and the occassional illegal fireworks definitely add color to the canvas!

My American friend was equally astonished at how vocal and vociferous the supporters were! In his words - 'Back home, there would be a really small section being loud and rowdy like that. And they'd be called assh****'! But both of us had the time of our lives and agreed that if money wasn't the restraining factor, we'd love to live in Europe! It does have it's small nagging little problems though!

I'm talking only about the French here. God, they smoke! They smoke like they're lives depended on it. And they're allowed to smoke in stadiums or public places in general! I think that's the most preposterous rule ever! They REFUSE to speak anything but French, even though they can't get over 'I Gotta Feeling' by the Black Eyed Peas

P.S. I won't mention the result of the game, because that wasn't to my satisfaction, but I know I'm going to cherish those 90 minutes for a long long time to come!

Coming back to the job scene, for some odd reason, i'm feeling calm about the whole thing. If it has to happen, it will I guess? I couldn't think of a title for this post either. But now, I think I know.

Peace.

Movies, Movie Makers, Movie-Goers and Movie Theaters

2010-03-25T05:57:00.000-05:00

I watched Alice in Wonderland last night at a theater in Bordeaux, France. There were a lot of interesting things that i noticed. I thought i'd write about it and see what the readers think about it.

First, the movie. It was brilliant! I went in a little skeptical, just cause it was directed by Tim Burton. But it truly was an entertaining, edgy and a brilliant interpretation of the classic story. The vivid colors, the even more vivid and sometimes morbid characters were a treat to watch. My favorites were the Mad Hatter (of course, Johnny Depp turns in a crazy performance again!), the March Hare and Tweedle Dee and Dum. I absolutely hated Alice though. But more about it later, when i speak about the Movie Maker - Tim Burton. The movie, i thought could have been edited better. It takes time to pick up speed early on and slows down to a slug near the half way mark. But all in all, it's definitely a movie everyone must watch - whether you like Tim Burton's brand of cinema or not.

Speaking of Tim Burton, I know people say that he's a genius or a maverick film maker. But maybe i'm not an intelligent movie-goer, but i always get weirded out by most of his movies, for a number of reasons. One - All of his characters always seem to be stoned!? Like they're on crack or something. Why? I mean Alice could've been a prettier girl, without the dark circles under her eyes. All the other characters could've been just as intriguing without looking like a hybrid between zombies and the Joker from Batman?

People speak about a director's creative freedom or interpretation, but correct me if i'm wrong - Isn't the purpose of a movie to engage audiences? Now, I try to interpret Tim Burton's vision using my marketing MBA degree - Let's engage the audience by shocking them, by making them feel weird about the characters. That way they'll remember the movie. But i see one hole in that theory - Why do you have to use those tactics if you can just use brilliant visuals, great acting and a tight story line? Is Tim Burton underestimating his own abilities as a film maker? Or am I supposed to watch the movie thinking, 'Ah, that's Tim Burton, give him his quirks will you?' If so, I think my skepticism will take a few more Alice in Wonderlands to wane away. A Charlie and the Chocolate Factory though, will definitely not help. What do you fellow movie-goers think?

Oh, so I mentioned that I saw the movie in a French city, in a French cinema, surrounded by a bunch of French people. Isn't it ironic, that the very people who absolutely REFUSE to speak to you in English are watching an English movie? With no voice overs or dubs I might add! It's an interesting cultural phenomena. There is a sizable chunk of population here which watches movies in original language, but i've spoken to a number of these very people (or tried to!) but astonishingly, they revert back to French as if they never heard an English syllable before! WTF right?

Oh, but the funniest part is - The movie had French sub-titles. I don't know if the others with me noticed, but most native English speakers laughed 'along' with the funny parts of the movie, but the French laughed 'after' :)
Maybe, it was because all the characters spoke with a Scottish accent?! Yea, what the hell is with that?! Was Carroll Scottish? I don't know, so i'm asking. I just always figured they'd be English. But everyone spoke with a Scottish accent in the movie! (Another one of Tim Burton's quirks which i'm supposed to let go?)

