Art Insane

Looking Back at 2011

// January 17th, 2012 // No Comments » // Random Musings

This post should have come on the first day or the year that is going to end but the lazyness has penetrated me deep into my blood.

Anyways I don’t believe in resolutions. I think most people make them just to alleviate the guilt that comes from not having accomplished last year’s resolutions.

I like to look back and reflect on what I actually accomplished and what happened in the past 12 months though. I generally like to just go with the flow so making New Year’s resolutions just seems silly to me.

Actually, I like the word ‘goals’ better. But then holding off until the New Year to set goals doesn’t make sense either. Anyway, 2011 has been an amazing year for me—somewhat bumpy and life-changing but definitely a great year, though no personal growth as such, but met a lot of new people with a lot of experiences, ups and downs.

2011 In Review

For me it was the year of travelling, fun, unstability and neglecting the professional priorities.But I think it went pretty well as i enjoyed all the time i had.

Professionally Speaking

While I absolutely love freelancing, i was not available to hire as i was much more busy with the college work, but now i am available for hire, and have a bunch of freelance projects lined-up for 2012, I realized that I was lacking stability. I guess that’s something all freelancers face at some point.

Not only that, but I’d also been wanting to work with a team for some time. Working for yourself is great, but it often means working by yourself and on your own. You can learn so much more when you work and exchange ideas with other people.

In 2011 I also tried starting a new company Caprefig — I spent quite a long time planning for this company, but before the start, my partners backed off and it was time for me to move on. I am still willing to make this company get into reality but right now i need to more concentrate on my freelance business, which always give me Great times.

On Writing

This very blog you’re reading right now was launched in 2009. I wanted a place to write. I had no idea what to write about. I’m still not too sure. That’s totally fine.

I find writing on a regular basis to be quite the challenge. Maybe it’s because english isn’t my first language. Hindi is. On the other hand I dislike writing in hindi, I much prefer the english language to express my thoughts and opinions. It’s more concise and straightforward. Actually, that’s a good idea for a future post.

Here’s an interesting fact: I have more articles saved as drafts on this blog than actual published posts.

Hello Twenty Twelve

Like I said, I don’t really believe in resolutions. So instead of making empty promises I probably won’t be able to keep, I’ll just come back to this post next year and see what I’ve accomplished

Steve Jobs: I for Apple

// October 7th, 2011 // No Comments » // Random Musings, TechTalk

Sometimes its just the work you do in your life matters and not the connections you made with people. Thousands of humans like me are in a big sadback that Steve Jobs died, though we have never used an I product or met Steve in person.

From Steve Jobs 2005 Stanford commencement address:

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

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.”

I am 18 and i pay for my own parties….!

// May 2nd, 2011 // 3 Comments » // Random Musings

The other day I ordered a Domino’s pizza and the bill was Rs 484.

“Sorry sir I don’t have change,” said the delivery boy.

I was a bit annoyed. When the local kirana shop sends change, surely Domino’s should be following a similar common-sense system.

“It’s ok, you can keep the change,” I told him. “But do tell your manager that we expect better from Domino’s.”

About fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang. It was the same boy, with Rs 16 in hand.

“It’s ok!” I said. “I told you to keep the change.”

“No sir,” said the boy.”It’s my duty.”

He went on to relate how grateful he is to work at the pizza place, because all his pocket money comes from this job. While he does go to college, he has to work in order to support himself as well.

This boy may not have many of the advantages that other kids his age have. But I am sure, in the longer run, he will do very well for himself. Working at Domino’s he is not just earning money, but inculcating values.

Which will stand him in good stead throughout his life.

But how many students in this country would be willing to work at a Domino’s? You simply won’t find kids from ‘good families’ in these jobs.

“Tumhe abhi naukri karne ki koi zaroorat nahin hai, focus on your studies’ – is what the parents say.

And the kids happily nod and accept. (Whether they focus on studies is, of course, a different matter altogether).

Another common refrain from parents is:”Kaam karne ke liye to zindagi padi hai, abhi bachchon ko enjoy karne do.”

And if kids do need to take up a job – just for the experience – let it be a desk job or office job. I mean imagine walking into McDonalds and seeing our Chunnus and Munnus standing behind the counter.

Log kya kahenge and all that jazz.

Personally, I think that all students would benefit immensely – personally and professionally – if they worked while they studied. But this applies particularly to those pursuing courses like bachelor’s of management.

Imagine the experience you get working at a Cafe Coffee Day – from operations, to cash flow management to understanding customers.

But, again, do our BMS or BBA colleges encourage students to take up such work?

