Hunting for songs

There are so many sites (most of them based in blogspot) that provide you links to download songs not yet released, or songs from albums that have just hit the market. The files are hosted by free share sites like Zshare, Evilshare and Mediafire. And the people behind these sites are really music aficionados and according to the genre whether it's hip hop or RnB, or punk or alternative, the songs are mostly worth listening to, like I just stumbled upon 3 Doors Down's new song. Also that they are soon going to release an album. The Breathe 2AM singer Anna Nalick is out with her new single it seems. So I really love these sites though it's breaking the law and promoting piracy. Recently so many of these sites were forced to shut down because they had put up links to Mariah Carey's new single Touch my Body.

My thoughts on GRE

After having performed decently in GRE it's easy for me to tell people not to dread GRE, that I despite not that huge an effort got a decent score; but I understand the fear this particular standardized test creates in the minds of prospective grad students. It is true you need not be an Einstein to crack GRE. Also a good GRE score by no means converts into a successful grad school performance. But by saying that doesn't mean GRE can be replaced with a better gauge any time soon.

I think with good pacing skills the quantitative section can be a cakewalk. The difficult part is the the verbal section. In order to get a good verbal score, a good vocabulary is a must. And a good vocab is a cumulative thing. Keeping that in mind, the coaching manuals tell you to put to memory just few words a day and prepare way ahead of the test date because if not, at the test day with the blood rushing to your head the meanings will never show up and without that it's impossible to do most of the verbal section. But then what's the best time to start building your vocab? I think there is no such thing like the best time; the earlier the better. Try to read good books and make a habit of looking up in the dictionary for the meanings. There is an adage that goes like this: Early birds catch the worms.

Good Luck

My Ph.D. interview

I had a phone interview from a university in the US for Ph.D. degree. I was really excited and looking forward to it. I had an idea about how the interview would unfold, I did my homework browsing on the net for tips on a successful phone interview. It is good to know the kind of questions posed at you so that you won't be caught unawares. But as for me despite the preparations, when the interview kicked off I was stuttering in the beginning and I thought I would really ruin it but then as I settled in, I was ok. I could sense a good vibe from the other side. There were three professors who asked me about my research background, my future goal and most important of all my motivation behind a Ph.D. degree. So at the end of the day I had a good experience and I would like top it off with my acceptance. Icing on the cake. So joining the bandwagon, here are few cents worth tips.

i) It is important you gather information about the university and the department you have applied.
ii) Next you get acquainted with few faculty members whose work interest you because your interest must be compatible with that of the faculty.
iii) Brief them about your research experience. But be honest. Don't try to exaggerate things.
iv) When you use any jargon be sure you know what it exactly means.
v) Be calm. And since it's a phone interview, things are not always properly conveyed so don't hesitate to excuse yourself and ask them to repeat the question again.

Best of Luck!

Taio Cruz An Upcoming RnB singer

I haven't checked out this RnB artist from UK, he is featured in MySpace Music, so am looking forward to it, will def tell you how it is.

download link

Babel: A Mini Review

I don't know but this movie is somewhat at the back of my mind, I guess it's because of the huge expanse the movie covers as far as the setting is concerned, from Mexico to Morocco to Japan. But it's not just that, the connection between these places fits well into the story line, so nothing so implausible, good movie. I would recommend it.

The Pursuit of Happyness: A Mini Review

Wow! I guess movies like this make you look at life from a different perspective. I was completely lost in the movie, it's an inspirational movie. I can still remember some touching scenes from the movie, the one especially where the protagonist (Will Smith) breaks into tears while trying to push the door of a public toilet closed where he is forced to seek shelter with his son. I guess moments in life like these test the strength of your character. Highly recommended!