Shattered Glass

Last Friday night, Star Movies aired Shattered Glass, a true story about a journalist who used to make up his stories to gain popularity. Stephen Glass, the Hero (well, real hero!!) was working as an associate editor for New Republic. In his 3yrs stint with the magazine Stephen wrote around 41 stories and gain popularity. He was indeed a master story teller, and became a star. On May 8, 1998 he was fired from New Republic when they discoved that one of his recent articles about computer hackers was “a hoax”. Further investigation by the magazine also found out that he had fabricated all of 6 and parts of 21 articles. To support his story, he created fake website like Jut Micronics , voice mail boxes, phone numbers to foils the fact checkers.

After lying low for couple of year Glass came back with a novel “The Fabulist” which by and large tells the story.

The movie depicts the entire story (till he is fired) in a brilliant fashion. Amazing performance by Hayden Christensen as Stephen Glass, and supporting Actor Peter Sarsgaard as Charles 'Chuck' Lane , it's a must watch!

Bangalore Book Fair' 2006

Are you aware that Bangalore Book Fair festival is going on Palace Grounds? It’s open till November 20th, for all days from 11am to 8pm. Last Sunday I had been there to witness the thrill. Well, though there are lots of participants, the no of book on display seems less. The individual stalls are also pretty small to browse through. Although I could found out the book I was looking for. Not very special from people who are from Bengal or North east, as Kolkatta book fair is always quite an event. I. P. A. of Geneva, supreme body of the publishing industry recognized Kolkatta book fair as largest attended book fair.

So, untill you get time to visit Kolkatta book fair, participate Bangalore Book festival. Oh!! Forgot to mention, entry to the venue is from Mekhri Circle underpass.

Chicken Salad

Couple of days back, me and Som prepared Chicken Salad and it came out quite well.



And here is the recipe for you all to try...

Title: Chicken Salad
Categories: Indian
Yield: 2 servings
500 g Chicken
2 ns Onion, minced
4 no’s Chili
1 Tomato
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Marinate Chicken for 20-25 minutes. Boiled it for 10-15min. Drain off the access water. Add little bit of oil(wine), onion, chili, salt, pepper and mix it thoroughly. Your salad is ready to serve.

Pluto is no more

Hope you all know that the 9th Planet Pluto is no more. It’s not gone though , just changed it's status and name. Pluto became 134340. After 76 yrs of being as a planet Pluto fails to comply the redefinition of Planet. As per IAU (Internationl Astronomical Union) resolution passed on Aug’24 2006 a Planet
a) must be in orbit around the Sun
b) must be massive enough to be a sphere by its own gravitational force. More specifically, its own gravity should pull it into a shape of hydrostatic equilibrium.
c) Must have cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit.

And Pluto fails the third criteria. So IAU gave dwarf planet title to Pluto. A dwarf planet should match the below criteria

a ) Orbit around the Sun
b) Has sufficient mass for its self –gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a of hydrostatic equilibrium shape.
c) Has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit
d) Not a satellite of a planet or other nonstellar body

Pluto is not been visited by any Spacecraft. NASA launched New Horizon in 2006 , which if all goes well will reach Pluto around 2015. Pluto has a satellite, Charon which has been named as a mythological figure who ferried the dead across. Now it's time to ask for your marks if you forgot to mention Pluto as a part of Solar System in your school days :-)

Cum Laude

Couple of days back my friend Peyush asked me about the meaning of 'Cum Laude' which as per Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary pronunced as kum-'lau-d&, -dE; "k&m-'lo-dE. I could not courage to guess it, Are you at a first thought ??

Well, it means With honor; with academic distinction (adj). Like "a cum laude graduate" or in adverb "he graduated cum laude". So, Are you a cum laude graduate ?

Soccer Madness

After 4yrs of eager waiting it’s the time again for Soccer madness, the most lovable game in this world which can cross barriers. As I write up this, the FIFA World Cup ’2006 reached in its final stage. The Quarter final matches are going on. And it’s only 7 days away to get to know the best team of the world for the next 4 years. For me it’s the 6^th world cup starting from 1986. The game has been changed since then. FIFA continuously experiments with the Game to make it more enjoyable for us.

This world cup as I see is bit different then others. No one is playing defensive now a day; every team is giving more importance to attacking. This makes the game more exciting than ever.

This would be the last world cup for many of legends Fugo, Zidane, Rolando, Beckham, Cafu to name a few and also starting of new comers like Robinho, Ronaldiho, Kaka, Messi, Riquelme, Podolski etc.

Like many others Brazil is my favorite team. Next is Germany. Both of teams are playing well and there are chances that final may be a repetitions of last world cup. We can only hope at this point.

