Reserved Thoughts

A post that I wanted to write like forever and had been written like a month ago. I thought I should post it today. So, today was day 2 of the Blogging week!

Important: Since today I have reached W+P (see below stats!), I will stop posting AnOSM posts (the duplicates) here. So whenever you will see anything here from my side, from now onwards, most probably it will be for here only!



Reserved Thoughts


W: 59 P: 59 Words: 629

You "Mean" Teachers...

Today I have talked about teachers' in a bit negative way which may seem bad, but what I write here is true (or at least I perceive them to be true). Please read and react!




You "Mean" Teachers...:


W: 59 P: 58 Words: 723

RavS' blog Week!

Alright, so I am out of shape now (habit wise) for last 3 weeks or so. And now I feel it is insanely difficult to get back to the productivity level of 3 weeks ago. But I am gonna try.

The first step is to get back into the habit of writing/blogging again. And for that to happen I would like to write and post a blog every day (on AnOSM) for next 7 days starting today, hopefully on different topics. Let's see how this goes!

(मेरा) झंड लोकपाल बिल!

This is my version of Lokpal bill. May be Govt. can take a look at this as well, but it's not as important as some of the other bills scheduled to be discussed today :)

(मेरा) झंड लोकपाल बिल!


W: 58 P: 57 Words: Unknown

अन्ना जी की झंड करने के उपाय (व्यंग)

This is supposed to be a pun/satire on the what's going on right now in India. I am quite fed up of it, but instead of venting my anger by writing something that nobody would read, I chose to write it in a way that may be someone will enjoy. Let's see :)


अन्ना जी की झंड करने के उपाय (व्यंग)


W: 57 P: 56 Words: Unknown

31 Day Life Hack: The Pause (NOT the End)

Today should have been the 18th day of 31DLH experiment but to tell the truth I left the experiment mid way almost 5-6 days ago. When I started the experiment I was super excited (I had trouble sleeping the night before!). But as the days progressed that enthusiasm kind of waned off (nothing new, happens with me, all the time).

In fact, for the last 3-4 days I am doing nothing (absolutely nothing!) productive. So, it is appropriate time for me to "end" this experiment prematurely. I know I failed (as I suspected/feared) but I did enjoy doing it (whatever little I did) and I also learned a few things. The most important one of that was not to start such a big project abruptly. Slow and steady is ALWAYS (/most of the time) the way to go. 

I have trouble calling this an end though because I still dream of living a super charged month but right now I don't think I am ready for it. In fact, right now it will be better for me to recollect myself and get back to the plain old productive self (little productive is always better than unproductive).

And once we are there, we can try to restart this project (this time doing it hour->day->weekend->week->month wise). Thanks for supporting (or not giving a damn to) this experiment of mine :) Will make a come back... sooner or later. Promise!

Corruption: A Different Perspective

We are all talking about corruption right now (and rightly so). I thought I should also pitch in, but with a different angle.

Corruption: A Different Perspective


W: 57 P: 55 Words: 758

Some changes on AOSM

Hi there, you readers of blogRSH! Today (and also in last few days) I made some (subtle and not-so subtle) changes to the blog. And I thought I should let you know about this (no surprises!):

• First and foremost, the name of the blog is now "An Open Source Mind" rather than "The Open Source Mind" because:

1. I thought my mind is not "thumping" enough to be called "The"
2. I can't claim to have the only open source mind (in fact "The" and "Open-Source" sounds oxymoronic :)

• Removed the "Twitter" and "Google Friend Connect" gadgets because I thought they weren't serving any purpose. Now the page looks cleaner (less garbage/distraction) and also loads a little faster (I think).

• Changed the color of the header from white to black, which I believe gives it a bit more "authorative" feel.

• Have adopted minimum color (mostly "blue" and "black") combo on the blog so that everything looks consistent and also gives it a bit more polished (and hopefully not bland) look.

• I found out I had used a number of fonts at different places. So instead I have changed everything (except the Headlines of post) to "Philosopher" font (I quite like it :). Again going for consistency.

• Also changed the color of the main text to a more saturated black. Let me know if it's easier to read now or was earlier.

• Removed the "Reactions:" checkboxes (nobody uses it) and moved the labels close to the heading so as to help you know what the post is about.

• Share options have been moved again at the bottom, so that you can share it (please :) only if you think it is worth sharing (after reading it of course).

• And at least a few more changes (I will let you figure them out :)

I hope you like the new look (but the changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary). Let me know what you feel. Cheers!

Happy? Independence Day

Well the title of the post is self explanatory (or is it?!). But I have also been made to realize that not many will agree to the expressed thoughts here. And well that's why I would like you to read it out. Once again...

Happy? Independence Day

W: 56 P: 54 Words: 765

Digital Art Day!

Well today was slightly better than yesterday. At least I did some work that I liked. I posted a new blog, worked a bit on another one.

But basically today went to Digital Art! Spent the whole morning with GIMP and then reviewed insanely high number of wallpapers in the evening. Did a bit of programming (but still nowhere near the amount that I would like) and wrote the journal (something I missed yesterday. Damn!).

So, all in all today was a better day. At least I can look forward to making tomorrow even better.

जिंदगी भी सही मजाक है!

This is something that I wanted to post for a long long long time. I had the idea in mind, but just didn't know how to get started. But thanks to a friend who gave me just enough spark to go ahead and write this shit down.

This only proves I am NOT a poet. But this will never deter me to write what I want to write. And if it can make someone feel good, it's just win-win for me! Hope you like it :)

W: 56 P: 53 Words: Unknown

जिंदगी भी सही मजाक है!

Promise Day!

Well I think I have got a bad case of motivation-drop right now. When I started this month, I was on a high with loads of things looking up. But in just a week it has gone pretty low!

I don't feel like doing anything these days. And as a result, things I normal enjoy (watching movies, Twitter, Gmail etc.) aren't as enjoyable as well. I know it happens with a lot of people (some to greater extent than others). And I also know that the best thing that I can do right now is to work my way out of it (Action rather than Inaction).

So, today rather than telling what happened (or didn't happen), I promise to get this project going honestly. To actually live the days (even if it takes some/a lot energy for doing it) rather than celebrating *Blank Days* like yesterday. Let's hope, I keep up my promise.

Blank Day!

Kick Procrastination's Ass Day!

Well I had a brilliant opporunity to make today really awesome but it couldn't happen because procrastination got a real hold of me.

I did some of regular tasks pretty easily. But I haven't been able to write anything new for the blog OR program, for about a week now. And haven't studied book for about 3-4 days now.