And yes, the thing which has bothered me most, in Europe and in the US - All the movie theaters are so expensive! But, we still don't have allocated seating! You need to rush in early and find the best seats in the house! I think that's just total dog p**p! In India, for the €9 equivalent, I would have the best seats in the house, sometimes with a tub of popcorn to boot! And there would be bell-boys who would bring my order of food and drinks to my seat! Why does it not work like that in the so-called, advanced Western World!

Questions, Questions, Questions. Answers anyone? P.S. Go watch the movie!

Job Search : Getting Past the Auto-Bots

2010-03-15T11:50:00.000-05:00

So, i'm sure everyone reads articles with huge promises like 'How to Get that 6-figure salary' or 'How to use the social web to get your dream job'. Well, I read all of those and will continue to do so. Albeit, with a healthy skepticism and a pinch of salt. I'm no expert, no 'HR Guru' or 'Your One-Stop Job Shop'. Hell, I don't even have a 'real' job as of now!

So, who the hell am I to be writing a blog post telling people how to get a job?

First thing - i'm NOT going to tell you how to get a job! No one can!

Secondly, I honestly think I can write about the job market 'cuz I'm looking for one - having sent out over 200 'customized and focused' resumes but still without a real job. So, who better to tell you than someone who is in the same boat as you?

Yea, I used all the tips that these so-called gurus give out. But, guess what? I got this response 'Thank you for applying to XYZ. Your profile is excellent, but sorry, it's not a good fit with our organization' or some variant. Why, if I followed all those golden words of wisdom, did I still not merit a response from a human being? Why demean me with a computerized response?

After a lot of trials, tribulations, phases of immense self-doubt (which still keep recurring BTW), I think I sort of know how to at least get to the 'human phase', if you may, of a job search. So, here are my 'words of wisdom' :P

Actually, you know what, i'll break it to you right now, so you don't need to waste your time if you think its bullshit to read through! It's not going to be too long anyways, FYI.

5 People Who Will Get You Past The Auto-Bots- Your father, brother/sister, cousins, best friends and girlfriend(Yes, they do have a use ;) ). NOBODY ELSE.

Wait, let me say that again - NOBODY ELSE is going to make the effort that these people will, to get you your dream job, or well the next best thing atleast! :) The nobody includes your Career Advisor at school(who only does it for the numbers and is happy if there are fewer students getting jobs, but at big places), professors(who are way too moody to be taken seriously), your LinkedIn 'network', your Twitter 'followers' and definitely not these self-professed gurus (Notice the sarcasm and bitterness about these people).

So, if you still feel like reading - Great! If not, well, thanks anyways! :)

Seriously, if they're so good at getting people these awesome jobs, wonder why NONE of them are big shots in the big companies. Now, don't give me the 'Oh, 'coz all i want to do is help people and I think i'm really good at it' bull****. So were Mother Teresa and Gandhi!

Why not be the HR head of a Microsoft, Apple or whatever and then implement your 'be-good' philosophy? Anyways, too much blabber. Sorry!

So Use your Network YES! YES! I know, you've heard that, been there, done that.
Use the People You Know YES! I know you've heard that too.
But in my case, that's the ONLY thing which has gotten me any sort of lead.

Think about it. Your father's been in his industry for over what 10/15/20 years? He's got to know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone who can get you an interview atleast? Hell, my kid brother knew a friend who knew a guy looking to hire! I got an interview and it was a done deal. But sometimes, things are not meant to be. But hey, I could atleast feel good about myself when that guy expressed extreme anguish at not being able to get me on board!

So, to sum it up. You need to do 2 things. And Two Things Only! No bull****! Seriously!

1. Get your resumes in order. Customize them or do whatever it is you do. What YOU feel is the right way to do it! No guru advice, nothing.

2. TELL the 'Network' how badly you want to work, prove yourself and eventually do good for the company. No, you don't need to 'remind' them all the time! :P They love you, they'll play you up every chance they get!

If everything works out well, you'll have a job without all the jazz that everyone else throws at you. No, 'working your LinkedIn network' or 'Leveraging Twitter'. Then - thank me for it ;)

Or just sharing, tweeting, or emailing this post will do too! So one day i can be a guru! LOL!

