Friday, August 25, 2006

Time are changing; I feel I am older than what I think...

Click here...

I feel I am getting older, see how things change from class of 2002 to class of 2010. We always in every era are growing faster than the old time that has passed. This link confirms the trend ;-)

I already feel old - and this makes me feel older!!!
Booo hooo...

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Everything Evolutionary!: A Conversation with Sorabh

Everything Evolutionary!: A Conversation with Sorabh

Check out the link - 'O' rated
Readers may be subjected to extreme emotions of violence.
Please read at your own risk

*O = office

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Aimless Arrow...

I was thinking about aimless arrow - I do not know why?
Soon after some time I was intrigued by the idea of Aimless Arrow.

Why is aimless arrow, called aimless arrow?
Does it really have its own aim - that we call it aimless, when it does not hit the target?
The shooter should be called aimless, not the arrow as arrow never had an aim. It never went to hit a target; it was the shooter who shot it towards the aim.

Also, if arrow misses the aim taken by the shooter how do we know that, it was the target. May be it was the enviornment affecting the path of the arrow. As environment wanted to hit its own target with the arrow.

So in theory I beleive an arrow is never aimless.
Its when it does not meet our expectations we call it aimless arrow.

*there is more to this complicated thought, that I wanted to write in here. But, I was thinking about this few days back and I never cared to write it down. So this post is missing many valuable thoughts about aimless arrow. ;-)

To be or not to be...

Well life is a confusion - especially mine

When I was abroad, I wanted to come back - when I am here I want to go back there.
Can't I have a job profile - where I can balance my time between India and other countries.

What is it that I am looking for?

What is it we all keep looking for all our lives?
Are we looking for new challenges or peace and calm?

Well - I need to do some serious thinking now.
Whether I want to be outside India or 'in' India.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Pepsi - Strategic move, is it?

Ok its all over the news that Indra Nooyi is the new Pepsico Worldwide Head. First Indian woman professional. I am sure she has worked hard for the position and this post of mine means no offence to her or pepsi.

But, I am intrigued by the thought that, what else could be a better time than now to have an Indian Woman head Pepsico. To give pepsico and Indian face - a face of Indian woman. A caring honest face. Well, you all are thinking right.

When Colas and other aerated drinks are facing opposition in India, across all states for high pesticides level and their other harmful affects. This is the perfect time to bring an Indian to head the worldwide operations and show, the Indian face of the company.

I understand that there is lot of opposition to these - so called cool drinks in Europe, UK, US etc. too. But, India is one of the biggest markets; just for the fact - Indian middle class is equivalent to Middle class of all european contries combined. Although Indian middle class does not have same spending power - but this is future planning, to capture one of the biggest markets.

This is just another angle in response to the things happening around, as I tend to think a lot. So I will repeat again that this post is not to defame a company or offend Indra Nooyi - who has done Indians proud and showed what Indian women are capable of.

My Values Profile

***Your Values Profile***
Loyalty:
You value loyalty a fair amount.You're loyal to your friends... to a point.But if they cross you, you will reconsider your loyalties.Staying true to others is important to you, but you also stay true to yourself.
Honesty:
You don't really value honesty.You do value getting your way, no matter what.And if a little lying is required to do that, no problem.A few white lies never hurt anyone (at least, that's what you tell yourself!)
Generosity:
You value generosity a fair amount.You are all about giving, as long as there's some give and take.Supportive and kind, you don't mind helping out a friend in need.But you know when you've given too much. You have no problem saying "no"!
Humility:
You value humility a fair amount.You tend to be an easy going, humble person.But occasionally your ego takes over.You have a slight competitive streak - and the need to be the best.
Tolerance:
You value tolerance highly.Not only do you enjoy the company of those very different from you...You do all that you can to seek it out interesting and unique friends.You think there are many truths in life, and you're open to many of them.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

I will be back...

Sorry guys after my last post I had been a bit busy - shifted to a new place and first morning a theft was attempted with me being in the house, early morning at 6:30AM.

So I am a bit busy with Police and stuff, job and settling in.
Police is baffled as I live in a very secure area - in neighbourhood of ex chief justice, ex SP (police), ex CM and currently serving senior govt. officials.