And by the time, I realised this, it was already a bit too late to really make significant inroads in any of those tasks. It was too easy to leave them today also. But I decided to pursue them anyway. So, today I programmed for about 15 minutes, read half a chapter from book and completed a previously half written post (something that was incomplete for about a month, another form of procrastination!).

I know they are not really too much of a big thing to do. But starting out on something is the end of procrastination, I am glad I was able to do that. Now, if I try it again, tomorrow will get easier. So, today may just turn out to be a stepping stone of restarting the habit of doing these activities on a daily basis. But, let's not get too far ahead right now.

Don't Know What Day!

Well today was a total disaster. I couldn't do anything significant enough, to use as a theme for this post/day. Though, I won't be as harsh on myself as on other days, because I had all the intents of making today successful. It started well as well, but thanks to today's Goddamn bank visit and its manager, all plans went haywire.

The 2 minute work turned out to be an over 2 hours affair, and by the time I returned home, I was mentally and physically exhausted to do anything good.

But I was able to complete out last remaining posts to be read (Yay!) and also kept GIMP habit going (Yay! again!). Now since I have to sleep early, I would be posting this tomorrow only.

Today wasn't the greatest of all days, but thankfully, I still kept myself going (even though at crawling speed). I hope tomorrow turns out to be a better one (at least I hope I have better title for it :)

What do you Love?: Twitter

Not a lot of things that I can claim to absolutely "Love". And those I love should get some love back. This series of posts is expression of that gratitude, the acknowledgement that these things have improved my life.

What do you Love: Twitter

W: 55 P: 52 Words: 444

Code!.. Err.. Read Day?

Well this is embarrassing, I set out to make a code day out of today, trying to make up for the last 5 days of missed coding (I had thought of programming something, anything for at least an hour everyday this month), but since the thought of coding for hours seemed a bit overwhelming (scary!), I started it up by reading various blog posts lying in my Feed Reader's ReadItLater (starred) list. As the day went on I had to do a few other tasks (GIMP, spend quality time with a friend) so when I returned to actually starting coding, I had really less time left to actually do anything (not enough to call it a "Code Day"). So, I ended up reading a few more posts from the aforementioned list. 

OK, here it warrants a little story. I am a little addicted to reading feeds, and at one time it became almost like an obsession of keeping up with ever growing list of feeds. My starred items kept on growing and growing and reached over 400!. At that time I realized, that I was trying to take in too much. And from there on I have been clearning away the feeds that I can't keep up with without giving significant part of my day. I specifically removed Lifehacker, DZone, and DumbLittleMan (though I really liked all of them :). What it did was, it made it easier to actually read the things everyday and not *star* it for the future RavS to read (who already had so much to read!). Anyways, after removing the clutter, one thing that was still left was to get rid of starred items by either deleting them OR by reading them (what's the use of storing something when you will never use it?).

For the last 50 days or so I have been reading around 10 of those articles everyday (also deleting a lot of "not good enough" posts). And today, since I went for the kill, here is what I achieved...

Success!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

OK, not quite! I have around 2 dozens blog posts still remaining to be read but I have moved them to another "more urgent" list where I *will* read them in a day or 2. I also know that just reading so many posts together is NOT doing me any good since I am hardly going to keep so much information together, inside my head, but that's again the obsessive RavS at work :)

Alright, so the *Code Day!* turned out to be *Read Day!*. So, from today I do another change in my 31DLH experiment. Instead of announcing what I will do the next day, let me decide the thing on the next day itself and then do it accordingly. So, I won't tell you what I will do tomorrow (may be *Code Day!* :)

ExScreame Day Take 2!

Nothing much to scream about Take 2 also, and the same fact makes me want to SCREAAAM in frustration! I did do some good things today, spending a lot of time in GIMP, reading a lot of blogs kept in reading list for a long time and construing a new (Epic!) blog post for the main blog (in addition to spending a lot of time in Twitter!). But still a lot of work (like programming :( were left out today.

I think, may be I am doing it the wrong way: trying to squeeze so many things in the day and trying to do them all extremely efficiently. May be I would be able to perform better if I concentrate on only one thing in a day. Keeping that in mind, we will try and do a *Code Day!* tomorrow.

ExScreame Day!

The day was supposed to be extreme (so much extreme in terms of words, that I would end up screaming!) and it started the same way with me going to sleep early (9.15 pm!) and then waking up early too (5.45 am). And then I read a tough chapter from book(or the one that I thought was tough), and then did a few other tasks quite efficiently but then a spate of unexpected events caused the day to almost stop after that. First the Internet wire again broke down (screw neighbors for dropping wood logs on it yet again X(. And then a friend came (though that was a welcome surprise since I am getting a little crazy sitting at home constantly staring at the system) and in the evening electricity went off.

So, in a way in turned out to be *Half ExScreame Day!* today. Let's try *ExScreame Day Take 2!* tomorrow.

Maintain Balance Day!

Alright, so after not so perfect last 2 days, today was a really good (if not great!) day.

Today we did "Maintain Balance Day". And what I basically did was to mix Work time and Play time, so that I feel frustrated for not getting more play time, and don't feel guilty for spending less time on work.

One of best things I did was to read a chapter from book first thing in the morning, which gave immense confidence. After doing that I went to do a flip flop b/w 10-20 minutes of break and 25-30 minutes of work. I made sure I set a limit on the time I spent doing low priority tasks (but the ones I like), but as I expected, I would unfailing spend a few more extra minutes. Even then, surprisingly I was able to gather enough will-power to leave the the "play related" things and come back to "work related" things again and again.

So, by using this mixture of both the things, I was able to make sure that I ended up doing both the types of things and leave the system for brothers to use and enjoy, earlier today as compared to other days (also indicated by the time post of this blog). So, not perfect but still quite a satisfying day. 

But even after trying to live these days in a different ways, I am not really become super-humanly productive that I want to be. So for that I want to approach my work yet another way. I will go through an *ExScreame Day*. And also resolve to live it more properly than the last 4 days. Let's see...

Mind Your Own Work!

"OK, first what's Mind Your Own Work Day?" you ask...Well it's the day where I mind my work! In other words, give full focus to my current task, not thinking about the one just completed, or the things still remaining to be done.

"So, how did the day go?" you ask again...Well it was path3tic, but still a success!

