tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24099432537753987682024-03-05T11:03:03.917+05:30Literally Speakingwith metaphors and smiles thrown inSee Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-58628110507484038762017-08-07T01:59:00.000+05:302020-04-05T14:56:13.054+05:30How to e-file your Income Tax Returns in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://creative-commons-images.com/handwriting/images/income-tax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://creative-commons-images.com/handwriting/images/income-tax.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Updated on: 6th Aug 2017</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Come July and we all know that it is that time of the year to file your returns. I know a lot of people who avoid filing their returns online for fear of making mistakes and they pay money to accountants to do it for them. E-filing returns is extremely easy and also a great way to keep a tab on your money. If you have income from multiple sources (salary, land, rent, property, gold etc) - then it might be better to hire the services of a chartered accountant (<i>clearly, you can afford to :p</i>). An accountant is also a good bet if you are paying taxes as a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) vs. paying taxes as an individual. Also, I have no idea what filing as an HUF entails. If you do, feel free to explain it in the comments section :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now let us assume you are just another minion, slogging for an employer, with a few fixed deposits, paying your rent, feeling broke all the time, the usual shindig. WELCOME! You are one of us and e-filing is perfect for you! Read on to know exactly how you can go about it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disclaimer:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">This document may not be suitable for absolute beginners who have never paid or filed taxes ever. I have safely assumed that one will understand some of the short forms used here. However, I am happy to elaborate further and will keep updating this doc as and when needed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am not an accountant, so what I write here is mostly from a layman's point of view. Please do not consider anything written here as <i>final and binding in a court of law </i>:P</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ok, so here we go</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">
INITIAL STEPS: </span></b></h3>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Hollywood_steps_out_(20).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Hollywood_steps_out_(20).png" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Brains...need brains to file returns..</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are not sure whether you need to file your returns or not, refer to this link: <a href="https://cleartax.in/s/efiling-income-tax-return">https://cleartax.in/s/efiling-income-tax-return</a>. Do bear in mind that the rules keep changing, so it is important to stay abreast with the latest financial news. Or you can just do a quick google every July to see if you are eligible for filing returns or not :P</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you paid income tax in the year 2012-13, your assessment year would be 2013-14. It is confusing, but that’s just the way it is. <i>Meh</i>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Register on this website. It is a one time registration and the user id and password can be used for life <a href="https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/">https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/</a>. Make sure you save the email that confirms your registration user id and password. <i>Especially if you are the forgetful sort.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">And talking about being forgetful, it really helps to memorise your PAN no. You have no idea how many times you need to enter it. <i>By-heart it off by all means!</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ensure your Aadhar card is linked to your PAN number - <i>Big Brother is watching you!</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep the following tax related documents ready before you begin the e-filing process. Go through them and understand them before starting. It may seem like Greek and Latin, but the more you acquaint yourself with stuffy financial docs, the better you get at understanding it. a.</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Form 16</b> (given by your employer)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Form 16 or TDS from banks</b> (for any fixed deposits or savings bank account whose interest exceeds 10k)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Investment proofs for 80C and 80G</b> (Insurance, PPF, PF, Donations etc) – this is not required if it was submitted to your employer and has been processed in your Form 16. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://services.tdscpc.gov.in/serv/tapn/welcome26AS.xhtml" target="_blank">Form 26 AS</a></b> – this tells you how much tax has already been deducted from you/ paid by you. Cross check with the data given on Form 16 from your employer/bank so you know how much tax you have paid over the year. (If you cannot access this link, try to access it via the e-filing website.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Last year’s ITR 1 and ITR V.</b> It makes it supremely easy to copy paste data from there to here. Or to just verify calculations and things. </span></li>
</ul>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(Note: If there is a discrepancy between ‘Income charged under salaries’ in Form 16 and ‘Total amount paid/credited’ in Form 26 AS it is ok because TDS is calculated based on estimates (often based on 80c rebates you may plan for but not actually do). So always put the number given on Form 16 while filing returns.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Use the IT department’s <a href="http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/pages/tools/tax-calculator.aspx" target="_blank">tax calculator</a> to determine if you are eligible for a refund or if you need to pay extra taxes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
E-FILING YOUR RETURNS:</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Visit the website <a href="https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/">https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/</a>. You will need to enter your pan card no, login password, D.O.B and a captcha code. This website times out very quickly so make sure all documents mentioned in the section above are all with you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ensure your computer meets the system and security requirements – these are usually explained on the e-filing website.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are e-filing your returns for the first time, it can be a time consuming process that takes half a day. Detailed instructions given on the website on the top right corner under <i>Help—How to e-file</i>. Please save all documents, excel files, macros etc as these would be extremely useful when you e-file your returns the subsequent year.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Salaried employees usually fill <b>ITR1</b> or the <b>Sahaj</b> form. You file your returns using the following e-filing options:</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>By filing it directly online </i>– via the ‘Prepare and submit online ITR’ option. This option is very quick and easy. See the steps below for filing your returns via this option.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>By downloading forms to file your returns and then uploading it online</i> – To do this, logout of your account, Visit the IT home page and you will see the option to download forms on the page. After filing those forms, use the ‘<i>e-file - Upload Return</i>’</span></li>
</ul>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
HOW TO E-FILE YOUR RETURNS DIRECTLY ONLINE:</span></h3>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Choose the option – ‘e-File – Prepare and submit online ITR’ from the menu on top of the page (<i>after you have logged in, - because by now, the website would have auto-logged you out at least 6 times :P</i>) . It even gives option to e-file returns in hindi</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Choose the assessment year and the ITR form name:</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you paid taxes in the year 2012-13, your assessment year would be 2013-14. I repeat - it is confusing, but that’s just the way it is.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Salaried employees usually fill the ITR1 form.</span></li>
</ul>
<ol>
</ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have an e-digital signature in a .pfx file or USB token? If you have no idea what on earth that is, choose ‘no’ to digitally sign the returns.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pre-filling data from previous IT returns or other docs makes it faster to process the returns. Also refer to last year’s returns to make it easy to fill specific boxes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Based on the tax calculator (tax that should be paid) and Form 26 AS (tax that has been paid) – do you need a refund? Pay extra? Or no action? Depending on the situation, choose the following options – tax refundable, tax payable, Nil Tax balance. (this gets auto populated 2017 onwards)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bank account details:</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2015-16 onwards asks for bank account details. Give details of all existing banks that are active. Note: only if savings bank interest exceeds Rs. 10k a year you will be taxed on it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Post demonetization, you need to also declare if any cash deposits equal to or more than 2L were made between 9 Sep and 30 Dec 2016. </span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">After filling the form, reviewing it and clicking on submit, it is time to verify the form.</span></li>
</ol>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
E-VERIFY YOUR RETURNS:</span></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/KhetaRam-Thumbs-up.jpg/320px-KhetaRam-Thumbs-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="320" height="132" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/KhetaRam-Thumbs-up.jpg/320px-KhetaRam-Thumbs-up.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Yay! I filed my returns online!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">See this help guide: <a href="https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/eFiling/Portal/StaticPDF/e-Verification_User_Manual.pdf">https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/eFiling/Portal/StaticPDF/e-Verification_User_Manual.pdf</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">If your gross taxable salary is else than 5L then you can e-verify using one time password option. To generate this, go to the main page, top tabs - click on e-file – generate EVC. You can also verify it using your Aadhar card OTP via phone.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">If more than 5L verify by linking it to your bank account. <i>Please disable your firewall while doing so else the process does not complete.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In case you choose to post a physical copy of ITR V - make sure you read the rules regarding printouts and postage. Those chaps are rather anal about it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Very important</b>: Take a copy of both ITR 1 and ITR V. For this, go to the <i>Main page – Top tabs - Dashboard – View returns/forms – click on acknowledgement no</i> – and download both the ITR V and ITR 1 forms.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