So I will be back in some time!!!

Cheerios

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Need to make post on...

Okei since I forget so many times about the posts I wanted to make - but did not feel like it.
I am making a log of upcoming posts (I am silly, I know) -

1. Being single a bliss
2. Aimless arrow

Friday, August 11, 2006

Long Time...

Finally after some requests, pestring etc. I am posting this blog.
During this long gap, I thought about many things and wanted to post. But, I did not post - many times because of lack of time and many times it went into my diary. I think I don't want to post about those things and hold on to them for the time being.

I especially wanted to make a post on 8th of August, 2006 - as that day has lot of special meaning for me. But, that is in my diary and I will only post it, may be many years from now. If I continue to blog till then.

Ok, first and foremost my friend and guide Mr. Azahar has been travelling a lot and organizing his thoughts - so please visit his blog (link is on right hand side of your screen), he has some good pictures of Canada. Well organized thoughts is what I am not convinced of, but certainly Canada is a beautiful country.

Secondly, I am not in love - it was just a small spark, false alarm!!!

Rest, my life is in a turmoil as always; I think I should get used it by now.

What, else - I will post about more things soon.
Till then Ciao!!!

Friday, July 28, 2006

Past is catching up

Well its happening again.
It always happens in cycles (don't think too much) I am talking about when you start reconnecting with people from past, and it happens and happens and happens and then it stops again. Past two weeks had been very very hectic - parents meeting there friends from college (never met in last 30years plus); me meeting my old crush, friends, best friends etc. and all seem to come at once, one after another.

Makes me wonder!!!
Something more to think about - is our life pre-programmed???

Well, I am still very irritated at our Government controlling our surfing choices on the internet.

And yes, I think I should share this with all of you - Finally after 2 years (approx.) I think I am in LOVE or crush or I don't know. Well at least I am thinking about it, I thought it will never happen again in my life and I was happy about it. Though it is back, I now feel sad - I was happy to be not in love. Love brings so much pain.

Well that is it for today.

-Thinking Thinker

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Bad Managers - Good Managers

Now that I had been working for 3 years and even tried my hand at setting up my own enterprise, here is my take on BAD MANAGERS. A manager can single handedly create a team that is 200% productive or a team that just piggy back on other teams. During these 3 years I had chance to come across managers from different walks of life and different parts of the world.

I came across managers who would walk into office and everybody is tense. Forcing, pushing everybody to work harder. This made the deadlines being met, but staff learning curve was flat and attrition very high.

Then there were managers, who were missed by the team - the rare breed. Managers who could brighten up the dullest moment with their high energy level and keen interest in their work. These managers were the best, among the managers I came across. Under them whole team functioned as a single unit rather than fragmented groups. Innovation and creativity was at its peak and all the deadlines were met and nobody was tense – everything flowed smoothly. Nobody left the team in last 5 years. Well these types of managers are difficult to find.

Some Dos:
1. Connect with your staff and understand if they need to be pushed or they are go-getters.
2. Do not stereotype and get involved in office gossip.
3. Keep your distance while connecting with the staff. Everybody should know that you are the
boss.
4. Set a career path for every employee and convey this to them.
5. Keep your team updated with latest information.
6. Accept inputs from the team.
7. Give chance to lead and innovate.
8. Lead by example and set new standards for benchmarking with own efforts. This will also
lead to respect and not FEAR.
9. Let go off the staff happily if they are looking for change. I can be 100% sure that in future
they will come back to the company if they had real good time working there.

Don'ts
1. Do not shout at your team members.

Well I will add to this list more things as and when I come across them.

-Thinking Thinker

Friday, July 07, 2006

Ok here is answer to all you peeps were looking for...

I noticed that I am getting lots of hits on my blog for - people searching for:

- What is LPO?
- What is KPO?
- LPO and KPOs in Gurgaon.

LPO = Legal Process Outsourcing
KPO = Knowledge Process Outsourcing

I will try to explain whatever I can with my limited knowledge.
KPO are on the higher end of BPOs, we have had in previous decade and still mushrooming everywhere. In KPO you can expect do some knowledge intensive work like Business Research, Market Research, Patents, Contract Drafting etc.

