e-InfoCollection

Sunny Side of Office Politics

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 22:30:00 +0530

Office politics is not a bad thing. It is a good thing. We think of office politics as a bad thing because the good guys don’t make use of it often enough, leaving the field to the bad guys. That’s what needs to change. The good guys need to become better skilled in office politics (while refusing to stoop to use of the tactics employed by bad guys and thereby compromising personal integrity, something good guys all value more than career advancement).

To thrive in the new economy, today’s worker needs to think of himself as a small business—You, Inc—gaining ‘market share’ as he progresses up the career ladder. Office politics is the term used to refer to the marketing efforts each You, Inc, employs to compete with all the others.

We all have experienced bad marketing practices. So we all feel a temptation at times to dismiss all marketing as manipulative. In reality, though, such marketing serves a good purpose by making us aware of products and services that enrich our lives. The same is true of office politics—the marketing arm of You, Inc. A worker who has a good ‘product’ to sell is doing a good thing by employing smart self-promotion strategies. It is only when those who have something valuable to offer become skilled at marketing themselves that those who rely on manipulative strategies find themselves losing the edge that those sorts of strategies sometimes provide.

There is hope that in days to come the term ‘office politics’ will lose its stigma and more middle-class workers will become better skilled at marketing themselves to employers in fortnight and compelling ways.

Some ‘Getting Honest’ answers that people gave their prospective employers.

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:38:00 +0530

Here are some ‘honest’ answers that people gave their prospective employers.

Why did you apply for this job?

I have applied for many jobs along with this one and it’s just that you called me first.

Why do you want to work for this company?

I have to work for some company, whoever gives me a job, I don’t have any specific company in mind.

Why should I hire you?

You have to hire some one; you may give me a try.

What would you do if this happened?

Well, it depends on my mindset and mood in that situation…

What is your biggest strength?

I dare to join any company who pays me well, without thinking about the fate of company.

What is your biggest weakness?

Girls.

What was your worst mistake and how did you learn from it?

Joining my earlier company and I learnt that I need to switch my job to get more money, so I am here today.

What accomplishments in your last position are you most proud of?

Had I accomplished any in my last position, why do I need to change my job? I could demand more and stay there.

Describe a challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

Biggest challenge is answering the question 'why are you looking for a change' and I started blabbering irrelevantly to overcome that.

Why did you leave / are you leaving your last job?

No work and good hikes.

What are your career goals and how do you plan to achieve them?

Making more money and for that I keep switching jobs every two years.

What do you know about our company?

I knew you will ask me this question. So, I’ve gone through your website.

What salary are you expecting?

Well, no one will change his job for the same salary, hence, give me 20 per cent extra than what I am getting right now. I know you will bargain on whatever I ask. So I have already hiked current salary by 30 per cent.

Best ways to De-Stressing

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 21:32:00 +0530

Are you stressed out? Are you running on empty? Do you skip meals simply because you never seem to have enough hours in the day to sit down and refuel? If you’ve answered yes to all three questions, the chances are you’re already trapped in a vicious circle of unremitting stress. You may also be relying upon a diet that lacks the types of foods that an actually reduce your stress levels.

The fact of the matter is that certain foods an bolster the immune system and act as great stress-busters. And the good news is that simply increasing one’s intake of such food items can have a marked effect on how we cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life. The irony is that when we’re stressed, tired and tensions are running high, we tend to over-indulge in alcohol and caffeine which, as we all know , only serves to crank up our stress levels. We’d be better off substituting that extra cup of caffeine-laden tea or coffee with natural fruit or vegetable juices, or even a soothing banana smoothie or a glass of calcium-fortified soya milk. Herbal teas, such as camomile or dandelion can have an immediate calming effect, in times of stress. And, there’s no harm in a glass or two of wine (preferably red and organically produced) provided, of course, that we imbibe in moderation.

The old adage that ‘we are what we eat’ is certainly true, today.

