Yes, this is my personal blog / journal where I circumvent my inner feelings from within which I went to let out to an unknown and unavailable friend. Needless content is impulsive, and reflective of my mood swings, completely uncensored. Also included are interesting collectibles which I found interesting to collate for future reference.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Misuse of Pharmaceutical Drugs ???
As experts would say it as another classic, but only too common, case of over-medication, or prescribing drugs patients do not need. Here, the antibiotic was unnecessary, as was the drug to prevent fever-related seizures as the child had no history of such attacks.
Experts warn that driven by profits from selling medicine, many doctors overprescribe medicines, a practice which will be disastrous in the longer term.
Polypharmacy (overmedication) means use of lot of medicines which are unnecessary, like prescribinh many types of antibiotics for a cold.The consumption of multiple drugs triggers drug reaction and unpredictable side effects. Worse, it gives rise to bacterial resistance.
The most recent example of growing resistance involves the drug oseltamivir(Tamiflu), which researchers in the United States found was now ineffective against 98 percent of the H1N1 seasonal human influenza virus strains. (Swine flu and bird flu)
Apart from eventually reducing the effectiveness of drugs, exposing bacteria and viruses to drugs unnecessarily also has other serious consequences.
A general observation is that most parents rush to treat symptoms, not the disease. Doctors may feel pressure to give treatments, even when it is not necessary or in the best interests of the child's health.
It's upto to us to know understand and adopt to the human body needs and support it to build resistances to various microbiotic organisms. Its important to enable such a strenghtning process within out system by means of adopting a few lifestyle changes and taking a positive approach towards moving away from Allopathic treatments which are primarily based on chemical compounds which act on inhibitting the symptoms/giving relief or directly act on behalf of the human immune system to tackle infections.
A traditional form of treatment is a stream called Naturopathy which revolutionary to the contemporary medicine (Allopathy and Homeopathy) and also slightly unadvanced compared to ancient medicines (Ayurvedic, Unani, Accupuncture). The main focus of this form of treatment is more preventive and comprehensive than reactive treatments.
Walnuts and Fish Protect Against Heart Disease
Following the qualified health claim issued by the Food and Drug Administration, researchers found that incorporating approximately 40gms of walnuts (a handful of whole nuts or about three tablespoons of chopped nuts) into the daily diet lowered serum total cholesterol by 5.4 percent and LDL (bad) cholesterol by 9.3 percent compared to a control diet based on USDA recommendations. For this study subjects were randomly assigned to each of the three diets for eight weeks over a 24-week schedule. This gave the researchers a chance to compare the effect of each diet on each participant.
Source - Loma Linda University research just published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Friday, May 15, 2009
List of Telugu Channels
New segments are being formed and creating a niche for themselves while current segments as the General Entertainment sections is getting highly commoditised.
While the 2009 Parliamentary and Assembly elections added an entire new equation of Politics driven media with launch of Sakshi, and likes of Studio N and Mahaa TV; its to be seen if an Tamilnadu like segmentation on politics backed and driven media channels emerge and make a foot holding.
Comedy Channel - 1
Children Channels - 1 (Excludes Jetix, Disney TV)
Movie Channels - 1
Music Channels - 2
Devotional Channels - 2 (excludes Missionary Channels)
General Entertainment - 11
News - 10
Social Channels - 2
Monday, May 11, 2009
Overhauling Life - Sprouts for Better Health
But think about it, all these beans and lentils usually go though two transformations. First one is when they are young and fresh. All those bouncy and fresh ones jumping and running around with high energy. That’s their first life as child, adolescent and grown-up. And then there is a dried bean, all hard and tough skinned, as if it is dead and can’t feel anything that happens to it. When you soak this same bean in water, it re-hydrates and as a result it’s all round and plumps up. Take these same beans and sprout them and what you see is another life formation! Plant these sprouts in soil and with in few days you will see small plants sprouting and growing and producing new batch of crops. Isn’t it a fascinating process? Give it a thought sometimes and you will know why I said life fascinates me. Now, do you see the connection between my theory and the theory of Life-Death-Life after Death? Sometimes, I could be too philosophical with some random thoughts surfacing on idle days. I don’t want to go too philosophical today.
