RT @Inc: 9 Surprising Traits of Truly Phenomenal Bosses @jeff_haden http://t.co/8BTewyu9e7

9 Surprising Traits of Truly Phenomenal Bosses @jeff_haden http://t.co/8BTewyu9e7

— Inc. (@Inc) August 4, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/manohr

August 04, 2015 at 07:14AM
via IFTTT

Thanks for looping in. Good to know.. In waiting.. ;) @ChennaiFocus @anoopzombie @renie @indiblogger @hackernewbie

Thanks for looping in. Good to know.. In waiting.. ;) @ChennaiFocus @anoopzombie @renie @indiblogger @hackernewbie

— Manohar Lazarus (@manohr) August 4, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/manohr

August 04, 2015 at 07:11AM
via IFTTT

#Sanskari govt bans #porn sites in #India doesn't go down well.. What does this really encourage/ discourage? : http://t.co/Pa6WOB652h

#Sanskari govt bans #porn sites in #India doesn't go down well.. What does this really encourage/ discourage? : http://t.co/Pa6WOB652h

— Manohar Lazarus (@manohr) August 3, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/manohr

August 03, 2015 at 02:03PM
via IFTTT

My best RTs this week came from: @indiblogger @drvikram #thankSAll Who were yours? http://t.co/zmtd4wSq0I http://t.co/vVnbXpTzKw

My best RTs this week came from: @indiblogger @drvikram #thankSAll Who were yours? http://t.co/zmtd4wSq0I http://pic.twitter.com/vVnbXpTzKw

— Manohar Lazarus (@manohr) August 2, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/manohr

August 02, 2015 at 12:04PM
via IFTTT

How lost and systemically regressive is our education system! #NCERT @TimesNow #asarambapu https://t.co/7TAT0mdoR0

How lost and systemically regressive is our education system! #NCERT @TimesNow #asarambapu https://t.co/7TAT0mdoR0

— Manohar Lazarus (@manohr) August 2, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/manohr

August 02, 2015 at 11:58AM
via IFTTT

Lessons from Daily Life...: #Flipkartimagesearch Tweetlog as they day unfolded... http://t.co/Rv3LpgVeOz

Lessons from Daily Life...: #Flipkartimagesearch Tweetlog as they day unfolded... http://t.co/Rv3LpgVeOz

— Manohar Lazarus (@manohr) August 1, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/manohr

August 01, 2015 at 07:32PM
via IFTTT

#Flipkartimagesearch Tweetlog as they day unfolded..

The day's planned... Heading to #Flipkartimagesearch @indiblogger meet @HRCIndia!

RT @drvikram And that's how you party at 11:30 in the morning #Flipkartimagesearch #indiblogger

#FlipkartImageSearch hearing it from the horse's mouth.. #flipkart #indiblogger

A Picture is worth 1000 words they say.. @Flipkart wants you to show and not try hard to explain #FlipkartImageSearch @indiblogger

You see what you want! What you see is what you get! Promise! #FlipkartImageSearch @Flipkart @indiblogger

No wife searching on #FlipkartImageSearch #humour @indiblogger @Flipkart

#FlipkartImageSearch question time @indiblogger Puneet @Flipkart answers this feature may not extend soon to nonapp

#flipkartimagesearch @Flipkart first of its kind to launch this feature in shopping apps @indiblogger meet 

#FlipkartImageSearch #bigbillionday was epiphany of sorts says Puneet @Flipkart @indiblogger but we'll be ready to take on #INDIA challenge

#FlipkartImageSearch #qanda no certain privacy terms finalised yet.. Secured in user account. Period. @indiblogger @Flipkart

#FlipkartImageSearch #qanda Puneet @Flipkart says don't get bothered by scope of feature right now, focus on the idea @indiblogger meet!

#FlipkartImageSearch a humble start of a great idea by @Flipkart to revolutionise shopping experiences @indiblogger meet @HRCIndia #Cool

120+ folks Putting the #FlipkartImageSearch to reality check @indiblogger meet! Must admit @Flipkart #itworks! Kudos!

Team5 with 32 #flipkartimagesearch results @flipkart @indiblogger the winning team!

#flipkartimagesearch @chennaifocus @flipkart @indiblogger 'twas some winning time testing the image search feature!

