Hello people,
it has been a wonderful journey here on blogger.com, and now i decided ( with so many other changes in life), that it is time this blog gets its own home.
This is a short message to everyone out there who have religiously been following me by email and rss subscriptions, to the present blogger page. I have now moved on to my own standalone domain, www.bharatjhurani.com and thus all the subsricptions have also moved along.
Really my mistake. I should have ensured that everything else also moves along like this, but well that technical challenge!!! Sorry! :)
Yes, but now what you can do is, to point all your current readers and email subscriptions to the new links:
1. RSS Feed for posts
2. Email Subscriptions
So power up that feedreader and plug in the new details.
With all these new developments, it would not be complete without having a presence on social Media. So, here is the FaceBook page, for the Sphere - within which everything lies.
FACEBOOK PAGE
Thank you so much, and welcome to the new home.
THE WEB NOW HAS A NEW IDENTITY - BRATOSPHERE
Bharat Jhurani
THIS SITE NOW HAS ITS OWN HOME
Showing posts with label new. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Saturday, January 09, 2010
New Year Resolutions
Now this is one funny thing that I have not understood for many years now. Why do people have new year resolutions? 99% of them are done with it by January end itself, and the remaining 1% wean away gradually I am sure. So why have it?
As one of my friend has it on her Gtalk status – “people who don’t keep their new years resolutions are weak people, and those who actually make new year resolutions are fools!”
What's the difference b/w a New Year resolution and this blog?
A. You at least follow the latter! (picked this one from the MTVINDIA twitter stream)
I remember the last new years party in campus last year. Srini who was trying hard to quit smoking, comes over to me and Abhinav, and asks for a cigarette.
He had just got refused by Chitta.
Bharat: “I thought you made a New Year's resolution to quit smoking”
Srini: “I'm in the process of quitting”, he replies with a grin on his face."
Srini: “Right now, I am in the middle of phase one.”
Abhinav: “Phase one?”
Srini: “Yeah.. I’ve quit buying!!”
Needless to say, the cigarette remained lit for the entire year, and yes he did buy many a times. On his was to car dealers, in Mumbai local trains, he had to.
Talking more about resolutions, I wondered how a resolution list of people would look across the years.
Lazy reader
2006: I will read at least 20 books a year
2007: I will read all of Chetan Bhagat’s books
2008: I will read some articles in the newspaper this year.
2009: I will read at least one article this year.
2010: I will try to glance at RK laxman’s cartoon everyday this year!!
An Overweight guy
2006: I will reduce to 80Kg.
2009: I will try to develop a realistic attitude about my weight.
2008: I will work out 5 days a week.
2009: I will work out 3 days a week.
2010: I will try to drive past a gym at least once a week!
An extravagant woman
2006: I will not spend my money frivolously.
2007: I will pay off my credit card bills without fines
2008: I will be totally out of debt by the year end
2009: I will try to pay off the debt interest by the year end
2010: I will try to be out of the country before getting thrown into jail!
A poor husband
2007: I will try to be a better husband to pooja
2008: I will not leave pooja
2009: I will try for reconciliation with pooja
2010: I will try to be a better husband to Shilpa!
Again, a poor husband (come on, he deserves it!!
2007: I will stop looking at other women.
2008: I will not get involved with Shilpa.
2009: I will not let Shillpa affect my marriage
2010: I will stop looking at other women!! (there it starts again!)
An Alcoholic
2007: I will not take a drink before 8PM
2008: I will not touch the bottle before 4PM
2009: I will not become a "problem drinker".
2010: I will not miss my appointments with the liver doctor!!
A nerd
2005: When I hear a funny joke I will not reply, "LOL... LOL!"
2006: I will stop sending e-mail, gmail, webmail and be on the phone at the same time with the same person.
2007: I will stop sending e-mail to my roommate.
2008: will spend less than five hour a day on the Internet.
2009: I will not subscribe to an unlimited internet connection!
2010: I will not miss my appointments with the ophthalmologist.
Well, these were the resolutions of different kind of people. Coming to my own list:-
1. Give up smoking (again).
2. Learn a new skill, take up a new hobby. (really!)
3. Get organized. (yeah sure, and well buying an organizer does not fulfil this resolution)
4. Become more security conscious. (whose security?)
5. Be more regular on this page (this one i am serious)
6. Give up drinking, at least for the first week of January! (ahem! Well.. lets see!)
7. Stop procrastinating. Will start this from 11th jan, come on it’s a weekend, and last week I was busy.
Happy new year once again.