Why to Sprout
Sprouting boasts off the nutrition values contained within the seeds. On sprouting the seeds undergo a series of changes transforming hard to digest matter (aka enzyme inhibitors) into protein rich easily digestible food. The nutrient content difference between Sprouted and non-sprouted seeds is known to be atleast 3-4 fold.
The protein available in the sprouts is off the purest and most easily digestable form as its converted to pre-digested Amino acids, while fats and Carbs are broken done to simple sugars.
Water-soluble vitamins such as B complex and vitamin C are created. Through the miracle of germination, thiamin increases five-fold and niacin content doubles. Vitamin C, E and carotene increase. In fact, the vitamin C content becomes as rich as tomatoes. Sprouting is accompanied by an intense enzymatic hydrolysis of protein.
How to Consume
Best when consumed Raw, unboiled and without seasoning is the best combination.
For beginners semi-boiled (destroys minerals and micro nutrients) can be prepared. Can seasoned with lemon juice to taste.
How to Sprout Lentils, Seeds & Legumes .
Sprouts provide super nutrition for all, harvest quickly, and can be grown anywhere. Sprouting jars and lids are available at many places and can be made without help of these too.
Sprouting Instructions
- Place whole, untreated, lentils or beans in a clean, wide-mouthed jar and Soak them in purified water overnight.
- Cover the top of the jar with a screen, cheese cloth, or sprouting jar lid.
- Next morning drain the water from the jar. (Note this water is toxic for humans but nutritious for plants; hence can be doubled as fertiliser for plants).
- Distribute the seeds or beans around the walls of the jar evenly. Lay the jar on its site or tilted at an angle to allow the water to drain. Place the sprouting jar in a warm, dark place.
- Once a day Rinse sprouts, draining excess water.
- After the sprouts have grown to their maturation length, put the jar in the sunlight for the sprouts to develop chlorophyll.
- When the sprouts turn green, rinse, Drain and refrigerate.
Good for Sprouting
- Alfalfa Seeds (Lucerne /hindi-razka) - 4 to 5 Days - Rich source of minerals, protein, vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, E and K
- Black-eyed Peas (Lobi/Alsandalu) - 3 to 4 Days - Rich source proteins, minerals, and vitamins A and C
- Chick Peas (Kabuli Channa) - 4 to 5 Days - Rich source of proteins and also contain many minerals.
- Lentils (Red or Yellow) - 3 to 4 Days - Rich source of proteins and also contain many minerals
- Moong Beans - 3 to 4 Days - Rich source of protein, vitamins A and C, along with calcium, phosphorus and iron.
- Soybeans - 3 to 5 days. - Rich source of protein, vitamins A, B - Complex, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
- Peas (White, Green, Black) - 3-4 days - Rich source of Proteins, minerals
- Sunflower Seeds (hulled) - 5-6 days - Rich source of Proteins, minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins D and E.
- Wheat - 2 to 3 Days - Rich source of Proteins, Vitamins B, C and E. Alternatively grown for 4 to 7 days to produce wheat grass can be juiced or eaten for its high chlorophyll content. Wheat Grass juice is rich in antioxidants.
- Others - Barley, Corn, Lentils
Precautions on Sprouts
- Remember to dispose of water that has been used for sprouting.
- Indigestion problems/ gastric activity might be high and common due to high fibre content. Consume lots of water and ideally avoid masala's for the remainder of the day.
- Sprouts are more easily assimilated and less gas-forming than dried beans. Digestibility is vastly improved compared to regular beans.
- Ideal time for Sprouts - Morning, Afternoons - Never consume in night as dinner.
- Ideally don't mix Sprouts with cooked food/fruits. Have a gap of minimum of 1 hr if required.
- Soybeans sprouts should be only consumed after semi-boiling. Soya is believed to cause irritants and allergens if consumed directly due to toxicity.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Akshayá Tritiyá...The Gold Festival ??
