Creative Photography

Hi..Its been really busy week. Classes, Monthend, gaga, and couple of other projects...just too much on the plate. Well I have few posts to share...but don't have enough time to write them. Anyways, to keep things moving, here are some great Creative Photography that I have came across.

Click on the image for full view, enjoy:

 

   

 

Tata Crucible 2009

Yesterday me and Miti went to Tata Curcible Business Quiz 2009 at IIM-A.  Its was the Regional Final and  there was a good turnout. 200+ entries were there and out of which sixteen played for the Regional Final spot. 6 teams came in the end which comprises of 3 from IIM-A (ofcourse) and 1 each from Nirma, MICA and SVNIT, Surat (surat was a big surprise). It was very informative and fun watching the show. Pickbrain - the quiz master was also great with his punch lines and voice. Overall it was fun watching this college students... (which reminded me of my college days....and life..hehehehe)

Here are some pictures from the event. Click on them for enlarge view and yes...they are of very poor resolution since we didn't carry camera and had to take it from Miti's Nokia 3110c.

  
 

Jai Ho... Rahman and Pookutty : Oscar Fever

Well I was hoping for Rahman's award. And he did it. While eating my breakfast this morning, I was watching the Oscar Live on Star Movies ...... and I saw him winning it. I guess its not the biggest thing..but I am glad I was their to witness it (atleast Live on TV). Anyways done is done, it also make me think as who else has won the oscars so far...I knew Satyait Ray was awarded A special Award for the contribution to the World Cinema in 1992 - but I was surprised to know that a lady in 1982 was the first one to win an oscar. Well that lady was Bhanu Athaiya for her work in Gandhi(1982) as Costume Designer. So as of today.... there have been 4 people (total 5 oscars) winning oscars and A.R.Rahma to win two awards. Here is the list:

1. Bhanu Athaiya for Gandhi in 1982 as Costume Designer

2. Satyait Ray for special Award for the contribution to the World Cinema in 1992

3. Resul Pookutty for SlumdogMillionaire in 2009 as Best Sound Mixing

4. A.R.Rahman for SlumdogMillionaire in 2009 as Best Original Score and Best Original Song "Jai Ho..."

Also who can see that up untill now..only three movies have made it to the Best Foreign Language Film category. And those films are Mother India by Mehboob Khan(1957),  Salaam Bombay! by Mira Nair(1988) and Lagaan by Ashutosh Gowariker(2001)

You can find the complete list of films that's been sent for oscars by India here.

Oh..and yes.. Smile Pinki by Megan Mylan (story about a girl with a cleft lip based in India) also won the Oscar for best Documentary Short.

Power of Idea

I just got done submitting my entry at the POWER OF IDEA at Economics Times. It was a long form with good questions. Well if I don't make it (lets not hope that).... still it was a good thing casue it made me think on many loop holes(like finances, revenue models, growth, etc...). Still need to firm things up incase I get selected for the next level or otherwise. 

Go Entrepreneur

Well here are some good website that I came across that has good statup resources:

- http://www.startup-ceo.com/

- http://www.pluggd.in/

- http://www.startupdunia.com/

- http://www.indianangelnetwork.com/

Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat Video

If you havn't seen the new Garvi Gujarat Video then here is the full version.

Its a Tata Indicom initiative celebrating the undying spirit of Gujarat. A B R Ads (Part of B R TV) Production brilliantly directed by Deepu Anthikad, shot by Mahesh Limaye(DOP) this is a modest attempt at showcasing the aspects of this industrial and prosperous state. (bradsindia)

It has the old and new prominent singers from Gujarat.  And the video is of 4 min. and 10 sec.

Enjoy.

Aaj Maro Jai Jai Gujarat.....Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat......

You can download the video (11.4 MB, .MP4 format) at : http://www.usaupload.net/d/h34p07rbnm0

FHM: Rorschach test

" 98 percent of all men don't see a frog here. FHM. Men are like that."

Advertising Agency: Serviceplan, Munich, Germany
Creative Director: Joachim Schöpfer
Art Directors: Bernd Lutieschano, Martin Kleint, Michaela Gressbach, Tina Einbrodt
Copywriter: Nadine Robausch
Published: January 2009

Award SUCKS...Max Stardust Awards 2009

Well its that time of the year when the Bollywood awards will be given out. And I am so sad to see that their is not a single fraternity who gives out genuine awards. (It's good to see that Aamir Khan boycott this activity)

Filmfare used to be good in the past ... but from last one decade or so....they have also followed the suites of sponsers and giving out the awards to the high profile/popular actors instead of judging the talents. 

Most of the times we see Oscars - been ditched and critized here in India, but overall Oscars' been very fair over the years.

Reviewing various cases....it also makes me think.... for any organizations/company/fraternity - seeking sponsors effects their decisions powers... so beware before bringing the fundings....