LPOs are a narrower branch of KPO concentrating mostly on outsourced legal work from USA where litigation costs are very high due to higher lawyer salaries. LPOs are soon going to see lots of expansion as more and more canadian law firms are also aiming to outsource their work

I am not going to go into in-depth details. But, certainly this industry is sunshine industry and is expanding rapidly. You can expect to shine pretty soon in these companies; and salaries are good in LPOs/KPOs. In LPOs however, they have so called flat-organisation structure, with very little or no hierarchy levels. Few LPO/KPO in Gurgaon and NCR area worth mentioning are:

1. EValueServe
2. Intellevate
3. Greenfield
4. Inductis (I beleive it will fall under KPO with analysis and management consulting work they
are doing)

There are few more coming up very soon. The names I have mentioned are the few big wigs in this segment. Also, beware of some BPOs projecting themselves as KPOs and attracting talent. I will post some more as I have collected lots of information on this segment. Go through the blog for more posts I made on KPOs and LPOs.

Till then all the best looking for your next job in KPOs.

Cheerios
Thinking Thinker

State of Democracy in India

Is India a true democracy?
Our country India is normally labeled as world largest democracy, but is it really a democracy?

Well, after watching current trends in the country I am not convinced. I am not convinced that I am in a democracy. It seems more like a communist state – where politicians, bureaucrats, people who have power and money rule; the way they feel like. They make, amend laws according to what they feel is right. Without paying heed to common man’s need. Well, these people are not answerable to anybody – for the records.

See the latest trend, medical students and doctors protesting for quota reservation and the new cause to get ramadoss back. But, is government paying any attention to them. No, government is just going to do what it feels like.

Demolition drive in Delhi – Government did what it felt like. It is not citizens fault that they built commercial complexes on residential lands. Its government fault to let it happen, let politicians get away with whatever way they wanted to use land, not providing enough commercial zones to meet the needs of a growing city.

I feel on issues like quota etc there should be referendum where people can vote – and voice there opinion. There n number of issues on which you can go and on and there is nobody to listen to them and resolve them.

When Politicians/Government officials are not answerable to public, can we really call India a Democracy?

Democracy means – Transparency and Accountability.

I feel I have no voice in my own country – as my opinion does not matter.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Is Networking a Career Must or Overrated? Ten Monster Members' Stories -

Is Networking a Career Must or Overrated? Ten Monster Members' Stories -

Well this not much of text; you may want on networking for career enhancement, but still something is there. Networking is very important for career enhancement, but it cannot be sole means to climbing that corporate ladder.

Cheerios

Friday, June 16, 2006

Hype Hype and more Hype everywhere

'Hype' is back on my blog; my previous post on Hype can be found on SDLC Blog (Another blog, which I write).

BSE Sensex is hovering in 9000s now. The correction as predicted has come, it was something that was bound to happen. People who invested in stock markets needed returns and it was the right time to sell. This same correction came in Software and BPO industry few years back and now these industries are stronger and more stable than ever. The reason for the bubble was 'Hype' - we all love hype isn't it?

There is similar hype now days in real estate markets. It is amazing how 2 bedroom flats are being sold for 40-50lacs; well beyond the reach of majority of middle classes. There is a lot of hype in the market and it can be seen easily. There are more flats and houses ready than there are any takers. Builders spread false rumours to attract premium and clients. The fact is, if you go back to same builder a month after - he will show you same flats. According, to some latest surveys (I can't get hold of sources to verify the facts) there is more supply than demand in real estate market. Sooner or later correction will set in real estate market as well. Correction in markets is a natural phenomenon. It can be seen in real life too, mountains are flattened, low lying areas filled due to earthquakes or silt deposited by rivers etc.

Correction should not be considered negative; rather it is something positive which stabilises the market. This is the time when you see the real picture - Boys separated from men. The winners or the companies which are strong will stand tall in times of correction too. While, the companies which were unnecessarily attracting attention and taking advantage of the hype will die. It can be termed as natural selection of industry.

Now, I have given more hype to Hype and this should end here.

