the nominees are...

With the amount of interest in the ISB, lots of prospective B-school grads around the world look for this information with the simple task of typing in “ISB” or “ISB Blogs” into the multi-colored know-it-all…(google of course!) And am sure they’ve been well-rewarded with information through the various excellent weblogs that my batchmates update almost religiously. And there are blogs like this one that really should only be read when one is the mood for a complete lack of structure/content/insight.

However, as graduation day draws closer, am wondering whether the aforementioned prospectives aren’t wondering if there’s something wrong with google as it seems to point them to all these sites that seem to be very ‘Oscar award’ like. People waxing eloquent about how all that’s been gained here is coz of these people in their lives. This is in no way a slur on those meaningful and heartfelt expressions of gratitude. It’s indeed nice to see that almost everyone’s evaluated this experience, not on the basis of details printed on their offer letters but on the friendships formed, testimony to the fine group of individuals that’s called this place home for a year…

The list of my ambassadors of kwan…coming soon…

Alcatraz

Term Break…day 1…oh wait…can’t do that this time. Since am done with classes and exams and the one submission due Saturday, this really is like any other break. Except that, instead of the usual rush to catch up on sleep/movies/alcohol/food/loud music, this time around it’s about Movers & Packers/Back ups/EXIT PROCEDURES (in caps coz that’s how there were in the friendly l’il email).

After having hit the ‘Postpone’ button on the Outlook reminder that’s been popping up from that email I mentioned, I finally had a look at the contents today. Turns out it’s a list of ‘to-dos’ before we can be allowed off campus. Stuff about getting our laptops formatted, books/dvds returned, apartment inventories checked. Each activity, with a deadline attached, a form to be signed and an ‘exit-pass’ to be issued once everything’s been checked and found to be in order. Makes sense, doesn’t it. I mean its highly possible that there might be a large number in the batch of ’06 who might’ve quit their jobs, moved from different corners of the world, basically, put their lives on hold for a year for the sole purpose of infiltrating this place with the intent to swipe a couple of books and maybe (gasp! )even a fork or two! I even suspect there’s increased security personnel around lest the more enterprising (read hardened criminal minds) might just think of digging a tunnel or constructing some kind of flying machine with the tools at our disposal! The wardens at Alcatraz would be well-served to study the processes here to make sure that they don’t release mass-murderers into the general peace-loving populace. Good job indeed!

In other news, there’s this ‘Wembley’esque structure being erected on the lawns (on the side of the exit to SV3)…the venue for all the hoopla (read graduation ceremony). This too had been the subject of controversy when we were told we could get 2 passes and any additional guests would have to be paid for. Not so much that, as much as one of the inconsequential ‘admins’ sending out an email about how free-loaders are waiting to come in and have a free meal at the school’s expense. Don’t get me wrong, am as excited about it as anyone…black gown...formal shindig. Quite a departure from my Bachelor’s graduation where the degrees were handed out from a counter at the University office in a “come-if you-care-enough or whatever” fashion.

So its finally happening…can imagine about 420 odd folks from the incoming batch starting to pack their bags and get nervous about what’s in store…all that eagerness to find out what they should do and read and wear etc etc. for them, all I’ll say is that prepping for their time here is like tying to prepare for a tornado that’s headed ur way…in their case…they’re actually going looking for it. But then, there’s something about the thrill of anticipation don’t you think… :)

your mother warned you there'd be days like these...

To say that I’m gonna miss scrambling to make it in time for the 8.30am or miss the momentous struggle to stay awake in the 2.30pm would be just reaching for reasons to feel bad. What will be missed though are the 2 teaspoonfuls of bitter overpriced coffee that the vending machines dispense, hurriedly procured during the 5 min break. The sms surreptitiously (well kinda) exchanged, the numerous gtalk windows (some connected to the person sitting right next to you). Not to mention the ‘stimulating’ discussions held in numerous classes (read as those with a Class Participation component of > 10%). Yup...as could be guessed from depressingly similar posts ;) on other blogs…my last class ended about an hour ago. Marketing Strategy…was a low-key affair…but fun albeit…dynamic churn models (yeah, listened enough to pick that up).

