Entries from March 2007 ↓

I suck. I’m plain lazy. I’m good for nothing.

It’s time that I updated my Blogroll. I don’t have a Blogroll/link in my blog sidebar (and won’t have in future as well). So I thought I would link my friend’s blog. My readers will also have some variety and read some good blog (other than mine. )

The list which I’m going to link are the ones I’ve subscribed to in my RSS Feed Reader under Friends tag. So if you think you’re blog is not listed here, then I must have subscribed in some other tag.

Continue reading →

The wait is getting less. Hype, suspense and discussions has hit the roof.

The cover art is released by Bloomsbury and Scholastic.

Bloomsbury Cover

Scholastic Cover

What does the Cover Jacket reads?

From what the Bloomsbury cover:

Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldermort’s remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety and companionship of The Burrow and follow without hesitation the inexorable task laid out for him.

In this final, seventh installment of the Harry Potter series, J.K Rowling unveils in a spectacular fashion the answer to the many questions that have been so eagerly awaited. The Spellbinding, richly woven narrative, which plunges, twists and turns at a breathtaking pace, confirms the author as a mistress of storytelling, whose books will be read, reread and read again.

Also the UK Children edition also features:

Harry is waiting in Privet Drive. The Order of the Pheonix is coming to escort him safely without Voldermort and his supporters knowing - if they can. But what will Harry do then? How will he fulfill the momentous and seemingly impossible task that Professor Dumbledore has left with him?

9 Things that will happen in Harry Potter Book 7?

According to The Leaky Cauldron : (according to the timeline and practices set by other books or things JK Rowling has said)

1. Harry will turn 17. He will be allowed to perform magic outside school, and obtain an Apparition license.
2. Harry and his friends would be in his seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - however, we don’t know if he will attend class at all, or if Hogwarts will be open.
3. Harry will return to the Dursleys one last time.
4. He plans on starting his Horcrux hunt in Godric’s Hollow. Ron and Hermione will accompany him, but the trio will first attend Bill and Fleur’s wedding.
5. Seventh-year students will take NEWTs, the most difficult of wizarding tests.
6. The last chapter will contain details of what will happen to survivors. The last word is still “scar” (but may easily change).
7. There will be no Quidditch.
8. Harry and Ron will never read Hogwarts, A History. Never, Hermione. Ever.
9. There will be the final, climactic confrontation between Harry and Voldemort.

104 days more to go for Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix
112 days more to go for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Oohh.. God how do I sleep this 112 nights?

Guys and Gals.. which cover do you like more? UK Children edition, UK Adult edition or USA edition?

I’m a strong believer of Intention Manifestation.

Today I thought of something,wanted it and I got it.

Boy, I got lucky! Or did I?

I attended Microsoft Windows Mobile Gulf Region Enterprise Customer Briefing 2007 Event in SAS Radisson Hotel, Dubai Creek.

It was really an interesting meet. I learnt a lot of things and I never knew we can so much things with Windows Mobile. I got to see a lot of hot chicks, Fine Dinning and got a splendid view of Dubai Creek from the 20th floor Ballroom Plaza at SAS Radisson.

Coming to the point, Microsoft had some really good goodies to be given as prize during the event. Just a raffle like draw for the guests who attended the meet. The prizes included 5 Windows Mobile Smartphone/PDA, a Plantronics headset, a Bluetooth headset.

I won a Plantronics .Audio 350 Ultimate Performance Headset! I had the choice to choose over one Bluetooth Headset, but I really wanted this thing.

The beauty of this whole thing is I really wanted to buy Headphones like that. Even though it’s not in the same league as Sennheiser, Bose, Shure, etc.. still it’s somewhat I wanted to buy. Now I got it! I wanted the phone (it’s of more value than headset right?) but I kept looking in that headset as if I wanted it.

You may think this is pure bull shit this dude is talking about. But deep in my mind I knew I would win yesterday. My heart was beating fast whenever a card was picked. Deep in my mind I knew I would win yesterday. My heart was beating fast whenever a card was picked.

If you want to learn and know more on Intension Manifestation, How Intentions Manifests, etc.. then I recommend you to read Steve Pavlina’s Personality Development Blog.

Why you should you always think positively

If you believe in Intention manifestation, then your attitude changes, your perspective changes. Let me show how intention manifestation is interlinked to many other things.

You believe that Intention Manifests. Then you think positively because you want good things to happen. You become an optimist. You become what you want to be. You believe that Intention Manifests. Then you think positively because you want good things to happen. You become an optimist. You become what you want to be. You can also add one more thing. Your mind ‘knows’ something is going to happen. You start to believe in your guts. Isn’t it interesting how a simple thought can change your life? All this starts from a single thing which you need to do. Just think positively! No matter in what situation you’re in.

I feel, we really manifest our intentions. We really control the way we live and our life. You should control your future rather than the future controlling you. You should act, not react. I will manifest my ambitions and goals in my life. Even you should do.