OTHER USEFUL LINKS:</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To check for online refund status of previous years,
save this link: <a href="https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/refundstatuslogin.html" style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;">https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/refundstatuslogin.html</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"> </span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you need to pay extra tax and interest thereof : <a href="http://finotax.com/itax/intt234.htm" style="font-size: 11pt;">http://finotax.com/itax/intt234.htm</a>. Use challan no. if you need to pay extra tax. No
interest will be charged if the amount is less than 10k rupees.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm; text-align: left;" type="1"></ol>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
</ol>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(All images were googled under the 'labelled for reuse' category, which is probably why they suck)</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com3India20.593684 78.962880000000041-8.5806465 37.654286000000042 49.7680145 120.27147400000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-7637607969498462172013-05-23T16:00:00.000+05:302014-08-31T22:58:05.850+05:30My IBM CSC assignment in South Africa! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="lotusMeta lotusLeft" role="list">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">An edited version of this article was published on the <a href="http://www.ibm.com/ibm/responsibility/corporateservicecorps/wwa_southafrica.html">IBM website</a> on April 2013</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>15 IBMers from 12 countries for 4 weeks in Pretoria.</b></i></div>
<div class="entryContentContainer blogsWrapText" role="article">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>
One of the most incredible experiences of our lives! </b></i><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.ibm.com/ibm/responsibility/corporateservicecorps/index.html" target="_blank">Corporate Service Corps (CSC)</a>
was launched in IBM in 2008 to help provide high-performing employees
with quality leadership development, while also delivering quality
problem solving for communities and organizations in emerging markets. Since its launch in 2008, the CSC has sent about 2000 participants on to more than 20 countries around the world. <b>This makes a CSCer part of an elite group of 0.5% of IBMers, globally. </b><br />
</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The CSC SA-10 team stayed in Pretoria – the administrative capital of the <a href="http://www.ibm.com/ibm/responsibility/corporateservicecorps/wwa_southafrica.html" target="_blank">Republic of South Africa (RSA)</a> and worked on four projects: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
</div>
<ol dir="ltr">
<li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Fair Trade in Tourism</i>: The team
had to design the architectural framework for a database tool to
collect monitoring and evaluation information of tourism businesses.</span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>PEN</i>: Help develop a business
plan and strategy for the Inner City Pre-school Forum Village (who
assist and support informal nursery schools in the city centre area).</span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>UN Women</i>: Design an MIS
(Management Information System) to monitor and evaluate the progress of
small and medium businesses owned by women.</span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Education</i>: <b>My project</b>
- We had to develop an operational model and proof of concept for a
large scale, mentored mobile learning project. Our client was a
government entity. </span></li>
</ol>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Our team, much like the <span style="color: indigo;">ra</span><span style="color: navy;">i</span><span style="color: mediumblue;">nb</span><span style="color: green;">ow</span> <span style="color: gold;">na</span><span style="color: darkorange;">ti</span><span style="color: red;">on</span>,
was a diverse one. Different countries, backgrounds, years of
experience at IBM - and only one month to get the work done (and get to
know each other better). Regarding my project - my extensive experience
with learning and knowledge projects gave me a fair idea of what a
learning project would encompass - or so I thought! Little did I know
that the challenge posed to us was gargantuan.<br />
</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Consider this</u>: Unemployment is a
serious problem in South Africa (we are talking 30% of the total
population) and this often leads to high rates of crime. Our project's
vision was to provide young, unemployed South Africans access to reading
comprehension, maths and work readiness skills, via a simple mobile
phone on a basic 2G network. A blended online education model was the
recommended solution as we saw that it had the potential to reach a
large number of learners and eventually help them get jobs. A large
scale project no doubt, and if it succeeds in South Africa, chances are,
it will replicate across Africa.<br />
</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In short: One month - to educate Africa - using a mobile phone - via a basic internet connection.<br />
<i>Challenging enough? </i></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />While it was
extremely exciting to work at the start-up phase of such a large-scale
project, we also had to bear in mind what best we could deliver in a
month’s time. Our clients initially expected us to plan, test and
execute a pilot for this project. What we eventually promised and
delivered, was an operational model as well as a list of recommendations
for the pilot. All in all, it was a huge learning experience for me as I
had never worked with a government client, or with IBMers who have been
in the organisation for more than 25 years! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8iGykWKNS8VpZNsIy47tBq4FENZH8ajltqfMie78TKuYuuJ-AElqfATXD9GvZa_71PvjHawmmwYv8ascmgA0hl53AWmtMNPC9wUt9iUQboOGgAB7_gRQPJuszJJ4Vh_EqT7dMdSZfGU/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8iGykWKNS8VpZNsIy47tBq4FENZH8ajltqfMie78TKuYuuJ-AElqfATXD9GvZa_71PvjHawmmwYv8ascmgA0hl53AWmtMNPC9wUt9iUQboOGgAB7_gRQPJuszJJ4Vh_EqT7dMdSZfGU/s1600/Picture2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our
schedules were hectic, but there was always time for fun! On weekends
and holidays, our team visited an orphanage, interacted with the
children at the IBM SA Africa Saturday School, went on a safari, played
with big cat cubs, shopped at the local craft market and did the usual
sightseeing. I even got my hair braided in cornrows for the very first time - that was fun! (despite the three day headache that followed!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I had to choose one "unforgettable" moment during my stay in South Africa, it was my visit to the </span><a href="http://www.apartheidmuseum.org/about-museum-0" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Apartheid Museum</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
in Johannesburg. Depicting an emotional and provocative history of the
racial segregation that plagued the country for years, its powerful
message “</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">apartheid is exactly where it belongs – in a museum</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">” had a profound effect on me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A common phrase you will hear from a lot
of CSC participants is how their CSC experience was a "life-changing"
one. I used to view this phrase with some amount of cynicism - can a
month long assignment really change your life? I mean...c'mon!<br />
</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I was proved wrong. My assignment
may have been short, but the experience was certainly a life-changing
one. The skills I used to be (over) confident about had to take a
beating when I met people who were so much better than me. I also
realized that I was not so bad in areas where I had a tendency to
under-estimate myself. The best part about the CSC experience was the
close interaction with 14 other people from different countries -
living, working, cooking, dining, partying together - and learning from
each other. At the end of the assignment, I <strike>think</strike> know I have a better insight into my personality, and a much better understanding of the world. <br />
<br />
It has been a month since we parted ways and I still miss my SA-10
team! I am glad we all keep in touch with each other and exchange notes
every now and then.<br />
<br />
The CSC is no doubt a <i>once-in-a-lifetime</i> opportunity. If you are an IBMer and have not yet applied for it - you have a chance to do so next year. DON'T MISS IT! <img alt="Smile" height="18" src="https://w3-connections.ibm.com/common/resources/web/com.ibm.oneui.ckeditor/editor/plugins/sametimeemoticons/images/EmoticonHappy.gif" title="Smile" width="18" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrYKw5B067iX8qbSqquZDscAe7I_4s3VF2btElgzFuTwxs3zv6jfPV4TpMzi8HtasGdTKeAyslFiaPBjiGjeXRLgYVJ4yvn5GBN83HTTNcEm673OLPWSh-0BruYAIh99rWrIY2DiQZqU/s1600/csc+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrYKw5B067iX8qbSqquZDscAe7I_4s3VF2btElgzFuTwxs3zv6jfPV4TpMzi8HtasGdTKeAyslFiaPBjiGjeXRLgYVJ4yvn5GBN83HTTNcEm673OLPWSh-0BruYAIh99rWrIY2DiQZqU/s1600/csc+team.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> (Top Row L-R) Diane, Tiffany, Dima, Osvaldo, Moses, Jakub, Elena, Keiko, Tony</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Bottom Row L-R) Julie, Jade, Alejandra, Me, Pia and Arturo </span></div>
</div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com13South Africa-30.559482 22.937505999999985-44.747007499999995 2.2832089999999852 -16.3719565 43.591802999999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-11590431688041421572012-10-22T16:59:00.000+05:302013-06-17T17:00:33.599+05:30Why is my MS Excel file so heavy? <div class="entryContentContainer blogsWrapText" role="article">
<div class="entryContent">
<div class="description" id="activityPageNodeContainerFFFGa5396e5a8b974e60ad9e662a9ce4123e_description">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you take a long time to upload excel files to databases or
emails? Do you find your excel file gets heavy too quickly? Do you get
shocked to see your excel file is between 10-20 mb when it should only
be a few kb's?<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Here is what you can do to make your excel file shed a few kilo(byte)s!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
The used range of the original spreadsheet may be greater than you
think it is. To test this, go to the spreadsheet, hit CTRL+END and see
where XL jumps to. If the cell it jumps to is beyond what you think is
the end of your spreadsheet, then XL somehow has chosen a used range
greater than what you think is used. Delete all these unused rows and
columns, save, close, and re-open the workbook - the file size will
reduce dramatically.<br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Copying data from one file to another tends to make it very heavy,