Ok, just in case you’re almost about to hurl coz of all the nostalgia spewing from this page…some choice comments I’ve heard profs make…

“Folks...You’re all here to polish your diamonds” – the managing IT prof makes a decidedly sexist statement

“ISB is not a swimming pool…if you all go in…everyone won’t come out wet..” same prof…reveals his new dunk-proof compound

“So you’re saying that his only achievement was to be a member of the lucky sperm club” Strategy Implementation prof’s tirade against all methods of contraception

“Zara is basically Dell on steroids” the Business Performance Measurement prof calls for testing of corporates

“That’s nothing but a Mickey Mouse example” Customer Focussed Product Development prof’s response to a Disney fan’s pearls of wisdom

Spaced out circle

as you'll find in my HBR article...

It's been that kinda day…one of those…where you think there’s a conspiracy on to exasperate you. I wonder though if there might be a correlation (however weak) between having a bad day…and the following:

Þ Staying up till 5.30am with an 8.30am class to go to
Þ Consuming copious amounts of alcohol in the process

Hmmm…I just might be onto something here…maybe should consider publishing an article in HBR about that.

So, here’s the synopsis…

Take 1: woke up to the shrill jangling of the phone…K’s wakeup call…8am…just time enough to make it to class. Sat through 2 hrs of the most unapologetic kind of self-promotion you cud hope to see. Someone actually counted the number of times he talked about his articles in HBR (hence the brainwave above). 16 at the break. In an attempt to further my learning...downloaded and installed the NFS underground Rivals demo. But the game wont run…and whats worse…my machine then slowed to a crawl. Snapped laptop shut with a snarl…luckily class ended 5 mins later.

Take 2: second class…I cudnt possibly afford to break my streak of paying absolutely no attention to what was said in class for this subject. Think even the prof ran out of stuff to say…ended class 20 mins before time. seemed more like we’d gone over by more than 10 times that. Laptop still behaving weird…starting to get worried...

Take 3: The heavenly feeling of dehydration makes itself felt now…make a pretense of lunch…home…check my email? Machine still giving trouble…chuck it…take a nap. Had promised to help G and A with this enterprise of theirs…but apparently was dead to the world…didn’t wake up to 8 missed calls...

Take 4: time: 6pm. Woke up…I swear the room was moving in slow revolutions (the jury might not buy that). Finally steady the room…laptop still spluttering (later found it was a virus)…looked outside window…beautiful sunset…note to self: not gonna be many more of those here. Grab my Powershot and go outside. Think the SV3 K-Block wud be an ideal vantage point…fire off some shots outside my quad, then sprint towards SV3. Turns out hangovers and sprinting don’t mix (imp finding for my article). Reach SV3 heaving like I’d just run a marathon…get into position…guess what…sun goes behind a bank of clouds low on the horizon…@#$%&^!

Take That! …Hours later…fixed the laptop…attended section party…did not so much as glance at the crates of beer…took a shower…relaaaxing...things looking up. its hot in here…look for AC remote…press Power…you guessed it…ain’t working…mother#@$%!&!

'06 party marathon - stage 1

5.17 am…end of party…first party since placement season…about time…great time! Vibes…? Naah…more likely imagination… As certain Profs of marketing would say…”Who nose?”…

whoosh!

Didn’t even hit me till much later. That was because unlike other terms, this time my end-term was scheduled on the same day as two lectures. But, as has happened too many times this term, my alarm sold me out and I woke up 10 mins into the 8.30am lecture, which is fine…but…was still in my bed. Too bad ISB has a dress-code (meaning u have to be wearing one)...else cud've just dashed to class :) Attended the other section to compensate for it, the TA even knew my name and had marked me present, surprise surprise! After that, had the Negotiation End-term…slick affair…2 parts…one based on the cases done in class and the other was supposedly a real-life case…the set of handouts helped. Later saw the email about the cancelled Marketing Strategy endterm. Means I just gave my last exam in this place…trivial to all reading this…but…still has some significance…9^th april is not going to be easy…

Watched a couple of the cricket games between sections (other than mine of course)…not something I care for too much…to sit around tearing my hair out wondering as to why the bowler keeps pitching it up to a batsman who so obviously can only play off the front-foot. Resorted to heckling some of the players…(enjoyed it!)…sheesh…

Went out later…was a planned thing unlike most of our other ‘spur-of-the-moment’ affairs. Bottles’N’Chimney...loud music…usually decent mix of rock and hip-hop..but tonight…too much latino salsa crap I thought…but the food was nice..or so I hear J We left at closing time, after having severely depleted their stock of alcohol. Didn’t know it’d be possible for six ppl to run up a tab in five figures!