Rather, most students are looking for ‘internship’ with reputed organisations. Preferably, based in an office and not out there ‘on the field’.

At forums we often discuss, “How can we make our youth more entrepreneurial?”

And people say,”Stop making life so cushy!”

Loving your children does not mean making them lazy, giving them a sense of entitlement. Encourage them to work!

In the West, kids are told to even fund their own college education. Indian parents will faint at the thought. So, pay the fees, feed and clothe your kids. But must you fund their every whim and fancy beyond that?

Let them understand and savour the value of money.

Give them the pleasure of earning their next party.

Share with pride that your son or daughter is working at the mall. That you encouraged them to do it, and think every student should.

Work for the money, and also the sheer fun of it.

Work for the experience, to know ki duniya mein hota kya hai.

Because we grow up in a cocoon – a comfort zone – from which many of us never fully break out.

We grow, because it is a biological imperative. But we become moths, blindly attracted to the thoughts and ideas of others.

Start working for yourself – and on yourself. Discover your own power, and the beauty within.

Evolve into a butterfly.

Originally written by Rashmi Basal

Time is limited…

// April 11th, 2011 // No Comments » // Random Musings

“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, heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” –Steve Jobs

A New Year, A New Beginning… The Year 2011

// January 1st, 2011 // 6 Comments » // Collegium, Random Musings

The holidays make for a crazy time of year. You’re spending time with family/friends, traveling, maybe enjoying some winter weather.But its all over, its the 1st jan noon and i am sitting in Mumbai airport waiting for my flight to Bangalore, starting up with my whole new year and another semester, yes, i am in 2nd semester officially, results are not out yet, but still no one fails in BBM, which is the best part of it.

“Be better- Share more – Show up joyful” - This was the main aim i had in 2010, I think I was performing pretty decent whole year except that i made many mistakes in my personal life, as well as some mistakes in the work and college. Which i am totally not willing to repeat again, as life becomes hell when you actually realize that you cant overcome a mistake you have done.

“The Reality is – Change is the only Constant” - This is something which one of my teacher told me, may be she would be reading this post, but at that time when she told be i just overlooked it, but now i feel i need to change, there was a stagnation whole across 2010 in my life but now i need some ups and down, i need some change, change from the normal life, change from the normal work, change from the regular mind-set, now i am looking forward for some totally different things, not computer, not management but something totally random or may be crazy but which is not at all related to me till now, may be some social work, as this is something which i always wanted to do but never got a chance or may be learning dance, i am really bad at it but after attending the Shaimak‘ party i am very much fascinated with it or some sports apart from gym or may be something else, but totally different.

2010, was an upside down in terms of relationships, this was the year when i made most of the contacts, some as a friends, girl-friends( not girlfriends ) and clients, but what all i can say is made many and lost many , so fairly speaking this year no time waste and will try to maintain those relations as long as possible.

Also, as like many people are saying that the world has come to an end, i want to live each and every day as I’ve lived decades, because may be 2012 is the end..

Anyways my leg is paining like hell as while dancing yesterday i broke it. ): but thanks for stopping by and a Very Happy New Year, Njoieee!
Sincerely, Ishan Vyas

Boredom of life…

// December 23rd, 2010 // 4 Comments » // Random Musings

“Hum bakwas kar chuke” ( a tv program on 9xm ) thats what i am currently watching and listening to an old song 10 bahane karke legaye dil…. Also apparently a person called me mistakenly, a wrong call..

Ahh! The season of parties is all up again… My exams got over around three weeks ago and now i am looking forward to go back to Bangalore again.. In between the exams i thought that i will be enjoying life again in my hometown Indore, but its nothing like what i thought of, the life is way too boring here, sometimes its really fun that i can never have in Bangalore but most of the time its very boring, frankly speaking, this time when i came here, i didn’t had any bike to drive so cant go out much.

Usually i use to wait for December as it is the season of partying, dancing, eating, sleeping, exercise, watching my favorite tv Shows & Then eating some more, then sleeping some more. shopping sometimes.

But this time what i am doing is mostly sitting at my Laptop exploring new stuff for awesomeness, though i am working a lot and learning new things so that i dont feel bore and yea, incessantly playing Counter Strike. And yea, sleeping as well. Rest there is noting more left in my life.

Anyways, way too boring post which people usually don’t expect from me, I actually wrote this post to which you all Merry Christmas

The Evolution of the WeBlogger

// December 19th, 2010 // No Comments » // Random Musings

What started as an online diary for lonely people to express their thoughts to nobody in particular (or in some cases, nobody at all) has grown into one of the most powerful aspects of the Internet. For many, it’s where we get our news rather than from mainstream media. For others, it’s become a full-time job that pays the bills through advertising and sponsorships. Some blogs are worth millions.