as it copies macros, formulae and blank cells. When you are copying data
from one sheet to another, try to copy only relevant cells (vs a ctrl
all) . If you have to copy only data and no formulae try using 'paste
special - values' vs 'paste'.<br />
</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Follow these tips to keep your excel files trim and slim, and to keep your databases light!</span><br />
</div>
</div>
</div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-77737283141496550552011-03-27T12:04:00.005+05:302020-04-05T14:47:14.999+05:30Global Business English<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Published in </span></span><a href="http://epaper.dnaindia.com/dnabangalore/epaperpdf%5C20062011%5C19bangalore%20main%20edition-pg7-0.pdf" style="background-color: white;">DNA Epaper</a> on <span style="background-color: white;">16 June 2011 </span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"> </span></span><br />
<br />
Respected Sir,</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
A very good morning to you.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Please find attached the details of the minutes for today morning's team call. Since I am new to organisation, I am having difficulty in understanding the agendas of the meeting and would like to touch base with you for more clarity. Which office are you based out of? I can arrange a team F2F as needed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
At the start of meeting, I was waiting for Mr. Min Feng to join the call, he said he was sorry for late and thank you for patient. Mr. Fosters asked how I was going, I said I was going by bus. Regarding the project, Ms. Wolf asked me to marry the projects documents. Sensing my confusion, Ms. Pat said she would grease the mocked-up skids to make the process easier. She also mentioned about an alternate plan but I could not hear her well and wished she would speak a bit more louder. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We were briefed about managing stake-holders. </div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588645570246565666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEBdYB9rRNoAWnZF0eJqdQmeCA5RAaGrEeVJ9YbX3O0OfJfYE1aT98zLE69uc9yQQYqhBSlHSUuiIjwd3D8gndtwkxCFStyzODXFz0o95DjQKBFZSdN1B67FH2vOU7fVE8fanUbCooLE/s320/stakeholder.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 240px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 300px;" /><br />
<div>
They will be giving us a roadmap to deploy the tools in other Geos. I was in agreement of this, as without a map of the road we can get lost easily in other Geos.<br />
<br />
The PM also said something about becoming firefighters by pushing the backs of unreasonable clients. Before I could clarify what he meant, he said he had a hard stop and we gift wrapped the meeting. We were also told to move up the other meetings in advance for a valid preponement.</div>
<div>
<br />
Note: All action-items are to be actioned by the actioners by the end of the week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I have tried to keep the minutes as-is as-much as-possible. I apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Thank you and warm regards,</div>
<div>
A terribly confused Indian speaker of Global English. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-55625775427418795682011-01-18T17:28:00.009+05:302020-04-05T14:37:48.407+05:30No, India does not have "too many" holidays.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A common and rather cliched belief among many people is that Indians have "too many" holidays and festivals. Perhaps this notion stems from the fact that India celebrates Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Sikh festivals which might give one the feeling that India has "too many" festivals or holidays.<br />
<br />
We have festivals to celebrate a new season, or a God's birthday, or to commemorate our country's freedom fighters. But what country does not have holidays for the same reasons? How different is St. Patrick's day from Guru Nanak Jayanthi? Or Memorial Day from Martyr's Day? Indians might take a week or two off for Dussera?Diwali, as would people from other countries for Christmas or Eid (Incidentally, Christmas and Eid are also celebrated in India). We also have several non-holiday months in the year, just like other many countries. In fact, most countries have about 10-12 public holidays (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_holidays_by_country">source: wikipedia</a>). Thus, if India has "too many" holidays - so does every other country in the world.<br />
<br />
I sometimes wonder if the implication behind a statement such as "you have too many holidays" is "<i>I work more than you do</i>" - which is terribly rude or "<i>I''m envious you have more holidays</i>" which is a fallacy. I was shocked to chance upon an office blog that said "Indians have a problem of less productivity during Diwali" suggesting that taking the day/week/fortnight off for the most important festival for Hindus is a 'problem.' (In fact, several managers only give 2 days off to cope with heavy project requirements during Diwali.)<br />
<br />
To people who make such statements, realise this, India does not have too many holidays, India has a diverse culture and ethnicity and we celebrate it through our holidays.<br />
<br />
To Indians who hear such statements from others, please share this blogpost with them :)</div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-71995332198948078712010-11-26T21:59:00.013+05:302012-06-27T20:47:32.780+05:30Go green! BMTC bus routes and carpool options<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><u style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Published in </span></span><a href="http://epaper.dnaindia.com/dnabangalore/epaperpdf%5C20062011%5C19bangalore%20main%20edition-pg7-0.pdf" style="background-color: white;">DNA Epaper</a> on 07<span style="background-color: white;"> June 2011</span></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;">For all those who want to go green, but don't know where to start!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;">The <span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.btis.in/">Bangalore Transport Information Service (BTIS) website</a></span> is an easy to understand website in English, and immensely useful to those who want to commute by bus, but are not sure of what bus or route to take. It not only gives you a comprehensive lists of all BMTC buses and routes, it also has a 'track bus' feature that tells you where your bus is right now, so you know if you have missed it or not.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;">If you prefer commuting by car, you can check out the carpooling options available, and register as one too. You could even try the 'parking' feature that provides a list of available parking spaces in the city (supposedly updated every 5 mins).</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;">This website is pretty cool - and takes a few minutes to understand. You could even personalise the page to routes/locations of your choice, by using the 'mapid' or 'personalise' option. As if this much information is not enough, the site also boasts of the following features:</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;">Live traffic updates on the main-page map</span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Live snapshots from Traffic Junction Cameras</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Commute to and from Airport</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Traffic violation fines against your vehicle</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Registration details about a vehicle</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Post your feedback</li>
</span></ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;">I am not sure who runs the website (I assume it is updated by the Bangalore Traffic Police). It is an impressive and useful tool available to Bangaloreans, but it can be made better by</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;">Including a list of bus timings and frequency</span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;">
<li>Making the downloadable application work on all phones.</li>
<li>Ensuring the 'track bus' feature is available for all buses. </li>
</span></ul>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://btis.in/">http://www.btis.in/</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;">Other websites that give similar information:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><a href="http://jaanlo.com/howto/how-to-bus-route-bmtc-and-timing-information-bangalore">Jaanlo</a></span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;">
<li><a href="http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/transit/#mdy">Google Transit</a> (for Volvo and Big 10 buses only)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.narasimhadatta.info/bmtc_query.html">Narasimha Datta's website</a></li>
</span></ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><i><b>Go green! Take a bus, or register as a carpooler! Make Bangalore a green city.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Don't stay in Bangalore? Check out the traffic information websites for your city!</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://atis.in/">Ahmedabad</a>, <a href="http://ctis.in/">Chennai</a>, <a href="http://www.dtis.in/">Delhi</a>, <a href="http://www.htis.in/">Hyderabad</a>, <a href="http://indoretransport.in/">Indore</a>, <a href="http://ktis.in/">Kolkata</a>, <a href="http://www.mtis.in/">Mumbai</a>, <a href="http://mysoretransport.in/">Mysore</a>, <a href="http://ptis.in/">Pune </a>and <a href="http://vtis.in/">Vadodara</a><br />
<br />
</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
</div>See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com3Bengaluru, Karnataka, India12.9715987 77.59456269999998312.7518902 77.342821199999989 13.191307199999999 77.846304199999977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-22330780159231319902009-10-13T19:43:00.006+05:302011-07-22T21:15:44.457+05:30No More Masala Chai?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div>or free coffee or lemon tea? <br />
<br />
No really...I never thought the day would come when cost cutting would affect the office pantry to this extent!!<br />
<br />
I still remember my first day at work at the *free* pantry. I was your typical <i><wbr></wbr>halli guggu </i><wbr></wbr>(country bumpkin) who mixed milk with lemon tea, much to the disdain of my posh colleagues. It's an incident that is naratted during family functions and other social gatherings.<br />
<br />
We were promised 'fresh and honest' coffee, and a few months later masala chai - a perfect cure for those with chronic colds. (Note: We were getting all this for free, the same masala chai cost Rs. 25 at the airport.) There was the haunted vending machine in one pantry that would start steaming and puffing for no rhyme or reason, and only the ones who were too sleep deprived to be spooked by ghosts would dare to go there.<br />
<br />
Then HR decided to revamp things and introduce milk powder machines that were<wbr></wbr>..we<wbr></wbr>ll..<wbr></wbr>.not muc<wbr></wbr>h to blog about! There were fiery email exchanges about cockroaches and other forms of non-veg coffee found in the new vending machines. After some initial irritation, we got used to the <i><wbr></wbr>paysam</i><wbr></wbr> like milk-powder coffee and tea, that was relatively roach free.<br />
<br />