-Thinking Thinker

Wants, Needs and Life

What you want in life, is what you won't get
What you don't want in life, is what you will get

As one of my friends say, life takes care of your needs. But, it does not take care of your wants. This makes sense does it?

Most of us remain unhappy throughout our lives, trying to fulfil our wants. We do not understand that we can be happy as our needs are fulfilled. But, then - is it okay to be content with our needs being met? What if everybody in this world was content, where will human race then stand in terms of progress and development?

Why do we need to Progress?
Bigger question - What is progress?

This puts us back in the circle; vicious circle of our wants and needs. There is a very thin line between wants and needs. As we move on with our lives slowly our wants becomes our needs, this leads us to development, progress, innovation and inventions. Then again there is a question - what is the need for all this progress? As we can be happy without it too.

I believe life should be kept as simple as possible, but that is very hard to achieve in this world of materialism.

THINK THINK AND KEEP THINKING
CIAO

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

SOS Pub, Garuda Mall, Bangalore

SOS PUB

The name is right, the location is right, the decor is right, drinks are right, the music is right, staff is helpful and courteous, seating is relaxing and proper - but, BANG the music is too loud. You cannot even make yourself heard to your mate, even if you shout in their ears.

Yes it’s good to have state of art speakers, with high wattage but please low down the volume in seating areas. I understand that there is separate area of seating too; but then with this loud music there is no use putting tables and bar near to dance floor.

A lazy Saturday afternoon, house full for almost all movies at INOX. I relaxed at SOS Pub when my colleague joined me and then I realised how loud the music was (we had hard time even placing our order to the waiter).

Well but there was a nice surprise in the end and it was worth sitting there to finish the drinks. In the end DJ or DJs friend, I am not sure turned out to be a RAPPER and we had a live performance with the entire crowd standing and dancing. It was a total surprise to be frank the performance was impressive WOW!!!

Well after such a loud music and few beers down, I was in not in a mood to take pics. But, will try taking some pics some other time.

Have fun till then!!!

Monday, May 29, 2006

Bombay Blues, Central Mall, Bangalore

@ Central Mall, Bangalore

Nothing much to write about this restaurant.

Good place if you want to sit outside and have dinner/lunch. The outside balcony is not a no-smoking zone so if you are a non-smoker than you can have a seat indoors. The food is good, the crowd is mixed (families, youngsters etc.). Service again is poor here and the food plates/bowls are not filled regularly during buffet lunch. You may see empty bowls, which is very disappointing :-D .

Bombay Blues - Average restaurant which is overly priced.To be frank - I have yet to come across a restaurant in bangalore where service is good and seating is proper. At most of the restaurants either table is high or sofa is low or distance between table and sofa is not right. I really hate a restaurant if the seating is not proper.
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Three Quarter Chinese, Church Street, Bangalore


Decor at Three Quarter Chinese

Menu at Three Chinese Quarters

Three chinese quarters is situated on Church Street next to Brigade road. If you are coming from MG Road turn right from Sapphire and after NASA you will see Amoeba and there on the ground floor we have Three Quarter Chinese.

Coming back to the restaurant. Restaurant is nicely done, I don't know how to describe the decor but it is modern. There is a small black island on the entry with small candles on the table, which is a cool place to sit and has black leather sofas. Rest is the general sitting area and there is a bar. Restaurant is huge inside and so is the waiting time. You can expect minimum waiting of 30 minutes on the weekends.

The staff is english speaking and courteous; but service is poor in terms of time taken. You have to wait for the food to arrive, in the meantime you can easily forget what you ordered ;-). But, the food is delicious and well presented. You can order north-Indian or Chinese or have a combination of both.

Menu is not rectangular as you expect but a semi-circle; as you can see in the picture. The dining experience is formal. So, if you want to take your boss or that special someone for dinner or lunch, this is the place to be. But with so many people eating and chatting and music. The place can get very very noisy. So if you are a person who likes to eat in peace and calm surroundings you should avoid this place.

The prices are slightly above normal and a meal for two comes normally at INR 600.00 but, the quantities are large; so be careful while ordering multiple dishes.
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