"How come it can be both?" you wonder... Well, the day started as idiotically as it can. I just gave in to my temptations and ended up spending 2 hours checking mails and other updates. Actually, when you have just posted an awesome blog post and made your blog public, you can't really blame me for that also :) But it was all downhill from there. After I was done with that, I went to watch a few TV series episodes, fully knowing I would end up watching more than I intended to. After that it was lunch time.

So here I was, with already 2 pm on the clock and nothing significant done since morning. Worse, there was no motivation to do anything (it happens with me on at least 2-3 days per week).

Now there were 2 options, either go on with my lethargic day and at the end of the day write a post that say "sorry people, I couldn't spend the day properly" (or worse, just lie about it since no one will know!) OR fight off the mediocrity and get at least something done.Thankfully, I chose the later option (really!).

I went  on to do almost all the things mentioned on first day, except reading 1 chapter from book (I don't like to read the same book again :). But what was good, that going with today's theme, I gave full attention to the current task and so the work completed was more satisfying than the other 2 days.

I think the reason I slacked in the morning is because I just can't maintain balance in between work time and play time. Sometimes, I just get shit done without really giving myself any rest, so automatically I start craving for more play time later on.

Keeping that in mind, I will try and seek a "Maintain Balance Day!" tomorrow.

"Well that's appreciable!" you would be thinking. Then why just think, let me know through a comment! Appreciated!

Early Bird Day!

It's my taskbar, Make it Large!!

Today's experiment was also a success! But not exactly, the way I wanted it to be...

Well I wanted to get up as early in the morning as possible and get all the work that I did yesterday, done ASAP. I decided to give myself a head-start by sleeping around 9 pm. But then I started writing (not typing!) something which became interesting and took away 40 mins and I ended up going to bed by 9.45. And from there, all things started going wrong. I uncharacteristically woke up around 1 am at night (may be because of excitement of EB Day!) and then just couldn't sleep for an hour or so. What's worse somebody had taken the mobile in which I had set alarm; and even after asking, nobody woke me up at 5. Thankfully, I woke by 6 myself out of habit (now!).

It wasn't an auspicious start. And because it wasn't Get Shit Done Day today, I wasn't obliged to do work before play. So I ended up checking mail and commenting on friends' blogs. Once again couldn't stop myself from reading newspaper while having breakfast (eating away even more time).

Thankfully, the motivation to write this blog post gave me enough spirit to get (almost!) all the yesterdays' tasks done before 12 pm! Though, on Early Bird Day, I wanted to get it all done by 11 or even earlier but after all that happened in last few hours, I will accept this.

OK, so Day 2 also went fairly good, and my 31DLH Experiment/Project is rolling!

But what I noticed in these 2 days was that I was more concerned about just getting over the tasks and thinking of the next one of instead of actually enjoying the present one and being mindful while doing it. So to tackle that, tomorrow we will celebrate *Mind Your Own Work Day!*

Superstitious Views

This may be my most ambitious article on buzzRSH (officially and forever blogRSH from today onwards!). And that is because I just wasn't the single author of this one. It took 7 awesome authors to articulate this one. I believe it has turn out to be exactly the way I wanted (though a little longer!) and I think it serves as a great launchpad for Open sourcing The OS Mind today.

Superstitious Views

W:54 P:51 Words: 2198 (Holy Cow! the longest ever!!)

Get Shit Done Day!

As I write this, I am drenched in sweat. But I am proud to say that the Get Shit Done Day was a success! And it really launches my August the way I wanted!

So, what's Get Shit Done Day anyways? Well, nowadays I have only 2 options: To Work, for which their is no obligation OR To Play (which includes all recreational activities). Now what happens is that I usually end up doing things that are not high priority, and not work as much as I want during the day. So, on Get Shit Done Day I decided to first complete all kinds of "work" related (high priority) activities before doing any play related (low priority) activities.

Here is what I did since morning (8 am):

And in between all this, I managed to do daily chores like breakfast, lunch and filling water! BTW I did programming after weeks today and it felt great :) even though I just wrote simple code snippets to get started. I hope I will continue to do that tomorrow too. 

To make sure all this gets done, I didn't open system till point-1 was done. And didn't open browser till point-6 was done. I didn't go to next task until the previous one was complete, so as to make sure that I don't end up skipping anything. I didn't measure exactly but I estimate that I have done 6 hours of work today and that is a stupendous achievement for me. And I assure you, doing 6 hours of continuous work wasn't a walk in the park either.

But by the time I would reach point 9, it would already be 3 pm which means just a few hours of play time :( So, now to maximize my play time, tomorrow I will observe *Early Bird Day!*

Definitely visit and find out what happens tomorrow!

PS: It wasn't all hunky-dory today. While doing breakfast, I ended up reading newspaper for half an hour. It's one thing that is not easy for me to skip.

31 Days Life-Hack

Time is limited. Whether you talk about in a day, holiday, vacation, month, year or life. I have been feeling my days (and my life in general) are just running by without me achieving much. Which leads to frustration, loads of it.

When July started I was all pumped up, wanting to do a lot of things during the month, but then as the month progressed that energy kind of fizzled out. Today is the last day of July... Which also means tomorrow will bring a new month!

So God gives me another opportunity to make amends. I can't bring the days gone by but I can surely try and make the coming days better. I don't want to repeat the mistakes made in this month. I am (and will keep) trying anything and everything to live the life I want. With that in mind, I am starting on a new ambitious life experiment: 31 Days Life Hack

The coming 31 days, I want to life in my own special/different ways. Just setting a theme for the day and then celebrating it fully. Now, I don't know how this experiment is going to turn out (my life experiments don't get much success anyway!) but at least by "honestly" trying I will make sure that I lived the day and not just passed it.

But, it's not just over there! Now that your favorite blog is going public, I remember the mini-blog days where I promised to write short but regular posts. I think I never lived up to that promise. So this time, I will live the day and post a quick mini-blog of sort chronicling the day. That means 31 days and 31 posts! And since all the posts will posted here (rather than my main blog), I will be giving some much needed love to this "group" blog! What's more, I will keep up my habit of blogging!

So, it's a win-win all the way! I don't know what all the coming 31 days will be, but I know what I will do tomorrow. So, I announce my first day tomorrow: *Get Shit Done Day!*

Don't forget to visit this blog tomorrow evening/night to find out what happened on Get Shit Done Day :)

PS: This life experiment is somewhat inspired from Shawn Powers' Do something silly experiment! He tried but it seems couldn't complete the month. I hope I will do better than him :)

I.Am.Engineer

This blog post is special in a lot of ways to me. I have done something that I wanted to do for a long long time:

This is my 50th post for buzzRSH (now blogRSH!). 