Then, a few years later, they decided to re-introduce 'fresh and honest' coffee, lemon tea, and masala chai - much to our delight! Finally - a pantry that (re)served good stuff!<br />
<br />
And despite coming full circle regarding beverage decisions, HR is once again going on a new orbit - our pantries will soon function with a smart card (really? is this a way of working smarter??) Essentially, we will now PAY for our tanin and caffeine shots. What fun is it to PAY to stay awake, to chill out, to catch up on some gossip or crib about an annoying boss or client?Paying for it makes it as boring as indulging in superficial conversations - the types all the Coffee Days and Barista's are so full of!<br />
<br />
Well I suppose one cannot crib too much - I heard many offices function this way. Moreover this might encourage us to switch to healthier lifestyles that is not so dependant on caffeine. Wonder if they will introduce green tea...hmmm.<br />
<br />
Yet, this is a move that has left us feeling a bit upset as the atmosphere in the pantry is going to be very different. But I suppose change management is something we are all too used to, and paying for coffee will just be another activity in this office.</div><wbr></wbr></div>See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-26059649739033376842009-07-04T18:05:00.004+05:302011-04-05T01:44:29.901+05:30The way he made me feelA week has passed and I have been reliving my childhood, feeling sad, happy and nostalgic. I did not want to write this and come off as just another person engulfed in the mania, but I write this post as a dedication to a man who almost defined my childhood. As soon as I penned this post, I came across a similar retrospective <a href="http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=A+magical+virus+in++the+heart&artid=VGQgcQL8BJ0=&SectionID=y15rYzvnI60=&MainSectionID=w44iAeuGCu8=&SectionName=Zc7UETRXfxM=&SEO=">written by my cousin</a>. He is at least 20 years older than me, and it is interesting to see how the same man influenced both of us, in different ways.<br /><br />I must have been a foetus when I heard MJ for the first time. Thriller came out shortly after I was born. Having music-loving parents ensured my exposure to music started young. Having elder siblings also meant getting exposed to the "cool stuff" a lot faster than my peers. I can safely say that my relationship with the pop Gods of the 80's started when I was very, very small.<br /><br />I was 7 or 8 when I heard the Bad Album (a few years after it was released). I would amuse <i>aunty-jis</i> who came home with my rendition of 'Bad'. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43S6tH8rZua66Yukkm8y9-KQSUpVyp9FZDRmJaPke9qwlCFzvyb9gmmz5H6eKUPHl4f0T4y6RwfmWXxF1vfzFPsedIGuEeWSf-YV98LuqycEKNYnj5w3sBDSu5ajVtt9yhkyH4LccwFgH/s1600-h/recorder.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354597058582979746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43S6tH8rZua66Yukkm8y9-KQSUpVyp9FZDRmJaPke9qwlCFzvyb9gmmz5H6eKUPHl4f0T4y6RwfmWXxF1vfzFPsedIGuEeWSf-YV98LuqycEKNYnj5w3sBDSu5ajVtt9yhkyH4LccwFgH/s200/recorder.bmp" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 177px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>When I was 9, my sister and I recorded our own version of 'Smooth Criminal' on our cassette-player-cum-recorder. She sang the bass, and screamed and howled (trivia: MJ howls 14 times in Smooth Criminal, and its one tough song to sing!). We had an argument as to whether he was saying "energy walking" or "everybody talking"…till we managed to get hold of the lyrics (a difficulty, back then.) When we finally realised he was saying "Annie are you o.k." we broke our heads wondering who Annie was.<br /><br />That summer was a special one for me, for I had FINALLY learnt to do the moonwalk :) Sadly, I was only able to moonwalk that well that summer only.<br /><br />I was 11 when 'Dangerous' came out. At around the same time cable TV started in India, exposing Gen X to the ever-so-popular MTV. Everyone was enthralled with the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI9OYMRwN1Q&feature=fvst">'Black or White' video</a>, some of us even wondered why he sang this song after becoming a white man (we did not know about his skin condition.) The lucky kids at school, who had relatives abroad, managed to get a copy of the album long before it came to India. MTV also played his older videos - and each MJ video meant the opportunity to <a href="http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/getback/135138/michael-jacksons-greatest-dance-moves">learn a new dance step</a>.<br /><br />My 12th birthday was the best one ever - my sister gifted me the Dangerous album. Anyone who had a copy of that album was automatically deemed as 'cool'. Later that year, my classmates and I sang 'Heal the World' at the school annual day function. I'm sure it was sung at many school functions.<br /><br />Two years later…HIStory was made, and we did not have to wait too long for the cassettes to come to India. Class 9 of my school did an aerobics dance to "They don’t really care about us." Weird choice for a PT dance, but it was fun. I also got the nickname of 'MJ' from my sister's friends, as I would go on and on and on about his music, dance and style.<br /><br />The following commercial pretty much sums up my childhood – as I was addicted to MJ and Pepsi! Us kids would have moonwalking and break-dancing contests during lunch breaks. For all the 6 years that I was in Army School, there would be at least ONE dance to an MJ song for the school annual day celebrations.<br /><br /><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" color2="0xcd311b&border=" fs="1&color1=" height="364" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vd15YVb2M6M&hl=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="445"></embed><br /><br />A few years later, many truths about Pepsi and MJ were exposed. The child-abuse allegations left us confused and disgusted. It was not uncommon to see people engaged in endless discussions on whether he was a victim of detractors, or if he was truly twisted. MJ made some music, like 'Scream' and 'Blood on the dance floor', but they hardly compared to the awesomeness of 'Bad' or 'Beat It'; and with that, the euphoria started to die...<br /><br />I remember college cul-week the year I was 17. We had theme based competitions the entire week. On ‘villain’ day, I wore my skull T, ripped my jeans, folded my sleeves, and put a fake tattoo on my arm. My intention was to sing a Metallica song and bag a prize. I'm not sure what happened when I was on stage, but I ended up singing Bad, complete with a howl and a twirl. I did not win any prize, but I did shock a few people, and had so much fun!<br /><br />My post-teen years were mostly about studies or work. Once I got myself an i-pod, I made it a point to discover new music. I knew little about the Jackson 5 and quite enjoyed listening to their Motown hits. I had heard ‘<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8Qko5m8oAw&feature=fvst">I want you back</a>’ as a kid and always wanted to know who sung it, and was thrilled when I came to know it was young MJ on the vocals :) (It is my current ringtone)<br /><br />With each passing year, there was new music to discover. I did not go out of my way to listen to MJ, except for a few favorites here and there. There was news about his converting to Islam, which I thought was a big bad joke. Three weeks ago I heard of an opportunity to win tickets to MJ’s concert in London. Boy oh boy! Was I kicked?! I missed seeing Jacko in Mumbai, maybe I’d get lucky now. I rang up a fellow Jacko fan and we both decided to participate in this contest...<br /><br />And then…it happened. I was shocked. I felt a dire need to listen to some MJ songs…and tears started rolling down my yes. The last time I cried at the news of a celebrity death was when Lady Di passed away (I was 16). No, I was never a die-hard MJ fan, I never bought his albums the day they came out…but so many fond childhood memories came rushing back and the news of his death made me feel absolutely miserable! I wondered if I was being brainwashed by all the media hype. It was only when I got calls from friends who felt as bad, and for the same nostlagic reasons, I realised how much MJ meant to children born in the 70's and 80's.<br /><br />I get teary-eyed as I type this. Again, it's not so much for the love of MJ…but due to the fact that he played a HUGE role as a childhood icon and as an ambassador for peace. He made us groove, and also inspired most of us to "make the world a better place". Every album of his had at least ONE song dedicated to a larger cause. For me, he gave the best memories I could have of my sister and me :)<div><br />Sure there were the weird stories, but who does not have a screwed up personal life? Celebrities in particular, are constantly in the media eye - having to live a surreal life of pleasing the public and having no private life. For MJ, it started at age 5.<br /><br />Michael Jackson - May your soul R.I.P and may your soulful music rip the world. You will not be remembered for the allegations, but for the legend you left behind; for your music, for the way you moved and the way you moved us...and with that, I hope you can find your peace.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPV9Ug-MliRlZlJODkKa-6MgP4DB2RAVCz-J9bLMa0k62uHZMxniMFo6eVXTxrmro0UDOAuZnxsOkIY5ii6oVZ7PEfUoBRlgOBBPFuwh1nJzoDDPR36SfGCNSy2nqmpawfb5Ek03FmJvT/s1600-h/Copy+of+jacko.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354593576780369618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPV9Ug-MliRlZlJODkKa-6MgP4DB2RAVCz-J9bLMa0k62uHZMxniMFo6eVXTxrmro0UDOAuZnxsOkIY5ii6oVZ7PEfUoBRlgOBBPFuwh1nJzoDDPR36SfGCNSy2nqmpawfb5Ek03FmJvT/s320/Copy+of+jacko.jpeg" style="cursor: hand; height: 314px; width: 252px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPV9Ug-MliRlZlJODkKa-6MgP4DB2RAVCz-J9bLMa0k62uHZMxniMFo6eVXTxrmro0UDOAuZnxsOkIY5ii6oVZ7PEfUoBRlgOBBPFuwh1nJzoDDPR36SfGCNSy2nqmpawfb5Ek03FmJvT/s1600-h/Copy+of+jacko.jpeg"></a></div></div>See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-92152300858304534722008-11-12T00:38:00.001+05:302011-06-18T05:35:10.021+05:30Investigating the i-pill<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Published in </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.raveindia.com/default.asp">Rave Magazine</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">, Nov 2008, Special edition on 'Youth'</span></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Fear. Shame. Anger. Guilt. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These are the typical emotions one associates with an unwanted pregnancy - in a country where chastity before marriage is expected by many; where women continue to bear the brunt of an unwanted pregnancy. The availability of the emergency contraceptive has, however, transformed these feelings of pain and anguish into hope and happiness. We live in an age where options are limitless to the youth of today – and the availability of this little pink pill has spawned many choices. To choose contraception instead of abortion. To choose sexuality over morality. To choose living with hope instead of living in fear. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is an emergency contraceptive pill?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Emergency Contraceptive Pills (also known as ECP’s or morning after pills), are drugs that prevent the ovulation or fertilization of an egg in a woman. If an egg is already fertilized, the pill may prevent it from attaching itself to the lining of the womb – thus stopping it from forming into a zygote. A pregnancy can only be established if a fertilized egg attaches itself to the womb, and this typically</span></span></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391423559924191330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQHQBT93aq4AzP0VTe7VPyCPsMevfEJhGIqYDGXbgCB2Cd2uODjE-30Olv9jWmizItyNPyKH6CilLSFYbR-lOUlq8zp3RPXm1yeKuzpHy82ukwyALgfR1GvA_I-wyrF1yrFYE2CJK7fA/s320/the-pill-dundundun.