I've moved...

I have been thinking of going on to wordpress since a long time.

But there have been incidents where I was trying to customize my blog and it got deleted kept me in check and I was scared to do any more masti with it now.

However, after a lot of deliberation, determination and desperation I decided that I should try and see if I can get it done...I have succeeded.

I am really happy with the Wordpress customization options, tools and themes. I hope I can get more inspiration there and I can write some better stuffs.

So from now on, all my new posts will be here

Do visit me :)

Adios,

Kunal

Good dean, bad dean!

I have finished my course and I am almost an MBA now. Almost in the sense, that I am yet to finish my dissertation and one more exam to go (thanks to the insanity of an old man), but who cares!!! I’ll still call myself an “MBA in Marketing” and give a pat on my back to achieve this herculean task. (yeah, LOL!!!)

But in these two years I have noticed a familiar concept due to some instances (or issues) that have either shook the college management or the students. Instances like hike in fees, two sections (140 students) failed in exam, guys and girls sitting together (can you beat that!! :D) and other such things. Some were serious and others were made serious. Anyway, during these time I have noticed the occurrence of the “good cop/bad cop” concept. This is generally seen in movies where a culprit is caught and is tortured and threatened by the “bad cop” after whom the “good cop” comes and tries to calm him down in the hope of getting the information from the culprit. The sudden change of behavior in the approach of the two cops makes the culprit more vulnerable to confess or say things that the cops want to the good guy who acts as a “friend” as he behaves in a manner that seems kind and beneficial for the culprit.

My college is founded and run by two brothers, our honorary deans Mr. MA and Mr. SA.

MA is in the U.S. for the most of the time of the year and gives occasional visits while managing the college through the efficient management of the staff here (once again LOL!!!) while SA is here and manages the…umm…gardens (?). Never mind that, but the thing is that the college is somehow managed and students pass from the college with shattered hopes, broken hearts and bitter sweet memories!

Okay, so how the good cop/bad cop concept comes in the picture. It’s like this – whenever there arises a problem or a serious issue, we see an uproar among the students against the management. The management, including in some instances Mr. SA (the bad cops), tries its best to suppress us and make us look like it was all our fault and that we, the students, are not capable of anything. Now, as one may expect, the students don’t take this kindly and rebel vigorously against the decisions taken by the management. The tug of war (of words and power) keeps on going for some time and reaches a dead end. The bad cops leave a wound in the hearts of the innocent and hardworking students (hmmm…yeah it’s true alright) while the management hides its face.

And then enters the good cop, Mr MA. He is a kind hearted, highly knowledgeable man and has the knack to impress people through his speeches and that heavy voice. He is always supportive of the students. Whatever the case is, he has always talked in the favor of the students. Many of us look forward to his visits and if at all there is any lecture or seminar to be given by him, we all turn out in large numbers to listen to him, learn from him or discuss our grievances with him. We have never been let down so far by him and I don’t think it will ever be for the future batches as well.

Big deal, eh!?. But how does it affects us?

It affects us in the way that the anger, the frustration, the plans of revenge, the bad mouthing, the etc etc feelings are all washed away with the words of Mr. MA. The students are sometimes left mesmerized and are sometime hushed and calmed down ( in a good way). A feeling of satisfaction prevails amongst us for the few days after the decision till another issue crops up and again the same cycle goes on and on and on!!!

How does it help the college? Well, the funda is that whenever the solution comes out after the visit of Mr. MA, it is always mid-way which suits both, the college and the students. Also, the students are quiet now and thus the college can continue its functions as before. Everyone’s happy and the routine continues. Now is it deliberate or not, I ain’t' sure. But is it effective? Hell yeah!!!

So for anyone in the future batch of ABS, next time any issue comes up, it’s better to call Mr. MA directly in the U.S. rather than wasting energy on getting head-on with the “efficient” management. Isn’t it!?

Adios,

Kunal Lodha

A letter to Google.