If we analyze the two teams now, FIFA rank 1 Brazil are on a great shape. Though they have not played there best games yet, but they proved that they are ahead of other’s while scoring goals. Their last defeat in the competition was against France in the 1998 final. That proves their position in the world arena.

Germany showed their metal under effective guidance of coach Jürgen Klinsmann called as "Golden Bomber". They are full of energy and enthusiasm and would have the advantage of playing their home ground. They have already showcased great football and the way they cameback even after 1 goal down with Argentina in their quaterfinal match, to make a equilizer and won the game through penalty shoot outs only proves their ability to won the world cup. It would be a great final if both the team makes.

Tonight there is big match. France vs Brazil. I remember the 1998 world cup when Brazil looses to France by 3-0. This would be a great change for Brazil to take sweet revenge of 1998 defeat. France too after their win over spain, is in great sprit. This would be an exciting battle to watch.Lets pray for Brazil !!

If you are here and don’t know what soccer is, please go through here.

What to do next ?

Never ending question with never ending answer. This is more evident to the young minds who are off the college and don’t know what to do next. Reality of life is totally different than our school/college days. Most of us spend our days happily because of our parents. But as soon as your study got over it’s time to take care of yourself. We always have the dilemma of what to do ? Though we have lot’s of options now a days but competition are more too. Lets categorize the options ..

1. Move to IT /BPO
2. MBA after graduation/ having work exp
3. Join Service Industry
4. Govt/Private jobs other than IT
5. Do something different..

Career shift to IT are the most preferred options now a days. The attractive pay package, Corporate culture with comfortable work schedule, future prospects, flying high are the main key for this. But you need skills, mindset to excel. Getting a job in this segment for fresher’s is always tough, You need to try harder and has to be ready to stretch more in the initial days. The underlying base for this segment evolves day by day, so people needs to keep them updated with the latest happening in this area to sustain themselves as competition grows day by day.

For BPO it’s a different ball game. You need communication skills and has to be agreed to work in odd hours. For non-engineering graduate this was a welcome change. Now lots of engineering graduates too works in that segment in various position from junior level to senior level stuffs.

After you are settled in your own field, its time to climb up the ladder. And there you may need additional skills, although its not necessary always. A loyal and smart worker in any company will surely get the higher positions after a certain periods of time. Only catch is, it may take a very long time. But it’s not true for different business verticals where you need to know underlying business prospects, history and the managing trade offs. Then you need additional skills like MBA (Master of Business Administration). There are numerous institution available, however it will surely paid off if you get your MBA from the reputed institutions like IIM. Globalization seems change this also. Lots of Universities from all over the world tap for Indian student, it’s a very lucrative business from them and good for us too. You will get international exposure and all together different environment rather than Indian Universities. And if all goes well you could be end up working abroad with your dream company. But it requires a good GMAT score, work experience, scholarship or finance from Bank. It’s a bit costly affair. Amit (http://wafter.blogdrive.com/) has put a great details on this ‘My take on the B-school apping process’ which can be a very good reference for people who are interested to pursue their MBA.

The next big thing is the Service industry. There are lots of scope there to establish yourself from Retail , Media to Engg Services. You may well get a opportunity in Egg service division after your Engg graduation Or for non engg graduate there are Retails, Media , Entertainment industry which are growing up rapidly. You need a great deal of communication skills , attitude and knowledge of the same industry.

Govt job is not lucrative now a days. Except IAS and IPS which are dream jobs for most of the people. The preparation is so rigorous that most of the aspirants loose the track often. It needs years of preparation, dedication to become an IAS or IPS. Nothing is impossible if you go die hard for this.

Private job has its own flair. I am talking about jobs other than IT. A job in DRDO, HAL , NTPC Army and other numerous Govt undertaking companies are prestegious. However, competition are high for this.

So now what’s next ? Doing something different from others will be always tough if you don’t have the proper planning or financial help. It may not be financially a very good option always but the satisfaction is worthy. You can be a singer or RJ or working in some NGO. Lastly it’s your life, you have to decide where to move into. We can only help showing the options.

Peer Review

We often asked for peer review in various scenarios like while buying a house, apparels, books, home entertainment, watching a movie etc. It’s not stopped there, while in work also we ask for peer review for better quality. Now the point is what approach you should take while doing this?

On my sense it should be full of truth, though sometimes it can hurt someone’s feelings. It should not be too blunt; best would be appreciate his/her efforts/choices, and then try to point out the improvements if any.