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 295px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 300px;" /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> happens 2-3 days after sexual intercourse.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The ECP is not the same as an abortion pill, as it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">does not destroy a zygote, but merely prevents it from forming. The </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">effectiveness of emergency contraception is best when taken within 12 hours of intercourse, with 72 hours being the maximum time limit for it to work. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The ECP is als<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">o different from the regular contraceptive pill as it </span></span><span class="mw-headline"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">stops ovulation or fertilization instead of inhibiting sperm penetration. It is supposed to be ten times more potent that a regular contraceptive pill – which is why it is marketed as an ‘emergency’ contraceptive pill. It is only to be used as a last resort in the event of contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse, to prevent pregnancy. The ECP does not act as a barrier contraceptive - meaning it cannot prevent sexually transmitted diseases.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="mw-headline"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There are non oral options for emergency contraception available, such as intrauterine methods where a device (such as the Copper T) is inserted in the uterus during the time a pregnancy is not desired. These methods are expensive and not as popular as ECP’s. The associated side effects are also higher as compared to ECP’s.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="mw-headline"><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Indian market</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The emergency contraceptive pill was made an over-the counter (OTC) drug in 2005, but it was only with the advent of the popular i-pill advertisements that the public became aware of such a product. There are currently about seven ECP brands available in the Indian market, all of them sold over the counter (ECee2, Norlevo, Pill 72, Pregnon, Preventol, Unwanted 72).<br />
<br />
</span></span></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391423819799238402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKtKILp9quaDunPpsGMo6ag_jFm4FW3vW-Q2xR5LF34Umd5JuBKwLZqDn2X3GAA1w_YmpMFKYfvyXB-haaMs0suaeYwJICH5Pek3KjZI00lmH5pZB7ta6TzimRw-m6J5EyzZo2pVtiDo/s320/ipill.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 229px;" /><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The cost of Cipla's i-pill is currently Rs 82.50 and is easily available in any chemist shop. Though the oral ECP is the cheapest form of emergency contraception, the i-pill’s price may <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">not be very inviting to a vast majority of the Indian population. The Consortium for Emergency Contraception in </span><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> states that “p</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ricing should be kept as low as possible, to make it accessible to poorer classes, i<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">n whose case the need may be more.”</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Unfortunately, the i-pill does not address this.</span></span></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cipla has also set up helpline numbers to answer questions about the i-pill. The numbers are 1800-22-9898 and 022-3200 0055 and are operational 7 days a week. The operators are only available between 9.30 am and 6 pm. This means that any queries that occur the night before or the morning after, need to wait.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cipla also has an exclusive website for the i-pill (</span><span style="color: windowtext;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.i-pillcipla.com">www.i-pillcipla.com</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">) with an exhaustive FAQ list. Strangely, it took me many minutes and the combination of several keywords to find this website via google. There is also no mention of the i-pill on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cipla">Cipla wikipedia entry</a>. There are however, blogs and webzines that have information and opinions on the product. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wonder drug or wicked drug?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The common side effects associated with an ECP or a birth-control pill include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and headaches. Cipla’s i-pill also warns users of “chances of unexpected vaginal bleeding, but this is not dangerous and should clear up by the time you have your next period.” A medical check-up is not required for consuming the i-pill (unless you have a serious health ailment) and the i-pill claims to have no long-term or serious side effects. All these factors are expected in a drug that is easily available without medical prescription.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391424633670274370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl6o6uZV10-xwdXAR2VtYE9vn_TNW2c4VqL2ld-5V3uUYGYP33rHVYP-lthkW8JtKDNAXDp7NGrlCkH3nKLOzMq_z8wCeTCkQ1JFw_CCARDUh4Kqv70dqRvyUiWlRtFzu4oA6KIvsXcE/s320/008pill_468x302.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 206px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">While some doctors say the i-pill is harmless, there are others who advise consultation prior to the consumption of the pill. Contraceptive pills, in general, are known to be infamous for causing ovarian cancer and other hormonal problems, and the i-pill’s side effects cannot be ignored. There ar<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">e some doctors who state that the i-pill can cause c<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">omplications such as menstrual irregularities and abdominal pain. Over-use could also lead to infertility among women. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They also suggest that the i-pill should also ideally be used by women between the age of 25 and 45, and only as an emergency measure. But there are a number of teenagers who consume the pill as a regular contraceptive, without knowing its detrimental effects. Many young women feel they can do without other forms of contraception, without realizing the dangers of </span><st1:stockticker st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">STD</span></st1:stockticker><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">’s or hormonal imbalance. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The i-pill comes in a box that warns users about it not preventing sexually transmitted diseases, but states nothing about age group or how often it can be used. A health warning comes inside the packet about the adverse effects of the pill – in fine print that is quite likely to be ignored by distressed women who are rushing to prevent their pregnancies.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The power of communication</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There is no doubt that Cipla’s aggressive marketing strategy ensured it became the number one ECP brand name in everyone’s mind. Advertising not only helps to popularize a product, but shapes opinions of it as well. </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cipla played it safe by targeting its first set of advertisements at married couples. You had a newly married couple, a middle aged couple, and a young couple (with their wedding rings as prominent as the product itself) in the television advertisements. E</span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ven though the ads captured the sensitivity of the issue of unwanted pregnancy, there are mixed opinions in they way they handled it. Vineet Kumar, a software professional says, “</span></span></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the ads capture the anxieties of the couple very well and help allay the fears of unwanted pregnancy</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.” While Sandhya Rao, a knowledge manager says, “</span><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Why is it the woman's onus to ensure there are no "repercussions" to what both participants "enjoyed"?”</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The newer television ads are more in-your-face and also include the unmarried woman. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One ad in particular, has a salwar clad, bindi wearing girl as the worried protagonist. This shatters the myth that only ‘skirt wearing party going’ girls eng<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">age in sexual activities. The new ad campaign focuses on the advantage of prevention over cure – the tagline being “</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Because prevention is better than abortion. Isn’t it?</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">” </span></span></span></div><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391426157472930546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Rl8iL4fpc9WPLvMjp7yP1PDdDV058bSsHHrP6BUghq6YYB4-fWqLgVTV0FN541OTLK3h5URi91BPf61zop3LDDUVjAgRvz1d4WdS8fmgxibeOZPWB8THL3wahRKuK0meobS34nnBM4Q/s320/prevention.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 119px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The other ad shows a woman getting a call at about </span><st1:time hour="2" minute="0" st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 a.m.</span></st1:time><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> from a distressed friend/relative who has engaged in unprotected sex. She advises the woman in distress to take the i-pill as a precaution, to stop a pregnancy from happening, instead of waiting for an abortion. What struck me about this ad, was the ease with which they brushed the topic of unprotected sex. The NACO is going the extra mile with its condom ads and ring tone, but this ad seems to do just the opposite. No doubt the purpose of the i-pill is to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but the ad could have spoken of a case of failed contraception as against no contraception, and driven home the point that the i-pill does not prevent venereal diseases. This is particularly interesting, since Cipla is one of the largest manufacturers of antiretroviral drugs (that fight HIV/AIDS).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The i-pill ads also do nothing in ed<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ucating the public about the side effects caused due to misuse of the product. Ashwini Rao, a finance professional says “</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">T</span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">he company should realise that they are selling a serious product, and should come with a warning that these pills are to be taken in an emergency situation only.