Dear Google,

After the launch of Buzz, I have been having a discussion with some friends about whether Google wants to diversify in all different form of media.

One thought that came to my mind was Google Groove.

Similar to Buzz and YouTube, which are social networking tools about daily happenings, sharing, videos and entertainment, Google Groove can cater to the needs of music lovers and creators.

Like some of the sites where the people can create their music and share online, this will be another social site which will enable musicians and bands to upload their music and share it (they can do that on YouTube, but this will be only the music and no videos). The other users can vote, favorite and also listen to music online.

Secondly, along with music sharing, Groove can also indulge in an online radio service and music downloads similar to iTunes (with better options like some freebies or additional Google services or sharing stuffs)

Google groove can be integrated with Buzz and Wave, where it will be easier for users to share their favorites with the followers and spread the word.

This was just an idea to improve upon. I would be glad if someone replies from Google for further discussions.

Thanks and regards,

Kunal Lodha

Marketing Student - Alliance Business School, Bangalore

India

Social Media is a Teenager!

Some lectures interest me more than others – especially when its on Internet and Technology.

Ray Sir was giving us some examples about how some brands tried to control the social media on the internet to protect their brands or ideas or patents and how they became viral.

I just thought about my teenage days then, how my parents tried to tell me to do something against my wish and I went on a crusade to prove them wrong and do exactly the same things they forbid me to do. I don’t consider myself a rebel but this is what I thought of Social Media today (the definition is for Brands)

“Social Media is like a rebel teenager - the more you try to suppress its thoughts, the bigger they'll be & worse it is for your brand"

Do you agree?

Adios,

Kunal

Steve Jobs’ Inspirational Speech

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Suffering from Infomania…

The whole day spent in front of the comp

mails, Twitter,

blogs on Google Reader,

Links-links everywhere,

Sometimes videos, sometimes text…

never come to know what will be next!

 

 

so much of information around

even with a wrong click, look what I found…

it’s oh-s0-amazing,

but the very next moment…

its blank n bling bling!!

cant recollect what I read last…

my tweet timeline moves so effing fast…

I’m goin down with the amazing info,

but sometimes feel, should shut dowm my laptop and just go…

go where???

Oh! I dont know..

will have to search on google or bing!

On google maps…

I’ll even get the directions,

today I look on to the internet for each of my li’l actions!

is it good or bad..i dont know..dont ask me my friend..

I don’t have no information on that from any site,

that I can lend…

so many profiles on the net, so much information,

I don’t know who’s me…

Am i suffering from Schizophrenia???

Or is it just that,

with so much to browse around,

that I am dying of infomania!!!

 

Adios,

Kunal

P.S.: Sitting too much in front of the computer and surfing on the social networking sites may decrease your IQ. It’s a humble request to anyone who reads it (accidently) that close your laptop now and go out for a walk! :D

Image Source: http://is.gd/6OJCA

Nasa’s Pen, Soviet Pencil…

This is one of the few days when you encounter a  REEL life incident in REAL life. Most of us have watched the movie 3 Idiots. (and most of these most have watched it due to the hype created…but that’s another matter). Everyone remembers the scene when Virus (Veeru Sahastrabuddhe) played by Boman Irani shows a NASA pen to the new students in an attempt to scare+motivate them to do well in their engineering class. ( I am not going in the scene’s details ‘cos it’s seen and heard by everyone)

The similar thing happened today in our Business Strategy class today. BVK Sir (one of the most intelligent men I have had the privilege to talk to) was sharing his experience with his Director at London Business School. He had actually brought this Space Pen in the class and was talking about how impressed with him, his director had given him this pen. And…

The class burst into a derisive laughter with some people banging their desks and some commenting about who Kareen would be (bad one). It was funny because everyone was expecting the joke and everyone laughed. However, the poor prof had no idea about it. And some people like Ms M.G. felt really bad for him. :)

It was fun. One of the most unforgetful incidents at ABS….

