Die-Hard Optimist

Hair Dryer - Joke

2011-10-11T21:51:00.001+05:30

Today while surfing the net I came across a nice joke, which I thought should be shared here.

Hair Dryer

A distinguished young woman on a flight from Ireland asked the priest sitting beside her, "Father, may I ask a favor?"

"Of course, child. What may I do for you?"

"Well, I bought an expensive electronic hair dryer for my mother's birthday that is unopened and well over the Customs limits. I'm afraid they'll confiscate it. Is there any way you could carry it through Customs for me...under your robe, perhaps?"

"I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you... I will not lie."

"With your honest face, Father, no one will question you."

When they got to Customs, the woman let the priest go ahead of her. The official asked, "Father, do you have anything to declare?"

"From the top of my head down to my waist, I have nothing to declare."

The official thought this answer strange, so asked, "And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?"

"I have a marvelous instrument designed to be used on a woman, but which is, to date...unused."

Roaring with laughter, the official said, "Go ahead, Father. Next!"

(Source: Yahoo Groups)

ET Now - The No. 1 Business News Channel

2011-09-29T23:17:00.002+05:30

ET Now can now rightfully claim to be the No. 1 biz news channel with 42 % viewer-ship as declared through survey by TAM recently. I too agree with it as it has now become my favorite biz news channel. Earlier when the channel was new there were so things I was disappointed with, but now I think channel’s management must also have taken notice of its flaws and corrected them.

First of all, ET Now’s ticker management has improved a lot. In fact, now it’s even better than that of TV18. I think the experience of Ayesha Faridi must have come in handy in this regard. The channel has hired talented anchors and even attracted well-known anchors from other news channels like Ayesha Faridi, Nikunj Dalmia, Manisha Gupta, Tanvir Gill, Shaili Chopra and many others. So now it has got the best team of News Anchors. It seems everything is falling in right places for the channel.

On the other hand, CNBC TV18 is getting worse day by day. It’s losing its sheen now. It has lost most of the anchors which were the back-bone of the channel to ET Now. Moreover, it seems it is unable to get rid of boring anchors like Lata Venkatesh who is not fluent and lacks the flow (which is the hall-mark of a good news-anchor). She is very clumsy and lacks spontaneity. The channel has now only three-four talented news-anchors like Udyan Mukhejee, Mithali Mukherjee and Sonia Shenoy. Besides, the quality of its programming is also deteriorating.

My Hibiscus Plant

2011-09-26T09:21:00.000+05:30

After we shifted to our new house I didn’t had much to do. Since this place was totally new to me, I had no friends here and unlike city I couldn’t take tuitions of high school children also. So I was kind of totally free. Here we have a big compound in front of our house. I spend a lot of time there and it’s quite refreshing because in city it was hard to find an open place where we can get fresh air and plants around us. Our neighbors have variety of plants in their compounds. Since we were new here our compound was totally empty and barren. So I thought of having at least one plant in our compound.

The First Hibiscus Flower

For the First time Plant Produced Three Flowers

One day a plant-seller was passing by with lot of different plants on his cart. I stopped him and inquired him about various plants. I wasn’t interested in rose plant since the climate here in not suitable for it and my previous experience with rose plant was not good. Monkeys never allow rose plant to grow properly. So I was interested in buying plant which gives beautiful flowers. He had many such plants. Many of them were creepers but I wanted to grow plant in a pot. So he showed me hibiscus plant. He had variety of hibiscus plant – one which produce white flower, one with red, pink and yellow respectively. I bought the hibiscus which produce red flower. I got it planted in a pot and kept the pot at one nice corner near our compound gate. Earlier I never saw a hibiscus flower in my life. And my hibiscus plant had only one tiny bud which took two-three days to produce a blooming flower. I was very excited to see a hibiscus flower. When I saw one I was totally surprised to see such a beautiful flower. It was really big and beautiful. Since the flower lasts nearly twelve hours or so. I thought of taking a picture of it. Here are some pictures that I took of the first hibiscus flower.

Get Well Soon Salman Khan

2011-09-13T22:35:00.000+05:30

It’s really sad to know that Salman khan – The Bollywood Superstar is also suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). I know how it feels when pangs of TN attack as I am also having the same problem since three and a half years. Salman khan has always been my favorite superstar ever since his first release. He has undergone a surgery for this and he needs some rest. As far as my experience of TN is concerned it’s really unbearable and I would like if he takes complete rest before starting work. Because this disorder comes under control quickly when good amount of rest is taken. I don’t know how much surgery will help him as my doctor had strongly advised me against going for a surgery. But since he has undergone a surgery in US and he must have selected the best of Neuro-surgens. I hope and pray that he recovers and get well soon. After all, I am eager to see him in Bigg Boss 5 and his new film Ek Tha Tiger. Get Well Soon Salman Bhai.

Long Time...No Blogging !!!

2011-09-11T19:26:00.001+05:30

It’s been a long long time since I last posted on my blog. It’s not because I didn’t had anything to write. But there were many things that didn’t allowed me to write. First of all, from December to February my Trigeminal Neuralgia started nagging me again. And this time it was more intense. Then after it came under control we all (i.e. my family) decided to shift to our new house. So we shifted to our new house in March. It took almost a month to get accustomed to a new place. Soon we realize that here there is a big problem of internet connectivity. Still I couldn’t get broadband connection here which I used in city. Now I have to content with the slow connection of mobile networks. I was so habituated to broadband’s super speed that when I had to use this slow connection I felt like throwing away my pc and mobile. It takes ages to open a web pages, bloggers and everything. It’s really frustrating.