I found it very difficult though sometimes. Lots of friends, relatives often asked for my views on different things and I always try to present what I should do if I had been to his position. And sometimes if you can read your friends mind you know he would be happy if you support his thoughts. Couple of days back I had been to my friends apartment and he asked for my views on Bathroom tiling. I didn’t liked it and expressed the same , he paused a bit and slowly replied it was his choice. I was in back foot, changed the topic instantly, i was to the point, that hurts people. Too much complex equation ... :-)

What are yours views folks?

NIT Agartala

I could not believe on my ears when my friend, Boni called me up and informed Tripura Engg College, my Alma Mater became NIT (National Institute of Technology). After a pause, my initial reply was ‘At Last’.

It was a long wait indeed, considering the college has been established from 1965. The State Govt all along were not too much keen on the development of our college. It was remained Orphaned, unattended and poorly managed by the management from its birth.

Way back in 80’s there was almost no concept of Campus Recruitment. Lack of co-ordination between college authorities and Govt was the major hurdle then. At that time State Govt job was easily available and very few students were willing to come outside the State to see the world. From a land locked state like Tripura it’s very difficult for the students to dream about their career goals and they were simply not well prepared for it. It was in the beginning of 90’s when outlook got changed. People tends to realize they need to excel in every way to build a successful career. Now, Our alumni spreads all over the world, not only they are in different fields of professions, one of them established himself as a successful singer.

My tenure with the Institution was full of events. Apart from the usual fun, fight and struggle to make it to the crowded bus towards College, we had healthy discussion with the AICTE stuff’s who came to visit our college. And also for the first time our final exams beings held on MBB College due to insurgency problems. In my second year I could remember Army patrolling while we were inside the college campus. Gone are the days ..

NIT status brings lots of responsibilities. And it’s the job of the people who are associate with the college in some or other way(Students, Management, Alumni) to create its Brand Name. The Institute needs to be properly aligned as per the industry needs so that students can get the latest technology initiatives which will help them in future to choose their own career. Apart from these, the Institute needs to have proper infrastructure to be a part of the other NIT.

It’s just the beginning, I would say. Much awaited face lift has been obtained, the future is promising. It’s now time for the Students to explore the enormous possibilities of a NIT. Best Wishes ..

What i am doing ?

Vacation time. So people are asking what i am doing ? Here goes the answer ..

Read all the books ...















Watched MacGyver ...
















Played with Shuvam
















Climbed up here ...
















Had great food everyday !! Mom's Care. Spend time with buddies and its time to return ..

Basic Instinct 2

Around 11 at night on 13th April myself and my cousin entered Esquare Multiplex in Pune to watch the premiere of Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction. Pretty much excited that Stone is back with her tricks. Little I know that it could be a disaster for the Catherine, (the character Stone portrays on Basic Instinct) we know for long.

15 years ago when the first part (at that time it’s was not known about any plan of a sequel) was released In India, it had created eyebrows among the Indian viewers, in other words it was the first entry towards adulteration for many young people. The story behind has everything one can imagine of, strong violence and sensuality, drug use and lots of skin showing. Popularity of this type of content to movie buffs in general, are evident on IMDB review of Basic Instinct. It was indeed a well-planned cat-and-mouse erotic thriller where you need to concentrate to understand how Catherine Tramell a.k.a Sharon Stone was controlling the story, there by writing her book ‘Shooter’. Certain viewers were in huge disagreements over who the killer in the film really was. It wasn't until Paul Verhoeven the director and stars went public in interviews, telling the public who the killer was and where the clues could be found, that the debate about the ending finally was put to rest. Stone became famous for this role and she did admit one for interview with CNBC 18

It was the character that everyone identified me with because before I played this part, people didn't know who I was as an actor ..

The film was history for the superb performance by Stone and Douglas with a perfect direction.

It started with a accident, as Stone driving her car off a bridge during wild sex. Stone survived and put to trial as the accident proves to be a planned murder. Police investigation put Catherine against a psychiatrist, played by David Morrissey, who is fascinated by her and the game of seduction begins. The show as I thought was houseful and the crowd was mostly young except one or two families. As Stone appears on the first scene the reaction was amid. She still has the glamour, which earns her instant fame way back on 1992. But its 2006 and Stone is at 48. The movie was boring at some point of time with more mind game than showing, heavier acting and terrible dialogue. It has less surprise being a sequel and a bad storytelling, which makes you laugh at wrong places.

I can only hope there wont be any more sequel on this. Stone a MENSA member a.ka. Catherine at 48,had a perfect time to get caught, punished by law and die or life sentenced, story ends. Rumors that Stone herself will direct the next one, good decision I could say seeing her age. No one wants Catherine of 1992 looks terrible on the screen. We remembered 'Shooters' not the 'Risk Analyst'.