Why am I blogging so much (and such nonsense)

I have been blogging and tweeting quite consistently this week (and plan to do so).

Why?

There are two reasons for this sudden surge of blogging:

1) I am working on a new marketing blog which will cover most of what I have learned in these 1.5 years. It’s a good platform and I need to develop a good sense of writing ‘cos it will be a not-so-personal blog and I just can’t write crap.

2) I am working on a story…no details!

So I need to let go off my daily frustration and random thoughts off my brain and need to actually work on the above mentioned “projects” (and ya, those are my hands)

Wish me luck. and Help me God!

Adios,

Kunal

Steve Jobs wallpaper Tribute

Sumanta Roy tweeted me a link today. A link to 89 cover page pics of Steve Jobs. Since I couldn’t apply it as my wallpaper, I modified it a li’l to suit my Dell 15” Screen. The image looks something like this…

 

A li’l cluttered, but I don’t mind :) Just a small way to express my “fan-itude” towards one of the most brilliant minds in the business today.

Money and Friends

One rule I have always followed to my “friends’” dismay is that I have the habit of chipping in the last bit of money that is due from my side (though i don’t expect them to do so).

This is more of a habit and matter of personal choice than to do with anything about me being miser or “kanjoos” or worried about the money.

Infact, i won’t ask if someone owes me (ofcourse the amount has to be in consideration) but on the other hand, will go and pay it myself if there’s anything to be paid from my side. (I’ll make a lousy businessman…that’s why I wanna do a job)

That’s what happened recently. If you’ve been to Hyderabad, you’ll have heard of Karachi Biscuits which are “world famous in Hyderabad” and they are tasty too. A “friend” recently visited her sister and I had asked to get a box of biscuit for me. Of course, before she left I HAD mentioned that I’ll be paying the money though she must have taken it as a joke.

She’s back and the debate has begun.

Take your biscuits. No, first tell me, what’s the price. Shut up, and take it. No, what’s the price. Okay fine, don’t take it. Okay, as you wish!!!!

I may sound rude, and I am a li’l here…but they have to understand. I am paying it ‘cos I had asked for them…she’s bought it on my behalf…so I have to pay it right?

my only condition is –

Never bring any relations in money, and never bring money in any relation

which means – if there is something you owe to someone, go and give it yourself without taking it for granted that the person is your friend/relative. And if the friend/relative wants your help, never think of the amount when helping him/her.

Bad economics…I know. But for me, it’s one of those things that will not make my relationship with anyone sour. If i owe, I’ll pay. If you owe, it’s up to you whether you pay or not. what say!?

Adios,

Kunal

In My (not so humble) Opinion...

It's placement season at Alliance Business School for my batch...

After lot of deliberate thinking, being choosy, showing some attitude and after getting over my laziness, I applied for a famous 5 star hotel that had visited my campus (along with a surprise of 3 more colleges taking up the competition from 63 to 300 :O)

Anyway, bein my first interview, I was predictably anxious and a li'l nervous for the fact that I have given only 4 interviews so far and all were during my grad college placements at K.C. College, and got selected in Accenture (though i didn't take my offer letter and "unfornately" decided to come here). However, this was going to be my first management interview (if at all i cleared the preliminary rounds and all that shit)

OK, coming to the point. The Hotel's management who were supposed to come for the interview were late by 2 hours and so we had a break after spending an eternity in the seminar hall. As expected, once it was announced that the company will be coming a little later, I decided to go to my room to get freshen up and come back in a better, relaxed mood.

Alas, it wasn't going to be.

I met an ex-group mate, a person who doesn't really know what should be spoken where. Anyway, as i was on my way to my room and I saw her, as a matter of habit I waved my hand in a salaam and was about to leave. (why i did that..???). But no...bang came the questions!

Group mate - "Kunal, tumne bhi apply kara hain?" (Kunal, did you also apply for Hotel *****)

Me - "haan, meri pehli company where i am applying" (yeah, my first company....)