Days Without Worrying !!!

2010-11-07T01:11:00.002+05:30

Some time back I came across a very good article on Yahoo groups site. I thought I should share the same with all of you.

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

Can you guess which days I'm talking about?

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You might be thinking that these days are Saturday and Sunday.

No, you're wrong!!!

One of these days is Yesterday with all its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back Yesterday.

We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone forever.

The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and its poor performance; Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control.

Tomorrow's sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in Tomorrow, for it is yet to be born.

This leaves only one day, Today. Any person can fight the battle of just one day. It is when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities, Yesterday and Tomorrow that we break down.

It is not the experience of Today that drives a person mad, it is the remorse or bitterness of something which happened Yesterday and the dread of what Tomorrow may bring.

Let us, therefore, Live but one day at a time.

And not to forget... Have a Wonderful Festive Season !! :)

(Source: Yahoo Groups)

Ayesha Faridi - The Chartbuster is Back

2010-09-06T01:07:00.004+05:30

Thank God, Ayesha Faridi is back after her European tour. Without her presence the TV looked so boring to me. The program ‘Market Sense’ that she co-hosts with Andy Mukherjee seemed like ‘Market Non-sense’ without her. As soon as she returned market started moving upwards to present her a big welcome. She aptly anchors the show ‘Chartbusters’ for she herself is the biggest chartbuster. Being a big fan of hers, I never miss any program anchored by her. Being a trader and investor in stock market, I have to watch Business Channels to keep myself constantly updated about market movements. And in such a hectic routine life Ayesha Faridi’s smile and charm keep me cheerful throughout the day. I love her for her charming personality, flamboyant style, captivating smile and unmatched anchoring skill. But I think she has done a great injustice to her by joining ET Now as this channel doesn’t give her enough screen presence which is very important for any anchor to increase their fan-base. I would like to see her back at CNBC TV18 hosting alongside extremely beautiful Sonia Shenoy. Both Sonia Shenoy and Ayesha Faridi were irresistible when anchoring the shows like ‘Your Stocks’ et al.

ET NOW - So Far a Flop Show

2010-08-06T01:11:00.000+05:30

It has been more than a year since ET Now –the new baby of Times Group- went on air, but it is nowhere close to its rival business channel CNBC TV-18. Although it has been able to attract many high profile anchors/presenters from other rival channels, it has failed to deliver in terms of contents. It now has one of the best team of anchors with likes of Ayesha Faridi, Tanvir Gill, Andy Mukherjee, Manisha Gupta, Devina Menon and Avanne Dubhash to name a few. But the channel has failed to utilize their talent well.

Firstly the camera work and visualization is much cluttered and not at all appealing. There are so many things on the screen- with two tickers, so many anchors and analysts in small box-like frames, recommendations from brokerage houses flashing all the time and many such distractions. All these things render the anchors hosting the show totally useless person with no focus on them. If it is going to be like this, then the day is not far when we will get to hear only the voice of an anchor with all the different kind of tickers and flashes all over the TV screen to strain your eyes.

Secondly, the stock tickers of ET Now are quite slow in comparison to other business channels. With so many stocks it takes ages to complete from A to Z stocks. Besides when there is an ad-break the tickers leave their continuity and are randomized. The only thing good about the tickers is that the number of stock is much larger in comparison to other biz channels. Otherwise the ticker management of this channel is quite poor.

Thirdly, the recommendations of stocks flashed continuously are quite boring. It only helps the brokerage houses at the cost of gullible investor/small traders. Moreover many such recommendations are absolutely non-sense. Beside there are many small things which needs correction if ET Now wants to compete with CNBC TV-18.

Repairs & Renovation at Home

2010-05-04T01:05:00.002+05:30

Once again I had to stay away from computer. But this time reason was different. My house was under repairs & renovation, so I had to pack my computer. Repair work took 15-20 days. Those days were really hectic.

I actually hate staying offline and away from computer for so many days. But what to do, to be frank, we all are the victims of circumstances after all. First, I couldn’t use my PC due to reoccurrence of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) and then due to frequent break down of internet connection. Now, when the TN is brought under control with the medicines and the problem of frequent internet breakdown is solved (to an extent to be precise). We had to really get our house repaired before the monsoon sets in. Now that repairs work is over, we have to put everything in order. And get back to normal way of life.

Man Vs Woman

2010-03-02T01:04:00.000+05:30

A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he wants.

A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't want

A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.

A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.

A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

Married men live longer than single men.
But married men are a lot more willing to die.

Any married man should forget his mistakes.

No sense two people remembering the same thing

Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.

Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.

A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change and she does.

A woman has the last word in any argument.

Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

(Source: Yahoogroups)

Reasons for not posting for many days

2010-01-24T01:03:00.001+05:30

It is very disappointing that I couldn’t post anything on my blog for so many days. But what to do…there are a few things which are beyond one’s control. Firstly, the start of the New Year was not like the last year and then I had Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) attack again after a lapse of almost four months of stopping the treatment. It’s really a very painful disease affecting facial nerves. I had to start the treatment all over again. But this time the intensity & frequency of pain has increased. So I was put on high dose of medicine. Moreover, the extreme cold climate might have worsened my condition. Due to this I was not able to concentrate properly and I had to even stay offline for so many days. And when I had to use the net, the connection was snapped due to unknown reasons and I had to call the service provider again and again.