I complete an year of blogging today. 

I am going to make this blog public soon. 

And with this post, I announce:

I.Am.Engineer

W: 54 P: 50 Words: 500 (Approx.)

Reservation

What the hell you people are. I am not going to discuss about Railway/Roadways/Airways Reservation. Its, i wanted to put my views regarding Reservation in our society system. Means to say i am going to discuss my views regarding AARAKSHAN. Its not because movie is coming. Its cause counselling session is at its hype.

Before reading below, i jut want to say that i am not against to what is nowadays facts is regarding reservation. But as we want to become DEVELOPED NATION, i believe that for that we have to be straight forward , fair and clear forward. So that without hesitation, we can easily look forward to our target not the rubble and pits in way.
Well, my brother's friend came to me today and was asking regarding the seat allotment system in IPU. I told him all about and made him sound and clear. To next he start talking about reservation system in that. Now on, IPU offered special reservation to SIKH minority people also. And he is General category person. So he was in dilemma that why his general 2000 rank is equal to and better that SC/ST/OBC 10000 ranked person. He didn't got  seat in DCE while his SC friend having lower rank get it easily. He was feeling kind of ashamed of that. He was in agony regarding this system. As till now SC/ST/OBC are there and now on Sikh reservation is also given like that.

Well, i too also against such system. I too think, why studying in INDIA is so much complex while in other countries its so easy. Well, now days people are getting smarter and smarter. And they also know how and when to deal what . Rules which are made nowadays for welfare are used for profit. I don't blame anyone as all are in same marsh which is just weakening us.

Thing is, 50 years ago, none of the SC/ST people come out to study. they are just forced to do work either by nature or by society pressure. So, Drafting committee of the constitution of INDIA, made a specific Article for them so that they can came out and help to make INDIA a developed country. Till few years nothing happened. But after some decades, minorities start thinking bout them and their bright future through that reservation factor. This reservation is, in fact, is kind of BONUS given to them so that they can easily come out check their tits. And they did. even they are honored and were welcomed by society as they were looking bright future of their nation.

But, as time changes, circumstances changes. Something strict happened to any minority, all minority stand united for that person. To this i say, its fact as all these people are not intellect. And what they have is only their unity to stand against such thing. Same thing is done by other caste people and they fight for themselves. You know fact, Survival Of The Fittest. So, whomsoever stand strong and dominant win the fight. Also Constitution provide shield to such reasons.

In my believe, this reservation thing should be ended up by now. I think if everyone can know how to start conversation on mobile or phone calls(with a HELLO not Namaste), or if everyone can fight for reservation for their caste people, i don't think that they are so IDIOT they are provided with attractive Article in Constitution for their welfare.

I also think that its never RESERVATION all behind such reasons. Fact is Whenever you see a cracking in the wall , you must get sure that one day it will fall down, Means that if their come DIVISION its should be either perfect or else not. But this Caste system is such a crack in Humanism in our society which can never be mended if all think upon it. I believe if everyone look their target together in same way with same  feeling, achievement is very easy. But with different thinking of each other make our target far enough. I am not saying we should just watch and let it pass to our offspring. Its a fact on which we should act with togetherness so as to make them safe in FUTURE. If this caste system is erased from our way ... i think way become to short to move on.

I need to know your bright comments so that i can understand what you people think on my point of view and regarding Reservation. 

Battle Royale: RavS Vs Ravi

This is another post I wrote months ago and was kept in the buffer for too long a time. Now that I am getting closer to opening the blog for everyone, I thought the time is ripe for this one to go online.

If you know either Ravi or RavS (or both), there is a good chance you will enjoy this one! Post being comparatively small (going on the lines of mini posts I originally intended to write) also helps! Have fun!

Battle Royale : RavS vs Ravi

W: 54 P: 49 Words: 345

A Shockless Post

This post is pretty simple, and I think that is exactly why I like this post. It tells something I want to say, it's written quite simply and it is not unnecessarily long. Hope you like to read it.

A Shockless Post

W: 53 P: 48 Words: 600 (approx)

What do you Love?: Google

Well this post is another one in the "What do you love" series. And since (obviously) I had a lot to say about this post, so I decided to break it down into 2 parts. Of course, I have written it like a fanboy, so it may even irritate you to read this out. So I won't mind if you decide to skip this one. But it was really important for me to write this one!

What do you love?: Google (Intro)

• W: 53 P: 46 Words: 941

• 
  
• What do you Love?: Google (Why)
• W:53 P:47 Words: 537

The NO Internet Experiment

W: 52 P:44 Words:590

So, I did another experiment. And I thought it would be fun to share the results with you guys. And in true scientific fashion I wrote the lab manual properly. Now it is time for you to evaluate it and give remarks!

The NO Internet Experiment

Kill me... So I don't feel terrorized

W:51 P:43 Words:737


Well I had to write this one. It was a little too much for me, so I had to take out my frustration somewhere.

Kill me... So I don't feel terrorized

Battle Royale: RavS 3.5 Vs RavS' Bro 3.5

W:51 P:41 Words:917

Well I have a few of 'Vs' blogs in mind, so I thought why not start a kind of series. In fact, I think we can start a series of series, with similar kinds of blogs. This is the first of that series. Hope you like it!

Battle Royale: RavS 3.5 Vs RavS' Bro 3.5

PS: While I would prefer you to comment at my own blog, I won't mind if some of the comments come at this place too!

Engineering a Blog Post

W:50 P:40 Words:898

This blog post has been lying in draft for over 5 months now. I thought it was not time to post it. Here I talk about how I construct my own blog posts. This will also act like my own guideline for future posts because I think I sometimes post blogs in a rapid haphazard manner.

Also, I haven't used any images this time, because I thought the images in the last post were kind of unnecessary. So, I am trying to find the right balance; trying to find out when the images are alright to be there and when they aren't.

Hope you like the blog:

Enginnering a Blog Post

BuzzRSH just moved to BlogRSH!

Well, my patience finally gave up. I originally planned to give you people access to my blog a month afterwards, but I just couldn't wait any longer now.

The main problem is having to post the same thing multiple times. Since, I planned to post numerous posts in the coming days, this seemed like too much waste of work. And well if you gotta comment, why not comment at the original place.

Anyways, I am not ditching this blog fully and would be updating about my new blog here, from time to time, may be giving some trivia about the posts also.

Hopefully, you will like my blog. Here is hoping for a long and successful journey.

You are invited to please visit blogRSH.blogspot.com. Happy Reading!! And suggestions are always welcome :)

HolyShit... Homework!