Some Anti-stress Nutrients:

Polyunsaturated Fats (Omega-3 fatty acids): Foods containing polyunsaturated fats help reduce the risk of heart disease, a condition associated with stress. Oily fish, such as mackerel and tuna, are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): Pantothenic acid (B5), often dubbed the ‘anti-stress’ vitamin, can be found in a wide range of foods items including beef, pork, liver, kidneys, fish, fresh vegetables, nuts, whole wheat and rye flour and brewer’s yeast. Dandelion leaves are also a good source of pentothenic acid.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Vitamin C, arguably the single most important anti-stress nutrient, is vital for boosting the immune system. Now stress is known to deplete the body of this essential vitamin. Fresh fruits, vegetables, (particularly broccoli and new potatoes, cooked in their skins) and fresh herbs are all high in Vitamin C.
Calcium: Calcium is essential for nerve transmission as well as the proper functioning of the heart. And, apart from its various other functions, such as helping the body absorb iron and magnesium, more effectively, calcium has also been shown to aid relaxation and to reduce tension in the body. Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese and yoghurt.
Magnesium: Magnesium acts as a natural tranquillizer. This important mineral can be found in meats, cereals, dairy products, shell fish such as shrimps, fruits, vegetables (particularly spinach and pumpkin), nuts including almonds and cashews, soy beans and, would you believe it, even in chocolate!
Potassium: Potassium is important for the physiological functions of the body that affect stress levels. Foods high in potassium include meats, vegetables, fruits, cereals and milk.
Zinc: Another essential mineral that can help reduce tension in the body, zinc can be found in a number of food items such as beef, chicken, sardines and oysters.
Iron: Iron plays a vital role in the functioning of the nerves and muscles, which, in turns, have a direct impact on how the body copes with stress. Sources of iron include red meats, fish, poultry, cereals, green leaf vegetables, wholemeal bread and egg yolk.

You can simply de-stress, just deal with whatever life throws at you by including these foods in your diet:

Porridge,
Oranges,
Wholemeal bread,
White fish,
Water not booze,
Almonds,
Tea.

Job Interview : Talking Money Matters

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:49:00 +0530

This article was originally written by Debbie O'Halloran - Career Columnist

Most job seekers feel understandably anxious, embarrassed and uncomfortable when the time comes to discuss salaries. Advice such as “never bring up the issue of salary, let the interviewer say it first,” is rarely helpful if you don’t have any idea of how to respond when the topic does come up.

Be prepared. Before going to the interview, it’s crucial to research the company and salary range for the position you are applying for persons with your background and experience. Have a salary range in mind and be prepared to discuss these figures once salary negotiation has come up.

Know your absolute bottom line. Know what your minimum salary range must be to support the life you want to live. So decide, before you go into an interview, what you will be willing to settle for. Emphasize the reasons why you should get the offer. Document your skills and accomplishments, and be prepared to talk about them.

Never discuss salary until you have a job offer. If you do, you could price yourself out of the job before the employer is convinced they need you. If pressed by the interviewers, tell them you’re flexible and would be happy to discuss salary when you learn more about the job.

Get the employer to disclose salary before you do. Don’t be the first to mention salary during the interview. Let the employer bring it up as many times as necessary until you feel ready.

When questioned about desired salary, the best response is one that returns the employer’s ball back into his court: You can say, “What kind of salary range are you working with?” or “Well, I’d like to make as much as other employees with my qualifications.” or “What is a typical salary for this position?”

Do not disclose past salary. Once your past salary is on the table, your negotiating edge goes out the window. By not disclosing exactly what your current salary is or exactly what it would take to get you to leave your current job, you’ll force a potential employer to make its best offer.

Don’t forget the value of benefits and perks when negotiating a salary. Sometimes the salary offered may seem low, low enough for you to turn down the job. Benefits and perks can add up to 40 per cent to your basic salary. Some benefits are fixed, but others are negotiable such as stock options, bonuses, employee discounts, training, holiday time and sick leave.