</span></span></b></i><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">” (Addendum: Mint magazine has written <a href="http://www.livemint.com/Articles/2009/09/22211710/Morning-after-pill-ads-come-un.html">an article</a> on how these ads have come under the govt.scanner)</span></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">‘Getting back to life’</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The sexuality of the modern Indian is no longer something to be embarrassed or ashamed of – but something to acknowledge. The i-pill is therefore not just a pill, but a reflection of the way the youth thinks. The message that prevention is better than cure appeals to many – and has left us with a useful and perhaps life-changing choice. A woman no longer has to undergo pregnancy, motherhood or a forced marriage in the event things do not go as planned. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391427367961905474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrOuQMrYqsgGMV14BzDMV1hHM39rD71yey-iniphgCSHMS25Ll7z16yYzz-L8B_Tsntc3Br6msv-2EDo4kxhRXLSRT4ZPpGnfdXzVpLowaIUq7iq5_QDsFnrri87cjfO1kxNk7Aq92rs/s320/shame.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 233px;" /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The i-pill is definitely a better choice over abortion – in a country where approximately 20,000 women die annually due to unsafe abortions. It is also </span></span><span class="mw-headline"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a great option in the event of forced intercourse or rape. While it cannot erase the trauma of rape, it can at least eliminate the possibility of childbirth. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The i-pill is perhaps a welcoming sign of the changing times,but the </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">grey areas cannot be ignored. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="mw-headline"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The availability of the pill as an OTC drug tends to encourage over-consumption of the product, posing serious health risks. </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And </span></span></b><span class="mw-headline"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">like regular contraceptives, there is no guarantee that the ECP is 100% foolproof. The only way to know if it has worked is if a woman’s period resumes. Till then, she has to wait and watch and worry. </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="mw-headline"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whether the i-pill encourages sexual irresponsibility or not is also debatable. Back in the 70’s, a typical response to “</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">main tere bacche ki maa banne wali hoon</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">” (I'm going to be the mother of you child) would have been that of anger and blame. With the i-pill, one may not hear such statements anymore, but one might get to see a new breed of pill-popping PYT's who enjoy sexual freedom at the cost of their health. We still have a long way to go before male hormonal contraceptives are available in the market. Till then, </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">birth control continues to be a woman's responsibility.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For the youth, such an option is available – but do more options liberate us or confuse us? </span><o:p style="text-decoration: underline;"></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">(All images have been taken from the internet)</span></span></span></div></div></div>See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-24404133806068721432008-09-07T17:56:00.000+05:302017-08-07T03:23:10.661+05:30Synthpop goes my heart!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is for my love of the music, beats, clothes, hairstyles, accessories and moves shown in the video below I strongly believe I was born in the wrong time and place!<br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/kqGBGDgVJeA&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/kqGBGDgVJeA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Yes that is Hugh Grant (who looks rather young) who can't dance and this video is from a movie I happened to see today and is a really cute tribute to 80's pop!<br />
<br />
And I am so so so so glad that skinny jeans and pink hair highlights made a comeback!</div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-36344104882559971102008-08-04T18:40:00.000+05:302013-09-09T03:02:32.792+05:30Guess the Boys - II<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCOOb-J4FV6WIjqfXYmAtq-she0rQLpbEyoT0vUAFBIlGy7ErkEHeXKVePVQdDB0ApzVqxM2zmWc8YzoQdP2SWrN2AXkgUqoSsAGywe8UP9Ax2zQDbeYgMSWRrvfDCasxOl4jMvMdJjM/s1600-h/DMin1981.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCOOb-J4FV6WIjqfXYmAtq-she0rQLpbEyoT0vUAFBIlGy7ErkEHeXKVePVQdDB0ApzVqxM2zmWc8YzoQdP2SWrN2AXkgUqoSsAGywe8UP9Ax2zQDbeYgMSWRrvfDCasxOl4jMvMdJjM/s320/DMin1981.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370488545011672658" /></a>See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-19789642644037484782008-02-25T10:28:00.000+05:302017-08-07T03:23:43.628+05:30Lively and Unpredictable<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm a stage actor (of sorts)<br />
perhaps that explains why I'm so 'skit'tish</div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-87747314923099744972007-12-26T09:41:00.000+05:302017-08-07T03:25:07.514+05:30Maidan-e-Jung<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Look at the results for a Jung personality test I did.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<!--57.89 51.22 52.78 51.43--><br />
<table bg="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: rgb(221 , 221 , 221); height: 90px; width: 252px;"><tbody>
<tr><td width="250"><div align="center">
<span style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://similarminds.com/jung/entj.html">ENTJ</a></b> - "Field Marshall". The basic driving force and need is to lead. Tends to seek a position of responsibility and enjoys being an executive. 1.8% of total population. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://similarminds.com/jung_word.html">Try the Jung Personality Test (similar to Myers-Briggs/MBTI)</a></span></div>
<br />
If only I had tried for the Indian Army.<br />
Who knows - I might have had a parade ground or a road named after me :)</div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-78447996027613575032007-05-20T21:26:00.000+05:302009-12-02T14:00:41.205+05:30Diagram of a blog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL2naKkVsyDQ8ESpN9-sBd4aCuSk_NZs0FLScM1NEoLtux8NC88QBBzVsVqO1uZAzAtCRW1cHxNE1pvQDUzFJf0fpV7cyjFD3gYR0-lVwJJPSHAefFAZ6kFrSwmKdfO8V3hAn-C6F4hlF/s1600-h/blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066672803673991330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL2naKkVsyDQ8ESpN9-sBd4aCuSk_NZs0FLScM1NEoLtux8NC88QBBzVsVqO1uZAzAtCRW1cHxNE1pvQDUzFJf0fpV7cyjFD3gYR0-lVwJJPSHAefFAZ6kFrSwmKdfO8V3hAn-C6F4hlF/s320/blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I couldn't agree more...click on the image for a larger viewSee Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-46319680954370253002007-04-07T13:55:00.001+05:302017-08-07T03:26:01.229+05:30Indian Beatles!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Bollywood legend Shami Kapoor coupled with the king of all playback singers - Mohd. Rafi - create magic in the following video. If you thought Anu Mallik was the only copy-cat in Bollywood, you're so wrong!<br />
<br />
<embed height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/F5ky5ClIjL8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
<br />
Autogato - would you call this plagiarism or creativity? ;)<br />
<br />
For another perspective - <a href="http://poptique.blogspot.com/2006/05/meet-bollywood-beatles-janwar-dir.html">click here</a><br />
<br />
For me however - Shammi and Rafi rock :)</div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-6118922072599397632006-11-17T09:00:00.000+05:302017-08-07T03:26:39.458+05:30'Enery the VIII I am!I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE happy rock from the 60's...and I was so happy when I discovered the following video i just HAD TO share it with everyone I knew...this is one of my favorite songs and the lead singer (Peter Noone) looks absolutely adorable<br /><br />Henry the VIII by Herman's Hermits:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/TsCeVdCDqjE&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/TsCeVdCDqjE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />For those of you who cannot follow cockney, here are the lyrics:<br /><br /><em>I'm Henry the eighth I am<br />Henry the eighth I am, I am<br />I got married to the widow next door<br />She's been married seven times before<br />And every one was an Henry (Henry)<br />She wouldn't have a Willy or a Sam (no Sam)<br />I'm her eighth old man, I'm Henry<br />Henry the eighth I am<br /><br />Second verse same as the first<br /><br />I'm Henry the eighth I am<br />Henry the eighth I am, I am<br />I got married to the widow next door<br />She's been married seven times before<br />And every one was an Henry (Henry)<br />She wouldn't have a Willy or a Sam (no Sam)<br />I'm her eighth old man, I'm Henry<br />Henry the eighth I am<br /><br />H-E-N-R-Y<br />Henry (Henry)<br />Henry (Henry)<br />Henry the eighth I am, I am<br />Henry the eighth I am<br /><br />Yeah!</em>See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-77815047940943309732006-08-20T13:26:00.000+05:302013-09-09T03:02:32.794+05:30Guess the boys<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/1600/guesstheboys.gif.0.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/320/guesstheboys.gif.0.jpg" border="0" /></a>See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-59792471930578153592006-08-07T03:07:00.000+05:302017-08-07T03:21:41.965+05:30Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/1600/ppg.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/320/ppg.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a> <span style="color: black;">"Originally the Whoopass Girls, the Powerpuff Girls were created by CalArts student Craig McCracken in 1992 in his short film <i>Nikki's Ninja Fighting Superpowered Girls! in A Sticky Situation</i>. The short was selected for </span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_and_Mike">Spike and Mike's Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation</a> in 1994</span><span style="color: black;">; subsequently McCracken submitted it to Cartoon Network while working on Dexter's Laboratory. As Cartoon Network couldn't keep the offending name, the girls were renamed the Powerpuff Girls. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">As of March of 2006, The Powerpuff Girls has been taken off the air due to bad scheduling and a lack of popularity. However, episodes still air in Britain <i>....</i> While many believe that the series is canceled, Craig McCracken denies this. He is currently busy working on Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, and most of the crew who worked on the series is busy with other projects. McCracken states that in time, he will make a few more episodes of The Powerpuff Girls."</span><br />
<i>source: wikipedia</i><br />
_________________________________<br />
<br />
Whoopass girls...interesting :))<br />
and I'm still not sure why it would feature in the sick and twisted cartoons festival.... twisted maybe...but not sick!<br />
<br />
For those who want to download the spoof on the beatles, click here:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005MEP9/102-5515632-5316108?v=glance&n=404272">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005MEP9/102-5515632-5316108?v=glance&n=404272</a><br />