Politically Incorrect

2010-03-08T12:50:00.000-06:00

So, don't get me wrong, but i think jokes about stereotypes are funny. I've lived and interacted with people from numerous nationalities, races and color and i've found them to be fascinating! But what's life without pulling each others legs huh? So, DISCLAIMER: This is not a racist/biased post, it's in jest and i hope the readers take it that way!

So, i go to class today and the French really live up to their reputation of having utter disregard for peers, being snobs and of course, a total disinclination to recognize the nuances of the watch! So the class is 'supposed' to start at 8:30am, and the poor professor, who is Hungarian, is early! To his dismay and confusion, there is not a single soul in the classroom. And it's 8.25! Surprise, surprise! P.S. I haven't really been able to find too many Hungarian stereotypes 'cept that they only eat meat! ;) So, no jokes there.

Alright, so i've been here for 8 months, so i arrive at 8.29 and there are a few souls around.

No surprise. I can take that. I've lived here this long, i can't be bothered by this? Hell, i'm some part french too! I eat cheese and bread and drink wine!

Anyways, class begins and then i start observing people around me and that's where the idea for this post germinates. So, i'll segment my paragraphs by nationality or group of similar nationalities (you'll see what i mean, maybe even get riled up, but eventually laugh about it ;) )

First,

INDIANS: (Simply because i'm patriotic) What? It's true! I am! :)

So, the Indians are the first ones to raise their hands whenever a question is asked. BTW, never can an answer be to the point - Prof: Tell me your name, country and your major. Indian: I'm Vijay, father's name Deenanath, mother's name, Laxmi. I'm from south of India, it is close to the sea and we eat lots of fish and rice. I major in marketing at the university of bengalooru. It is a beautiful city. I love my city. I love my country. Jai Hind! Thank you Sir.

They will then retire to their computers to skype with their girlfriends, mothers and wives. All this is while class is still on. They also like to watch Bollywood songs on youtube, and somehow manage to forget to turn the sound off. Its brilliant, i say!

GERMANS, AUSTRIANS and some SWISS: They will read news. Never disturb the class. But never participate either. 'It's the German way, some say'! Nothing perturbs them. Talking, ringing phones, professor's questions. Nothing. Germans - Ice cold, baby.

AMERICANS, CANADIANS and SOME MEXICANS: perezhilton.com for girls and espn.com for guys, Emails, Google chat, MSN,. In that order. And sometime in the middle, they will realize that they don't understand what the professor is saying and they'll go, 'I'm sorry, but i didn't get that. Do you mean to say that marketing is not the right way to sell your product? I think i disagree. Two reasons : If you take the case of Apple, you'll see that marketing is the be all and end all of business. Two: We have Wal-mart, so we can't be wrong!'

So, at this time, i start getting a little worked up.

Canadians and Mexicans try to mutter something, but Canadians know that they can't beat Wal-mart and Mexicans are shy to admit that 60% of Wal-mart's workforce is Mexican! ;)

FRENCH: They always have something ground-breaking to talk about as soon as the professor starts to explain his slides. Guys talk about who's tapping who and likewise for the girls. After all, France is a 'sensual' country as one of my gay friend likes to call it! :D And i thought that they talked about wine, cheese and bread! Blah! How bland! The guys also like to play a facebook game wherein you require all your skills to unhook the bra of a women moving at great speed! Now, we know why all women like French men! They're so skilled! And like they say 'Practice makes a man perfect'. Believe it.

Now, i'm starting to hyperventilate a little bit.

And finally,

CHINESE: (And all the other small eyed people)
Ok so there are two sets of small eyed people.

First, they can never find the classroom. Even if you give them a map. Nada! No go! Oh, BTW, this applies to both sets.

The first set will listen to the professor, write everything down, either on the computer or on paper. Even the stuff on the slides, which are available on the intranet anyways. They will always have their digital dictionaries with them for translation. BUT, BUT, BUT - They still don't understand simple instructions like -
'Please turn to page 6'.
Chinese: 'Ehh, ex-a-cuse-a me. What-a do-a we-a have-a to do-a?'