Make It a Friendly Experience

Be amicable when discussing salary. You should make the employer feel that you are on the same side and working together to find a package that would satisfy everyone’s needs.

Don’t Say Yes Right Away

Be enthusiastic and appreciative when you get the job offer, but ask for at least 24 hours to respond. This gives you time to get over your initial joy at being selected. If you feel the salary is insufficient, express your concern to the employer when asking for time to consider the offer. You’ll find out right away whether the salary quoted is set in stone or is flexible.

Get It in Writing

Once you have accepted a job offer and salary level, be sure to get it in writing.

Declining an Offer

If you decide not to accept the offer, make sure you leave on the best of terms. Treat every offer seriously and graciously. You can never tell who you may be doing business with in the future so don’t burn any bridges.

Never underestimate the importance of negotiating salary in an interview. Employers tend to prefer those candidates who already earn a greater income. While these candidates cost more to employ, their higher incoming salaries are assumed to reflect greater competence, initiative and achievement. So it’s in your interest to pursue income increases at every legitimate opportunity.

Firstly, you immediately increase your income each time you succeed. Secondly, you make yourself more desirable as a candidate for your next position.

And lastly, you increase your future income—the higher your salary/benefit package going into a new job, the better the offer a prospective employee must make to attract you.

Image Source :
Job Interview Perfection
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Affenpinschers : The Monkey Dog

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:48:00 +0530

Affenpinschers are compact terrier-type dogs with a mischievous monkey like expression. They are the smaller version of a working terrier and therefore are not the delicate dogs. These small dogs have a harsh, shaggy coat, and longer hair all over the face. The undercoat is slightly curly. They have square-body, with a deep chest and round head with a pronounced stop. Their black eyes are prominent and rounded. The neck is short and arched and the limbs are straight and well boned. The tail is carried high and docked to two-thirds its length.

These breeds are busy, bold, inquisitive and stubborn, but they also love to monkey around, being playful and mischievous. They are very affectionate and amusing. These friendly little dogs enjoy being with their family. Although very affectionate with their owners they are quick-tempered, fiery and fearless. They are not recommended for very young children. These dogs are small with several terrier characteristics. They tend to dislike strangers and show it, careful socializing as a puppy will help reduce this aggressiveness. They also have a loud bark and make good alarm dogs giving warning of any approach.

Country Of Origin : Germany

The Affenpinscher is one of the oldest breeds, known to have been in existence in the 17^th century and similar dogs appear in paintings of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. In Germany many where it originated, the word ‘affen’ means to mock and ‘pinscher’ means terrier. The Affen was the first of the monkey-faced dogs and he is the ancestor of two other breeds, the Griffon Belge and the Griffon Bruxellosis, who also have the monkey face. It’s named “Monkey Dog” because of his monkey-like facial structure and expression and his curious personality. Affen blood was also involved in the development of the Miniature Schnauzer. The Affenpischer is believed to have once existed in two sizes, the smaller survives today as the toy terrier but the larger one has become extinct. Although they show all the characteristics of terriers, they are too small to be working dogs and are kept for mainly as companions.

Average Size :

They are 10-15 inches tall and weight 3-3.36 kg.

Coat Color :

Their coat is usually black and may have some grey coloration around the face and chest. Silver, tan and red colorations are also acceptable.

Intelligence :

Affenpinschers are intelligent dogs that are very self-confident. They need consistent, firm training at an early age to prevent them from becoming nuisance. Trainer has to make sure that there is some variety in the training so the dogs do not become bored. They learn commands very quickly and needs gentle handling.

Food Requirements :

These dogs normally have a good appetite and do not need special dietary requirements. They may become fussy eaters sometimes though. There is a tendency to overeat and become overweight so their diet should be watched carefully.

Lifespan :

They live for about 10-12 years.