Of course, its never incomplete without an appearance at Ohri’s, the one place, legally open till 2am. Ppl tucked into the midnight buffet…me - had too many daiquiris/tequilas/bangers etc etc sloshing around in me…so had a sandwich. Then a formula-one dash to campus. But it was never a fair fight…we made it with time to spare…luckily unscathed J

The countdown on B’s blog says there are 13 days, 20 odd hours to go for graduation…how come I’m not looking forward to it…wonder if others share that sentiment…

1 ball - 4 runs...

“Well begun is half done”…heard that somewhere, haven’t we all. Bollocks! It doesn’t matter how well you begin, or continue or whatever, if you don’t finish it. Substantial amounts of frustration coursing through my veins…inter-section cricket tournament as part of the end-of-course festivities here. It’s all in good spirits…couple of teams from each section to an initial round of elimination before proceeding to more elaborate round-robin games. Our team D1 lost their game yesterday and we, as D2 were looking to make amends. Won the toss, put the opposition in, made sense since all totals had seemed gettable in the previous games. Bowled an expensive 1st over mainly because of a misunderstanding about the no-ball rule and took 1 wicket. The usual throwing the bat stuff got them to 83 in 8 overs. Our last over was the most expensive of the lot, but then that’s bound to happen.

We started off at a decent clip but then lost a few wickets in succession. K and I had to make sure we didn’t lose our wickets and we did a decent job. 3 overs – 37 to get turned to 1 over – 13 to get. I faced the last 5 balls after a single off the first. Could’ve scored ‘em, Should’ve scored ‘em! But R maintained a good length that didn’t allow the lofted shot straight back. All my shots went skewing into the side walls to fetch 2 runs. 1 ball to 4 to get…short-of-length…my heave went to the top corner to the right…2 runs only. We lose by 1 run. On hindsight, maybe should’ve charged, might’ve just gotten to the pitch…who knows?! Its irritating more than anything that a stolen single somewhere or one less extra and we would’ve played some more cricket (I know I know… I can never seem to get enough can I).

To be able to finish games…now that’s certainly some skill…

p.s: the inordinate amount of frustration over an innocuous game is in no minor part exacerbated by the fact that I have a Corp Fin. assignment due in 2 hours…grrrr….

stirred...not shaken

Been at it since soon after dinner…that was approx. 41/2 hours ago…my usual sequence in such a span of time would’ve consisted of about 3-4 ‘breaks’ to rest my eyes…by watching TV (pre net-nanny days, it used to be assorted sites). Instead of those, there has been no break save for the occasional 30 sec kind to stretch my stiff back. But then this ain't too bad a way to be working...AC6...comfortably climate-cooled...music from the classroom's substantial sound-system - all of us toiling away...rt now there are some murmurs of going to ohri's for satiate midnight hunger pangs. If I’d applied this kinda effort to those subjects in the core terms, I’d be closer to that list that the Dean brandishes than the one that Black carries (ok…I know that’s pathetic but its 2.46am…so sue me) No, this is not some kinda ‘Johnny-come-lately’ transformation that my parents had been praying for since the day I attended my first day at school and slept through it blissfully. The best part of last night and early morning have been spent proof-reading, correcting and classifying our venerable batch-mates. 343 profiles – 6-7 people to tackle them at any one time and you get the idea.