My sister was out of city for a month and now that the schools are on the brink of opening, I have to take care of a lot of her homework (ones she can’t do) as soon as possible. So, what do I do? I write a blog about it, of course! 

So, here I discuss how I hate having to write do homework (the written ones especially) and why so. I haven’t started the homework yet. This blog post is my way of delaying the inevitable (aka I am procrastinating). Anyways, please you don't delay the inevitable and go and read the blog here:

HolyShit... Homework!

What do you Love: Linux

My Linux Mint 10 Julia Desktop :)

I love Linux. I feel proud to be a Linux user. I am also a Linux preacher.

And here I am going to maunder why I love Linux and why you should try it too. But before I move forward, I should tell you that if you are happy with using whatever OS you are currently using (most likely to be Windows), then probably this blog post may not be so much useful to you (if you still decide to read it, thanks :)

I am going to divide this blog post into 2 parts. In first part, I will give (only some of) the reasons why I liked Linux *before* using it regularly, and in second part *after* I became a regular user.

*Before*

1. Linux is not Windows

Well this is one of the chief reasons I liked Linux and wanted to use it. That it was not a product of MSFT. Not long ago, I simply despised everything related to M'Soft. I thought by using its products we were becoming its slaves ('Don't have MS Office, Notepad, IE? You are doomed'). And this led to 2nd reason.

2. Linux is Free

Here Free as in 'Freedom'. Freedom from using M'Soft products. Linux gave me a choice. And there was no single Linux. There were thousands of distros to choose from. You can even make one of your own if you wish (which I even did along with group mates during a college project).

3. Linux is Free (at least I think so :)

And here Free as in 'Free Coffee' (I would have said 'Free Beer' but I am a non-alcoholic :). While I have indulged in piracy in some form (shh.. don't tell anyone, I can get arrested. No, I am serious :), I have always believed that one should avoid it, if possible. Linux gave me chance to ditch my pirated Windows copy (other pirated softwares inside it) (buying was not an option) and the guilt associated with it.

4. Linux is Free

And here, Free as in virus-free, spyware-free, crapware-free, and mostly maintenance-free. And it is only after you use it and find out that you don't need to be afraid of opening an attachment or even an infected copy of a flash drive, you realize what that means. Of course, if you just don't give a damn about your security and are hell bent to screw yourself then even Linux (or God or @nextGod) can't save you!

5. Desire to be in Minority (an exclusive group)

If I use Windows, I would be another one of those 90+% of PC owners using Windows. If I use Linux I would be in an exclusive group of less than 2% Linux users. I also wanted to see if I really can do without Windows. And now I can safely say that (mostly) I don't need Windows to use my computer (just like I do not need mobile and Facebook to live ;)

*After*

While the above mentioned reasons do remain valid, ever since (last 1 year or so) I started using Linux as a primary full time OS, I have got a lot more reasons to like it:

1. Linux is NOT perfect

Before actually using it properly, I thought Linux was a silver bullet to all the problems that exists in the computer world. I was wrong, and I am glad I was. Because it again validates my thinking that "Nothing is perfect", but you can always strive towards perfection, getting better all the time. Anyways, the problems that I encountered have always motivated me to find solutions/alternatives to it.

2. Linux taught me to use Windows again

It may come as a surprise, but after using Linux full time for a period of time (even forcing my brothers to do it, by locking Windows :), I realised some things were better done in Windows (playing games, or using some 'Windows-only' softwares like PS). So, I was happy to go back to Windows and rediscover it all over again (I am a happy Windows 7 user now).

3. Linux gives you alternative

Not only is Linux an alternative OS, it gives you a whole new world of alternative softwares. I have discovered so many apps (all free mind you) inside Linux, that are so simple, useful and enjoyable to use, that now I try and run them on Windows also if possible!

4. Linux gives a sense of community

You may have heard about it; it feels just nice to hear. But if you see 2 regular Linux users, you can see them bonding big time (sometimes fighting too, over their choice of distro and softwares, but that's democracy you know :). They feel connected by something (at least I have felt it). Now, how many times have you seen the same for Windows users (OK, probably when they discuss OS problems :) Of course, there is also a real online community out there, that is quite comprehensive and useful and will be happy to provide you solutions to any kind of problem you are facing.

5. Linux is Fun!

And I can't emphasize on this well enough. I mean, what's the point of using something if you can't have fun using it? I can use Linux for the sheer fun of it (tinkering with it for hours, without doing any real work). May be that's just a geek inside me. But don't take my words, use any modern Linux distro and you will realize that it actually is fun to use.

You may be thinking, I am being a jerk here by boasting about being a super-Linux user and all. Well you are probably right :) But:

1. I am not a super-user and I have years of Linux usage remaining before I can think of calling myself one.

 2. The real reason I wrote this is to motivate someone to at least give Linux a try (an honest try with open mind).

Goto any of the popular Linux distro sites like this, this or that, and grab one of their Live CDs, have fun using it and decide if you want to use it in future or not.

If this post can make at least one person, even a secondary Linux user, its purpose will be served. Preaching about Linux is my way of giving back something to this wonderful OS. After all, love and affection are better served 2-way, isn't it? :)

Not Your Wife’s Daughter

“A newly-born baby girl was found abandoned behind the Ram temple near a garbage depot in Dehu Road on Saturday around 7 am.....”

This is the news I read today in TOI newspaper. And I was really-really disturbed after reading that gruesome news, thinking about that tiny little heart, and wondering what could she possibly do in less than 24 hours that her parents decided to just leave her to rot in garbage. I am filled with pain for that little girl who isn’t even aware of where in the world she is. And there is furious rage for those uncaring and soulless bastards who had the heart to just dump their little daughter, literally like a piece of trash, letting her die a slow and painful death.

Sadly this is not the first time I am hearing this kind of story. I have heard and read about several such instances, where girls are choked to death, buried alive, burned, given sedatives, thrown in burning oil and what not.

I was left wondering how can someone do such a thing their own child. I could only think of these 3 reasons (would like to know if you have any other theory):

1. She was an ‘illicit’ child (like the above report suspects) who would never get accepted by our so called “Indian” society with its “moral culture”; so she was conveniently thrown away. But an abortion would have been even more convenient; unless the parents just wanted to enjoy the pregnancy phase and then kill their child in the name of “honor”.

2. Her parents were so poor that they couldn’t afford to feed her 3 times a day. Well then if you can’t afford to raise a child, go get those free condoms that govt. distributes. Can’t you afford those also?