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Alright here are the Winners of the MAX Stardust Awards 2009 (terrible list...also look at the categories)

SUPERSTAR OF TOMORROW - MALE 
Farhan Akhtar (Rock On) 

SUPERSTAR OF TOMORROW - FEMALE
Asin (Ghajini) 

HOTTEST NEW FILMMAKER 
A.R. Murugadoss (Ghajini) 

HOTTEST NEW FILM 
Ghajini 

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE - MALE 
Prateik Babbar (Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na) 

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE - FEMALE 
Manjari Phadnis (Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na) 

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A MUSIC DIRECTOR
Dhruv Ghanekar (Drona) 

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A LYRICIST 
Kausar Munir (Falak Tak Chal / Tashan) 

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION - MALE 
Benny Dayal (Pappu Can't Dance Saala / Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na) 

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION - FEMALE 
Anmol Malik (Talli / Ugly Aur Pagli) 

EXCITING NEW FACE
Shriya Saran (Mission Istanbul) 

THE NEW MENACE
Nikitin Dheer (Jodhaa Akbar) 

EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD FOR MOST PROMISING DIRECTOR
Abhishek Kapoor (Rock On) 

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO INDIAN CINEMA
Dev Anand 

PRIDE OF THE INDUSTRY 
Feroz Khan

SPECIAL AWARD 
Anil Kapoor (for being the first mainstream Indian actor to take India to Hollywood and winning Global Recognition) 

STARDUST SEARCHLIGHT AWARDS WINNERS: 

BEST ACTOR
Amitabh Bachchan (The Last Lear) 

BEST ACTRESS 
Amrita Rao (Welcome To Sajjanpur) 

BEST FILM
A Wednesday 

BEST DIRECTOR
Neeraj Pandey (A Wednesday) 

READER'S CHOICE AWARDS: 

STAR OF THE YEAR - MALE
Hrithik Roshan (Jodhaa Akbar) 

STAR OF THE YEAR - FEMALE 
Priyanka Chopra (Fashion) 

DREAM DIRECTOR 
Ashutosh Gowariker (Jodhaa Akbar) 

BEST FILM 
Singh Is Kinng 

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE 
Tusshar Kapoor (Golmaal Returns) 

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Kangna Ranaut (Fashion) 

BEST ACTOR IN A NEGATIVE ROLE
Anil Kapoor (Tashan) 

STYLE ICON OF THE YEAR - MALE 
Saif Ali Khan 

STYLE ICON OF THE YEAR - FEMALE
Kareena Kapoor

Details of the awards and event photographs can be found at:

Stardust website : Magnamags.com

Mobile phone Wi-Fi usage on the rise

Wi-Fi has come to the mobile phone, and people all over the world are taking advantage of the faster speeds to access the Net from their phones.

According to AdMob, a mobile advertising marketplace, mobile Internet usage on Wi-Fi picked up steam in January in the U.S. and Europe. Worldwide Internet requests originating from Wi-Fi hot spots increased 8 percent month over month to 6.8 billion, led by double digit growth in Western Europe and Asia, AdMob said in a recent study.

In Europe, Wi-Fi access on a mobile phone increased by 132 percent over the past year with the biggest growth coming from Spain and Italy. And in the U.S., mobile phone subscribers in the West and Northeast were the heaviest Wi-Fi users, AdMob said. California led the pack, generating 18 percent of overall mobile Wi-Fi traffic in January. New York took second place with 14 percent. And Texas generated 8 percent of the mobile Wi-Fi traffic.

New devices, such as Apple's iPhone, are driving much of this growth. Even though the latest version of the iPhone operates over a 3G cellular network, these speeds are still slow compared to accessing the Net from a Wi-Fi hot spot. And when Wi-Fi is available, it looks like consumers choose the Wi-Fi network over the 3G network.

The faster speeds mean that mobile users often get a better surfing experience. So more mobile Wi-Fi usage is good news for advertisers looking to break into the mobile market.

But on the flip side, more mobile users who access the Net from Wi-Fi hotspots might be a problem for wireless operators. When consumers access the Internet through Wi-Fi hotspots, they aren't using the carrier network. And for carriers who charge based on data usage, this means they are losing out on revenue.

Some mobile operators, such as Verizon Wireless, are simply not offering popular phones with Wi-Fi. In November, Verizon launched the new BlackBerry Storm, which doesn't have Wi-Fi. This fact has been a major complaint of many consumers. And it might have hurt adoption, prompting some potential customers to buy Apple's iPhone instead. The iPhone is exclusively available in the U.S. on AT&T's network.