The second set don't even try. Their above that you see. They are always downloading Chinese movies, videos or finding out incredibly useful stuff from the Chinese Google, called Gougou and Youtube- (dunno the chinese version). This set are the ones who sit on the first bench - fall asleep - not wake up even if their cell phones go off multiple times - then wake up at their own convenience - turn around and start talking to their kin about what happened.

This set also is so bad at directions, that they turn up for class 20 minutes before it's the end of the day. They then realize that they're wasting their time so walk out 10 min before class is about to end. BAD ASS!

Yes, then i lose it.

I ask the professor to get a handle. The Hungarian professor says - "Ah yes, ok" And goes on like nothing happened! Great, now we know the Hungarian stereotype - They're the 'We don't give a f*** about anyone or anything. We do what we do. Screw you.'

Now i'm cool again. It's futile, so don't fight it. I turn on skype to chat with my mum. :P

So, that's all the stereotypes i have for this post. I think i'll just update this post as and when i can come with more scandalous and ridiculous stuff about the different people i meet!

To all future employers who are going to scan my social presence ( :P )- I hope you can take some good hearted light banter? After all, in dark times like these for business, you gotta gimme some love for trying to spread a little cheer! Albeit, in ways, that are not always acceptable. BUT, funny nonetheless!

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee, Thackeray!

2010-02-06T06:21:00.000-06:00

It pains me no end to see this unending farce that the Shiv Sena is playing out in Bombay. Yes! You read that right; Bal Thackeray! I said Bombay! You can go suck it!

Ok, now that i've vented a little bit, lets talk logic. I didnt think i'd blog about serious issues, but well, here goes anyways.

Whats the Shiv Sena's agenda? Maharashtra is for Marathis only? Correct me if i'm wrong but i don't believe it is any deeper than that. Now, i pulled up some statistics and inferred some other things from living in Bombay all these years.

Data: 55 percent of the Indian population will be living in cities in less than 40 years. (UN Report). Bombay generates 5% of India's GDP, 25% of the industrial output, 40% of the maritime trade and 70% of capital transactions.Number of people who claim Marathi is their mother tongue is down from 76.5 to 65.8 percent (Economic Survey of Maharashtra 2008-09). BMC had to shut 27 marathi-medium schools for lack of students in 2009.

My Inferences and Observations:
Businesses in Bombay - Predominantly Run By

Restaurants - South Indians
Entertainment - North Indians
Businesses i.e. Supermarkets, Jewellery, Service Industry - Gujaratis and Marwaris(how many Chartered Accountants do we know who aren't Marwaris huh)
Transport and Labor i.e. Cabs, Watchmen, Manual Labor - North Indians
Fishing and Housemaids - Marathis (This was a personal potshot and biased, but i've never seen a housemaid who was not Marathi! Wow! Shiv Sena really did an awesome job of finding employment for the 'Marathi Manoos' huh?)

Ok sorry, i have a ton of Marathi friends - I love and respect them and know for a fact that they are more worried about the Sena's tactics of divisive politics than i am! The Shiv Sena and MNS strain their vocal chords but to what effect? And on what basis? The world is changing, people are changing; religion and language give you a personal identity, not the right to personal bias against others! I admire people who had the courage to take a stand (The Ambanis, SRK, Rahul Gandhi, Bacchans). I may or may not appreciate them personally, but it takes balls to do what they did and respect to them for that!

All i'd say is that no Bombaiite needs to worry about redeeming himself as a Marathi or a Bihari or Madrasi in this day and age. How about redeeming ourselves as Bombaiites? The cool, hip and bipartisan bunch of people who are the beacons of a truly progressive India?

One phrase to Thackeray - 'Hata, Saawan ki ghata, Khaat khuja, batti buja ke so ja, nintukle pintukle!'

Broke and Broke

2010-01-20T18:30:00.000-06:00

So it's been an interesting 2 weeks since I landed in France. Probably the flight itself was an ominous sign. I got delayed an hour n a half and that gave me 20 minutes to deplane, clear customs and immigration and make it all the way across Charles de Gaulle to the TGV terminal.