<br />
Wikipedia's take on The powerpuff girls Meet the Beat-Alls:<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meet_the_Beat-Alls">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meet_the_Beat-Alls</a></div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-63309413859209606012006-04-14T15:52:00.002+05:302014-02-21T18:37:08.147+05:30Obituary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of the greatest legends of Kannada culture passed away on Wednesday, and this is how his fans paid homage to him:<br>
<br>
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/1600/riot1.2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="220" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/320/riot1.2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 220px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 259px;" width="263"></a>Rajkumar was truly the ‘prince’ of Kannada cinema. He was not just a great actor, but an icon of Kannada culture. To quote my friend KS, “Put Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bacchan into one person, and you have Rajkumar”. He was a simple man, who never got into politics. Post the Veerappan kidnapping, the state’s respect for him grew twice fold. In fact, he even suffered from a mild form of Stockholm syndrome following his kidnap. He respected his fans as if they were gods, referring to them as <i>abhimani devargalu.</i><br>
<br>
...and this is what they gave him in return.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/1600/riot2.2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/320/riot2.2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;"></a>Apparently the agitated fans went on a rampage because they were denied a glimpse of their <i>Annavaru</i> (elder brother), and thought that attacking the police and destroying public property would prove a point. 5 people have been reported dead after yesterday’s violence.<br>
<br>
A friend of mine who happens to know the Rajkumar family was appalled at the attitude of the kannadigas who had come to pay their last respects. ‘Fans’ had destroyed the compound wall of the star, turning into actors themselves by faking sorrow every time a camera appeared in front of them. He told me that “Karnataka witnessed two deaths yesterday, the death of one of the greatest icons of Kannada culture, and the death of culture amongst Bangaloreans.”<br>
<br>
Up north, young <a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1674213,0008.htm">Javed Mohammed</a> breathed his last after succumbing to third degree burns. Javed single-handedly rescued six children from a devastating fire at Meerut three days ago. His family members believe that he died due to medical negligence, and they resorted to throwing stones at the hospital where he was admitted.<br>
<br>
Thursday was a sad day. A day of many deaths. The death of a celluloid hero, the death of a real hero, and the death of basic human respect.<br>
<br>
May their souls rest in peace.<br>
<br>
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/320/annavru.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"></div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-3299824401807763962006-01-16T03:02:00.000+05:302013-09-09T03:33:45.874+05:30Mirth & Merriment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: black;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Good friends of the Bottle! Good Comrades of Mine,<br />Stand up and pledge deeply the god of the Wine<br />Who makes duties vanish, and sad memories fade,<br />Each amour requited, each corking debt paid!</span></span><span style="color: #000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Anonymous--Old French Poem</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Bryng us in good ale, and bryng us in good ale;<br />For our blyssed lady sake, bryng us in good ale.<br />Bryng us in no browne bred, for that is mad of brane;<br />Nor bring us in no whyt bred, for therein is no game,<br />But bryng us in good ale</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-</span></span><b><span style="color: #000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Anonymous, circa 15th century</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Drinking will make a man quaff,<br />Quaffing will make a man sing,<br />Singing will make a man laugh,<br />And laughing long life doth bring,<br />Says old Simon the King.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Anonymous, Old Sir Simon the King</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">referring to Simon Wadloe, tavern-keeper at the "Devil," Fleet Street, </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1621</span></span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i><br />Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used.<br />Exclaim no more against it.<br />- </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">William Shakespeare, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Othello, </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1622 </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b></b><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Landlord fill the flowing bowl<br />Until it doth run over;<br />For to-night we'll merry be<br />To-morrow we'll be sober.<br />- </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Old Song, 18th century</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />This bottle's the sun of our table,<br />His beams are rosy wine;<br />We planets that are not able<br />Without his light to shine.<br />- </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Richard Brinsley Sheridan,</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> The Duenna,</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 1775</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />If with water you fill up your glasses,<br />You'll never write anything wise;<br />For wine is the horse of Parnassus,<br />Which hurries a bard to the skies.<br />- </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thomas Moore, 1806</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Oh for a beaker full of the warm South,<br />Full of the true, the blushful Hippocrene!<br />With beaded bubbles winking at the brim,<br />And purple-stained mouth.</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">John Keats, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ode to a Nightingale</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, 1819</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b></b><br />I taste a liquor never brewed<br />From Tankards scooped in Pearl<br />Not all the Vats upon the Rhine<br />Yield such an Alcohol!<br />- </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Emily Dickinson, 19th century</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Sparkling and bright, in liquid light,<br />Does the wine our goblets gleam in;<br />With hue as red as the rosy bed<br />Which a bee would choose to dream in.<br />- </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Charles Fenno Hoffman, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sparkling and Bright,</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 1842</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />A medium Vodka dry Martini--with a slice of lemon peel. Shaken and not stirred.<br />- </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ian Fleming, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dr. No,</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 1958</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Here With my beer I sit,<br />While golden moments flit:<br />Alas! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They pass<br />Unheeded by:<br />And as they fly, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I,<br />Being dry,<br />Sit, idly sipping here<br />My beer.<br />- </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">George Arnold, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Beer,</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> last century</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.<br />- </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">George Carlin, stand up comedian, this century</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And last but not the least:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.<br />- </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Bible, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I Timothy (ch. V, v. 23)</span></span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><i><span style="color: #006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><i><span style="color: #006600;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yellaru wokay, cool drink yakke????</span></span></b></span></i></div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-54420616807460836262005-12-23T18:26:00.000+05:302017-08-07T03:27:13.038+05:301 Continuous shotgot this cool snippet form songfacts.com:<br /><br />The video <em>Bittersweet Symphony</em> by The Verve featured "one continuous shot of Ashcroft bumping into people as he walked down Hoxton Street, a crowded shopping area in London. Other videos with 1 continuous shot include Lisa Loeb's <em>Stay</em> and Coldplay's <em>Yellow</em>"<br /><br />Cool ah?<br /><br />Can you think of any other music video which is just one shot?<br /><br />is U2's 'Sweetest Thing' one shot?See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-19781361769700000892005-11-10T11:07:00.000+05:302017-08-07T03:27:44.948+05:30Mainstream music!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/1600/notesbuddy1676_21447.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 465px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="100" alt="" src="https://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/320/notesbuddy1676_21447.jpg" width="323" border="0"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/1600/notesbuddy1676_21526.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 511px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="101" alt="" src="https://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/671/1434/320/notesbuddy1676_21526.jpg" width="441" border="0"></a>See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-33372114146394302562005-10-02T23:19:00.000+05:302013-09-09T03:01:11.783+05:30The True Meaning of Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #336666;">Following the events of a creep bothering my roommate, and a great story I had read in ‘Chicken Poop for the Soul’, I was inspired to tweak the original story to the following. This was published as a Valentine's days special in my University newspaper in 2003. <br /><br />None of your typical V day mush though! The speaker is your average creep, and this story may help to justify why creeps are the way they are.</span></span></i><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #336666;"> </span></span><br />
“All you need is love…love is all you need” said the Beatles.<br />
<br />
People talk about love all the time, They discuss it, preach it, make movies on it, overrate it…but no one could possibly know what love really means, the way I do. I learnt the true meaning of love right here, in Hyderabad Central University.<br />
<br />
It all started at the famed tea-shop that people lovingly call ‘Gops’. A few years ago, the most beautiful girl in the world came there to have a cup of tea. She was a regular visitor, and occasionally, our eyes would meet, and she would demurely look away. I was careful to only look at her and not become a tea-shop starer in the process. (You see I was quite concerned about women and their issues). This carried on for months, but I never dared to speak to her.<br />