#Flipkartimagesearch time of #SocialMedia #MEETandGREET music food n drinks! #goodtimes @Flipkart @indiblogger

Book review: God is a Gamer

'God is a gamer' is a fast-paced one-go-read set in the present-day context. The story pitches on the complex and cacophonic patterns of the boundary-less world we live in. Most of the main elements of the book are all laid out on the front and back covers of the book: Bitcoin (first alternative digital decentralized currency), ancient-method-murders, politics, vengeance, gaming, banking among others. Ravi Subramanian (the author) skilfully leverages current popular themes like IT, hacking, phishing, gaming, social media which not just adds jus to the story but fastens to audience for it reflects the temper of our times.

The Thrill: In line with his earlier books, this one too is set in the backdrop of a foreign bank in India primarily and ties in characters from outsourcing and gaming businesses, politics, Bitcoin founders etc., The binding character of the story – Gillian, a US Senator and close aide of the US President gets introduced as the key political influencer. He helps the chiefs of the financial transaction processing giants like Visa, Mastercard to suppress competition in Russia (NCPS) and in return gets them to oblige the US government request to cut all donations/ payments to Wikileaks through their systems.

The story steps up with a rapid-tale  of Gillian’s assassination; then flow in the rest of actors Swami, Aditya, Sundeep (three friends who started together at NYIB), Malvika (CEO of NYIB), Varun (Aditya’s son who was separated due to divorce and is united back after his mother’s death), Tanya (Malvika’s daughter, co-founder of Bitcoin and Gillian’s lover), Nikki (Gillian’s wife, introduced earlier during Gillian’s assassination plot), Gloria (Nikki’s daughter and step-daughter to Gillian, Varun's lover), the Bitcoin (fictitious) founders all knitted together in a business-families' act. 

Ravi keeps you glued to the story with more murders, lovers’ plans gone bad, wee bit of sex and drugs, a corporate management lesson here and there, an ATM heist, terrorism plot, and few other conspiracies. Interesting as they are, picking on elements laid out on book cover and your own interpretation; you might actually start predicting the finale after two-thirds of a read but Ravi doesn't fail to keep you glued on. Ravi’s own interpretation of Satoshi Nakamoto – Bitcoin founders and how the team came together is quite good, which is one of strong pillars to the overall story. 

The end, like an Indian-Bollywood movie is melodramatic (played out in a Mumbai police station by an ACP, an FBI and CBI director respectively with all of above living characters). With the international touch-up in characters, we also have Keats and Socrates referenced to in this part of the story where the murder mysteries are unraveled... Thankfully, the epilogue covers up for it tells you what the story wasn't. The number of characters might appear a tad conspicuous but Ravi makes up a wind-up for each giving them enough coverage. 

The Dampeners: 

• If you are a tech/BPO pro, you would certainly have a good laugh for the story descriptions greatly undermine the security encryption in banks and their vendors’ (outsourcing companies’) systems descriptions. 
• If that wasn't enough, the auto-generating malware even when the computer is shutdown will certainly raise your eyebrows!
• Of all the characters, I personally feel bad for Swami for his role didn't live up to any purpose in the whole story. Was he required at all, and his murderers? 
• The FBI realize they didn't really solve the Cotton trail mystery but agree to ignore it, cos they would look like idiots. (ROFL... yea.. that’s what I did)

Last word: The author has cleverly written this story in the very current world setting instead of creating something anew to engage his audience. Claimed to be the first Bitcoin thriller, Ravi, using his ages of talent in banking gives the audience a peek into (his imaginative) potential of Bitcoin and its possibilities of its ab/use. Perhaps not as mystifying as one might expect it to be, it certainly doesn't fail to thrill you. After you've turned the last page, you would have felt entertained and a little bit more informed (if you didn't know much about Bitcoin, that is) if nothing else. 

I rate this book a 7.5/10.

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

Private India leaves you high and dry!

A fast-paced gripping thriller, with an obvious Ashwin Sanghi flavor, almost conspicuously though; lacks the richness he generally brings and the weave of a story.

The Thrill: A look at the book and the names of authors really raises the bar and sets a note in your mind of what you can expect from it. It begins with the killing of a doctor immediately followed by another, of a reporter.  Private India, a detective agency run by Santosh Wagh has been handed over the investigation business. The plot thickens with abstract rituals identified and more added as murders followed – all victims being women. By one-third of the read, you’re introduced to an ingenious Indian-mythology-linked theme. Your curiosity doubles up, raising your expectations. In between, you’re given a peek into the mind of killer doing self-talk and reveling in his accomplishments. In an interesting style – all the lives of the victims converge in one individual’s life and the role they played at different points in time to merit the manner of their death.