Ok, some elaboration might be in order. The theme of this year’s yearbook is ‘Spirits’…nothing to do with oriental mystique and search for the inner-soul and self-actualization. This falls much nearer to the base of Maslow’s Needs pyramid - The need for inebriation. Basically, if we were to think of people as cocktails, as a combination of different characteristics with a particular method to brew ‘em, what would it be? The team’s come up with a set of 12 drinks (read as profiles with really cool names) which will be attributed to people depending on the descriptions we find. We’re relying on close friends (read quadies, study-group mates et al) to be able to concoct a recipe. Little did we know that getting people to pen down their thoughts about their ‘closest’ friends would make pulling your own teeth with a set of rusted pliers while at the same time being administered an enema, seem like a walk in the park! After much cajoling and not-so-subtle threatening, we now have the bulk of the material for the batch (barring a few). The current flurry of activity is to get the stuff collated, organized and sent to the production ppl/printers so they have enough time to finish the job before we are evicted from campus. Else of course, like it said in one of K’s messages, we could all collect them at Solstice (the annual alumni meet) in September J

nikamma kiya...

Have turned into a lazy good-for-naught layabout these days…even more than usual. I mean, 11am classes should be easy enough to attend, but apparently not anymore for me. And it wasn’t about waking up too late…I actually changed my mind about going to class midway through the act of getting dressed. Plonked myself instead in front of the tube, my excuse…the first session of the third test which I very well know is not reason enough. Lets have a look at my ‘In-Tray’…there are profiles to complete for the yearbook, writeups to proofread (also for the yearbook) – in total 347 by our team that’s due yesterday, a photo-shoot around campus, several rounds of alcohol to be consumed, not to mention end-terms, assignments etc etc…but the rate at which I’m going, it’ll be a miracle if any of it gets done.

After resembling a piece of furniture for most of the day, I finally moved my bulk to go play some cricket on the football field with tennis balls (note the mention of 3 sports in 1 line). Was fun, when is it not? To actually run around a l’il bit…and to bowl…though i’m pretty sure my 2^nd over lost us the match (3 wides, 2 sixes) J but then yeh sab to hota rehta hai. Point is, the whole deal about being on the field lifts your spirits. What’s not so great for my spirits is the feeling of emptiness arising out of having had nothing…well…since lunch…

Two weeks to go…that realization is a whole different ball-game…in fact am starting to think that maybe denial is the reason that I haven’t devoted a post on my thoughts on the imminent eviction from this place. Maybe later…somehow get the feeling I won’t be in the sunniest mood after having penned that one. But of one thing there’s no doubt in my mind…will miss this place. Period.

zone of distress

Another week winds down…always been aware of how time flies here…but this term feels different for obvious reasons. Most subjects are l’il more than placeholders and most ppl are essentially going through the motions, but Negotiation Analysis has been a refreshing change. While it’s true that negotiation is more of an innate skill, but it’s certainly handy to have some techniques to draw upon. Best thing about the class is the ‘hands-on’ negotiation involving caselets with certain general information and certain confidential role information. The best session so far was the 3-on-3 (and I do mean negotiation). We got a respectable slice of the pie and had a cool ‘Good cop-Bad Cop’ routine going that I think helped us get more out of it. Even if it didn’t, it was darn good fun. The next session has a negotiation with some of the grade dependent on the outcome…won’t that be fun! The other subjects are the usual ho-hum variety (read as “interesting had it not been for this being the final term”)

All this banter about the term only was to mask my grief…the kind of thing that really shouldn’t happen to one’s worst enemies. It happened at about 2pm this afternoon, immediately after I got back from class and then lunch. Its 9.20pm now and am only just coming out shock. Its too painful to think about…so will leave now for dinner…and hopefully tomorrow will be a better day…

p.s (much later): the above incident refers to a silver disc that i had borrowed from the library with glee. inserting into the cd drive of my machine,i waited for the credits to come up with the title of this most exciting thriller. 45 seconds later i still saw only my desktop...removing and resinserting the disc did not help...checking the drive with other similar discs showed the problem was with that particular disc. devastated by this discovery, i finally had to put the disc (that promised so much) back into its receptacle and returned it to its keepers. The bold lettering on the cover...sniff...cough cough...Basic Instinct...

colors pouring...