Quotes
New Year’s Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. -Mark Twain
Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account - Oscar Wilde
As one of my friend has it on her Gtalk status – “people who don’t keep their new years resolutions are weak people, and those who actually make new year resolutions are fools!”
What's the difference b/w a New Year resolution and this blog?
A. You at least follow the latter! (picked this one from the MTVINDIA twitter stream)
I remember the last new years party in campus last year. Srini who was trying hard to quit smoking, comes over to me and Abhinav, and asks for a cigarette.
He had just got refused by Chitta.
Bharat: “I thought you made a New Year's resolution to quit smoking”
Srini: “I'm in the process of quitting”, he replies with a grin on his face."
Srini: “Right now, I am in the middle of phase one.”
Abhinav: “Phase one?”
Srini: “Yeah.. I’ve quit buying!!”
Needless to say, the cigarette remained lit for the entire year, and yes he did buy many a times. On his was to car dealers, in Mumbai local trains, he had to.
Talking more about resolutions, I wondered how a resolution list of people would look across the years.
Lazy reader
2006: I will read at least 20 books a year
2007: I will read all of Chetan Bhagat’s books
2008: I will read some articles in the newspaper this year.
2009: I will read at least one article this year.
2010: I will try to glance at RK laxman’s cartoon everyday this year!!
An Overweight guy
2006: I will reduce to 80Kg.
2009: I will try to develop a realistic attitude about my weight.
2008: I will work out 5 days a week.
2009: I will work out 3 days a week.
2010: I will try to drive past a gym at least once a week!
An extravagant woman
2006: I will not spend my money frivolously.
2007: I will pay off my credit card bills without fines
2008: I will be totally out of debt by the year end
2009: I will try to pay off the debt interest by the year end
2010: I will try to be out of the country before getting thrown into jail!
A poor husband
2007: I will try to be a better husband to pooja
2008: I will not leave pooja
2009: I will try for reconciliation with pooja
2010: I will try to be a better husband to Shilpa!
Again, a poor husband (come on, he deserves it!!
2007: I will stop looking at other women.
2008: I will not get involved with Shilpa.
2009: I will not let Shillpa affect my marriage
2010: I will stop looking at other women!! (there it starts again!)
An Alcoholic
2007: I will not take a drink before 8PM
2008: I will not touch the bottle before 4PM
2009: I will not become a "problem drinker".
2010: I will not miss my appointments with the liver doctor!!
A nerd
2005: When I hear a funny joke I will not reply, "LOL... LOL!"
2006: I will stop sending e-mail, gmail, webmail and be on the phone at the same time with the same person.
2007: I will stop sending e-mail to my roommate.
2008: will spend less than five hour a day on the Internet.
2009: I will not subscribe to an unlimited internet connection!
2010: I will not miss my appointments with the ophthalmologist.
Well, these were the resolutions of different kind of people. Coming to my own list:-
1. Give up smoking (again).
2. Learn a new skill, take up a new hobby. (really!)
3. Get organized. (yeah sure, and well buying an organizer does not fulfil this resolution)
4. Become more security conscious. (whose security?)
5. Be more regular on this page (this one i am serious)
6. Give up drinking, at least for the first week of January! (ahem! Well.. lets see!)
7. Stop procrastinating. Will start this from 11th jan, come on it’s a weekend, and last week I was busy.
Happy new year once again.
Quotes
New Year’s Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. -Mark Twain
Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account - Oscar Wilde
Thursday, September 24, 2009
IDEA to airtel - with the same number
Mobile Number Portability (MNP), which has been on the anvil for long will finaly be implemented by the beginning of the next year. It would allow subscribers to retain their mobile telephone number while discarding one service provider for another.
So, airtel today, wait aircel has come up with pocket internet – SHIFT! Four days and boom I am on a different network. It would take a maximum of 12 days in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and north eastern circles, though.
March 20, 2010 is stipulated to be the deadline for this to be implemented all across the country.
Ofcourse, there would be charges for the shift, and some other formalities, which I guess is completely worth the pain.
Brand loyalty is on question, and the consumer is the ultimate winner. The fight for ARPU (average revenue per user) is going to get more fiercer, and the telecom is to see some interesting times ahead.
I so thank TRAI for this initiative, though delayed. I had bought an IDEA sim long back in 2003, when other players were not all that good in network. But boom! What happens, as time passed by, other players came up with good exciting offers, and IDEA was still with the old times.