HAPPY NEW YEAR WALLPAPERS

2010-01-02T09:24:00.002+05:30

My Horrible Experience with Reliance GSM

2009-12-12T01:07:00.002+05:30

Two-Three months back I bought a Nokia mobile phone and for that I was looking for a good mobile service provider. Although, since the very beginning I knew that in India Airtel provides much better service than any other service provider. But its call rates are much higher compared to others. So I thought why not try some other service provider. I had to choose between Vodafone and Reliance GSM. Then Reliance launched its Simply Reliance Scheme (5o-paise/minute scheme) and I bought its GSM sim card thinking that Reliance is also a big name and its GSM service may be better, who knows?

But my experience with Reliance GSM was really horrible and annoying. I live in the heart of the city and my mobile would show “No Network Coverage” most of the time. Whenever at home or indoors I could neither make a call nor able to receive any call. As poor network was not enough the problem of frequent call-drop added to my woes. I could never complete a conversation on phone. It was really frustrating and I felt like cheated by such a Big Business name. Within one month of such horrible experience I got fed up with the Reliance and I instantly bought a new Airtel connection without any second thought, saying good-bye to Reliance forever.

How Am I Supposed To Live Without You - Michael Bolton

2009-12-11T01:09:00.001+05:30

Since 4-5 days I love listening to the following song by Michael Bolton. Although, I’ve been listening to this since years, I don’t know why I like to listen to this song now-a-days so much. May be, it reflects my feelings to a certain extent.

How Am I Supposed To Live Without You - Michael Bolton

I could hardly believe it when I heard the news today

I had to come and get it straight from you

They said you were leaving, someone swept your heart away

From the look upon your face I see it's true

So tell me all about it, tell me 'bout the plans you're makin'

Then tell me one thing more before I go

Tell me how am I supposed to live without you

Now that I've been lovin' you so long

How am I supposed to live without you

And how am I supposed to carry on

When all that I've been livin' for is gone

Didn't come here for cryin', didn't come here to break down

It's just a dream of mine is comin' to an end

How can I blame you when I built my world around

The hope that one day we'd be so much more than friends

And I don't wanna know the price I'm gonna pay for dreamin'

Even now, it's more than I can take

Tell me how am I supposed to live without you

Now that I've been lovin' you so long

How am I supposed to live without you

And how am I supposed to carry on

When all that I've been livin' for is gone

And I don't wanna know the price I'm gonna pay for dreamin'

Now that your dream has come true

Tell me how am I supposed to live without you

Now that I've been loving you so long

How am I supposed to live without you

And how am I supposed to carry on

All that I've been livin' for is gone.

Quotes on FAITH

2009-12-05T01:00:00.000+05:30

Quotes on FAITH

Some things have to be believed to be seen. – Ralph Hodgson

Faith is like electricity. You can’t see it, but you can see the light. – Anonymous

I am one of those would sink with faith than swim without it. – Stanley Bladwin

Faith is the evidence of things that are not seen. – Bible

You can do very little with faith, but you can do nothing without it. – Samuel Butler

God comes at last when we think he is farthest off. – James Howell

Live your beliefs & you can turn the world around. – Henry David Thoreau

1st Anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack: A Tribute to the Brave Indian Commandos

2009-11-26T20:46:00.002+05:30

One year on, and ceremonies are being held across all cities in India to mark the 1st anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack to hit Mumbai. The attacks lasted for three long days, in which 165 people lost their lives, while 9 terrorists were killed. The coordinated attacks took place at the CST railway station (formerly known as Victoria Terminus), the Taj Hotel, Trident Hotel, and the Nariman House Jewish Community Centre.

LET'S PAY TRIBUTE to the innocents and brave commandos who lost their lives in this henious attack on humanity.

ALSO, LET’S PLEDGE to always stand united as Indians, irrespective of our language, region, religion or caste. Because the terrorist attack that took place last year was not just on Mumbai – it was on India. So let’s first free ourselves from narrow prejudices.

Adverse Effects of Smoking/Chewing Tobacco on Young People

2009-11-23T01:00:00.000+05:30

Many young people today have an "invincibility complex," or the belief that they cannot be harmed by their actions. Consequently, such people don’t care about the harmful effects that can have adverse effects on their health.

While they may be fully aware of harmful effects of consuming tobacco, this does not stop the rise in young people smoking. It is a sad but true fact that youth and smoking and chewing tobacco is a crisis that needs to be dealt with.

How Common Is Smoking/chewing tobacco With Young People?

Smoking among the younger generation is more rampant than many people think. In India alone it is not uncommon to see even the school-going children either smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. These trends need to be stopped, because of the dangerous health effects of tobacco consumption among young people that carry into adult life.

Why Do Young People Smoke or chew tobacco?

Peer Pressure

The number one reason that many young people start smoking regardless of the smoking effects on their health is peer pressure. Someone they respect or wish to emulate gives them a chance to start smoking, and tells them they will be fine. The kids do not want to appear "un-cool" and so they start smoking.