Now, I made the train! Yes! Luggage retrieved, customs n immigration cleared n on board the train to Bordeaux! If might have been a world record of sorts for an economy class passenger to get thru the airport that quick!

But the bad part was this - in my new avatar, I beat the wind n father time but I couldn't possibly beat fate now could I? Fate pricked me in the arse by making my laptop pop out n drop to the floor in my electric rush to the train! Merde!

I got into Bordeaux flustered and with a broke laptop, broken knee and a cold just waiting to choke me to death. Ideal setting right?

But things shouldve looked up, coz I had a promising Geneva trip planned. I shouldve known better - I didn't have money in the bank, broke my other knee in Geneva and am now neck deep in debt.

I took a 'Beginners French' lesson at my business school in Bordeaux. Seems like I am 2 levels lower than what a beginners class is :P

So in sum, I am broke and broke. Will time and fate heal? Er, only time will tell I guess?

Geneva

2010-01-18T10:57:00.000-06:00

Here I am sitting at Geneva airport waiting to board my flight back to Bordeaux. It's been a brilliant 3 days - sometimes too cold for a tropical creature like me but mostly sunny, beautiful and inviting. Yea, Geneva and Lausanne are beautiful.

If I had to pick one I'd probably pick Lausanne but that takes nothin away from Geneva though. The companions make the journey and I have to completely agree. It wouldn't have been the same without Aaron. Funny how we get along so well here. We were good friends back at willamette but we just seem to have something special here! I'm going to hold this friendship in my heart for a lifetime.

The chapel of the Maccabees at the st. Pierre cathedral would have to be my favorite place in Geneva. We had afternoon tea at a place called 'The Laughing Teapot' and I must say it is one of the most quaint and lovable tea shop ever! Oh n we had fondue for dinner! Awesome awesome fondue which made us break into a 'cheese sweat' which we countered with a dessert, whic was, unquestionably - Chocolate fondue! No better way to end a meal in Switzerland now is there?

Lausanne didn't have a stand out place but it is just generally picturesque.

Oh and I sent out postcards!! Yea, I learned this from all the Europeans and Americans around me and thought it odd that the cultures who we (Indians) believe to be distant, nuclear and impersonal do something so personal! Oh, n we don't! How odd is that huh? So I corrected that! :)
People who've been sent a postcard will recieve it soon! Hopefully I can make this a more frequent habit, rather than posting pictures in facebook and Twitter :P

Signing out from Geneva airport! Adios!

P.S. I think the french are more good looking than the Swiss! No offense, just a personal preference I suppose :)

Wishlist 2010

2010-01-15T00:28:00.000-06:00

12 wishes for 2010

1. Find a Job!!
2. Learn French
3. Lose paunch
4. Avoid marriage pressure
5. Avoid returning to india (Only to test my resolve)
6. Make this a joint blog with a special someone with an objective of 1 post a week
7. Travel as much of Europe and/or USA as possible
8. Take up photography as a real hobby
9. Take Tanguis online and global
10. Don’t wish for too much
11. Finish what I start
12. 12 wishes is a luxury! I can’t wish for so many things :)

PS : This post was inspired by ‘someone’ specials post

Not Any More

2009-11-25T04:14:00.000-06:00

Found this most amazing Hindi poetry recited by Amitabh Bachchan about the Indian tendency of letting go and being peaceful. As much as it is a noble virtue, it does tend to send out wrong signals a number of times. This poem does a great job of trying to get the psyche of us Indians to change to the adapting world. I know a lot of people have differing opinions about it, and i'd love to have a vigorous debate about the same. Until then, check the clip out : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Big-B-recites-Iss-Baar-Nahin/videoshow/5264383.cms

On the business front:
1. I'm about to receive a shipment of sample clothing to promote the brand here in France! A challenge it will certainly be, but one i am pumped about!

2. We just finished a photoshoot of the new designs for the season and they look great! Check the website for more details! www.tanguis.in. Also, professional photos of the store coming soon!