NIGHT call free, SMS at 1ps, and so many such offers which my college friends took full advantage with very good returns on the personal front. But I just lagged.
Why? I did not want to change my number! Now I finally can get out of idea’s hold.
I guess the next initiative of the government should be to absolve inter state roaming issues too. India is one country, and calling someone from kerala to JnK should be the same, as calling someone in the next room.
Maybe atleast, TRAI could come up with number portability inter state. So, for a person like me, who would keep shifting states would not have to change the number with every state.
All this would just increase the churn among the operators, which is at a very high level even now - 4.5 per cent per month in india, which roughly means that more than half India's over 400 million subscribers change operators in a year.
All for the good of the consumer!!
So, airtel today, wait aircel has come up with pocket internet – SHIFT! Four days and boom I am on a different network. It would take a maximum of 12 days in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and north eastern circles, though.
March 20, 2010 is stipulated to be the deadline for this to be implemented all across the country.
Ofcourse, there would be charges for the shift, and some other formalities, which I guess is completely worth the pain.
Brand loyalty is on question, and the consumer is the ultimate winner. The fight for ARPU (average revenue per user) is going to get more fiercer, and the telecom is to see some interesting times ahead.
I so thank TRAI for this initiative, though delayed. I had bought an IDEA sim long back in 2003, when other players were not all that good in network. But boom! What happens, as time passed by, other players came up with good exciting offers, and IDEA was still with the old times.
NIGHT call free, SMS at 1ps, and so many such offers which my college friends took full advantage with very good returns on the personal front. But I just lagged.
Why? I did not want to change my number! Now I finally can get out of idea’s hold.
I guess the next initiative of the government should be to absolve inter state roaming issues too. India is one country, and calling someone from kerala to JnK should be the same, as calling someone in the next room.
Maybe atleast, TRAI could come up with number portability inter state. So, for a person like me, who would keep shifting states would not have to change the number with every state.
All this would just increase the churn among the operators, which is at a very high level even now - 4.5 per cent per month in india, which roughly means that more than half India's over 400 million subscribers change operators in a year.
All for the good of the consumer!!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
‘Online’ CAT, and nothing else!!
I have been coaching for CAT for the last few months, and think it is my duty to keep my students updated about any new developments in this arena. More so this year, with the CAT going online, and many of you having loadsa questions and queries.
Here I bumped into this article, where prometric - the body organizing CAT this year spoke to an online CAT portal and clears lots of doubts.
Prometric has for the first time revealed that computer-based CAT 2009 will actually allow test takers to "scroll back and forth" during the exam. This confirmation has a lot of significance for the thousands of MBA aspirants taking the test this year.
This implies that CAT 2009 will not be a 'computer-adaptive' test, but will only be a 'computer-based' test. A computer-adaptive test offers a new question based on answer to the previous question.
Thus, one thing for clear, answer to a question will not matter in answering the next question. So it is just like answering CAT like last year, the only difference being the new medium of a computer, rather than the traditional paper and pencil.
Some more interesting insights from the interview are like the information that the total contract value for conducting the exam is a whopping 40 million USD (a cool 200 crore rupees!!). Also, Prometric is assuming responsibility for all aspects of the CAT computer-based test, including item authoring, test development, test administration, scoring and reporting services. Prometric will add resources, including dedicated test development and support staff in India for handling the project in a better manner.
About the security in administering the test, prometric ensures that enough measures are being taken for ensuring strict security. All test centres hosting CAT 2009 will employ Prometric's identity management (biometric) solution, digital image capture of all candidates and digital video recording of all testing activities
Regarding the questions, the pattern, comparison of the CAT with GMAT, and other such 'confidential' issues, prometric remained silent. Also, it preferred to remain mum on the amount to be charged by the IIMs for the test.
Thus, aspirants who have been thinking of tweaking their strategies, and waiting for the notification has this clear – Computer exam, that is the only change. Nothing more!!!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Ghajini Movie Review
The South has always made better commercial movies than BollyWood, and many of them have been remade in hindi. Ghajini adds on to the list, and excellent it is.
One interesting fact is the name of the movie, which makes it one of the few movies which have the Villain's name as its name.( Can't recall any other movies with the villain's name as the name of the movie, but i guess there sure should be some!).
Saw the movie today in the premier how at FUN. We booked our tickets in the morning itself, and later read about the controversy. We were skeptical if it would actually release or we would be forced to watch Rab ne bana di jodi again (I don't mind though!). Thankfully the courts allowed it to be screened without allaying to the claims of the original producer who was trying to make some quick money.