Here’s the classic Hitchcock scene…The shower’s running at full blast…the steam fogging up the mirror tells you its hot!...camera pans to the spotless white floor tiles…and you see a scarlet trail making its way to the drain. In a few seconds the thin trail has turned into a gushing river of red. Add a suitable background score and you’ve got a winner! Ok, this is not a dissection of the Psycho murder scene (coz thats no way to treat a pretty lady ) but how things would’ve looked to a camera had there been one in my bathroom today (appreciate the whistles and catcalls). Yup, it was HOLI today and we celebrated it in classic style (the title makes more sense in hindi...the best holi song in a hindi movie...ever!)…in the SV3 mirror pool accompanied by tons of colors and people going in, mostly feet-first…some the other way round. Had a good time ending up looking a rather unhealthy pink, traces of which can still be found on my face and other assorted body parts. Now to make an attempt at ‘acing’ the ISPM midterm that’s tomorrow….and there’s that writeup due for NEGA…darn!

game ball - summer of '03

Was sifting through some stuff conveniently out of sight on the top shelf of my bookcase and came across one of my prized possessions…it’s a worn white kookaburra and it bears the signatures of 11 guys and towards the seam it says “Wookiees versus Jedis” (http://www.milwaukeecricket.net/) (Starwars anyone?). The wear-and-tear, as one might guess, is because its been through 30 overs of being carted around Lindsay park (home of the Milwaukee cricket club). now, there’ve got to be reasons why this ball in particular is so darn important.

For one; it bears the signatures of folks I thoroughly enjoyed playing the game with…fiercely competitive…but sportsmen to the core. As Wookiees, we played our cricket hard and ‘in-your-face’ (just how I like it J)…but we were also the first to congratulate the opposition for a game well-played. This bunch of players were also some of the most talented cricketers I’ve played alongside…our team had it all…awesome quick bowlers who could make the ball talk, elegant batsmen, the best slip cordon in the league in my opinion (the fact that I was part of that cordon has no bearing whatsoever ;)...jokes apart…learnt an awesome amount, about bowling as well as batting from these guys. (won’t forget the impact of an innocuous piece of advice about keeping my arm as close to my ear as possible while delivering the new ball)

We were also the noisiest team on the field. Heckling, sledging…whatever you want to call it…if a batsman could be rattled by some cleverly worded comments, then we let him have it. Case in point: 1^st over of a game…the opposition opener plays a misses a beautiful outswinger…lots of oohs and aahs from our close-in fielders…then I comment from 1^st slip…as if talking to my wicketkeeper..”dude…these guys are smart…they reversed their batting order on us…that’s their no. 11!”…he hears it…if looks could kill I’d be vulture-fodder J next ball, plays and misses again. The keeper says “no way this can get close enough to nick it! Bowl something straight! (to the bowler)”. Another glare…next ball and the batsman goes for an ugly heave across the line…off-stump goes for a walk. ‘Mental Disintegration’ at its best J Steve Waugh would be so proud.

And secondly; this was for an MOM performance. Why this game over others? Well, probably because I was in the worst form of my life throughout the game! Chasing a smallish total, we should’ve got there easy enough. I opened but soon found it wasn’t my day. Plays and misses…inside edges onto pad…nothing came off the middle of my bat. I knew things weren’t right when I mistimed drives aimed at the cover boundary so badly that they barely got off the square. With each delivery, my frustration was growing. It was a miracle I wasn’t dismissed in that new-ball spell. My usual course of action – chance my arm, look for some big hits or get out in the process so I don’t waste deliveries and put pressure on the rest of our batsmen. But, just as I’d decided, we lost 3 quick wickets. Our opponents were already on a high…getting out now would be disastrous. So I stuck in there…pushing singles…the odd two and the very rare boundary. The other batsmen did their stuff…stroking beautifully and attacking their weaker bowlers. But we still were losing wickets regularly. My orders were simple…stay till the end…and that’s what I managed…we won by 2 wickets and a couple of overs to spare. i’d scratched around for one of my ugliest innings for a 49 not out...my lack of form was the very reason I was so proud of that innings where I played totally unlike me…and we won. reason why that ball is so important…that…and the fact that the darn things cost $200 apiece! J