Cultural Significance
According to the Puranas, this day marks the beginning of the Treta Yug which is the 2nd out of four yugas(ages of man), This yuga follows the Satya Yuga of perfect morality and preceding the Dvapara Yuga.
It is on this day Lord Shiva is said to have brought River Ganges to the earth from the heaven, and this celestial river continues to flow on till date.
This day also marks the birth of Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu.
A legend from Mahabharata talks about when Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna gave Draupadi a bowl called the Akshaya Pathram. The word Akshaya means that which never diminishes and this bowl is said to have given infinite food to the Pandavas.
Also associated with the Mahabarata, is that it was on this day that the Pandavas unearthed weapons that decided their victory over the Kauravas.
It is on this day that Veda Vyasa, along with Lord Ganesha, started writing the Mahabharata
It is also believed that Goddess Vijaya Chamundeshwari killed Asura on this day.
Biological Significance
The Sun and Moon are astrologically believed to be at their most exalted equal brightness on this day. The brightness is at its best at the west coast of India. Goa and Konkan regions, even today, are referred to as Parusurama Kshetra.
It is believed that by doing a good deed on Akshaya Tritiya one can earn Punya (merit) for life. This day is considered auspicious for starting new ventures and making new purchases.
Things to do
- One should give donations alms to poor, dakshina to guru.
- Anushtaans done for Sri Mahalaxmi, for year round prosperity.
- Visit Mahalaxmi mandir, and 4 coins should be thrown in all 4 directions, this will open doors to wealth.
- Kubera Lakshmi Pooja is done on this day alone which extends to daily recital of Moola Mantra 1 mala a day.
- Chanting Anang mantra "Om Hloum Hloom Anangaay Phat" makes one physically fit and reduces impotency problems.
- Married women wear a red thread with vermillion around their necks and invoke good wishes in a Shiv mandir for longevity of their husbands.
- Unmarried ones put it on the feet of Lord Shiva to get the husband they wish for.
- Visit Shiv mandir with neem leaves and after offering to Shiva put under the pillow of a sick person, the person will recover from his illness and evil eyes.
- It is the day of eternal prosperity for any auspicious beginning and buying valuables, gold items or remedial measures.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Intellectually onto the Political Expressway...
Their seems to be a silent and seemingly interesting transformation in the country. The current generation, though its a minutely small fraction seem to be shoving off the Taboo related to politics and entering mainstream politics; Some Have even taken a step ahead to start off their own Political parties.
Reflecting a emerging trend, one student from IIM-Calcutta is all geared-up to in NDA Prime Ministerial-candidate L K Advani's campaign office this 2009 elections. Another from IIM-Ahmedabad has ambitions of interning with Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi. Ranjan Choudhary of IIM-Calcutta left a plush office and well-paying corporate job in Australia to plunge into the heat and dust of the Indian political arena. While Choudhary joined the Congress party in May 2004 worked with Rahul Gandhi, as a Political Strategist/Analyst. Choudhary joined BJP as he felt the party was not as focussed on youth as presummed to be. The trend could be traced back to Chepuri Krishna who started the trend of IIM students interning with political parties. A student of IIM-A, Chepuri inspired by CPM leader Sitaram Yechury's guest lecture as part of a course on the ‘Indian Social and Political Environment’. went on to intern with the CPM's central office in 2008 and produced a paper on the ‘unorganised workforce in the country’.
While studying, analysing and strategising Political scenarios is one level, entering and fighting it out in the open Political ground is altogether a different level. Emergence of intellectually strengthen and supported parties is a new outcome.
Bharatiya Punarnirman Dal
Formed in December 2006 by alumni of two of India's renowned educational institutions, the Indian Institutes of Management and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIMs and IITs) with the objective of making “Bharathvarsha a prosperous and powerful nation and re-establish it as the world-leader, a position, which the nation rightfully deserves”.The party is contesting about 40 Lok Sabha Seats under the banner of the Bharatiya Punarnirman Dal (BPD).