Easy Availaility

Cigarettes and gutkhas (masalas) are easily available in neighborhood. Many people deliberately set up small shops selling such tobacco products near school & college premises. Although laws are there which prevents such shops from selling tobacco products near school & college premises, they are hardly implemented due to corruption.

Advertising

Another reason that kids take to smoking is because of the advertising of the cigarette manufacturers. Cigarette ads are aimed at the young, making smoking look like the cool, popular thing to do. Things emphasized by cigarette ads are young adults who have a strong sex appeal, or things that appeal to young guys, like weapons, cowboys, and other things. Kids are given the idea that smoking makes you sexy, strong, and invincible!

Desire to Look Mature

Sometimes kids take up smoking because they want to look mature. After all, smoking is considered an "adult" behavior, and they think they will look cool when they smoke, or that they will look more grown up.

Rebellion

Finally, many kids take up smoking because they want to rebel against their authorities. No matter what the activity, if you tell kids they cannot or should not do something, some will want to do it simply to buck against their authority.

Harmful Effects of Smoking & Chewing Tobacco

2009-11-18T01:11:00.001+05:30

The spread of addiction of tobacco – be it in form of smoking (cigarettes, bidis), chewing tobacco (gutkas, masala etc.) is really alarming. It’s really sad to see young boys merely in their teens getting addicted to such harmful things at such tender age. This is a matter of grave concern considering the deadly consequences of continuous tobacco consumption.

Tobacco is injurious to health, no matter in what form you take it the ill effects are always there. Tobacco are leaves of plant that are used in dried form, they are high in nicotine and therefore addictive in nature. Tobacco is taken in the form of:

Chewing
Snuff
Smoking

The high content of nicotine makes it very addictive, once a person gets addicted to smoking, chewing or sniffing it becomes difficult to get rid of it. At times efforts to give up the addiction fail and person goes back to taking tobacco.

Chewing of Tobacco

Chewing tobacco also known as smokeless tobacco (gutkas, masala etc) is as harmful as smoking. It is a myth that chewing is not as harmful as smoking. Chewing tobacco is made of tobacco, nicotine, sweeteners and chemicals. The continuous chewing process gives a constant high to the person. This high leads gives temporary relief from stress and anxiety. Small temporary relief leads the person to use it frequently and before the person realizes he is addicted.

Chewing tobacco leads to numerous harmful health effects, which can be internal or external. The main harmful effects of tobacco are:

Erodes Tooth

The ingredients of tobacco consist of gravels, sand, and other harmful chemicals that

erode the enamel of tooth. Continuous chewing leads to early loss of tooth.

Early Decay Of Tooth

Chewing leaves small particles in tooth that forms bacteria and plaque, it harms enamel and gums, which leads to decay of tooth.

Gum slump

Chewing leads to decomposing of gums, the gums get infected and the grip on tooth loosens which exposes the sensitive area of tooth.

Bad Breadth

There is nothing as bad as bad breadth of a person; they are major turn off for people around them. The long-term habit of chewing and spitting is unacceptable and looks

indecent.

Affects Eating Habit

Eating habit of people who chews tobacco tends to be unhealthy, continuous chewing affects the taste bud and the sensitivity of them decreases. This leads to an increase in intake of more salt, sugar and spices in food as he feels a bland taste in his mouth.

The above effects of

tobacco is just the beginning of trouble for people who chew, it has more deep rooted and life threatening effects. Chewing of tobacco has major or near to fatal effect on addicted people. The major areas where they proved to be fatal are:

Damage to tongue, jaw and lips
Lung Cancer
Oral Cancer

Damage to tongue, jaw and lips

As mentioned above chewing leads to the early decay of tooth, bad breadth, damaged gums and falling of tooth. The addiction of tobacco affects the area around the mouth. The tongue and jaws face the following problems:

Dis-coloring of lips and lip cancer
Sore Throat
Difficulty in movement of jaws and tongue
Rashes or irritation on tongue
Burning sensation on lips and tongue

Oral Cancer

Continuous chewing process leaves infectious juices on tooth and lips. These deve

lop in white patches that can be considered as an early symptom of oral cancer.

People who indulge in tobacco chewing have higher risk of oral cancer to people who take alcohol. The most infected area in oral cancer is the tongue a

nd the area below the tongue.

The cancer slowly spreads to cheeks and throat. Though it can attack any part lips, tongue, upper and lower mouth, the cheeks, or gums and esophagus.

It is very important to go for early diagnosis as soon as one feels suspicious.

Lung Cancer

Chewing tobacco leads to oral cancer but it is not the end as it can spread the disease in lungs and linings of stomach.

Reports show that 90% of lung cancers are cases of people who either smoke or chew tobacco. Destructive agents termed as carcinogens in tobacco injure the cells in the lungs. Over a period of time, these spoiled cells may develop into lung cancer.

Inspirational Quotes-1

2009-11-16T01:11:00.003+05:30

Inspirational Quotes-1

No one else can think or feel for you, it’s you, only you!

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.

Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you.

Look at the Life through the windshield, not the rear-view mirror.

You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.

It doesn’t matter which side of the fence you get off on sometimes. What matters most is getting off. You cannot make progress without making decisions.

The most difficult phase of the life is not when no one understands you; it’s when you don’t understand yourself.