Pet Grooming :

Theirharsh coat should be brushed and combed weekly and it may be necessary to pluck it. Eyes and ears should be checked regularly. Hair sometimes grows in the corners of the eyes, causing irritations; they should be dealt with promptly. The teeth cleaning should be practiced from a young age.

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Pictures from Dog Breed Info Center

Hair Care Tips for Swimmers

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:23:00 +0530

In this hot and humid climate, all one wants is a cool dip in the pool. But for many a trip to the swimming pool also means exposing their hair to harsh conditions like scorching heat and the harmful chlorine. Pool chemicals like chlorine strip natural oils from the hair shafts which lead dry and brittle hair with split ends. Thus, many girls might think twice before enjoying a nice swim, which is one the best way to beat the heat.

There are few things you need to take into account and with proper preventive measures you can protect your hair against damages:-

Before you get in the pool, wet your hair with fresh water. With non-chlorinated water, your hair won’t be able to soak-up as much chlorine while swim. And always rinse your hair with clean water after swimming; chlorine in pools will fade the color too.
After swimming use a good ‘clarifying’ shampoo, the main ingredient to look for is EDTA. It is like a chemical claw that will remove all the chlorine in the hair.
Sunlight causes a chemical reaction in unprotected hair called oxidation, which weakens bonds between hair cells, causing hair to become dull and brittle. Styling creams, pomades, leave-in conditioners, and shine enhancers with sunscreen (look for ingredient octylmethoxycinnamate) can guard hairs by both absorbing and deflecting harmful rays.
There is no official SPF for hair yet, and a hair product containing sunscreen doesn’t offer total protection. Your best safeguard is still a hat.
When hair is frizzy or damaged, its outer cover, or cuticle, is riddled with lifted or missing sections that allow the hair’s inner cortex to soak up hair-swelling moisture.
Make sure you always use styling products with silicone as it smooth down the cuticle, fills in gaps, and keeps moisture out. Such products (look for ‘cone’ ingredients on the label) leave an imperceptible film on the hair and shampoo out easily, so there’s no build-up.
Baking soda is a wonderfully inexpensive home remedy. Shampoo as usual, but add one-fourth cup baking soda to your shampoo. Using this mixture once a week can remove water impurities and lighten your hair. Also consider mixing baking soda with hair conditioner in your hand to condition the ends of your hair. It’ll give your hair more volume, body and health.

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Image Source: e-How.com

Common Queries for Interview And Tips to Tackle It

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:45:00 +0530

Most employers ask similar questions in an interview. Be prepared. Putting your answers together before the interview will help you to stay focused and more comfortable. When formulating your answers, remember to focus on how your skills and experience make you the best person for the job.

Common questions include:

What do you consider to be your major strengths?
What do you consider to be your major weaknesses?
Why do you want to work for this company?
What are your short-term goals?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What did you like most about your last job?
How would your co-workers describe you?
How do you manage multiple tasks/projects? Please give an example.
Do you prefer to work independently/in a team?
Why should we hire you?

This is often the last question you will be asked in an interview. Prepare for it. This is your chance to restate the skills you possess that are most relevant to the position and to summarize your other qualities that make you perfect person for the job. Outline your answer before you go in, so that you can answer clearly, concisely, and with confidence.

In formulating your answer, be sure to address these areas:

Determine their goals for the position : This should come up during your research into the company and into the position. If possible, talk to others who work for the company. If you are unclear on this point, include it in the questions you ask at the interview itself and be prepared to incorporate it into your answer.
Show you have the skills needed for the job : Based on the goals you have identified in step one, determine how your skills and experience support those goals. If necessary, refer back to your “60-second commercial” for a list of skills you possess.
Articulate shared values : Again, this should come up in your research. Look at the company’s mission statement and regular business practices. Explain why these are in line with your own values and goals.
State your interest in the position : Be enthusiastic about the opportunity to work for this company and/or within a certain team. Be sure that the interviewer is clear about the fact that you want this job.