GM - But why?

Me - Huh?

GM - I mean, you're not for this company.

Me - Why so?

GM - I mean, I always thought you were for a cubicle sort of a thing, an office kind of guy. you are fit for some software engg thingy and should apply for those IT companies only!

Me - oh really???.. thanks for the motivation just before the interview...

GM - oh no no, i didn't mean that. i Just said it. It's my opinion. Best of luck. I am sure you'll get selected. (grin)

wow! That's what I was told just before my interview. Imagine. That in her opinion I am not eligible for a hospitality industry (the reasons - i don't socialize with many people for the sake of it, i don't go to parties where alcohol will be inevitable cos me being a non-drinker and other stuffs) And ya, I dont look good and handsome and fit for a 5 star hotel.

I let it go so as not to ruin my day. But the same thing happened when another ass-hole who has a habit of commenting on every damn thing even if he has got nothing to do with anything. He shares his name with the future prime minister of India (from Indian national Congress and the "baba" of politics these days)

He met me and his question (in Gujarati) - "Tu ***** ma bese che? pan mhane lagyo aa tara mate nathi. tu toh mothi company ma apply karwanu toh ne?"

(You sitting for this company? but i thought you are not fit for it. You were gonna sit for some big company na?)

I snapped at him. And with the anger went whatever li'l confidence I had mustered for the interview. As you can predict, I was not selected. I knew I was never was going to...but then, I lost in the most basic question - "tell me about yourself". I went blank, stuttered and finally said some shit ending up sounding like the biggest loser of the 12 candidates in the room!!!

the only lesson i learnt was - not to come across anyone for my next interview. and secondly, i will have to ask these "experts" if i should sit for any other company!!

I remember the quote from the movie - Home from holidays (1995) -

"Opinions are like assholes. Everybody's got one and everyone thinks everyone else's stinks."

Bythe way, that's my opinion too!! :D

Adios,

Kunal

P.S.: Please never interrupt anyone before his/her interview. It's a request! If you can't say good luck, then it's better you keep your effin' mouth shut! And this is my first and last post with the swearing. Sorry, but had to get the frustration out :D

The white clouds!

Was walking back to the hostel after a bite of some "aalu parathas" from the little stall outside my college campus. Actually, Stalin wanted to eat something for lunch, and since i had nothing to do (as usual), I decided to join him. Was having a "cutting" in my hand, and while taking a small sip, i looked up at the sky - to see the setting sun and the reddish-orangish lit clouds in the blue background, a familiar sight in the winter evenings.

However, I was surprised to see a contrast of colors in the clouds. The clouds under which I was walking was dark, with no light, while a few steps ahead were bright white clouds with the blue sky lit up behind it.

I felt some kind of an amazement. I felt like I was walking under a dark cloud, a time of hardships, pessimism and loneliness that has gripped me and would eat me alive. I thought this is how my life has (or had) become for such a long time. But still I continued to walk. My eyes were not on the dark clouds but on the white ones. The ones that were ahead of me and calling me. I swear one of them was in the shape of arms spread out to take me out of the darkness and bring me to happier times. I felt an excitement surge through my chest and I almost sprinting to reach out to those white clouds (i am lying, i was walking briskly that's it), trying to run away from my despairing life to a life of optimism and faith and hope. I reached under the sky, stood there for a minute, smiled to myself and felt the breeze around me....

This was just a small incident, nothing significant or nothing about to be blogged. but yet, it was something unusual, something like the nature itself tells us that whatever is the situations, you'll always find light ahead. There is always going to be some way that will lead you to the kind of life you desire. And everybody wants a happy life, isn't it. Only the definition of happiness differs. But whatever it is, the only thing that you have to look out for is the one white cloud that will guide you..guide you to happiness, to love, to faith and to one thing that will always be yours...yourself..your true self.