3. The child was a GIRL. I presume most likely that was her ‘fault’. That she was not yet another male in this male dominated society.

I don’t give a shit, what those so called women oriented TV serials and films try to portray. To me they seem more drama and less reality. They seem to be actually glorifying these kinds of events and such people should be sent behind bars.

But when I hear and read about such sinful acts in real life, I really worry if we are really progressing as a nation? We say that we are way better than Pakistan, Afghanistan and other such countries where women are still treated as slaves to men. But when the same mentality and partiality is seen in here, I don’t find our great nation to be that great. These are some moments I don’t feel that proud to be an Indian.

“But not everybody is like that.”... Yeah, that’s right probably. And we should be thankful, these people who let their girl child live! But is it any good? They still impose their choices about the clothes to wear, people to talk to, places allowed to go. She is still treated 2nd rated to her male sibling, still not given all the facilities provided to a son. She won’t probably go to the same school, she won’t get the same kind of fancy clothes to wear, she will be expected to do the house hold chores (like a servant) and get scolded/beaten mercilessly for not “obeying orders”.

“But that usually happens in rural areas”.... Really? Because I live in a metro, and I see that happening all the time in my own neighborhood. The above mentioned incident happened in a city. And according to the latest census, the sex ratio of urban areas is way lower than rural areas. Still think it's a rural phenomenon?

“So, what’s the solution, you suggest”... I honestly have no clue. I am not writing this as an article to get marks in some kind of competition or test, where I will give magic suggestions and everything will be OK. I honestly feel disgusted and shamed by such acts. And things won’t change until this society’s bias towards a girl child doesn't change.

I frankly laugh at us Indians’ hunger for a son; one who can take their clan/family legacy forward, who can help the father in his business... my ass. I have seen instances in real life where the parents will go on conceiving 3-4 times, in the hope that they at last get a son.

A daughter is the greatest gift someone can receive. I have always believed that girls are stronger and better than boys in so many areas. Everybody deserves a fair chance. Nobody should suffer because of their gender.

And yes, I just so wish that the butcher parents of that child die the same painful death they chose to give their little daughter.

Solution to "Why I don't Like FaceBook (Anyway!)"

Well rather commenting to a particular person about the briefed subject, i thought to rise-up my BLOGGER and speak up in Against to the subject. And on the other hand, i think, this action of mine, will motivate you ALOT!! Hehehe.
Well , all knows me. I m the one of the person who use to be on SOCIAL NETWORKING site all time.  You can say it either intentionally or its "anto". Coz, you can say its my passion to make new friends around. Just like, "Just Dance" n  " X-Factor" is going on to find out Best one dancer and singer, i use social network as a platform where i can find and meet new and old friends respectively. People who know me well, knew that i am so "in need" of friendship that i can't live without it. You people can say that the best thing to catch up with your friend when you are not F2F, is social networking sites. Well, on one thought person can think of rather more private perspective like Phone call, messaging. But its all in old time. things have changed. We live in Millennium of change.
I think, rather talking personally to each of our friend we waste more time than talking in Group chat or conferencing. Many social networking site introduced this type of chatting. blah blah blah!!


Coming to briefed points, i would like to share my views, which i think will help u to find way to understand things.


1. I already use a social network: Dammit, eople think they already have a account on social networking site. Who says others don't have. I pity such people who don't understand thing that "Jab underwear main ched ho jata hai ya woh purana ho jata hai, Buy a new one for you... don't stick to same underwear , sadd jayega". Orkut was social networking site. Orkut dont provide appication in which you an feed all your friends on FB account into it, rather FB use it ( Smart hunh! ). And also now days when new face meet you, they ask you " Do you Face or tweet" ... i nvr heard any one saying " do you Kut-kut". Even mobile companies give and charge for adding "FB nd Twiiter" applications oaded in thier mobiles. So, change youself.


2. Too many friends: Well, who says you to add more. In my FB account, i have about 200+ friends, in which half of them are foreigners with whom i play my daily FB games. So you can say that they are my Online game friends, We talk rare and play more. :P Secondly, in institution i am or was reading, Whole class and other mates are added to me in my friend list. So, they are my school/College friends  whom i talk on particular institutional subjects. Left with my Best friends, i think in all my friend list i have maximum of 50 friends, whom i talk very much. But we cant meet daily as they are far-far enough from my home. So, best way to hang out with them is to meet them on social networking site 


3. No Time: I dunno why people think that they have only 24 hrs with them and rest world hav time above that. They dun understand that TIME IS INVESTED not WASTED. We all when feel free or eager to talk anyone, we go for this. I daily firstly open my Gmail account and check all my mails than Buzz in line and finally i reply to those mails and buzz. After that only i open my social networking site. Obviously, FB.. I found rarest people on Orkut. In Facebook, we like all singers and TV episodes we like so all updates of movies, videos and pics can be easily found out. That makes your wasted time Less!! (Think over it).


4. Do I need another network?: I think i do't need to explain this point specifically, as all answers about it is stated above. If you don't understand then you r SICK!! BTW, in account to "Why I don't have a Mobile", i need to say something. I think people who don't have mobile phones, ask for mobile when they need urgently. But when other person say that i don't have balance, then they say "Why you don't have Balance", same time other person think "Why don't you have a Mobile" or "Why don't you recharge my phone".


5. I am a bit skeptical of it: Pity knowing fact that every good thing has its shortcomings, still people don't understand. Well, FB/Twiiter are in need of high security. Even my FB account was targeted 5 times since its been made( Y me !! ). But thanks to FB people, they always saved them from Hacker and updated me about it. But, this i can say before you completely sign-up for it, they ask for more secure step to be taken by you in account to make your account safer! 


Good Lord!! I dunno how much i love social networking site. Specially FB. This aura of FB gonna make me shine one day (as ALL TIME ONLINE CHATTER) !! :D


So, go on and make your FB account NOW!! If you are not able to then ASK ME!! 
@RavS : I have already made your account, you can take it on RENT. That bhains you cant find!! 

Why I don't Like FaceBook (Anyway!)