The most important aspect of this exercise is to make you comfortable in identifying and articulating the skills you possess. Even with a prepared answer, it is important to be flexible within the script itself. You may need to modify the specifics based on the situation. If an important issue comes up during the interview, be prepared to adapt your answer accordingly.

For instance, if the interviewer stresses the need for a certain skill, you will want to address that, even if it was not one of the skills that you included in your original script.

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Five Tyre Safety Tips for Bike Riders

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:14:00 +0530

However good a driver you are and whatever bikes you drive, tyres are vital to your safety.

Tyres are the only parts of your car in contact with the road. Safety in acceleration, braking, steering (in four wheelers) and cornering all depend on a relatively small area of road contact. It is, therefore, of vital importance that tyres are in good condition.

Here are a top five tips on tyre care and maintenance to obtain the maximum mileage and trouble-free service from your tyres.

Tyres should be checked regularly, removing stones and objects embedded in the tread. If the tyre has bulges it must be examined by a tyre specialist since these could indicate internal damage. Wipe off oil or grease with a suitably diluted detergent.
Use tyre pressures recommended for your vehicle and type of motoring and heck inflation pressures regularly (at least once a fortnight) when tyres are cold. Tyre pressures normally increase as in warm weather or on a journey. This increase in pressure should be ignored—never adjust pressures when tyres are hot. Tyres should not be inflated above maximum pressures specified in the handbook.
Tyre treads are designed to give good wet grip but road surface condition plays the major part in tyre to road adhesion.
Misalignment wear—rasped and feathered tread condition is caused by wheel misalignment and results in rapid wear. It can affect front or rear tyres.
Tyres deteriorate with age which shows as cracking of the tread/sidewall rubber, often accompanied by carcass deformation. Premature ageing may be induced by external factors such as certain sidewall cleaning/enhancing methods consequently it is inadvisable to use petrol, general solvents and detergents (surface active agents) for the cosmetic leaning of sidewalls.

Furthermore, the application of those transparent varnishes which form a rigid film that can split when the tyre flexes resulting in concentrated cracking of the side wall veneer is discouraged. From a cosmetic point of view and for the preservation of the compound, the best results are achieved with liquid wax (neutral or black).

BASENJI : The Congo Dog

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:14:00 +0530

Basenjis are the small sized dogs with distinctive tightly curled tail. Their wedge shaped face with the wrinkled forehead is also peculiar to the breed. They are elegant, athletic dogs with white feet and white on chest and tip of the tail. Their eyes are small and almond shaped. The ears are straight and open in the front. These dogs can sometimes give the impression that they are quite worried about something due to their naturally furrowed brow.

Basenjis do not bark, but do have a lot of other unusual vocalizations. They may yodel, howl, growl or row, depending on their mood. They are affectionate, demanding, energetic and curious. They love to play and make a good pet but they have to be handled regularly from an early age. They are usually patient, but do best with older considerate children. They dislike wet whether. They like to chew, so giving them lots of toys of their own would be a good idea. These breeds like to climb and can easily get over chain wire fences. They can be reserved with stranger but can also form strong bonds with people.
Country of Origin : Central Africa, The Congo (Zaire)

Basenji originates from Zaire, and was once known as the Congo Dog. It is thought that this breed may have originated from a hunting dog that was once used by Congo pygmies. The first traces of a dog similar to Basenji are found in Egyptian tombs and wall drawings of five thousand years ago. It was brought to Europe in 1934. English breeders refined it and exported it all over the world. In Africa, it is used as a guide in the forests, to warn against the approach of dangerous animals.