The case goes simple. A little-known production banner, KBC Pictures, had filed a case in the court Monday, claiming that producer Madhu Mantena had infringed upon its copyright as it had acquired the right to re-make 'Ghajini' in Hindi. In other words, the Tamil producer (who originally made the movie) claims to have sold the rights to Allu only for the telugu version. And now he is after Allu daring him to reason his quest in making it in hindi, when he was already in the mood of making Kahani Ghajini ki!! What? Did he want to make a serial soap or something??
And the timing of filing the case just seems apt. Did the complainer not get affected by the massive marketing done by the producers spending over 140 million rupeer.
Having seen the Telugu version, comparisons were bound. in spite of initially believing that Surya was a different kinda actor, and Aamir would not fit into his shoes, Aamir has given his full as always, and it shows. be it his physique (which by any standards is huge considering the Aamir look that we have been seeing all these years), his look as the traumatic person, posh look of the flashback character - he excels in all.
The review of the movie from real Bollywood
Sanjay Singhania (Aamir) after being hit on head suffers from a short term memory loss. He cannot recollect anything beyond 15 minutes. He has various phone numbers and names tattooed on his body all hinting at one thing, seek revenge for the murder of his girlfriend, Kalpana (Asin). The only clue he has is the name that he remembers his dying girlfriend uttered in his ears - Ghajini. What obstacles Sanjay encounters in his hunt for Ghajini forms the rest of the film.
The film is a perfect masala film, a revenge thriller, a genre which was very popular in the 80s. But what sets the film apart from a typical pot boiler is the way the screenplay has been structured, oscillating between flashbacks and present time. There is also a good balance of romance, suspense, action and comedy. Plus the biggest asset – Aamir Khan! The story has two major flashbacks, but unlike many films where flashbacks do nothing for the film itself, this one actually aids in building the character and adding intensity to them. Having seen Sanjay’s past life, you see reason for his current actions. The film at no point justifies the actions but it does give you reason to go with the flow.
Murugados’s direction is terrific and the master story teller that he is, he just doesn’t give the audience a moment to think even in 180 minutes running time film. Technically it definitely stands amongst the best films of 2008. Superb editing (Anthony), excellent camerawork (Ravi K Chandran) and amazing sound design (Resul) take the film to an altogether different level. The action by Peter Hains and Stunt Shiva keeps you on the edge of your seat. But some action sequences have turned out a bit too gory and not meant for the faint hearted. But with Aamir giving his everything all out in them they end up being a treat to watch. A.R. Rahman’s melodies are a treat to watch onscreen having been excellently picturised. Also, none of the songs hamper the proceedings.
Amongst the sequences that stand out are Aamir’s first encounter with Asin, Aamir visiting Asin’s boss’s party, Aamir’s outburst in the hospital, Asin’s murder sequence and of course the action packed climax where Aamir for a moment forgets what he is fighting for when he comes face to face with the villain!
In an author backed role, Aamir has outperformed himself, making us fall short of words in his praise. He is not only utterly convincing as a killing machine but he is extremely loveable in the romantic comedy sequences with Asin. South starlet Asin in her Bollywood debut leaves a lasting impression. Jiah though fits the part somehow pales in comparison to Asin. Her accented Hindi irritates. Pradeep Rawat brings back to Bollywood, the true villain that was missing since long time. He is menacingly good.
Ghajini does live up to the hype it has generated and is a must watch for Aamir Khan fans and also for debutante Asin and the latest addition to talented filmmakers of Bollywood, director A.R. Murugadoss.
Overall, a nice time pass entertainer. The producer is in to rake in the moolah taking advantage of the extended weekend barring friday, and the soon to follow new year.
After getting back from the movie, headed for the StEX committee meeting, and form there straight to the gult wing for Absenthine bought from France by Charan. Ah! it feels bliss, on spite of just two pegs.
Now in the room, juts trying to get over the insomnia. probably i should download Ramgopal varma Ki Aag from DC, and then watch it, for it to act as sedatives. Sleep!
One interesting fact is the name of the movie, which makes it one of the few movies which have the Villain's name as its name.( Can't recall any other movies with the villain's name as the name of the movie, but i guess there sure should be some!).
Saw the movie today in the premier how at FUN. We booked our tickets in the morning itself, and later read about the controversy. We were skeptical if it would actually release or we would be forced to watch Rab ne bana di jodi again (I don't mind though!). Thankfully the courts allowed it to be screened without allaying to the claims of the original producer who was trying to make some quick money.