Lok Paritran
Paritrana meaning "To bring relief from the cause of distress" in Sanskrit, is a political party. The party was formed in February 2006 by a group of six graduates from IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur. Lok Paritran was the brainchild of Shri. Chandrashekhar,an Alumnus from IIT Kanpur.
Lok Satta
Perhaps the strongest, oldest Politcal party is the Lok Satta Party from Andhra Pradesh. It's the brain child of Dr.Jaya Prakash Narayan (blog), a former Physician and Civil Servant (IAS Officer) who has quietly built a new political party Lok Satta with a clear motto - new politics for a new generation. Dr. JP Narayan joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1980 in the aftermath of Emergency and the failure of the Janata Experiment. During his nearly 17 years of distinguished public service in various capacities, he acquired a formidable reputation in the State of Andhra Pradesh. Lok Satta the political party is a direct offshoot of Lok Satta Movement which has grass roots from Andhra Pradesh with over 2,50,000 members in it. The Lok Satta Movement was an NGO aimed at creating a suitable environment to realise maximum positive potential through comprehensive reforms in the Indian governance and establish citizen-centered, democratic governance. For the 249 Legislative Assembly seats that the party is contesting, it has nominated 88 BCs, 42 SCs, 15 STs, 10 minorities, 28 women and 1 physically challenged candidate; while its contesting in all 42 seats for the Lok Sabha.
Unlike the former situation the silent revolution has already started, though in its nascence it is slowly but surely becoming stronger by a day. Inspite of parties trying their heart out for change and the candidates not going for costly advertisements which are cleverly camouflaged as news or that sections of the print media chose to virtually black out the party from their columns these political organisation continue to inspire and make indentation into the politics.
Voters should realise that they are the architects of their own destiny and that every vote counts and should not succumb to the poisonous propaganda that a vote to these parties would go waste.
With Vote India, Jago Re and several ways in which the younger generation is taking active interest, I do hope Indian Politics will change, and change for the better and more would be driven by the intellectual crowd.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Politically Misinclined !!!
Things have dramatically changed since then. Towards end of Chandra Babu's term in 2004, there was droughts in the state causing a serious setback to developmental and in effect the popularity of Chandra Babu Naidu and lots of hostility by the severely suppressed and now eradicated Naxal/Maoist groups. Brewing popularity of Telengana sentiment ensured that Telugu Desam Party had its final blow giving a landslide victory to Congress, TRS combine under Dr.Y.S.Raja Shekhar Reddy.
While the Congress has been in power from 2004-2009 there has been immense growth in the revenues for the state. Drought has ended, famers are happy, government was riding the global economic and financial boom without any caution. They sold/auctioned lands/properties/mines/minerals/sand and almost everything they can derive value from. Diversion of land rights for forests, bauxite & iron ores, coal, cement, sand where all calmly been sold to private players. While the CM YS RajaShekar Reddy claimed less than 30 Lakhs as assets owned by himself and in his family through an affidavit in 2004 has now crossed over 10,000 Crores as of 2009 comprising of holdings in Raghuram Cements, Jagruti Publications and over a half a dozen Power Plants across the country. Just a trivia for AP it took 50 Years to produce 12500 M watts of power from 213 MW in 1960s. YSR owned Athena Energy plans to generate 14000 M watts in 7 years more than any private player (Tata Power, Reliance Energy, GVK). In Raghuram cements YS Jagan's shares where worth 45 crores when bought after renaming it as Bharti Cements its worth 6500 crores.
