THE WORLD OF IT

Riswin Habeeb, a final year BTech in Information Technology student at Cochin University of Science and Technology, shares the nuances of the IT course

    I was keen to pursue IT ever since I passed out of school due to my interest in coding. The BTech (IT) course integrates the basics of engineering, coding, software development and networking. The four-year course comprises eight semesters. Each semester consists of five subjects with the addition of a project component from the fifth semester. The course provides a good exposure to programming languages like C++, Java, Advanced Java, PHP and subjects like computer graphics, HTML, networking and security, etc. The last semester consists of five subjects, a viva, and project for 300 marks.

    The best part of this course is the kind of varied projects that we get to do every semester. These projects not only provide an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, but also enhance our technical skills. For instance, in the fifth semester, we developed a hotel management website; similarly, in the sixth and seventh semesters, we worked on an online IT magazine and a short multimedia presentation on the utilisation of renewable resources, respectively.

    Placement opportunities at the institute are an added advantage and a majority of the students are already placed with software giants such as TCS and Wipro. Some have also been placed in banks like Standard Chartered.

    Information technology is a vast subject providing endless opportunities to aspirants. There is never a dearth for a career in IT as professionals are always in demand in varied fields including software, banking and even the service sector.

    — As told to Sherene Joseph

Let’s party @ home

Partying is all about having fun and house parties are gaining a lot of popularity today. With New Year round the corner, Sherene Joseph gives you tips on how to plan a perfect year end party at home

Not in a mood to go out and celebrate the New Year? Never mind. Celebrating New Year at home is one of the best ways to bond with family and friends. House parties are gaining popularity today as it is much more fun and cost effective. With a couple of essential décor and simple party tips in mind, one can throw a great party at home. Here is how:

Party décor
It is time to do up your home a bit for the New Year bash. Candles are a sure shot winner when it comes to an evening party. They not only illuminate the surroundings, but spread warmth as a symbol of festive joy. The beautiful glow and scent of candles will definitely be the show stealer!

Similarly, adding some string lights around your home gives an additional glow. To create that cool, party-like atmosphere, add some pink and neon bulbs, which gives the feeling of a discotheque and enhance the overall decor. If you have a minimalist theme for the New Year's Eve party, dump a few bean bags in the living room and throw a rug on the floor to give a comfortable feel. Bright cushion covers and throw pillows add warmth to the otherwise dull room.

Theme parties
Having a theme for the New Year party is fun. The party theme can be more specific like Mexican, Bollywood, or colour specific, etc. Guests can come dressed in party theme. Even the house can be decorated according to the theme. "I have a couple of close friends who invite me to their homes for Christmas parties, so this is my chance to host them,” says Harsha Thachery, a homemaker, who is planning a Bollywood themed party for this New Year’s Eve. Similarly, having crazy party props like eye masks, coloured wigs, over-sized hats, devil horns, florescent glasses and so on, will add more fun to the party.

Musically yours! 
Music is an important element, the life of any party. Do a bit of homework to ensure that good music is played during the party. Avoid playing it too loud, so as not to disturb the neighbours. Have an on-demand playlist ready even before the guests arrive and if possible, get a DJ to play them for you.

Simple menu
One must always keep in mind to have a simple menu and not an elaborate one. Appetisers and short eats are an important part of the meal, ensure they are prepared in right quantities. Finger foods and light snacks such as veggies, chips, mini burgers and simple desserts such as brownies and cookies are great for a party setting.

If you are planning an outdoor party, barbeque is a great option. Binu Jose, a businessman by profession, is also a great cook and loves hosting parties for his close friends at home. “Binu is an expert with barbeque and cooks delicious meat, prawns, lamb chops etc.,” confides Mathews, his friend. With these simple tips in mind, plan a perfect New Year bash and get ready to usher the New Year in style! Happy partying!

                        

Kochi rocks this New Year!

Looking to party and usher the New Year in a grand manner? Wondering where to head to unwind this New Year’s Eve? Here is a snapshot of the happening places in the city and lists down a number of exciting options to choose from

2013 comes to an end in a few days and Kochiites are looking for exciting ways to celebrate the New Year. From night long parties, unlimited music and entertainment to a quiet dinner or a New Year’s brunch, the choices are numerous this year. With hotels and restaurants in Kochi going all out to make this New Year a memorable one, Kochi is gearing up in a big way to usher 2014. Here is a look at the party scene in the city this New Year’s Eve:

Come New Year and Le Meridian is gearing up for a White night. The entire ambience, seating, and décor at Oman hall in the convention centre has been decked up in white to suit the theme. A host of activities have been planned for the New Year bash, starting with DJ Savio and DJ Prince, who will be entertaining the audience in a jugalbandi of sorts. This will be followed by a couple of foot-tapping Bollywood dance numbers performed by Natya, a dance.