The case goes simple. A little-known production banner, KBC Pictures, had filed a case in the court Monday, claiming that producer Madhu Mantena had infringed upon its copyright as it had acquired the right to re-make 'Ghajini' in Hindi. In other words, the Tamil producer (who originally made the movie) claims to have sold the rights to Allu only for the telugu version. And now he is after Allu daring him to reason his quest in making it in hindi, when he was already in the mood of making Kahani Ghajini ki!! What? Did he want to make a serial soap or something??
And the timing of filing the case just seems apt. Did the complainer not get affected by the massive marketing done by the producers spending over 140 million rupeer.
Having seen the Telugu version, comparisons were bound. in spite of initially believing that Surya was a different kinda actor, and Aamir would not fit into his shoes, Aamir has given his full as always, and it shows. be it his physique (which by any standards is huge considering the Aamir look that we have been seeing all these years), his look as the traumatic person, posh look of the flashback character - he excels in all.
The review of the movie from real Bollywood
Sanjay Singhania (Aamir) after being hit on head suffers from a short term memory loss. He cannot recollect anything beyond 15 minutes. He has various phone numbers and names tattooed on his body all hinting at one thing, seek revenge for the murder of his girlfriend, Kalpana (Asin). The only clue he has is the name that he remembers his dying girlfriend uttered in his ears - Ghajini. What obstacles Sanjay encounters in his hunt for Ghajini forms the rest of the film.
The film is a perfect masala film, a revenge thriller, a genre which was very popular in the 80s. But what sets the film apart from a typical pot boiler is the way the screenplay has been structured, oscillating between flashbacks and present time. There is also a good balance of romance, suspense, action and comedy. Plus the biggest asset – Aamir Khan! The story has two major flashbacks, but unlike many films where flashbacks do nothing for the film itself, this one actually aids in building the character and adding intensity to them. Having seen Sanjay’s past life, you see reason for his current actions. The film at no point justifies the actions but it does give you reason to go with the flow.
Murugados’s direction is terrific and the master story teller that he is, he just doesn’t give the audience a moment to think even in 180 minutes running time film. Technically it definitely stands amongst the best films of 2008. Superb editing (Anthony), excellent camerawork (Ravi K Chandran) and amazing sound design (Resul) take the film to an altogether different level. The action by Peter Hains and Stunt Shiva keeps you on the edge of your seat. But some action sequences have turned out a bit too gory and not meant for the faint hearted. But with Aamir giving his everything all out in them they end up being a treat to watch. A.R. Rahman’s melodies are a treat to watch onscreen having been excellently picturised. Also, none of the songs hamper the proceedings.
Amongst the sequences that stand out are Aamir’s first encounter with Asin, Aamir visiting Asin’s boss’s party, Aamir’s outburst in the hospital, Asin’s murder sequence and of course the action packed climax where Aamir for a moment forgets what he is fighting for when he comes face to face with the villain!
In an author backed role, Aamir has outperformed himself, making us fall short of words in his praise. He is not only utterly convincing as a killing machine but he is extremely loveable in the romantic comedy sequences with Asin. South starlet Asin in her Bollywood debut leaves a lasting impression. Jiah though fits the part somehow pales in comparison to Asin. Her accented Hindi irritates. Pradeep Rawat brings back to Bollywood, the true villain that was missing since long time. He is menacingly good.
Ghajini does live up to the hype it has generated and is a must watch for Aamir Khan fans and also for debutante Asin and the latest addition to talented filmmakers of Bollywood, director A.R. Murugadoss.
Overall, a nice time pass entertainer. The producer is in to rake in the moolah taking advantage of the extended weekend barring friday, and the soon to follow new year.
After getting back from the movie, headed for the StEX committee meeting, and form there straight to the gult wing for Absenthine bought from France by Charan. Ah! it feels bliss, on spite of just two pegs.
Now in the room, juts trying to get over the insomnia. probably i should download Ramgopal varma Ki Aag from DC, and then watch it, for it to act as sedatives. Sleep!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Happy new year!!
Long time.. no c.. Was globe trottin!!!( ah!! well, sleepin). well, the hangover is still not over.. jus felt lik scribbling somethin.. so m here..
BTW, A very very Happy new year 2 all of u..
gud nite..
m sleepy..
BTW, A very very Happy new year 2 all of u..
gud nite..
m sleepy..
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