But given the fact that Wi-Fi hot spots aren't ubiquitous, users still need some kind of cellular data plan to get Internet access everywhere. What's more, carriers in the U.S. typically require customers who buy these Wi-Fi-enabled phones, like the iPhone, to also subscribe to a monthly "unlimited" data plan. So even if subscribers are using a free Wi-Fi hot spot, they're still paying their mobile operator about $30 a month for access to the 3G cellular network.

Source: http://www.admob.com/s/solutions/metrics

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10162711-94.html

Orginal Article by Marguerite Reardon from CNet

Please Tick for Bhojpuri

WASHINGTON: Regional Indian languages such as Bhojpuri and Haryanvi may not have made to India’s Constitution, but they have made to an application form for selection to the political positions with the US government. 
  About 20 Indian languages have found a mention in the application form, brought out by Barack Obama administration for filling up thousands of political positions in the government’s executive branch. 
  These are among 101 languages from across the world, listed in the form’s ‘international experience’ section, where applicants have been asked to select those known to them. 
  The Indian languages mentioned in the firm also include as many as six — Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Chhattisgarhi, Haryanvi, Magahi and Marwari — that are not part of the 22 languages of India listed in the Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution. 
  Hinting at an intense competition, the White House has said that more than 3,50,000 applications have already been received for these “politically appointed positions”. 
  “We’re looking to fill several thousand politically appointed positions in the Executive Branch. We’re already interviewing many for the upper level positions, but will be reviewing applications and making decisions on appointments over the next few months,” the White House said in a posting on its official blog.
Source: White House Blog and AM.

EDP Program at TIE-Ahmedabad

I am joining the Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) at TIE (Ahmedabad Chapter) from 16th Feb. 2009. It is the collaboration of the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi.

The course will have workshops on Identifying Business Opportunities, Making Business Plans, Making Market Survey and others. It will also have sessions on H.R. Management, Financial Management and Connectivity with various VCs, Banks and Investors. 

I am not sure - how much helpful this program will be.... but it's costing Rs. 700 and I guess ..worse come worse..alteast will meet some entrepreneurs, VCs, and get more exposure

Details can be found at: http://ahmedabad.tie.org/

Stay Hungry Stay Foolish

Well, I just got done with Stay Hungry Stay Foolish. And it's a must read for all the entrepreneurs and who want to start their business. It has bunch of short stories (5-6 pages)  of successful entrepreneurs who are also graduates from IIM-Ahmedabad. It will give inspiration to all the big dreamers and is sure a big source of motivation. 

I myself is an entrepreneur and understand the word Motivation and Inspiration. Cause when the business is down and people are taunting you... this kinda books will help you to Think Big and Think Different.

Thus keep going and let me end this note with a great lines from Robert Frost...

Robert Frost (1874–1963). Mountain Interval. 1920.
 
1. The Road Not Taken
 
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, 
And sorry I could not travel both 
And be one traveler, long I stood 
And looked down one as far as I could 
To where it bent in the undergrowth; 5
 
Then took the other, as just as fair, 
And having perhaps the better claim, 
Because it was grassy and wanted wear; 
Though as for that the passing there 
Had worn them really about the same, 10
 
And both that morning equally lay 
In leaves no step had trodden black. 
Oh, I kept the first for another day! 
Yet knowing how way leads on to way, 
I doubted if I should ever come back. 15
 
I shall be telling this with a sigh 
Somewhere ages and ages hence: 
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— 
I took the one less traveled by, 
And that has made all the difference.

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You can find more info about the book at: http://www.stayhungrybook.com/

Price: Rs. 125

View old webpages (archived)

Every wonder what the old webpage used to look like???? This site find your or any website's archive. So now you can go back and see how the webpage has Evolved over the years...

VERY INTERESTING

check out: WayBackMachine

Local website needed...

Today, just talking to a friend - I thought that....

There needs to be a local Ahmedabad website were we can find info on movies, clubs, restaurants, one day getaways places, hotels, local events, plays...etc. there are many sites like this but none for ahmedabad and if there are some..they are not updated. uhh.... good business opportunity i guess....

I have done similar website, while I was in college called Huskiecoupons.com (College football team called Husikes) which provides huskie games, previews, and local store info with coupons..like pizzzas, pubs, flowers etc...

3D Floor Painting

Have you guys heard of an english man named Julian Beever. If not then read further. He is a great 3D Floor painting artist, who does Pavement drawings on the streets of England, France, Germany, USA, Australia and Belgium. Well checkout your self. 

Link:

Julian Beever's Pavement drawing pages.

Another sites that shows his pictures.

Motif Charity Walk 2009

Hi Folks

Join the 7th Annual Motif Charity Walk 2009 on 15th Feb. It starts at 7am from Atira and ends up at Atira. The walking would be of about 5kms and the running would be of about 8kms. Also I think it would be a good idea to donate few hundred bucks to the under mentioned NGOs.  In conclusion, it should be a good turn out and you can also get lot of business connections. So spare your Sunday morning and lets walk. 