Well I have been getting numerous requests for joining Facebook for months now. I had to make a filter in my inbox to keep all requests away (but I still get one or 2 a month anyway). No, I am not a celebrity whom people would be delighted to see. It's just that a lot of my friends are on the "The" Social Network and they want to see me there too. And that's pretty understandable because I want to see more and more people in my own little network, interacting, participating and sharing stuffs. So what's the big deal in joining (or not joining) FB? Well, this post is a PR blog that explains the same:

1. I already use a social network: Orkut anyone?! I joined Orkut in 2007 and have used it a lot circa 2007-2009. In fact, I even coerced a few people to join me there. A lot of people (we Indians at least) were a fan of Orkut at that time, so it was a lot of fun interacting with long lost friends (especially since social networking was a new thing). But over the years, people moved on to Facebook (and for right reasons I think) but I was stuck using Orkut (though I did delete my previous account and made a new one, removing clutter (read 'unwanted friends')). Most people I believe still have an Orkut account. If you really want to join me on a social network, come Orkut! I check my Orkut account at least once a week.

2. Too many friends: People like to have friends and this is what online networking is all about. But it may come as a surprise that I don't like to have too many friends. I just want to have a close set of friends with whom I am comfortable interacting and discussing anything under the sun, and can do so on a daily basis. I made a lot of 'friends' over Orkut (big mistake!) and when they don't interact, don't reply back; they just become a hassle, a kind of formality that you have to complete by exchanging greetings every Holi/Diwali/Eid/Christmas/New Year. I don't want to come on Facebook and face the same old situation again.

3. No Time: It's not that I am not active online. In fact, I may be more active than a lot of people. I check (and reply!) emails, chat on IM, read RSS feeds, maunder on Twitter (too much!), share stuffs on Buzz on a daily basis. Sometimes I ask questions on IRC/forums, now even watch YouTube videos here and there (what about blogging?). I don't want to join another network if I can't give anytime to it. What's the use of making an account and forgetting to visit it for months?

4. Do I need another network?: And this is the most important thing. I still believe meeting one-to-one is the best form of buddying, followed by probably making calls/sms. And everybody will agree that I reply to their mails as soon as I can. Or you can use tons of mediums I noted down above to interact with me. The simple fact is that I can easily contact anyone whom I want to interact right now. So why use FB? You may remember when I wrote "Why I don't have a Mobile". It's all about requirements. When you can do without it, what's the need?

5. I am a bit skeptical of it: I don't know, but I don't get a very positive vibe when hear about Facebook. It's a lot like when other people think about Google and it's products. I have heard a lot of negative things about it (though I have to admit, every good thing has its shortcomings) and their privacy loopholes. I feel like it is a big monster waiting out there to engulf me. May be it has something to do with Big Company Syndrome.

Now I know it is a bit lame to expect everyone to leave their favorite network just to interact with me (after all I don't do the same!). And I also know that I miss a lot of good things by not being on Facebook. So I do believe, I will join Facebook someday. May be tomorrow, may next week, this year or a few years down the line. I just don't know exactly when.

And I would also like to make it clear that the reason I don't have an FB account is  NOT because I don't know how to make one! To tell the truth, I do have a Facebook account! In fact, I have made 1 or 2 accounts few years back, when I was trying everything (including MySpace!). I made the account, checked its interface, found it a bit difficult to use, found no friends, stopped using it. And now either I don't remember the password, or have deactivated the account.

But I would really like to hear arguments in favor of Facebook (other than what I have already mentioned). Please motivate me to make an account!

HR Interview: Part 1

Well I gave two-three interviews (the HR ones) almost back to back, not a long time ago. Well I might have been successful in (at least one of) them (!) but I think I could have given the interview much-much better. The problem was that I wasn't really prepared to face those interviews (big mistake!). So here I am giving my views of how I should have given the interview so it would have looked perfect (in my eyes). 

Note: The words here may not be exact but these were the real questions that I was asked. In case you are wondering why I have posted this, you need to refer to my previous post *WIBWIB*. A more specific reason is so that this blog can act as a reference for me and readers (friends) for any future interviews.  I believe HR interview (or for that matter 'any' interview) is about presenting your best self (if not true self). So, I would really appreciate any suggestions to improve the answers, or your own experiences to add to here. Comment section is all yours! I am also open to debate over any point I have listed here. OK, over to the interviewers:

Q. So tell me about yourself? 

My name is RavS (;). I did my schooling from SVMS shool. And did my B.Tech from BVCOE. I chose CSE as my branch because I have liked Computers since I was introduced to them in middle school. In subjects I like Linux, Java, C etc. In my free time I like to read newspapers and RSS feeds online. I am not much into social networking but do actively use Twitter and Gmail to communicate. I don't really have an idol but I am inspired by how people like Aamir Khan, Rahul Dravid, Roger Federer, Linus Torvalds, Michael Schumacher approach their work. I consider myself as an honest person who is fair as far as he can be. I don't have too many friends but all my friends are pretty close to me.

(This actually is the best question that you could have been asked in the interview IMO. The reason is that you can mingle every other answer you prepared to present your best self. Try to create an answer to this question so that you can speak for at least 5 mins about yourself. I got stuck after 2 mins which gives the impression that I don't know about myself! Try to project your good points which can be helpful in the company. Don't give too much details about anything that they can read from resume itself or things which are not important from the company point of view (like family details).)

Sir, I have been a hard working student my whole life, which reflects in the consistent scores that I have got right from school till college. I haven't been too much active in extra-curriculars, but whenever given a chance or responsibility, I have given my best to complete it. Since, I am genuinely interested in my field, I like to keep up with the latest news and technologies being developed. I know just theoretical knowledge isn't enough. Some of my strengths are (see below...). I have a few limitations/weaknesses also like (see below...). But I am working on overcoming them.

Q. How are you as a student?

I think as a student I am pretty good. Now I am not saying it to boast of myself but I make it a point to study when it's time to study and also keep all my tutorials and assignments complete. Rarely, if ever, any teacher would have had complaints with me. I do not ask too many questions in the class, but I am an active listener. I may not be the most intelligent student in the class, but I have always tried to do my best when in comes to studies.


(here the interview asked me "do you think, or do you believe or do you know; you are a good student?". I should have a said "I believe" I am a good student.)

Q. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

(In the actual interview I had listed "multi-tasking" as my weakness and I had a hard time explaining how multi-tasking was a weakness because the interviewer thought it should be considered as a strength. So, make sure you know what you are saying. Also make a list of as many weaknesses and strengths you possibly can (so you remember at least a few of them!), along with some strong use cases/egs. to back them. When it actually comes to giving the interview, give preference to your strengths but never say you don't have any weakness! When pointing out weakness, don't say anything that may seriously hamper your selection (I take time learning new things, I always have problems with my colleagues due to my bad temper :D ) but rather small weaknesses and how you are trying to get over them).