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

The Dampener: Well, there seem to be two climaxes to the book. Unsure of which one’s more important, the murder mystery is solved first in an almost insipid manner. Though all the murder rituals tie in to Durga’s nine avatars, all the excitement and curiosity built up fizzes away when one realizes there was not really much purposeful utility of the Sanghi spiced theme. The murderer is given away tad too early to move over to the next climax. For one who has been an ardent reader of Private series, the second climax might make much sense. For a stand-alone novel, the second climax about the agency’s own security would sound a true spoiler. The hero of the book – the series of cult-murders – the theme behind it – how it concluded, had left me high and dry!

Last word: Based on Ashwin’s string of bestsellers like The Rozabal Line, Chanakya Chant and The Krishna Key, he’s got readers’ expectations soaring. Giving a mythology-based theme just for sake of adding spice to story without any depth eventually leading to an unrelated climax was worryingly conspicuous.

Final Rating: Might awe and work for an average reader. James Patterson, sad to inform, but I would generously rate it 6/10. But, seriously, no wow-factor, disappointed.

P.S:- Immediately after finished reading, I had tweeted tagging one of the authors - Ashwin Sanghi  

“#PrivateIndia: page-turner thriller, li'l flavour of @ashwinsanghi, lacks his richness and weave of a story. No #wow, almost disappointed.” 

Within five hours, I’d received his response:“@manohr will try to give you more excitement with my solo title in mid 2015... Sialkot Saga.”

Really looking forward to Sailkot Saga now! 

Indian General Elections 2014 with social mobile apps

How would you inspire and mobilize India's youth to vote in the 2014 Indian General Elections using social mobile apps?


India's youth need to see a purpose and a role for them to identify with it. There's none equal to that - and that needs to be absolutely clear!

The 2013 Delhi elections have become a strong case-study of how focused mobilization of India's youth has created history! India's youth is no more the 'ignorant' or 'tell-em-all' anymore. We've seen a wave of change in the mindsets of average Indian - thanks to the progressive and participative trends in media; the outbreak of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

The AAP has provided With a proof of concept how a purpose-driven NGO could take form of a political party and be the change that everyone wants to see. The recent elections in 4 states in latter 2013 has seen unprecedented participation in elections which is such a welcome sign. The Indian youth has come of age and acknowledges that there is a great need for change - and with this circumstantial evidence also acknowledges that they CAN make a difference.

Given that the purpose is established; a hope of dreams coming true is proven - the platforms need to be made stable and made available. Here's how social media can make a difference to make every Indian youth's vote count:

Engage:

1. It's more of an accessibility / infrastructural issue. Not all Indian youth have access to ICTs / social media apps. However - Indian youth is a multi-faceted learners. They need to be provided access - to become aware; to assess the impact; to voice, to participate. If not for infrastructure. Social media needs to inspire each one to reach out and spread the message. Campaigns with purposeful targets like 'each one reach one every day'etc., could ensure mass engagement and mobilization.

2. There's needs to be forums for youth to participate and engage at a policy level which in turn provide them with greater political participation, directly impacting their quality of life can ensure that collectively India harnesses this demographic dividend. Imagine forums like this aggressively breaking out into sessions of debate, issue-based mobilization to bring about change on the ground happening.. Will bring about wonders.

3. Every third person in an Indian city is a youth; Starting from the grassroot level governance; participation of youth needs to be encouraged. Of course the details need to worked to identify the visionaries, workers.

Some bit of these if can transform into authentic surveys, representing collective voice of youth - will certainly draw the attention of the every authority - cos this is not just blabbering that'll die down - but something that'll translate into a currency; called VOTE! That vote as we recently saw can transform a nation! 

Narendra Modi watches slide show riots of 2012 - LoL!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha! That was my first reaction to this piece of news today in the papers..

So the Gujarat CM finally lent a ear to the voices of the affected minority, or should I say the 'younger bro' who was taught to respect the elder bro in the community.. I didn't know who should I be laughing at.. the CM who agreed to create another piece of news by this act, or the hopelessly hopeful critic who went, presented as if he was giving some real 'news' to the 'watchful CM'.

And not so surprisingly, Modi said - "I'll consider it." What else could he have said with the whole world now watching him!

Why if someone, some diligent human rights activists help the CM watch the 'Final Solution', a documentary by Rakesh Sharma to see what really went about in those days.. It wouldn't need fancy slides, nor passionate speech to convince any administrator to 'consider' it. One needs just open eyes and ears, and most importantly a conscience to see the reality around to respond to the pain and suffering of people. How much more then does it apply for a leader, a chief administrator of a state? God forbid such a leader gets reins of a greater position and create more evil for a larger state!

To Mahmood - the critic who presented - I really wish the conscience of the 'big brother' would really see some change - like you - I'm a dreamer too.. let's hope against hope. But you brother, don't get swayed by this media act.