It is nice to be important, but it is important to be nice.

When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever; in it’s place is something that you have left behind – let it be something good.

To worry about tomorrow is to be unhappy today.

If you learn from your mistakes then you are intelligent. But if you learnt from somebody’s mistakes then you are a genius.

Birthday Wishes - A poem

2009-11-04T00:00:00.002+05:30

This year I couldn't wish my love on her birthday due cruel circumstances. However, last year I composed the following poem for her. I dedicate the poem to my love whose birthday falls on 4th November.

Birthday Wishes

The day even gold lose its glitter

For it can’t be as bright as you

And all flowers fear to bloom

For they can’t be as fresh as you.

The day all diamonds lose their worth

For they have no worth in front of you

And even snow just melt

For it can’t be as pure as you.

That’s the day when

We all say to you

“Happy Birthday to You,

Happy Birthday to You."

My PC crashed Again!

2009-10-28T09:24:00.002+05:30

At last, my PC started working fine after it crashed last Friday. I called the technician the same day but due Diwali holidays there was lot of backlog and also there weren’t enough men available to do the job. Most of them went on a Diwali vacation. Otherwise, my PC would have been running smoothly in a day or two. Now it took four days!

I thought my PC has become outdated and that’s why it is giving me problem now-a-days. But the problem was something else. The two RAMs in the PC were conflicting with each other. Hence the older one which was slowing down the PC had to be removed.

Due this technical problem I had to stay offline without even touching my PC. I couldn’t even drop on entrecard and Adgitize for four days at a stretch. I hope my e-buddies will understand my problem and continue to give their support by regularly visiting my site.

Life Sans Love - A Poem

2009-10-23T01:11:00.001+05:30

The following poem was penned by me on March 1, 2007 when I was feeling very lonely and loveless.

LIFE SANS LOVE

Life is so lonely, loveless & so dry

Can’t complain & even cry

Doesn’t matter whom I love & admire

For whom my heart beats & is on fire

But cede to divine desire.

My desire, my wish

Has no meaning, no weight

Can’t even dream of that perfect bliss

With my love, my cherished mate

For God’s will is my only fate.

Life is fruitless and futile,

Crawling like a big reptile,

Compassion and pity is all

I get in life, which I call

Is nothing but big beggar’s bowl.

Wealth, woman, wine and not even fame,

Just to behold Love’s lovely smile

With dimples adorning - all the while

If not she, then just her name

On my desert lips - be my only aim.

Even a wish to die is not simply mine

In the eyes of Lord it’s not simply fine

No choice left but to drag the life

Through the sharp edge of the cruel knife.

Recession Lexicon

2009-10-15T01:07:00.001+05:30

The recent world recession has added many new words to our vocabulary. It enriched the Lexicon with really interesting words. Some of them are as follows:

Bankster: It is a combined form of banker and gangster.

Canniversary: A year from the date when you got canned from your job.

Clunkerf*ck: It is what happens when government issues coupons on cars but doesn’t use the same printing machine as it seems to for a currency.

Frugillionaires: It is used for those who have mastered the art of frugality – living richly while saving a fortune. They bank their bonuses, bring their lunches to work, and borrow things instead of money. But though they are adept at cutting costs, their lives are not about deprivation. Instead, they cultivate a sense of appreciation that brings them wealth beyond measure.

Lazylancing: It is when you subsidize your travel with freelance work after being laid off from job.

Recession: Now-a-days it is used to describe anything sting or lacking. For example: “Look at this recession biscuits. It’s only got three chocolate chips.”

Recessionista: One who remains stylish during times of economic hardship – a woman who updates her wardrobe in a frugal manner.

Slayoff: It is used to describe a particularly cold-blooded method of laying off employees.

Staycation: It means a holiday spent at home, especially due to straitened financial circumstances.

Zombie bank: It is used for a bank that has a negative worth but continues to operate because of depositor’s insurance or other governmental intervention.

Hope Against Hope - A Poem

2009-10-12T01:11:00.001+05:30

I composed this poem on October 21, 2008. This poem reflects my true feelings and emotions. If you like the poem please do leave a comment.

Hope Against Hope

I will love you forever

But you won’t love me a bit – I can bet;

You won’t even think of me – never and ever;

Still I’ll keep on loving you just like that.

Even if I die for you, my love

You won’t even look back

for once to see my fate.

I know you will choose to love

a lifeless gravel or a vagabond but me,

Still you will be the one and only one for me.

Oh, you are not cruel, it’s just my fate

And if you’ll know my feelings, you’ll just hate.

But no matter, till eternity I’ll have to wait.

For only hope is what I have with me

And I hope that my hope will win

One day....you see....

Strangulated Feeling - Poem Now A Video

2009-10-07T01:04:00.001+05:30

I posted my poem 'Strangulated Feeling' on this blog sometime back. Actually before I posted this poem on my blog or I must say even before I started this blog, I submitted this poem to my online blogger-cum-friend to post it on her blog Loving You. She liked the poem so much that she made a very nice video out of my poem and she posted not only the poem but also the video on her blog. I'm really thankful to her. I 'm embedding the video of my poem in this post. All the credit for making the video goes to AHLOCK the owner of the blog 'Loving You'.