<br />
As those months sped by, toward the end of each day, I found myself looking at my watch, counting the moments until I might see my mystery woman again. I began bunking my classes so that I could reach Gops early. I would lounge around, see her approaching on her cycle, and only then proceed to order a cup of tea for myself. As this went on and on, I realised, to my amazement, that I was falling in love with her.<br />
<br />
Finally one bright sunny day, I summoned the courage to speak to her, “Excuse me, what is your….” And that’s when I saw her roommate yell “You’re engaged?!!! Wow! Congrats!!”<br />
<br />
She was engaged. I was shattered. Suddenly, everything seemed vague and endless. I stopped going to Gops; I even stopped going to class! My fantasy, my dreams, heck, even my reality had been destroyed!<br />
<br />
But one day, one fine day, I saw a stray dog eating from a garbage bin and an epiphany happened! I realized how silly I had been. Just because she was not free to love me, I had stopped loving her. I had fallen into a terrible trap. I realised that my love for her had been so dependent on her returning those feelings.<br />
<br />
On that day, I realized that <i>true love is unconditional</i>. I had spent too much time all my life refusing to love another person until I could be sure that my love was returned. That was not love, that was simply a form of narcissism. The real expression of true love does not need anything in return, and I was in love with her.<br />
<br />
I shaved, freshened up, read a bit (all this after what seemed like ages) and rushed to Gops at 6 p.m. sharp. I saw her, and this time, without any second thoughts, I stared at her. I realised that mere glances were not enough to show my true love for her. And so I kept staring at her, continuously, without batting an eyelid.<br />
<br />
I kept this up for a week. I had to let her know that I could never lose sight of her, she was so precious to me. She would understand. To reassure her, I followed her all the way to her hostel. Sometimes I even followed her to her classroom or to the library. I would then happily turn around and proceed with my other work.<br />
<br />
A few days later, I managed to find out her room number. To my luck her window was right in front of the hostel gate. I then started standing in front of her window, and with every glance of her, my love for her just grew. Every time she lifted the phone and said “Hello…hello…who is this?”, my heart throbbed for her. It did not matter to me that she did not love me – anyone can love a person who loves them back. But I was experiencing a truer love.<br />
<br />
Her roomie had yelled at me on a couple of occasions. Her classmates would shout at me and hurl streams of abuses everytime they saw me. Some stronger looking men in her class even threatened to beat me up, but that did not stop me.<br />
<br />
One freezing cold day she saw me standing outside her window, and came rushing outside, adorably bundled in shawl with tears in her eyes, asking me to stop it and to leave forever.<br />
<br />
That was when I realized how much she cared for me – she knew about my asthmatic condition and was genuinely concerned, else why did she decide to speak to me personally? I loved her even more than ever. I promptly returned the next day, and continued to stalk her and stare at her, day after day; winter turned to summer, and this went on.<br />
<br />
I was summoned by my faculty, the students’ union, the women’s collective and his Excellency the Vice Chancellor. They warned me to stay away from her. Anonymous people starting pasting posters about me all around the campus. I only smiled. What kind of weak love, I wondered, could be so easily deterred by the cold hands of law? True love, I knew, could not surrender so easily.<br />
<br />
A few days later a big man approached me at Gops. He must have been her fiancé, who was never around for her the way I was. He punched me several times, in front of everyone. This, I understood, was a true test of my love. Too often in life I had allowed embarrassment or discomfort to force me to hide my feelings. Not any more. Each blow on my face strengthened my love for her, as they served to prove the depth of my feelings.<br />
<br />
Whoever thought that being rusticated from the University would keep me away from her? If a flimsy piece of paper could stop me, then my love for her could not possibly be true.<br />
<br />
Many others would have stopped after the first arrest, but those people are the kinds who are dependant on the feelings of others to determine their own feelings. If my love could not survive a few months of separation, it was mere infatuation. Lust. So on the day of my release I returned to her hostel. (The security guard was always asleep.) I stood in front of her window, loving her even more than ever.<br />
<br />
The toughest test of my love came when they shifted me to the asylum. It has been a year now, and often I’ve wondered if I still love her. But I know that that is what they want me to think. And then I remember that true love cannot be defeated by time or distance; <i>true love is eternal</i>. And no matter how long they keep me locked away, no matter how long they test my resolve, the hour I am free I will return to her side.<br />
<br />
For that is the true meaning of love.<br />
<br />
<i>“Whatever you do, I’ll be two steps behind you,<br />Wherever you go, and I’ll be there to remind you<br />That it only takes a minute of your precious time<br />To turn around, I’ll be two steps behind.”</i></div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409943253775398768.post-29358214591900023532005-08-19T15:21:00.004+05:302013-09-09T03:29:09.050+05:30Mount Carmel College<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I happened to unearth this really old article I had written for mtvindia.com in 1999, while still in college.</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
Nothing could be a better attention grabber than that. For the tube lights who still have the 'gases' running through their bheja, this is probably the first girls college any Bangalorean can think of. Interested persons may read on.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">MCC - Also known as the 'fashion ramp' college because of the number of models and Miss India's it has produced. Of course, this college has also produced some excellent sports persons, contingent commanders (defence type dudettes), businesswomen, journalists and actors. In simpler words, the BESTEST girls are here.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How to get there</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Ask any guy for directions.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Best mode of transportation</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: A CBZ or any cool bike, cos only that will help u 'pick up' the chicks.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dress code</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: a 'modest' code, the meaning of which only the princi knows.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Places to visit</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: The drives, curves, canteen, auditorium, dilapidated buildings and union room.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Danger zones</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: The English dept. and the main gate. Can be visited only if u wanna get jacked.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">People to visit</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Sr. Jesuina (princi), Chechi (lady in the canteen), Mutthu (the keys guy) and the nutty union.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">People to avoid</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Mrs. Ranita Hirji, Mr. Ramesh, Miss Priscila, The librarian, the dogs on the drive and all people mentioned in this article, when they’re in a bad mood.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Most wanted students</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Kavita Shekar (college prez.) and Jyotsna Grover (general sec. alias 'attendance girl')</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hang out spots</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: The drive, the canteen and the porch.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Things to do</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Eat Chechi's greasy donuts and talk about your latest diet, eat in general, hang out at the cool spots, pass comments at others when really jobless, get jacked by the lecturers, study once in a while and attend cultural fests.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Courses offered</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: PUC - Science, Commerce and Arts, BA, BCom, BSc, MCom and some vocational courses such as Travel and Tourism (if u wanna go abroad), Communicative English (to communicate when u go abroad) and Nutrition & Dietetics (So that u don’t get constipated when you are abroad).</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Admission criteria</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: U gotta be</span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1) Female or convincing enuff.<br />
2) Smart and good looking</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">3) A smart 'ass'et to the college.<br />
<br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If admission is still tough then either become a catholic, or a model.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Types of people found</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Mad nuts, wannabe babes, serious studs, enthu patakis, dramatic dudettes, freakin fuskis and college and admin. staff.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Facilities available for treating the above</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Psycho lab, Science lab, Playground with the works, Library, Chapel and greasy canteen food.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Other facilities</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Audis with sad and good acoustics, loads of old buildings and a Coca-Cola counter.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Co-curricular activities</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Adam teasing, gupshup, eating, fashion team, NCC, public speaking association, dramatics, quiz association, nature club etc etc etc.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Most happening event of the year</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: CUL-AH, the college fest that happens every January.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Most important activity throughout the year</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Yenjayment!!!!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="color: black;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Greatest achievers of MCC</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Lara Dutta, Vasundhara Das, Maya Sharma, Nisha Millet and Aparna Popat to name a few...<br />
<br />
</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and now you can even add Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma to this list!<br />
</span></span><br />
</span></div>
</div>
See Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09968385538752541621noreply@blogger.com8