Popular singers, Anas and Sarisha will entertain with some amazing music, after which the western band, led by Lancy and Jaison will takes over. “The star of the evening will be DJ Celine, a child DJ, who will be entertaining the children in a separate area,” says Chandan Thakur, director, food and beverages, Le Meridian.

Crowne Plaza brings you a complete entertainment this New Year’s Eve with foot tapping music and live performances. Enjoy a special gala dinner at Trilogi, with unlimited drinks, live entertainments including a DJ, dance floor, caricature and kids corner. The New Year’s gala at the ballroom will host a Mexican themed party featuring George Peter, Exodus the band, DJ, dance floor, Mexican style dancers and a host of surprises. The fun-filled poor party at Spice Cabana includes a buffet dinner, DJ and special dance performances.

Holiday Inn presents the ultimate New Year Luau on 31 December with a lavish buffet dinner at Oasis, a guitarist, magician and a DJ to ensure entertainment. Apart from a live band, a special multi cuisine gala dinner has been organised at Masala, which is complimentary for kids below 5 years. For those wishing to have a quiet evening, the hotel is also organising a romantic candle lit themed dinner at Roma, their authentic Italian restaurant. An elaborate seven course Italian gourmet, with seven kinds of wines with each course and a live violin concert, awaits them.

With the White Mug band from Bangalore promising a complete entertainment, DJ Nash & DJ Abiram, ensuring the entertainment quotient, a non-stop extravaganza of great music, games, gifts and a gala dinner, awaits you at the outdoor venue of Ramada Resort.

Dream hotel has a host of fun activities planned for New Year’s Eve with the apt theme – Neon party. DJ Ashif Jamal and DJ Uday, and international dancing sensation Alicia, has been roped in to entertain the audience. Live performances by the rock band, ‘Halo of Flies’, dance shows by Thanthra, will usher the party mood. “With a lavish dinner buffet, unlimited beverages and mind-blowing acts, we promise you an epic party and an memorable evening,” says Fino Babu, manager, food and beverages, Dream hotel.

Bring in 2014 in style with good food and music at Casino group on New Year’s Eve. Listen to some foot-tapping music by Jazz Chords while enjoying a sumptuous gala dinner and unlimited beverages and wine.

With hotels offering attractive dining and partying options, restaurants in the city are not far behind. They are also going all out to make New Year's Eve special for its guests. Pizza Hut plans to woo its customers with ‘So cheesy’ pizza, velvet cakes and soups, apart from a wide choice of pizzas and desserts this New Year.

With so much happening in and around the city, its time to let your hair down and have a fantastic fun-filled New Year with your loved ones.

                                                                        

For a glittering Christmas

With Christmas round the corner, preparations are on in full swing and one don’t want to be left behind. Here is a guide on how to partake in the festivities 

Christmas, the festival of spirit and cheer, is here once again and the city is gearing up for it in a big way. Shoppers have their hands full and shopping frenzy has reached its zenith. For all those who want to be a part of the festive season, here is a list of options:

Bring in the festive décor
For Christmas, the festivities must begin at home. To start with, do away with unwanted clutter and decorate your home well to usher in the festive spirit. Add a dash of red, green and white to your interiors this season. The brighter the shades the better. Make a splash of colours by simply painting a single wall in a bold colour. Pop in bright coloured cushions, throw pillows and rugs in the living room. Similarly, trees and stars are simply irresistible and a star-lit home is a sight to behold. Invest in good Christmas trees and light up your home this Christmas.

Exchange of gifts and sweets
Christmas is incomplete without sweets and savouries. For those with a sweet tooth, there are mouth-watering fruit cakes, etc., to choose from. One can even try making simple sweets at home. What’s more, have fun sharing or gifting them to your friends and neighbours.

Running short of ideas for gifts? A box of sweets or chocolates, dry fruits and nuts are ideal gifts for Christmas and is available today in neatly wrapped gift hampers and packets. If you are looking for traditional gift options, there are petite figurines of Lord Jesus, decorative candles and a variety of Christmas decoratives to adorn your home. Gift them to your loved ones and cherish those moments forever. 

Don your festive best
Festivals are just another reason for shopping for new clothes. Christmas, being a traditional festival, go for modern yet traditional designs and bright colours. Chirpy cheerful colours like bright red, orange, maroon and gold are the perfect colours for celebration. Make a bold statement in trendy outfits. Accessorise to suit your attire but be careful not to overdo it.

Any festival, especially ones like Christmas, is a time for calling on your relatives and friends. While it gives a chance to make merry and have fun, it is also a time of sharing. Gift a goody bag of chocolates or fruit cakes to the less fortunate and bring a smile on their faces. Usher in the festive mood and light up your lives as well as theirs.

- sherene joseph