Take my word. I repeat… you CAN achieve your goals. You CAN live your dreams!

I knew this post was comming! You must also … that too after 2 mushy posts in the past!

Understanding the fairer sex’s mind has become a big pastime and one of the most difficult job to do. Not to forget that’s damn risky as well.

What started off as a simple conversation with Ashish, developed into this post. Ashish is a veteran in issues like how to handle chicks, how to act, behave and things like that. We can write a book on his accomplishments and now devoting his time in helping poor souls like me.

So let’s get into the business right away….

Ashwin: I have a candid confession to make. I want to fall in love! Just waiting for the right moment!! (Then Ashish asks me what ego and carry forward the discussion)
Ashish: Ego makes a man a man. If your an egoist…you’ll never be able to get close to a girl specially the girl you LOVE. Ego makes a man a man. If your an egoist…you’ll never be able to get close to a girl.

Ashwin: Can you explain more on ego?
Ashish: Ego is the most imp aspect of personal relationships. Ego is like a weapon. If u know how to use it u can seduce any girl or and if u cant control your ego you’ll be devastated. It’s a dangerous thing but a powerful thing.

Too much ego obviously will take you nowhere. Balanced ego will make you a stud and applying ego comes with experience. Ego is so powerful that u can make a girl fall in love with u without even saying much.

Ashwin: If I see a chick walking by.. shall I ‘look’ at her or will it be bad manners? What will girls think
Ashish: If you want to look, then look in her eyes with a very faint smile.

Ashwin: Are you sure this will help? Won’t planting a faint smile look awkward and silly?
Ashish: They will think your cute! It will make u look different. It will make u stand out from the crowd. Don’t forget that good looking girls are always followed by guys. What if u behave just like what she expects for her. Otherwise for her, you’ll end up just like another guy. Don’t forget that good looking girls are always followed by guys. What if you behave just like what she expects? Otherwise for her, you’ll end up just like another guy.

Ashwin: I don’t want to love a gorgeous looking chick.. but a good looking girl will do.
Ashish: Good looking are the most toughest to crack. Gorgeous girls most of the times settle for average guys. Because they have superiority complex phobia, for that they need an average guy who they can dominate in superiority.

The good looking one and the basically good ones look for balance and genuine stuff. ‘Good’ girls are always hardest.

Ashwin: How to make the right first impression?
Ashish: Be natural. Don’t talk much and try to be mysterious. Have some ego, always have a very very faint smile on your face and and look in eyes.

Ashwin: What about sex? Not that we all want to rape any chick that we bump into, after sex what we’re friends.
Ashish: Sex is something which always happens on its own. You can’t ask a chick for sex. Sex will always be spontaneous otherwise it will be one sided for any hidden reason. Never seek sex, the only thing you can seek is friendship. Sex should be spontaneous and will happen on it’s own. Otherwise it will be one sided for any hidden reason.

Ashwin: Where to find and have friendship with new chicks and babes?
Ashish: Pubs, malls and dancing classes. If you’re going to malls, go with friends who are gutsy. Female friends will be a bonus. Dance classes are the easiest and the safest best. It will keep you fit as well. Especially Salsa classes. Maybe you’ll find gorgeous babes.

What do you think about online socializing (like Orkut)? Is it effective for these kind of purpose?Online socializing is crap. It’s only to keep in touch with old and distant friends.
Ashish: It’s a crap. It’s only to keep in touch with old and distant friends.

Ashwin: Is there anything else you want to add?
Ashish: No matter what.. car and money matters. A Car will get you babes.

You always fall in love with the person who might leave you. That’s why you need to play safely.

–X–X–

Reader’s Contribution
I just love you wonderful readers of my blog. You people never let me down! There’re some good feedbacks in the comments, which I thought be a value addition in this post.

Embolis says:
To start with: Don’t run behind girls and don’t let girls run behind you. Go for a clean friendship based on sincerity, loyalty and honesty…with a feeling of goodness. Have you heard: good friends make good lovers? So FRIENDSHIP is the key.

Next: please avoid sex till you are married. Dont play with fire otherwise the fire will gulp you.

Love will happen and when it does ‘love with passion’ as if you have nothing to lose. Keep it pure and simple. And..love one person and only one person, being sincere and being candid.

Bluediamond (Archana) says:
I feel there are no tips or tricks to fall in love. It just happens, unknowingly. You cant deliberately love a person. And dont try to change yourself, and also keep many expectations from the other. All have their individual lives. Its just about, how you can go together holding hands parallely, to the same or different destination, and also, thru same or different (virtual) paths…

Thanks a lot of the feedback and honest comments people. Love to see more of them!

–X–X–

How’s was this article? Did you enjoy? I did not ask Ashish whether I can go ahead and make a post about the things we chatted!

In the end Ashish claimed that: “I’m doing well. You’ll fall in love, don’t worry.” Hope something like that happens soon enough.