Average Size :
  They are 16-17 inches tall and weigh 9-12kg.
Coat Colour :
  Their smooth coat comes in colours like chestnut red, black and tri-colours. All coats have the white markings on the chest, feet, tip of the tail and as a blaze on the forehead.
Intelligence :
  Basenjis are alert and intelligent but are at the same time spirited and anxious. This personality combination makes them a challenge to train. They should be socialized early, especially with other dogs, as there is a breed tendency to fight. These breeds will never excel in obedience competitions but can be gently shown the way to fit in the role of a family pet.
Food Requirements :
  They can generally be fed a normal dog food diet. However, Basenjis will steal any food that is left lying around, and as a result, can quickly become overweight.
Lifespan :
  They have a lifetime of around 10-12 years.
Pet Grooming :
  They need to be groomed one a week. The coat can be wiped down with a glove from time to time to remove loose hairs. Ears and nails can be checked periodically. They wash themselves like a cat and have no doggie smell, so very little grooming is needed. This is a good dog for people with allergies.

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Picture from Dog Wallpapers

Gai Jatra : How it all began

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 11:44:00 +0530

It is said that the custom of celebrating Gai Jatra started when King Pratap Malla lost his son and his wife was grief stricken. So, as a way to console his wife, it was decided that one person from every household in which a death had occurred in the year should come before the queen. And seeing so many others who had undergone the same circumstances and pain, it lessened her pain as she realized that she was not the only one living with that sorrow. Since then the tradition of celebrating Gai Jatra started.

On this day people who have lost a family member in the previous year, bring out a procession on the streets. It is usually led by a cow; the belief is that this holy animal will guide the departed souls to reach heaven. On this day, young boys clad in traditional attire, some dressed in saris, and some dressed as cows wearing elaborate head gear, go around the city receiving offerings from people.

Joining them in the procession are weirdly dressed people who make quite a sight. The festivities are held in all the three towns of the Valley but the most elaborate ones are held in Bhaktapur.

The other tale associated with Gai Jatra is that as king Pratap Malla’s queen would not come out of her misery and was deeply saddened, so it was announced that whoever could make her laugh would be rewarded. Hearing this, a lot of people came and tried their best making various comments about social issues and highly ranked people in society, and they were successful in make the queen laugh, and so began the tradition of making satirical comments on high ranking people.

So, besides having its religious significance, the day is also celebrated as one where people make merry by making jokes and satires. It is a day when everyone is allowed to make satirical comments on anyone.

Time saves Love

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 12:10:00 +0530

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all constructed boats and left. Except for Love.

Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.

When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.

Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, “Richness, can you take me with you?”

Richness answered, “No, I can’t. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you.”

Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. “Vanity, please help me!”

“I can’t help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat,” Vanity answered.

Sadness was close by so Love asked, “Sadness, let me go with you.”

“Oh…Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!”

Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her.

Suddenly, there was a voice, “Come, Love, I will take you.” It was an elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forget to ask the elder where they were going.

When they arrived at dry-land, the elder went her way. Realizing how much was owed the elder, Love asked Knowledge, another elder, “Who helped me?”

“It was Time,” Knowledge answered.

“Time?” asked Love. “But why did Time help me?”

Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, “Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is.”

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Power of Encouraging Words

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:20:00 +0530

   A group of frogs were travelling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

   The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, “Did you not hear us?” The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

   This story teaches two lessons:

There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them.

Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words… it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the sprit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.

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Boost Your Gadgets Lifestyle

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 19:49:00 +0530

   Whether you are a gadget freak or else, you always want your gadgets to last longer. Gadgets are supposed to be handled in a certain way in order to make them more efficient as well as to enhance their functional life. Here are few tips to help you achieve these.
Read the Manual
Too many people complain about how their gadget has failed them, when the solution was available in the manual. If you are too lazy or just not used to pull out the box and flip through the manual, many companies make their products’ manuals available online. You have no excuse.

Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
   Real gadget veterans know how to do things on their desktops and laptops really quickly; tapping commands with the keyboard will always be quicker than selecting them with a mouse.
Use Bluetooth
   The wonders of Bluetooth have been discovered a long time ago. Aside from allowing easy file and data transfers, and syncing, there are programs out there that allow you to lock a PC and control it, via Bluetooth.
Take Care of Batteries
   The instructions vary for each gadget type. Here are some resources to get you started: ipodbatteryfaq.com
Don't Save Anything Compromising
   A simple rule: Need something to be absolutely secret? Make sure it isn’t on any gadget, or at least keep it very, very secure.
Visit Forums
   Look for forums relevant purportedly to your gadgets; see if members post useful info, and participate. Forums are a great way to learn new stuff, especially when it comes to fully utilizing your tech toys. You can look for online forums.
Join User Groups
   Related to the previous one, active gadget user groups are a great way to met literally like-minded people. Nothing beats first-hand advice from a fellow user who’s experienced the same problem. And for certain gadgets, like gaming consoles, there’s nothing like a little friendly competition. Many groups are available on the net.
Save Your Money
In other words, maximizing your gadget starts with making sure you’re spending for something genuinely useful, and pay only for the features you need. You don’t need to buy them as soon as they hit the market. Wait until the reviews come out and the other people too addicted to having the very latest and greatest buy it, put up a review, and have moved on to something else.

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Getting Ready for Studies Abroad

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Fri, 7 Jan 2011 22:37:00 +0530

   Studying abroad at any level is one of the most worthwhile things you will ever do. Ask anyone from any walk of life—academic, artist, businessperson or civil servant—and if they have had a study abroad experience, they will remember it as an influence in one way or another. But how do you make sure that your study abroad experience is the best it can be? The following tips are aimed at helping you through preparation for going abroad.
   Consider what country you wish to study in. Much of the decision to study abroad is more about the culture and social experience you are likely to have in your destination than it is about classroom considerations. Weigh up what you personally want from the country you are going to study in.

   Research your potential university for your study abroad experience is not all about an institutions that comes top of the world university rankings. It’s more about your personal preferences and interests so that the choice that you make is the right one for you.
   Choose a university that is known. It doesn’t have to be a world famous institution like the University of Oxford or Harvard University, but it should be a university or collage that is recognized either in general terms or for a specific programme or academic area. If you think you will work internationally, it is vitally important that your degree qualification will be recognized wherever you go.
   Make sure that the university you choose to study abroad at is used to welcoming international students to their campus. It is important that they have a support network for you and that they are in position to anticipate some of the questions that you might have. Always look for an International Office or Office of Student Exchange and see what they have to offer you. See student support services.
   Consider ways in which you will finance your study abroad programme. This is often one of the most crucial areas for all students wishing to study abroad, and can make the difference between going and staying home. Financial aid, scholarships and bank loans are available and are commonplace amongst the millions of students that study abroad. The university you make your first choice should be one should be one that offers some prospect of financial aid.

Once you have a shortlist of universities and collages that you are interested in, try and locate current and former students to help you make your final decision. The universities in question should help you with this. Alumni are often the very best source of information about life on campus, especially if they too are international.
Make sure that when you apply your application is in good time and complete. Universities will rarely make decisions if something is missing from your application material and this will delay the whole process, reducing your prospects of being successful. Prepare for any necessary tests well ahead of time and fulfil all requirements before you send off your application form.

Once you have an offer of admission and, if relevant, obtained your student visa, prepare for your study abroad experience. Make sure you understand the procedures for getting international student accommodation and try and secure this before you leave home. Through your university you will be put in touch with other students from you country and you can begin to make some plans. Perhaps arrange to travel together? Or at least start to talk about your forthcoming adventure.

Be prepared to learn a new language. Many of the world’s top universities teach in English but are located in non-English speaking countries. Learn a few phrases of the local language to help you adjust and meet people.
Finally, enjoy the anticipation of your forthcoming international study experience. You can’t plan for everything, so relax and make sure that you are ready for the basics—your arrival, your student housing and your first few days at university—and then se how the rest develops!