Strengths

1. I am not a quitter. Of course, I have a few limitations and weaknesses but I keep striving to improve. I have experienced a lot of mini-failures but that doesn't stop me from trying new things and improve. Like I have been trying to sleep early for past one year. I haven't been able to make it a habit yet, but I have improved and I still keep trying.
2. I like to innovate. I mean I don't do stuffs just for the sake of it. Like if I have to make a project, I think it as a medium to learn a few new things. I always chose projects in college which I thought had some significance in real life too. Like making an MP3 player, or a Linux OS.
3. I take initiatives. Well I am not the best in the world in terms of spoken English, so I have been trying to converse in English with my friends . It can sometimes get weird but we have met with partial success. Also recently I was able to convince my friends for group studying, where we sit together to solve (RS Agrawal!) questions sometimes competing against each other.
4. I know it's a cliche but I am team player. The above mentioned activities not only help me but also help my friends too, and that's a win-win situation for me. Even when we did group projects, I consciously tried not to overpower anyone (even when the original project idea was mine) and tried to make everyone feel involved in project, by asking for their help whenever required and suggestions for improvements.
5. It may sound like boasting but I always try to keep my promises and help my friends in whatever possible way I can. And this is one of the reasons that I have been able to stick to such a close set of friends over such a long period of time.

Weaknesses

1. I shy away from asking for help and always try to solve the problem by myself. But I know the job to be done is the main criteria and not if "I" was able to do it all by myself. So, now when I am having some difficulties in doing something I try to take help from places. Like while programming, if I am stuck somewhere, I try to ask questions on forums or seek help from friends etc.
2. I am not too comfortable in mixing with people. I mean I don't like to go to parties or marriages etc. And even when I go somewhere it will mostly be along with close friends.
3. Perfectionist. I always try to be a perfectionist and this can cause some delay in finishing tasks. But I have been realizing that it is just not possible to be a perfectionist in everything. So now I try to complete my work first and then if time permits I try to enhance it.
4. I am not a naturally good public speaker. But I try to do my best by preparing/practicing for my presentations, seminars etc beforehand.
5. I find it hard to say no to people. Well that may be because generally helpful nature but sometimes you are dealing with your own problems and an extra pressure just adds too much. I also think one shouldn't take a task if he knows he won't be able to complete it.

Q. Why do you want to join this company?

(Tell the truth, whatever the truth)

Well what I am looking for a company is:

1. It is a sought after company. Because that indicates the company is good and cares for its employees.
2. I get a good job profile. We were told in the presentation that my designation will be Assistant software engineer. Now I don't exactly know what I will be doing there, but I assume I would like doing the work since I like tinkering with softwares.
3. A company where I have a very good chances of staying in the NCR region. I don't have much problems in going outside NCR, but I prefer to stay close to the family. Since you have a headquarters in the NCR region I suppose I have good chances to stay here only.
4. Compensation for me doesn't come very high up in the reasons, but the package that you announced seems pretty good for a fresher like me.
5. A company which gives a chance to grow and make career advances. In an esteemed company like yours, I believe I have a good chances of doing the same.

Q. What do co-workers (friends) say about you?

Well though this question my friends would be able to answer better. But I personally feel that my friends like my company not only because I am helpful or something but because I am cheerful. We people occasionally poke fun of each other but I seldom had a fight with anyone, if ever. I feel very disgusted if I don't live up to my promise to any of my friend. So they know I am good at heart and would do anything and everything in my capacity to help them. They have complemented me for my clarity of views and being honest; which I actually strive to do.

Q. What do you know about this company?

(For this question you will have to do a bit of research from Internet. Find out about company's history, business profiles, top management, turnover, recent successes, employee strength etc. The pre-placement talk/presentation is very helpful and important, since the interviewer is likely to question from there. In an interview I was asked to list the 7 products that the company made. We were told about the same in the morning, by evening I remembered only 3 :-/)

Q. Would you be willing to relocate if required?

Sir everyone likes to stay close to the family and friends. So, I would prefer to stay in the NCR region only. But at the same time, knowing how the present day business works, it is not feasible for the company to keep an employee at the same place forever. So, if it will really be required, I won't have any problems in relocating.

Q. Do You Have Any Questions for Me?

(Always have one or 2 questions ready. It shows you are genuinely interested in the company).

• Sir, you have told me that selected candidate will be working as a software engineer. Can you please elaborate on what exactly will I work as software engineer?
• Also I have read that your company deals in a number of things like software, hardware, BPOs etc. So, do people from say S/W field can be or actually are moved to other branches inside the company?
• Sir, where will I be placed most probably after joining? Where exactly will the training be done?
• When can I expect to start, if I get selected?

Q. Tell us a little bit about your family.

(They are probably trying to find out about your dependents and how much you need the job, any guarantor in the family etc.)

Sir, I live in a joint family of ____ members at _________ place. I have ____ brothers and sisters. I live with my grand parents. My father works in _________ company. My mother is a housemaker. My grand father used to work at ________ but now has retired. My brother(s) study at ____ college/school and are in ______ class. We originally hail from Uttar Pradesh and have been living in Delhi for _________ years. 

Q. So what are your favorite subjects RavS? Least favorite subjects?

(Only tell about your actual favorite subjects, because you may be asked a question or 2 from there (definitely if it's a technical interview). In my case I listed Linux, Java and OS. I knew I was good in Java and they won't be asking too many questions from Linux :)

Sir, my least favorite subjects were Analog Electronics and DSP x-(. Both were related more to Electronics branch and I had difficulties understanding them since I didn't find them interesting enough. But I worked hard in them, and though I got less marks I was comfortably (!) able to clear them.

Other points:

• Keep your resume up to date. And be confident and well prepared in all the points mentioned there. Don't make false/tall claims in the resume, you may get caught and that would be embarrassing.
• If you don't know the answer, think once or twice and then simply say No. Don't try to speculate or give probabilistic answers. They know what they are asking!
• Courtesies like wishing on entering and exiting, requesting for seat, smiling while answering etc. need no reminder.
•  Interviews, howsoever hard you try, may not go according to your liking. Try and keep your coo! in the situation. Remember, they haven't rejected you yet!
• Prepare your best but be ready to expect some unexpected questions. Be ready to maneuver.

After giving a few interviews, I think they aren't as hard as they seem to be!

Of course, these are my answers/experiences. Yours can be completely different from this. I also don't claim to have the perfect answers to nail the questions. So, read them, use them, modify them, agree/disagree with them; it's all up to you.

I have a few more questions that I wasn't really asked but one can be asked. I may post them sometime in  future.