What do my female readers think? Can you share your tips? What’s your taste? How do like guys to ‘behave’?

Before I leave you, here’s something for the fairer sex:
“Ashwin is single…
but dying to mingle…”

One of the many things that I like about Dubai is the diversity. Here you can people of different nations, different cultures, different walks of life. Dubai is truly a Global City.

Here even in our apartment, it’s the same. No two persons are from the same state! We cook together (thereby having a variety of cuisines), get together (this is a bloody ritual for us.. keep chatting till sleep tames us), and things like that.

I leave you guys and gals with a photo we took in our room.
3 persons. 3 religion. 1 little happy friendship!

(From left)Thomson George, Ashwin Ravindran (thats me), Sheikh Mohamed Mustafa

AshwinR.com was down in parts in period for 13 hours or so. A lot of interesting things on and off this blog.

The following was the message posted in my blog:

This Account Has Been Suspended
Please contact the billing/support department as soon as possible.

Why did that happen?

Their was sudden spike in traffic. It was down because my blog was using lot of server resource. It got the server down. The traffic was so much that if they didn’t suspend this blog, other sites will be down.

That was the day when I was linked by Yahoo!
This was the cause of this: How can I watch live World Cup Cricket for free on my PC from Sydney? - Yahoo Answers. Not only that it was linked. The answer was voted as the best answer by the author!

That was the day when AshwinR.com broke into Alexa Top 100k
Check Alexa traffic details for AshwinR.com. For the first time, this blog broke to the Alexa Top 100k. The rank for that day was 76,527. Check this Screenshot:

Talking of stats, that was the day when my RSS readers was the highest at 353 readers and 200+ email readers.

The day this blog was updated to the latest version of Wordpress, Theme and Plugins
Thanks to Harsh, I was able to update of the latest versions of Wordpress. I was deleted some plugins some of which I didn’t need, didn’t use and some Deep asked to delete. I also update his theme to the latest release. I’m going to change this theme within 5 weeks for sure to change to a better theme.

I was in touch with Deep throughout that period. He was the one who assisted me as what I need to do to get back the site back in action. This blog is hosted with him. I’ve also upgraded the web space.

When Deep and myself was chatting, he was asking the things about this blog. Then I mentioned that I use Statscounter, 103 Bees, Google Analytics, MyBloglog and BAStats. He was so shocked. He remarked: “Man, seriously what do you do with your blog? You have a high traffic blog and don’t know basic things? I’ve never been so frustrated as this time.”

That was the day when my AdSense earnings was the highest ever…

If you’re a fan of Private Torrent Trackers, then should be aware that you have to maintain a good ratio, otherwise you’ll be banned or have wait times.

Before starting, I would like to tell that Bit Torrent is popular only because you get anything (well, almost!) you want for free. Ratios are in place so that it makes you upload more. There’s no real Jargon here. Your ratio will eventually improve if you upload more.

I have compiled some tips which will enable you to have a good ratio at Private Torrent Trackers. I’m going to get off as it is, without much of an intro assuming you know what I talk about. If not, then you can check the articles at the Related post section at the end of this article.

1. Be an Early Bird
You should try and get into the torrent that’s newly upload and has a lot of seeders/leechers. There are in demand and you have the opportunity to upload to hearts fill. Reader’s Tip: If you aren’t an early bird, consider not to use Private Trackers. You can use Public Trackers for them and seed them at Private Trackers. [ Thanks Rahul]

2. Download here and Upload there
If you’re a member in many Private Tracker sites, then you should try to upload to the tracker which is new, popular and has more peers. I know not many sites are as popular as Torrent Leech. Maybe you should try to d/l from Torrent Leech and upload at Torrent-Damage. So you can upload as much as you have downloaded in more peers tracker and upload even more (without any download!) at other trackers.

3. Cap me not
You should not cap your upload speed at any cost. Maybe cap it at 85% (that is give 85% of your upload bandwidth) so that you’re download speed doesn’t gets affected.

4. Seed till you Bleed
Also one thing you can do is to leave your torrent in your client for weeks.. you’ll never know when people download it. You should leave the torrent in the client even though you must achieved the minimum ratio or uploaded as much you downloaded.

5. Eat only as much as you can digest
Some people have the habbit of downloading anything and everything that they see. You should download only the things that you’re interested in. Also you can do ‘Partial Seeding’. Most of the torrent client have the options of turning off the parts that you don’t want to download. So even you finish 60% of the torrent, you can seed what you have download.

6. Share what you have
Some trackers allows members (who are not in ‘Uploader’ class) also to share their files. You can make use of this to upload what you have with you to others. Now without downloading you’re just uploading more and more thereby increasing your ratio at Private Torrent Trackers.

Bonus Tip
This is obvious! Having a good internet connection helps. The faster the connection the better mentality that you’ll have to upload more.

Now that you know what to do. Seed till you see smoke in your network wire!