The Hiatus

Close to a quarter since I last posted some of my thoughts. Well, things have been hectic (boy! thats an understatement) - wins, losses, discussions, traveling... I am just learning the hardway that success is about getting up one more time than you really think you can.

Here are some of the things that I have learnt (a couple from a very interesting book called Losing My Virginity by Branson that I read recently, others from here and there).

1. Business cannot be pushed. It takes its sweet time to develop.
2. A live spirit is of utmost importance. A smile on the face at the end of the most tiring of days is what differentiates you.
   
3. To be in business you need have complete belief in your concept and love it; or rather be passionate about.
4. Say what is required; not more; not less.
   
5. Passion is good, but let the intellect keep a leash on it. Know when to pull-back.
   
6. The driver has to be phenomenal growth; a vision to achieve what no man has ever achieved; go where no man has gone every before (no pun here!).
7. Fight! Not aggressive; know your worth, reason and stand by what you believe.
8. Know when and how to take mid-course corrections.
   
9. The idea is good; the implementation is critical.
   
10. Be clear in what you want and say. Remember, there is no second chance.
11. Last, but not the least, "opportunity knocks..." so be alert!
    

Godspeed, Phonon.

Talk about Plagiarism

I was reading the BBC, when I happened to see an article about best and worst UK adverstisements from 2006. The portion on Nimble bread reminded me of Nestle Kitkat's new campaign for their low-calorie chocolate that is being aired on Indian TV channels these days.

Come on, get original folks!!

Martini - Gult Style

Thanks to Reddy, here's the recipe for a martini made to suit anyone who has gult taste-buds.

Ingredients (for 2 servings),
60 ml vodka (any brand, its not going to make a difference in a bit)
3-4 green chillies, cut along their length (some say, the more the merrier)
1/2 a lemon
Few drops of tobasco sauce (boy...already getting the fire burning)
Ice (you'll need this)

All the ingredients in a shaker with lots of ice. Shake hard.
Strain into martini glasses (or a tall glass filled with ice cubes, for the faint hearted). Olives only if you need them!

We are on high alert...

Was traveling Indian Railways' marquee train - the Shatabdi Express when I saw this :-). Makes one wonder - where did the train get lost?

Ithaca...long time no see

Was browsing around, when the eyeballs hit a name that sounded very familiar. Ithaca. Yes, the one nice poem, that probably everyone has read.

Here it is, once more:

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon -- do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.

Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
visit many Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from scholars.

Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.

Constantine P. Cavafy (1911)
http://users.hol.gr/~barbanis/cavafy/