has been widely strengthened by influx of seasoned Politicians from all the parties. The initial hype and propaganda doesn't seem to be holding the party for now. The politics, power Struggle within the party is comparable if not more than the already established parties. Tensions, political turmoil within the party has ensure that this was no different from the already existing parties. PRP runs on the star power of Chiranjeevi who seems to have drawn inspiration of likes of NTR on politics and wishes to replicate the same what Telugu Desam did in 1983. Unlike 1983 where NTR was viewed as unanimous choice beyond religion, class, creed and caste as a leader who would take them to growth, Chiranjeevi somehow doesn't live to the stature and charisma of NTR. Chiranjeevi would largely gains from a community of Kapu which he hails from and the Krishna/Godavari delta where the community is strong. There could be swing of fate away from congress as it stands to loose votes which were earlier came from Kapu community in this region. Loss of congress would be PRP's gain. The youth sentiment would also sligthly be pro-PRP as they still continue to idolise Chiranjeevi, Kalyan and Alu Arvind. The joining of Devender Goud with his Nava Telegana Party in PRP added more fire power for PRP with joining of Telengana BC votes. PRP with Devender Goud is much a stronger party than earlier and I too respect Devender Goud a lot !!Friday, April 10, 2009
Vodafone GPRS Settings for PDA Mobiles
While researching I found this on some forums which might help people like me to enable and configure your GPRS feature on your Vodafone connection. don't get fooled by the ready to help Customer support which never will provide support on this.
Use this simple settings and voilla there you are....
Account Name: Vodafone_gprs
Homepage: http://live.vodafone.in/
User Name: (no need)
Pass: (no need)
Access Point Settings:
Proxy: Enabled
Proxy Address: 10.10.1.100 Proxy Port: 9401
Its that simple...
So all of you HTC, ASUS, Palm and HP PDA mobile users hope this helps.
Note: The Proxy settings would prevent Internet connection through the PC (ActiveSync). So while connecting through ActiveSync uncheck the proxy and check it back if connecting back to WAP/GPRS.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Oh my Boss!!
Post my two years stint with Genpact and an Year at CTS I was able to observe, analyse and greatly categorise my Bosses and shared bosses I worked for and under. I have learned a lot and how organisation and work environment effect the organisation's professional traits.
Here goes the traits of bosses under different categories.
1.Raging Bull
As the name suggests this type of the boss is full of rage and is extremely tempered and furious with his subordinates on most if not most of the occasions.
Typical Traits
- Takes out anger on others in Public
- Humiliates and dissipates individuals for ill or non-performance in full Public View.
- Controls and rules the team with instilled sense of fear
This kind of boss should give freedom and encourage people to be more open and take feedback. Private counselling instead of public humiliation for his subordinates.
2. Insecure Boss
This kind of boss typically is low on self esteem and probably self confidence in the decision he needs to take and keeps avoiding and skipping such decision making situations. His insecurity of the situation at hands unnerves his co-employees a lot.Typical Traits
- Approval Seeking boss ;Who looks at everyones approval before making a choice
- Dependent on others for decision making
- Suspicious of everyone and everything that goes on due to his insecurity
- Self, keeps thinking of oneself and self needs
Ideally
Should look at prioritising and system driven approach instead of relying on everyone for inputs.
3.Targets Tyrant
This kind of a boss is typically bent upon on achieving targets set by the management, customer or self set targets. They are very public and verbal on the targets set and try to ensure in every possible way to meet the sameTypical Traits
- Sets unrealistic goals for the team
- Aims at unduly perfectionism from all
- Work Alcholic
- Control freak, believes in having everyone under his vigil.
This kind of a boss should ensure a good work-life balance for everyone while ensuring that everyone is given enough time to unwind at end of the project.
4. Whimp
This kind of people look like idle people to work for in the beginning. As a fresher you might idealise such personality but later on one realises it doesn't work that way always.Typical Traits
- Typically follow the rule by the book
- Play it safe; risk averse attitude ; Lacks Challenge
- Continually shifting personality to suit moods and needs
- Not a go getter and has a potential to miss targets
Ideally
Be a little more innovative and open to change. Creativity is the key for success in such cases.
5. Mr.Chaotic
This boss creates confusion, misunderstandings and ultimately runs a havoc if not set right.Typical Traits
- Lacks direction and focus on his tasks.
- Can't Prioritise work and task allocates neither can delegate effectively
- Unaware on what to do and how to do
- Confused
- Stressful
Should be organised and keep a track of whats happening round him and evaluate current and plan for the future activities
So...do you feel like your bosses fall under any of the categories mentioned above. Oh yes the boss personality types is not exhaustive and yes they are well admired and ideal bosses do exist and I never got that feel ever so you could say I am a bit of critic of my bosses and possibly resistant to be bossed around, yeah with some consequences.