In The Land of Dollars (Part I) : Reached

It was about to sunset when my flight reached Logan International Airport, Boston. The scenic beauty was overwhelming before landing. After getting I94 stumped I came out of the Airport and felt the chill outside. It was starting of the year and time for winter.

Before this, my experience with the western winter was in Paris where I exchanged my flights and in between was outside for couple of minutes in –1 degree centigrade. Not bad I thought, but was unaware what was stored for me in the months to come. Outside the airport it was freezing cold and unbearable for a person who came from a hot country like India. Just managed myself to get into the taxi, and I was looking for a hot drink.

The day I traveled to US was very special to me, my birthday. And in my 29 years on this planet earth that was the longest day I ever spend. Could not even imagine at nightmares that I have to celebrate my birthday, alone at 10000 ft above with French wine (courtesy air France). But that was well enjoyed with thrill of visiting the country I dreamed off since childhood.

The first thing you will notice in the US is the road. Considering the roads we were using here for long it is surely a welcome change. Next will be the space. The parking space seems to be huge which you can’t even think of in your dreams. And suddenly you will feel the climatic conditions. Less dust, pure air will enrich your soul; you will feel you are in heaven. But that won’t last long.

I stayed a bit far away from Boston, a place called Merrimack under state New Hampshire (NH); it has a very nice slogan ‘Live free or Die’ justifying it as a tax-free state. It’s a modern village you can say, having very less population. People were inside all of the time because of the weather, reminded me of landing some alien city. However as day passes I was more comfortable with the climate, condition and also the culture.

First problem you will face there is the conversion of dollars with the rupee. Each and everything you buy you will calculate in rupee and think twice like its too costly, ohm!! Damn cheap etc. The time zone difference will also hit hard for initial days. You will wake up at middle of the night and feeling sleepy during day. So after I overcome this hurdles I was ready to explore States.

Winter is not a good time to visit states, especially in the East Coast. It’s the snow time. Likely this time the winter was not so cold. People said it was far better than last year. Then too I witnessed ‘Operation Whitewash’ the biggest snowfall after December 1947 where NY was knee-deep snow of 27 inches.

Continued..

MacGyver

Way back in 1985, one Wednesday evening MacGyver (a TV serial) was aired first and gained huge popularity. I was on 3rd standard. Unfortunately at that time, the place i grown up, Udaipur (a city in Tripura State, my native) was unable to catch Indian TV network. For us TV entertainment was from Bangladesh TV. We grew up seeing great Television shows like 'Knight Rider', 'Street Hawk', 'The A Team' etc aired by Bangladesh Television. Among them the best was MacGyver. It's a very charming adventure show and just right for young people, who are young by heart. I remember how we were waiting for the Wednesday to come to watch our hero. But it was not easy at that time. We had lots of hurdles to pass for MacGyver. First thing was the medium. TV was a very costly affair at that time and the place I grown up had only 2 TV's out of 10-11 houses. Next were frequent power cuts. Lastly, you have to pursue the owner to switch the TV channel for you, which was a tough task.We missed lots of episode in between, moreover most of the episodes we watched on Black and White TV. I could remember, it was on our top priority list. Even at the exam time too we never used to miss MacGyver!! The serial went up to 7 glorious seasons till 1992. And after which our hunt was started for the CD's. Last year when i asked about it to one the DVD libraries in Bangalore, the answer was as usual 'No', but the owner heard of that serial, which really encourage me to continue my hunt. At that time we knew that its available in States. The DVD version of this serial has been released. At the point of writing this entry up to 5 seasons has been released and others are slotted to release soon.

Last month, when i picked up 1-4 seasons of MacGyver DVD on my visit to States, my dream of owning that serial was fulfilled. The first thing I did was to inform my Bro that at last, we have it. And now as i am watching this great show once again i became nostalgic. This TV serial was so meant for us i could never imagine. I could only wish to watch the same with our old buddies who struggled like us to watch the glimpse of our childhood hero MacGyver. Those who don’t know about MacGyver you can find more info here or here . Long live MacGyver.. :-)

Arena - whats in a name ??

Often frequently, People say, What's in a name ?. But it matters some how one way or other in our walkway to life. I did a search though to get a name off the hook , bad luck, if you could get the heading you want but you will surely miss the url. So you can imagine how it became 'minearena'. Think 'mine' as a pronoun, which means 'Belonging to me'.

WordWeb a online dictionary says

Blog means "A shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies"

Blog, as i feel is a medium to free your mind. To say aloud what you feel, Oh !! yes not to hurt anyone or make some statement which does not has any boundary. Mates if you are here still, i am afraid i am not assuring for some gimmick of words rather I will go through Morpheous way of Freeing my mind. Keep visiting..