To Modi - "I'll consider it". Too late a statement and nothing in it for one to buy in to it sir! 

Excruciating Waiting Times. Thanks Redbus, Varsha Travels

Is it worth the wait? That philosophical question seems a mischief when waiting times get increasingly painful. Right now, more than talking about waiting and managing waiting times, I want to share a small review of my experience with this substandard company Varsha Travels, operating routes from Bangalore to Vijayawada.

Facts: 

• Booking agent: Redbus
• Operator: Varsha Travels
• Ticket # / PNR #: TEBQ62968829 / VTPKG28595922-Blr-Vij-13
• Destination: Tickets purchased from Bangalore to Nellore @ Rs. 1299/-
• Pricing: A State transport ticket would not cost beyond Rs. 650/- and other private services maximum priced at – Rs.1000/-. So technically this was a service priced at a premium of an average of 50% higher charge.

• Punctuality: Dreadful. 105 minutes late (1 hr 45 minutes). Departure 2 hours late. No, no intimation in between while you just keep waiting and the operator is busy on his own trips!
• Services Undelivered: No bottle of water, which is a norm (even after an excruciating delay in service)
• Highlight of the Service: The bus won’t drop to you to your destination - Nellore, but will drop you on the highway to the destination – Nellore by pass instead.

Well, after that excruciating wait in KR Puram for this wonderful premium service, there’s just no spirit left but to just take whatever is served and deal with it. I am sure such experiences are certainly felt by many though unspoken. And this is not being given its due attention – well, because all the victims of these experiences might be too busy to share their disappointment, or are used to being treated so as to not realize this injustice. But, I didn’t want to be among those who stand by and keep watching.

Substandard services offered like these actually tantamount to social injustice. And since this is regarding a service for which you pay certain premium and buy, when not delivered in point of sale ‘package’ is a crime. A punishable crime (even if you’re paying a nominal amount and not a premium)!

Believe me, had it been a person with Diabetes / Blood pressure (which is very common in India), waiting for nearly 2 hours on the main road-side without any care will really collapse. Even then I am very less of hope that these service providers will be moved at all.

This is an experience I had by booking on Redbus (a portal which help you make reservations on registered private road transport service providers) after more than a year. The last time I had a similar experience with another private service provider on route from Cchennai to Bangalore, I had decided to not take any private transport services which charge you a premium and end up giving a shoddy service. On the other hand, the state transport services (APSRTC, KSRTC) are exceeding service expectation and way much better. Guess the difference is in just delivering to the expectations set initially at the point of sale. Guess that ain’t that hard really.

Time and again, Indian private road transport systems (in South India) have proven to be insensitive and disappointing by design. Profitable nonetheless, because the user-base is willing to afford even higher prices and drive the demand higher, service-orientation has rested in peace.

Waiting is frustrating, agonizing, annoying, takes toll on your time, mental and physical health and yes - exceptionally expensive as well. ‘Twas the misfortune of one day for me. Continues to be the case for many with many subscribing to other private service operators—when does it end? Now that’s a proverbial question you might want to mull over and try to answer.

Before closing, I did google up this travel operator and I got about 25 similar complaints (links below) about how pathetic this service is. So my recommendation – Varsha Travels – In all sanity, please AVOID IT!

Some complaints lists below:

1. http://www.consumercomplaints.in/complaints/varsha-travels-bangalore-c214441.html
2. http://www.mouthshut.com/product-reviews/Varsha-Travels-Bangalore-reviews-925104231  

P.S: Redbus, can’t believe you’ve got such pathetic service provider on your list, this is not the only one though; wonder what your feedback really is useful for! If some responsible official reads this—please remove them from your list for your own reputation sake, if not for some social justice!

Why do we shout it anger?

Disclaimer: "This is not written by me. This came as a email forward and sharing cos I liked it." Should any content be objectionable, offensive or copyrighted - please write to me on manohr@gmail.com and it will be removed"

A saint who was visiting river Ganges to take a dip and found a group of family members on the banks, shouting in anger at each other. He turned to his disciples smiled, 'n asked.

"Why do people in anger shout at each other?"
Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, "because we lose our calm, we shout."
"But, why should you shout when the other person is just next to you? You can as well tell him what you have to say in a soft manner" asked the saint.
Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the other disciples. Finally the saint explained..

"When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other to cover that great distance."

"What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is either nonexistent or very small..."


The saint continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper 'n they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other 'n that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other."
He looked at his disciples 'n said: "So when you argue do not let your hearts get distant, Do not say words that distance each other more, Or else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return."