Lots happening, festive season is here! Let's spread the cheer!

-R

Finally! Number Portability in India!

2009-11-21T07:53:00.000-06:00

I've been stuck to Vodafone/Orange/MaxTouch or whatever it was called all these years simply because i couldn't afford to change my service provider as my number was way too important for me to simply get a new number and give it out to everyone i knew! That task, i knew, was nothing less than monumental!

But now - Yea! Orange and for that matter every service provider needs to buckle up or suck it!

On a side note though - i'm tempted to switch to BSNL simply for their 3G offering, although i am definitely wary of the service quality. Wonder what people have to say about that? My 19 rupees are out and i'm wagging it in your face! ;)

in reference to: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Unhappy-with-mobile-service-Ditch-operator-for-Rs-19/articleshow/5253259.cms (view on Google Sidewiki)

Tanguis is taking wing!

2009-11-18T06:56:00.000-06:00

It's been about 4 months since i started off on this adventure. The job market sucked and i didn't want to take up a job just for the heck of it. I did have a business idea though. Well, what better time than when all you're doing is sitting on your ass waiting for a phone call to come through. Of course, that never happened!

So, i venture into uncharted territory, got funding and sound advice from my hero, my father and i'm off!

So picture this - I'm an MBA aspirant, with a concentration in marketing, an undergraduate in Computer Science and i'm starting a business in the fashion industry! :P WTF right!? Exactly what my brain and a lot of people who i met kept telling me. But well, i did it!

4 months on, a snazzy looking store in Bombay, almost 200 fans on Facebook and a growing buzz around the project is just reaffirming my belief of 'Do it now, or regret it later'. It also resonates with the theme of the blog - 'The World Is My Dancefloor'! I freestyled for a few months and now the moves are catching on! Hah!

To learn more about my baby, Tanguis (pronounced Tan-gee-us), check out our fledgling website! Also, become a fan on facebook, follow us (by that i mean both Tanguis and Me) on Twitter and be part of something special!

Meanwhile, i'm here in Bordeaux, living with a group of people, who i believe are the most amazing set of people i've ever met. I'm blessed, lucky and happy to be here! Thanks to everyone in the picture below for just being!

Brilliant and gut wrenching photography!

2009-11-04T06:39:00.000-06:00

Mr. Guttenfelder, i stumbled upon your blog and i was BLOWN AWAY! Some of the pictures and the contrasts are just amazing. Too bad the country doesnt see any light at the end of the tunnel!

Goodjob and Godspeed!

in reference to: http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2009/10/30/photographer-collection-david-guttenfelder-in-afghanistan/ (view on Google Sidewiki)

Global Weekend - Revelry and Integration

2009-10-22T02:59:00.000-05:00

So the past week, Oct 17-18, a bunch of us from BEM i.e. Bordeaux Ecole de Management went to a beach about an hour from Bordeaux for a weekend of integration. It was a great experience, but i still felt a wee bit disappointed in the fact that people stuck to the groups which they formed when they came to school in the first week which was a month ago. I kind of lost the whole integration theme there.

Unfortunately, alcohol was the glue that bound us and brought us closer. It's really sad and surprising that in today's 'connected' times, people find it so hard to hold a decent conversation without being in some state of inebriation.

Nonetheless, it was a fun, fun weekend! A few pictures, enjoy!

Lets Begin || Again

2009-10-15T04:19:00.000-05:00

Well, i'm on every social network, a whore if u may? But i felt something was missing from all those facebook photo tags and comments. It was all too 'out there'? Not that this is going to be any more private or 'in here', but i felt that i was having too good a time, around some of the greatest bunch of people i've ever met and in some of the most beautiful places in the world to simply use photo tagging and comments to do justice to the same.

So, here, at 'The World Is My Dancefloor', i'll try to put into a few words, my experiences and hope that you can live those fun times with me!

Cheers! First up, a video to sum up what we've been doing here in Bordeaux! Partaaay!

Credit given where credit due: Video made by Aaron Reber.Until next time, Bag the Boxes y'all!

- RS