A Heart Touching Story

2009-10-02T01:00:00.001+05:30

A Heart Touching Story

(Last day I received a very interesting email from one of my friends which had the following story in it. I liked it very much so I thought I should post it here and share it with my readers. I hope you will like it.)

Once upon a time there was a little boy who was raised in an orphanage.
The little boy had always wished that he could fly like a bird.
It was very difficult for him to understand why he could not fly.
There were birds at the zoo that were much bigger than he, and they could fly
"Why can't I?" he thought. "Is there something wrong with me?" he wondered.

There was another little boy who was crippled. He had always wished that he could walk
and run like other little boys and girls.

"Why can't I be like them?" he thought.

One day the little orphan boy who had wanted to fly like a bird ran away from the orphanage.
He came upon a park where he saw the little boy who could not walk or run playing in the
sandbox. He ran over to the little boy and asked him if he had ever wanted to fly like a bird.

"No," said the little boy who could not walk or run. "But I have wondered what it would be
like to walk and run like other boys and girls."

"That is very sad”, said the little boy who wanted to fly. "Do you think we could be friends?"
he said to the little boy in the sandbox.

"Sure." said the little boy. The two little boys played for hours. They made sand castles
and made really funny sounds with their mouths. Sounds, which made them laugh,
real hard. Then the little boy's father came with a wheelchair to pick up his son.
The little boy who had always wanted to fly ran over to the boy's father and
whispered something into his ear.

"That would be OK," said the man.

The little boy who had always wanted to fly like a bird ran over to his new friend and said,
"You are my only friend and I wish that there was something that I could do to make
you walk and run like other little boys and girls. But I can't. But there is something that I can do for you."

The little orphan boy turned around and told his new friend to slide up onto his back.
He then began to run across the grass. Faster and faster he ran, carrying the little crippled boy
on his back. Faster and harder he ran across the park. Harder and harder he made his legs travel.
Soon the wind just whistled across the two little boys' faces.

The little boy's father began to cry as he watched his beautiful little crippled son flapping
his arms up and down in the wind, all the while yelling at the top of his voice,
"I'M FLYING, DADDY. I'M FLYING!"

Moral Of The Story :
Always try to find happiness
by making others happy.

To Remember You Is My Destiny

2009-09-21T17:34:00.002+05:30

I wrote this poem on September 14, 2009 as I was missing my Love too much and her memories were not allowing me to live normally.It goes like:

To Remember You Is My Destiny

Every thought that comes to my mind,

Instructs my mind to think of you.

Every night when slumber make me blind,

States my eyes to dream of you.

Every drop of blood that flows through my heart,

Reminds my heart to remember you.

Every beat that throb my heart,

Tells me that they beat for you.

Every breath that keeps me alive,

Prompts me that I live for you.

Wherever I am or whatever I do,

Now it’s my destiny to just remember you.

Strangulated Feeling

2009-09-19T01:03:00.002+05:30

I composed the following poem on March 25, 2007. It reflects my genuine heart-felt feelings - you'll come to know after going through the poem. It goes like:

Strangulated Feeling

A secret feeling I can’t express,

Without expressing I can’t repress

To express it is really hard

While repressing it- I’ve become a bard.

Wanna express my love to her all the time

But it’s so hard to express even a single time.

Don’t know the way to vent my love

The only hope is God above.

There is no medium, no outlet

To call my love for a simple date,

Can’t say my love to my love,

Though she is gentle like a dove.

Social bounds- so hard to break

So many barriers- tough nut to crack

Circumstances- never went my way

Could see the hope just fading away

All because I have no right

For I’m disable, I have no might.

Sweetest Love Quotes Wallpaper

2009-09-15T01:11:00.000+05:30

Love SMS

2009-09-11T01:00:00.000+05:30

Love can never be taught for it is to be learned;

Love can never be bought for it is to be given;

Love can never be kept for it is to be free;

Love can never be old for it is to last for a lifetime.

* * * *

I need no jewel, they can be sold,

Your heart glitters more than gold,

You are as pure as a baby at birth,

I need no heaven when you are on earth.

* * * *

Always search for a beautiful heart,

Don’t search a beautiful face,

Because beautiful things are not always good,

But good things are always beautiful.

* * * *

I have a heart & it’s true.

But now it has gone from me to you.

So please take care of it, just like I do,

Because I have no heart & now you have two.

* * * *

When I first saw you, I was afraid to talk to you;

When I first talked to you, I was afraid to like you;

When I first liked you, I was afraid to love you;

Now that I love you, I’m afraid to lose you.

THE NEW WORLD OF MINE !

2009-09-09T01:04:00.000+05:30

I composed the following poem on March 25, 2007, when the feeling of Love touched my heart and my entire world changed forever since then.

The New World of Mine

It’s a feeling I never felt before

So brand new and reaching to my core,

It’s lust, love or something really more.

I know not, not for sure.

The world is now a different place.

In every little things

What I see is just your face;

In every sound that sings,

I hear your velvet voice;

In every flower that blooms,

I see your dimpled smile.

My heartbeat just go zoom

When I see it for a while;

In the beauty of your eyes

Want just a little room

Where I’d like to live and die.

Now the world is full of different hues;

Everywhere it’s just you and only you.

You are here; you are there,

I find you everywhere;

In every dream at every night,

I’ve your sensuous frame in sight;

Every night and everyday

Just your lovely name I must say.