Article Source:

Simple Tips to Save Life of Mobile Battery

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Mon, 3 Jan 2011 19:33:00 +0530

   You need to rush to a meeting but are stuck in a never moving jam. You want to inform your client that you running late for the meeting. You take out your mobile and the battery has died. You again forget to charge your cell phone. Almost all of us must have faced a similar situation. The problem here is not only forgetting to plug in the charger but also being ignorant of the fact that there are certain ways in which you can keep you cell phone's battery last longer.
   Here are few lifesaving -of your cell phone battery-tips-
No Unnecessary Sounds
   Do people really like hearing their phone beep strum a musical note, or chime (key tones) every time they press a button? You might like it, but ask your neighbor. Plus, turning these will save you a good amount of battery juice.

Not Both
   If you're in a concert or loud party you want to increase your chance of actually realizing your phone is ringing, but other than that, pick one or the other. There's no need to have your ringer all the way to point where it has both the sound and vibrate alerts active.
Decrease Brightness to 50 PC
   Go to the settings menu of your phone and change the LCD brightness. At first, the screen will look dark, but once your eyes have adjusted to it, you'll forget about it. The LCD screen on your phone is one of the biggest (THE Biggest) power hogs on your phone. So turn it down, and you're on your way to a lengthier battery life.
Turn Backlight Setting Down
   Most phones these days will allow you to adjust the amount of time your backlight stays on once you have stopped touching buttons. The default length on most phones is probably around 15-30 seconds, but there are settings that are much lower. Turn this down to 5-10 seconds to increase your battery life. If it starts annoying you, then just crank it back up.
Turn Off Bluetooth
   This can be an easy one to forget about if you are often switching between using a Bluetooth headset, and the phone's ear piece. Turning the Bluetooth off when you are not using it will save your battery from having to go out and check if the headset is there every few seconds. Any type of transmission will weigh-down your battery life, so if you use infrared, turn that off when you are not using it as well.
Unplug It
   There's a common myth that you can over-change your battery if you leave it plugged in. but the fact is once the battery is fully charged, no further charge is applied. So if no further charge is applied, then why do you need to unplug your phone? You want to protect your battery from heat, that's why. When the phone is running off of AC for a long time extended heat may hurt the battery.
Don't Let Battery Fully Discharge
   If you let your battery die frequently, you're putting extra strain on it. Avoid this by plugging in your phone before it dies all the way.
Nothing Fun on your Phone
   If you have fun on your phone, your battery-life will dramatically decrease. Accessing the webs, playing games, navigating via GPS and capturing photos or video are not things to do while you are in the middle of nowhere without a charger.

Article Source:

Nepal Tourism Year 2011

blog_pankaj@hotmail.com (PanKaj NePal) — Sat, 1 Jan 2011 07:25:00 +0530

Government of Nepal in consultation with Nepalese travel trade sector and concerned organizations/experts decided on October 25, 2008 to launch a national tourism campaign "Nepal Tourism Year 2011". This announcement reflects the government’s anticipation to bring into Nepal at least one million international tourists by the year 2011 and tourism industry’s exigency to organize a tourism promotion campaign for wider impact.

With the badge of adventure destination glittering and the adage “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guests are Gods) embedded in our culture, the portfolio of tourism products never cease to mesmerize the visitors. The unparalleled cultural, geographical, ethnic and bio diversities of the country allure visitors to Nepal time and again which truly substantiates the spirit of Nepal tourism brand ‘Naturally Nepal, once is not enough !' The concept of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 envisions harnessing these opportunities and strengths and bringing together the commitment of the government, expertise and experiences of the organizations like Nepal Tourism Board, aptitude and dynamism of the private sector and communities for further tourism development in the country. Representation and active participation from the major political parties, members of the Constitution Assembly and Right groups is always taken into prominence in order to make the campaign inclusive and participatory in modus operandi and effective in result. The campaign will also focus on mobilizing the networks of the Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN) communities, Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad, INGOs and NGOs, airlines and national and international media. Similarly, friends and well-wishers of Nepal, tourism academicians and celebrities will be approached in order to highlight the campaign internally as well as internationally.

For More Info Please Log-on to http://nepaltourismyear2011.com

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