That's when we'll find freedom - when we'll forget about the black cloud hovering above us and look ahead to the white clouds that are a few steps ahead. the only thing that will decide how quick we reach them, is the speed we decide to run towards it. It's our heart that decides whether we choose -the black clouds or the white ones!

Adios,

Kunal

Google Chrome, extensions and me..

I finally started what I like doing....Customizing.

This time it's my browser and it's not Firefox (FF). Though i feel horrible for switching from FF, but it has become suckier (if that's a word) than before. Almost like IE. Hell, I have made people switch from IE to FF by the dozens. But, like it's said all good things must come to an end! :(

I switched to google chrome after ranting about it not being as fast as it claims to be on many occasions. I always wanted to blame Chrome for not being better than FF cos

1) it had no add-ons

2) I "knew" it works faster only for google's sites and its affiliated ones

3) I was under the "Halo effect"of FF

However, Google chrome did what i had been waiting for. It launched add-ons and extensions like FF. and i got the chance to customize and compare both the browsers again. (the extensions and add-ons are available in the beta version and not the stable one...you'll have to install the beta version for trying these...Chrome beta available here)

And what i see is, Chrome is MUCH better than FF (so far, i am not sure if it will sustain..even FF lost the sense trying to get more add ons and speed and ended up losing on both)

Here are the list of extensions I am currently using

1) Gmail Checker Plus - No need to go to gmail.com. You get a list of all you new emails and also a preview in the window you are using. Nice updates and all the options like archiving, deleting, spamming, etc in the embedded window.

2) WOT - I was waiting for this one for a long time. Web of Trust is an excellent site which provides you results about how safe a site is. I was a fan of this on FF and now its on Chrome too.

3) AdThwart - Blocks unnecessary ads on the websites. Heaven!!!

4) Aviary - Screenshots of the webpage and editing online. IT's pretty cool Though I am not sure if the privacy-maniac people will like it. You can capture images as and when you want from others' profiles on any of the social networking sites (it's also done by the snipping tool available in Windows Vista)

5) Chrowety - By far the most amazing extension i have seen on FF or Chrome. It allows you to see your tweets in an embedded pop up with alerts and constant updates. You can do all the actions from a small window without going to the site or using any other API for twitter.

6) RSS feeds - Chrome never had any support for RSS feeds and now it has several. I use three of 'em. Google reader Plus (customizing google reader), Chrome reader (to get the RSS feeds from the blogs and sites) and Google Reader Notifier(as the name suggests, to let me know if there are any new posts available)

7)Easy youtube Downloader - :)

8) Inline search and lookup - for getting information from various sites like Wikipedia, Answer.com, or dictionaries about a word or term i find on the sites. It again grabs and shows the information in an embedded window. You dont have to go to a new tab.

9) Vocabbi - Online dictionary and translator. It's pretty cool. Trust me.

10) Feedly – A RSS reader which organizes your RSS feed in an amazing format.

Most of these extensions are so useful as I can pretty much work from ONE browser window and 2-3 tabs and still get to do all my surfing activities without switching between tabs or other 3rd party apps.

The incredible thing about this is - Chrome still loads much faster than FF even after like 13 extensions installed. Though some of these extensions are available for FF as well, it's the speed that acts as the Point of Difference (POD) for Chrome. And again, the loading time for FF is like 5 times more than chrome...you get my point? It's light, fast and pleasure to use.

I pray that Google don't get carried away and keep the interface clean just like it is now. If at all, it goes the FF way of trying to please all the users, I'll have to look for a new browser (which i doubt will be available to compete against Chrome)

There are a few more which sync all Gmail, wave, voicemail, and reader in ONE button. Though you cant get previews, you ll get to know if there is any new update available.

I am still searching for some nice extensions and if you get any, let me know.

Adios,

Kunal

P.S.: These are the extensions that i am using and found useful. Some may work for others while some may not...there are other Google chrome extensions for social networking sites. Try them!!

FF i'll miss you.