My heart is now your slave

The way you’ve mesmerized

Now only you can save

‘Coz only you’ve hypnotized.

The feeling – I’ll cherish it forever;

It’s so sweet and so lovely, I’ll forget it – never

Its love and really something more,

I know its true love that I was waiting for.

Why the Title – ‘Die-Hard Optimist’?

2009-09-01T01:05:00.003+05:30

Why I’ve titled my blog – ‘Die-Hard Optimist’? People or the reader may think that I must be bragging or blowing things out of proportions. But there’s a strong reason for being so.

There are a times when I felt really down and out. There are many instances when I couldn’t get what I want or things don’t go the way I want it to be. I could find no way out of the situation. I felt utterly helpless and really depressed. And consequently I began to think that I should give up. But after sometime something shakes me up and I try to find solace in prayer and that power of prayer gives me back my confidence. I resolve to do my best and leave the rest to God, relying total faith in divine help. Then I began to feel positive and determined. And finally, with solid determination I get on with my life.

This happens with me every time I’m in trouble or in stress. After feeling depressed for sometime, I get my optimism back with a bang. There’s always a hidden optimism in me which wakes me up whenever I feel utterly helpless, hopeless, down and out.

Beauty Divine

2009-08-24T21:07:00.003+05:30

Beauty Divine

You have set my heart on fire,

You have fanned a new desire.

It’s going only higher and higher;

Now it’s ever so strong

I promise you baby

I’ll never go wrong.

Now call me close to you,

Now let me hold in my arms

How different seem the hue?

For I’m the victim of your charm.

Ooh! I see, it’s your beauty divine,

That’s taking me higher on cloud No. 9

Ooh! I see, it’s your body so fine

That’s making me want you

And make you just mine.

Can I caress you there?

Can I hold you through the line?

Now I’ll steal the fragrance from your hair

And dance with you throughout the night.

You have got the drawing power,

You have made me your dreamy lover

Now my heart is under your spell

How can it be free, no one can tell.

Ooh! I see, it’s your beauty divine,

That’s taking me higher on cloud No. 9

Ooh! I see, it’s your body so fine

That’s making me want you

And make you just mine.

Wanna taste your lips sweet flavor

Wanna live like this forever

Now I’m gonna lost in your almond eyes

‘cause you’re the charmer in disguise

See even stars have lost their might

Nothing seems brighter -

Just you and your light

You are my soul,

You are my all.

Best Wishes

2009-08-23T21:27:00.004+05:30

I composed the following poem for my favorite students when they were appearing for class 10th board exams in March 2007. These two students were really nice so I wanted to wish them in a different style. Here it goes like....

Best Wishes

May the Best of Good-Luck

Be with you

May it bring success for you

May your success bring

Smiles all around

And congratulations everywhere

Like a melodious sound.

May that smile bring

You the happiness all year round;

And may the happiness be

Your Best friend;

Just like God

Who dwells in hearts

Without end.

Facts About Life

2009-08-20T01:00:00.000+05:30

Learning means to hear almost everything without losing one’s temper and self-confidence.
It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return. But what is more painful is to love someone and never find courage to let that person know how you feel.
A sad thing about life is when you meet someone who means a lot to you, only to find out in the end that was never meant to be and you have to let go.
It’s true that we don’t know what we’ve got until we lost it, but it’s also true that we don’t know what we’ve been missing until it arrives.
It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, and a day to love someone. But it takes a lifetime to forget someone.
Don’t go for looks; they can deceive. Don’t go wealth, even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seen bright.
Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do the things you want to do.
Always put yourself in the other’s shoes. If you feel it hurts you, it probably hurts that person too.
A careless word may kindle strife; a cruel word may wreck a life; a timely word may level stress; but a loving word may heal and bless.
The happiest of people don’t necessarily have everything they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you have ever had.

Top 5 News channel in India

2009-08-12T01:05:00.000+05:30

Top 5 News channel in India

In India now-a-days almost every other day a new TV channel comes into existence. With that the number of News based TV channels on air have risen tremendously. So at times it becomes difficult to decide as to which News channel to believe. Although most run the same top stories through-out the day, they try to be different from one another by focusing on different topic as their Top stories and this ability makes the difference. Therefore, from all the Hindi and the English News channels, I rated my Top 5 news channel in India. Only those channels which are dedicated to general news are taken into consideration. They are:

NDTV:

I like this channel because topics and discussions carried on the channel are quite relevant. They focus on items which truly deserve to be called NEWS. Ethics & code of conduct of this channel is very strict. Moreover, their news try to create awareness among the people & give a strong social message which is truly admirable. This channel also has sister channel called ‘NDTV India’ which again cater to Hindi viewers and most news contents are same except discussions & debates on weekends. The strong point of this channel is that their debates are quite good. It’s a different thing that politicians often hijack the debate shows to promote their narrow & selfish ideologies.

2. CNN IBN :

This is relatively new channel compared to NDTV and Aaj Tak, but their focus on the news is quite good. Their sister channel ‘IBN-7’ which cater to the Hindi viewers deliver the similar contents. So I have not included that channel in my top 5 list. Their content and selection of top stories stand out. The quality & presentation of news is also excellent.