- Refreshments will be provided and yes if you donate the money then you also get t-shirts. Plus all the super walkers and runner, there are also some prices for coming on top. Anyways overall its a good outdoor activity. 

NGOs this year at Motif: Karuna Kare Foundation, Sanjivani Health & Relief Committee, Gujarat Cleft and Craniofacial Research Institute and Akshaya Patra Foundation 

Details @ http://www.motifinc.com/Charity_Walk_2009.htm

Anti-HIV Gel Offers Hope To Women

Interesting new in today's Ahmedabad Mirror:

HIV/Aids researchers celebrated a major milestone this week as a microbicide gel for women was found to reduce the risk of HIV infection by 30 per cent. 

Though falling short of the 33 per cent needed for the microbicide gel, known as PRO 2000, to be regarded a scientific success; researchers believe the results mark a significant achievement as this is the first human clinical study to suggest that a microbicide gel could prevent male-tofemale sexual transmission of HIV infection. 

A global network of research institutions were involved in the Phase II clinical study, including South Africa’s HIV Prevention Research Unit at the Medical Research Council. Commenting on the results of the study, Director of the Unit Professor Gita Ramjee said, “For the first time in the history of microbicide research, the concept of microbicides as an HIV prevention tool for women seems to be a reality” “After working for over a decade in microbicide research, we are seeing a glimmer of hope of finding a safe and effective microbicide which could protect women and substantially reduce new HIV infections here in South Africa and globally.

 
An investigational vaginal gel intended to prevent HIV infection in women has demonstrated encouraging signs of success in a clinical trial conducted in Africa and the United States. Findings of the recently concluded study, funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the NIH, were presented today at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Montreal. The study found the microbicide gel—known as PRO 2000 (Indevus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Lexington, Mass.)—to be safe and approximately 30 percent effective (33 per cent effectiveness would have been considered statistically significant). This is the first human clinical study to suggest that a microbicide—a gel, foam or cream intended to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections when applied topically inside the vagina or rectum—may prevent sexual transmission of HIV infection. 

Sources:

http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/health_and_hiv_aids/antihiv_gel_offers_hope_to_women.html

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2009/02/09/antihiv_gel_sh ows_promise_in_largescale_study_in_women.html 

Reverse Tide

Last weekend on Feb 7, 2009 - my sister and some cousines went to Half Moon Bay to watch Reverse Tide. 

I was impressed with the Marketing, Presentations and promotions. I mean low tide is been happning around the world from many years. Me and I guess lot of others had visited to the low tides in the past but I never thought that it can be a big crowd catcher. I guess if a proper knowledge and promotions been given then - the event could be a big hit. I mean there were volunteers explaning things and showing stuff in depth and kids just loved it. They were able to play in the wet messy sand and learn the underwater lives....I guess that's amazing. No doubt that this tide had gone very far and lot of underwater lives been exposed but I think similar secnerio can be found elsewhere...but the way its been package...and makes people visit the place is great....hats off the idea of reverse tide... and the marketing idea.

I guess same thing amplies to lot of other things in USA (Like monuments and historic places). They are so good in putting things together and making it an memorial experience for everyone. I guess its a big lesson all the tourism developers or even the event organizers... HATS OFF to idea. 

In the picture: My Niece and Nephew playing and looking around in mud. 

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Some more pictures from the event:

   

  

Migration: Good and Bad

Hi

Finally I have shifted my account from Wordpress to Blogger. And it was a big pain.

Good Part: I am happy with some of the features from Blogger like point to my personal domain name, useful gadgets, layout tweaking etc...

Bad Part:

1. I lost many of my posts during migration. Some files got corrupt during the migration and well... I am left with some old and new posts.  

2. I now have to learn - to move around Blogger's site.

3. I try very hard to avoid Google products (of course to kill its dominance) but they are too good. 

Anyways done is done...

Note: If you want to migrate your site from wordpress to blogger then visit codesimple.net.  I screwed up, but may be - you might get it right.

Walk. Run. Reach Sola.....

Hi

Thank you everyone who participated in the mini- marathon. It turned out to be a great event. Everyone looked excited and energized. Overall, looked like everyone wanted to do this AGAIN. So lets see when that can happen.

Things to be learned:

1. Consider 75% presence.

2. Market well through SMSs, Mouth of word, friends, emails, and phone calls.

3. Get sponsors freebies. Give gifts or t-shirts and stuff.

4. Have a good snacks with Excess amount of liquides.

5. Choose Green and cooler route.

6. Try to do a circular route, so that people can get back to their vechiles easily.  

MORE PICTURES @ http://picasaweb.google.com/vivek.bhalavat/WalkToSola2009