This graphic by Flowtown illustrates a time line of where we’ve been and where we are now. Have bloggers evolved to their ultimate state as alternative journalists, public relations portals for businesses, and venues for general time-wasting? Or, are emerging trends such as micro-blogging and live-blogging going to push their way beyond the traditional “weblog” into a higher state of importance?

Click to enlarge.

15 Things to Know About Steve Jobs

// December 15th, 2010 // No Comments » // Random Musings

Via: OnlineSchools.org

A different “change” in a system where change is the most used word!

// December 10th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // Random Musings

“We need Change”

This sentence is most heard in the following three places: In a countdown,

No. 3 ………. Obama’s campaign

No. 2 …………Software employees

No. 1 ………..The Indian public transport bus

I’ve been traveling in public buses when i was in class 8th i believe, and without doubt, the town bus has seen the word “change” used more frequently than any other medium. But this idea suggests a different ‘change’ that the town bus has never seen or heard before.

The bus ticket is one peculiar interesting creations of man that ends up in umpteen ways depending on the user. It may end up in a bin, or with a brilliant haiku written on its back (just the right size! ), or as a collage medium, or in a checker’s bag. Imagine the number of reams of paper that ended up as a bus ticket over the number of years since it came into existence! Imagine how minimization of paper use in offices and administrations is called for with such intensity to conserve trees! All it needed was some one to connect the dots. Here is how we connect.

This idea suggests to use recycled bus tickets to minimize paper use to a greater extent. A simple reusable thick paper (or card) ticket which can accommodate 10 different entries for date and time and can be dropped into a drop box placed near the two exits of the bus shall be the solution instead of the conventional one. Extreme thoughts can build in intelligent chips and RFID into it too!

The bus ticket can be a thick paper or a card where in the conductor fills the date and time of issue (or) trip number for every user (manual or automated). This will enable the same ticket to be used by ten people and allows to differentiate among them. So when we purchase a ticket, we get a card for the ticket’s denomination with the time stamp in it. When we get down from the bus, we simply dump into either of the drop boxes positioned near the two exits. After the trip the conductor collects the dropped tickets from the drop boxes and gets ready to give tickets for the next trip. Each card shall be used for ten times with different timestamps. To differentiate between cards used in different buses, the route number or bus number shall be printed on it. If it is tough to comprehend, just relate this to the library cards kept inside each books in the manual entry libraries!! And you will get the picture.

On an advance level, RFID technology can identify the ticket to its matching bus so that our citizen (! ) does not use the same ticket in multiple buses for his with-out episodes. Intelligent chips can replace these cards, allowing for greater timestamps to be filled in, thereby eliminating paper usage completely. A single ticket chip, which is the property of the bus, can be used for thousands of passengers!

At a basic level, this idea is capable of reducing paper usage upto ten times with minimal discomfort. At an advanced level, it can eliminate the use of papers altogether from public transport and save acres of forests.

This is one change we really need from the bus conductor very soon!!

The City of Mercedes in India!

// November 29th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Random Musings

This is the story behind the story. Few people in Germany (and the world over) must’ve heard of the quaint city-town of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, before it became a gold mine for Mercedes. You heard it right, and here’s how I hear it happened.

It started with a group of doctors with flourishing businesses in Aurangabad, consulting each other on which car to buy. Like most Indian households, the consideration set comprised Tata and Honda, until someone upped the notch a little and proposed buying a Mercedes. The closest Mercedes showroom was in Bombay, and as the docs prepped for their trip, word spread among their network of professionals. By the time the trip materialized, 75 doctors, lawyers & businessmen from Aurangabad had decided that it was time to buy a car!

Can you imagine how the sales folks at the Mercedes showroom in Bombay must’ve reacted on hearing of a bulk purchase of 75 cars? Or better still, their headquarters in Germany, especially given that BMW lures a large majority of the elite car owners in India?

The Mercedes headquarters considered the request for a bulk discount and the need for a service center in Aurangabad, and came back with a proposition: If the group of professionals from Aurangabad could up the number of buys to a hundred, Mercedes would give them a hefty discount per car and open a showroom & service center in the town.

India never ceases to surprise. Post the proposition, a whopping 150 people from Aurangabad jumped on the Mercedes bandwagon, got a fat discount of a few lakhs on each car, and by citing Mercedes as collateral, even managed to lower the bank interest on their car loans from 12% to about 7%!

Thus rolled 150 Mercedes and an exclusive showroom into Aurangabad, little drumroll please!