Times Now:

This English news channels comes from the stable of Times group and therefore their news becomes more credible. It does not live up-to my expectations, considering their promoters reputation in the field of news.

Zee News:

This is a good Hindi news channel. Though sometimes it lacks focus, it is better than Aaj Tak. News and its presentations are ok- at least it doesn’t make news out of non-news items.

NEWS X:

This one is a new kid on the block. It’s an English news channel which I think has started quite decently. However it remains to be seen how it delivers in the long-run. Although a new-comer this channel doesn’t spawn thrash as news like other channels like Aaj-Tak, Tej, Live India and others do.

One of the startling facts is that channels like Aaj-Tak, Star News, India TV etc. has become junk. They don’t have any news content. They just concentrate on rubbish matters from reality shows running on various TV channels. I often fail to understand how such things can be called NEWS.

One of My Favorite Songs

2009-08-09T11:32:00.004+05:30

I'm a great fan of Enrique Iglesius. I like the way he sings & lyrics of his songs are so romantic and touchy. The Following song is my current favorite because I feel that this song is just about me & my feelings.

I wish I were Your Lover

You know I got this feeling that I just can't hide

I try to tell you how I feel

I try to tell you but I'm me

Words don't come easily

When you get close I share them

I watch you when you smile

I watch you when you cry

And I still don't understand

I can't find the way to tell you

I wish I was your lover

I wish that you were mine

Baby I got this feeling

That I just can't hide

Don't try to run away

There's many things I wanna say

No matter how it ends

Just hold me when I tell you

I wish I was your lover

I wish that you were mine

Baby I got this feeling

That I just can't hide

I wish I was your lover

I wish that you were mine

Baby I got this feeling

That I just can't hide

Oh I need is a miracle

Oh baby all I need is you

All I need is a love you give

Oh baby all I need is you

Baby you

I wish I was your lover

I wish that you were mine

Baby I got this feeling

That I just can't hide

I wish I was your lover ( I wish I was your lover)

I wish that you were mine

Baby I got this feeling

That I just can't hide

I wish I was your lover

I wish that you were mine

Baby I got this feeling

That I just can't hide

Just wanna be your lover

Just wanna be the one

Let me be your lover

Let me be the one

Yeah Yeah

Can't get you out of my head

2009-08-09T11:23:00.003+05:30

This is a very nice poem that I recently came across on one of the Orkut Communities. I don't know but I feel that it aptly describes my current state of my mind & feelings. So I'm reproducing this poem and all credit goes to the original writer.

I Cant Get You out of My head
No Matter how i try
I Still love You
Even when you make me Cry,

I want You in my Arms
I want you to be Mine
But You don't want me Now
You says it's Not our Time,

Relationships are hard Enough
But love makes them even Worse
Love Makes it hard to give Up
Love is a curse,

I Hate the fact I love You
And that i cant Get You out of My Mind
I hate that every time i think of You
My heart flutters and My eyes Cry,

I don't understand how you do this to Me
How You make Me want to Die
How I dream about you Every Night,

I 'd rather Cry and mope and Whine
Than call You to get things Straight
Because somewhere in my Heart
I know Its already Too Late.

My Personality Test Result

2009-08-09T09:41:00.002+05:30

I would like to share the result of my Personality Test which I took at QuizBox.com

Get To Know Yourself Better

Your view on yourself:

You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:

You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

The seriousness of your love:

You like to flirt and behave seductively. The opposite sex finds this very attractive, and that's why you'll always have admirers hanging off your arms. But how serious are you about choosing someone to be in a relationship with?

Your views on education

You may not like to study but you have many practical ideas. You listen to your own instincts and tend to follow your heart, so you will probably end up with an unusual job.

The right job for you:

You have many goals and want to achieve as much as you can. The jobs you enjoy are those that let you burn off your considerable excess energy.

How do you view success:

You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.

What are you most afraid of:

You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.

Who is your true self:

You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

2009-08-02T11:18:00.004+05:30

This year my birthday which falls on 31st July was boring and a kind of damp squib. Everybody from my family whether my mom, dad, brother and sister all of them forgot my birthday. Even my students (my 2 favorite students) didn’t wish me this year. They had been wishing me unfailingly since last 3 years. It was a kind of disappointment for me since my family members had been wishing me every year, but this year had to be different. Nevertheless my dear sister wished me on the next day & it was a kind of consolation for me. Although we don’t throw a party or like that but every year especially on my birthday we either cut the cake or treat ourselves with chocolates etc. That’s it and nothing pompous.

I already started this blog on my birthday so this should be a birthday gift to myself & now I'm wishing myself 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME' or rather belated 'Happy Birthday'.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME"

Welcome to my Blog

2009-07-31T01:01:00.000+05:30

Hi Friends,

This is my first personal blog post. I’m really excited and at the same very nervous too. I have lot of things to share with the world but don’t know from where to start. Besides that I’m a bit hesitant as there are a whole lot of things a person can share with the world and friends, but there are some things which are better kept personal (say - secret). And I’m really confused as to where to draw the line. Sometimes in an open forum like this if a person reveals too much then it may cause embarrassment later. Therefore, I think while discussing any personal details in my blog I will have to keep this thing in mind. I may not give out any names or some details which according to me are better kept deep inside the heart. As I will go about posting the articles all of you will come to know more about me. I hope blogging will be a pleasant experience for me.