To sum up Raging Bull, Target Tyrant category of bosses are typically found in very demanding work environments where one has daily deliverables and KPA/KRAs (Sales teams, Call Centres, BPOs and few IT projects).
Insecure Bosses are typical in a laid back culture organisations.
Whimps are usually found in the Audit and possibly compliance based organisations where the focus is to go by book and creativity is locked.Mr.Chaotics are typical in situations where people have been hastily promoted.
Anyways an organisation should be cognizant of such traits and ensure that work environment and work culture is cultivated in an healthy, supportive and a collaborative fashion.
At a strategic level and a leadership level
- Clear thought process and Vision should be available and be well communicated and emphasised
- The organsation should take stock of the situation and be aware of constantly changing work dynamics
- System Setup - A well setup and organised system and process should be set in place to tackle early warning and grievances.
- Everyone starting from the top should aspire to build and spread a role model behaviour to start off an organisational revolution.
I am quite sure that all the budding managers are open to such realities of professional life and come out successful tackling and succeeding and pick up the best of the things while stepping towards their own Managerial stints.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Sri Rama Navami - What is it to be like Lord Sri Ram
Dedicated tune for the occassion - Pibare Rama Rasam - Pibare Ramarasam by Dr.M.Balamuralikrishna which is one of the most famous renderings of Pibare Ramarasam of composer Sadasiva Brahmendra, sung in Raga Ahir Bhairavi by the Legendary Andhra classical vocalist, Dr.M.Balamuralikrishna.
Lord Sri Rama has become so much identified with all the good and great and virile qualities of heroic manhood. The saying in Telugu goes like "Ramudoo manchi baludoo" meaning comparing onseself to be like Shri Rama who is with good qualities;Where in lay the secret of this unique greatness in Rama's personality? He is called Maryaada-Purushottama Let's Look into these 16 Personality traits of Shri Rama which are ideal to possess by one and all. I am quite sure you would not find the same else where....
Suguna Abhi Ram'udoo - ( Means Good qualities/Characters loved by all in Shri Ram)1. SuGunaVanth'udoo - Good Characteristics / Good-natured / Very virtuous
2. Veerya(vīrya)Vanth'udoo - Strength, Valerous, Vigour, Energy
3. Dhármagyan'udoo - Righteousness’ or ‘duty’. It is said that the great one who never deviated from the norms set by Dharma. It was his supreme commitment to "Putra-Dharma" (duty of a son) that made Rama smilingly depart to the forest for fourteen years at the bidding of his father. Rajadharma for the sake of people of Kingdom Sri Ram even sent his beloved Sita away to forests. Sri Rama's intense adoration for the motherland has been immortalized by a legendary couplet which is playing on the lips of millions even to this day:
Janani janmabhoomischa swargaadapi garreyasi (the mother and the motherland are to me greater than the heavens themselves).
4. Krutágn'udoo - Gratitude and thankful to everyone.
5. Satyá Vákya Pálák'udoo - One who always speaks the Truth / Habitual speaker of truth
6. Drudávánth'udoo - Strong determination
7. Cháritrá Prásimsak'udoo / Cháritráréna Yukta - One who is hailed for good conduct throughout history.
8. Sarvá Bhoothá Sám'udoo - Egalitarian ( the belief that all/some people ought to be treated equally)
9. Vidhváns'udoo - Scholar
10. Samarth'udoo - Competent, Proficient
11. Priyadharshanám'udoo - Popular and liked by everyone
12. Aáthmagyani - Self Realisation / Enlightened
13. Jithakrodh'udoo - Conqured one's Temper / anger
14. Kaanthivanth'udoo - Radiancy / Luminance
15. Anasuyak'udoo - Void of Jealousy
16. Apradhrushyá Shourya Vant'udoo - Undefeatable Valour / Courage
I hope everyone tries to move towards achieving the traits / personality and align ourselves with Lord Shri Rama's Characterisms.