kartikblog.com

IGOphobia-RTO Dealings: Not a big deal!

2013-08-13T18:27:00.002+05:30

I am a confirmed IGOphobiac (suffer from fear of Indian Government Offices).

After my brother in law handed over the signed paper for the bike, I carefully studied the RTO website (http://www.rto.kar.nic.in) and noted down all pre-requisites - RC book, Insurance, Form 29, Form 30 etc. Then, anticipating issues, I took two photocopies of each document. After double and triple-checking, and assuming I was all set to go.

Took one hour permission from office and went to KR Puram RTO. It was 2:30 PM and not much crowded. I had presented my papers to which the Supervisor scribbled that he needed Electricity bill (In spite of my rent agreement) and SASE. The cash counter closes by 2:30 PM and I had no choice but to come back next day.

The next day I was all set with in excess of documents required with their photocopies. First I bought a brown cover and Rs.25 stamps from the nearby post office and headed straight to the RTO. The scene was the typical govt office chaos. Crowds of people buzzing around and few others who distinguished can quicken the process if you showered them with money.

I first headed to the cash counter at ground floor and paid the required amount. Went to the first floor where supervisor was suppose to be seated, after a long wait from 10:30 am to 11:30 am the supervisor gave his darshan, there were other who were waiting in queue from 10 am some left and some wondering if he would even come. Luckily I was the first in the queue when he came as other ahead of me tried to find if he will come or to seek other channels. I presented the documents bunch to the supervisor and he tried hard to see if he could find any fault with it, and yes after shuffling through few other files he showed me to get other postal envelope which had different color. Why I don’t know(might be the shop guy nearby gives him commission on sale of it)!!! So there I go again to get the envelope the supervisor mentioned from the nearby shop where they sell juices, tea, envelope with stamps and photocopies. Got the SASE(envelope with stamps) from the shop wrote my address as neatly as I could and headed back to the supervisor. There you go now no room for mistake and convinced that I will not bribe he gave his precious signature and told me to get biometric sticker on it. The room on the ground floor (which is photo + biometric was double crowded) and I navigated and got it pasted on my cash receipt done finally. Now the final stages for the Acknowledgement of receipt I thought, which was on the second floor. I entered the room and showed my papers and they say it’s not there and go to first floor, why only he knows. But I told him I have verified the documents and I was sent to second floor by the supervisor. He diverted me to the lady sitting two tables from him and yes that was my last check point. I gave her the documents after seeing everything she looks at me and gives me three points to do

1. Mention my bike registration number and my mobile number on the SASE.

2. To get an small plastic zip bag for the smart card

3. Go get signature from the seller (Form 30).

On hearing the third point I went bonkers and I tell her the signature is there on the signature area, but she still insists. I say ok and left the place. I went down to shop again, bought the zip bag for the smart card, a file tying thread and had a juice to kill 10 minutes. While that time I rearrange my documents tie with the thread and went back to the second floor. I gave the papers and after stating at it for few seconds she writes my details on her register and gave me the Acknowledgement slip and told me that you can expect the new card at your address in 30 days time :)

And that was it. The transaction was over, leaving me absolutely thrilled. I'd done a transaction with a government office, in the proper manner - no bribes, no agents, just the proper process and Patience.

Summary of transaction:

· Time spent at the office: about 1 hour first day, About 3 hours second day

· Total Cost: Rs. 248 (Rs. 160 for the fee; Rs. 63 for Biometric stamp, Rs. 25 for the self-addressed stamped speed post envelope near RTO)

· Peace of mind and clear conscience gained by not succumbing to agents / touts: priceless!

So is my IGOphobia cured? Not completely, but I'm getting there!

Unboxing New Apple EarPods

2012-09-19T12:07:00.000+05:30

The moment I saw it I knew I will get one.
I got the delivery today and tested it with my Samsung Galaxy S3 and it works great along with the other apple products. Its comfortable and fits in right.

Here is the link on Unboxing and the first look of it.

The Video of unboxing - Video

The product can be got on-line from Apple store - Link

Attitude and Emotions - Powerful Lesson

2012-09-06T14:50:00.004+05:30

When someone is doing something or is about to do something, in a way we don't want it to be done and when we are not able to accept it, we become angry.

However, when someone is doing something or is about to do something, in a way we don't want it to be done – and we are able to accept it – We remain tolerant.

When someone has something which we don't have, or someone is able to produce the results which we are not able to produce – and we are not able to accept it – we become jealous.

When someone has something which we don't have or someone is able to produce the results which we are not able to produce and we are able to accept it we get inspired.

When Someone is present in our thoughts, but if not physically present and we are not able to accept it – We say 'I am missing you'.

When someone is present in our thoughts, but not physically present – and we are able to accept it – We say 'I am thinking of you'.

Then emotional equation is quite simple.

Something + Acceptance = Positive Emotion

Something + Non Acceptance = Negative Emotion

So, it is not 'Something' or 'someone' who is making us feel positive or negative, but it is our 'acceptance' or 'non acceptance' of something or someone, which is making us feel positive or negative.

It isn't the world but the quality of our response to the world (acceptance or non acceptance) that determines the quality of our emotions.

Next time we feel disturbed with a negative emotion, instead of asking who or what is disturbing us, we will examine who or what we are resisting (not accepting) that is causing this disturbance in us.

We will replace resistance (non acceptance) with acceptance, and the negative emotion will turn into a positive one.

Emotional management begins by stopping to blame that 'something' or 'someone' and starting to take the responsibility to respond to life with 'acceptance'.

Tips on Singapore PR Application

2012-08-24T15:32:00.002+05:30

I recently applied for Singapore PR and while browsing through net could not find much information that was being shared so I thought to do so.

Most information that is needed is given in the ICA site ICA Link

First thing is to decide is why you would want the PR for. In our case we just fell in love with this place. The security and life all feels just right for us. I was much impressed with the fact on NS service for the boy which I personally feel is good for country as well as good for Individual as the discipline in life is established at early age, for the later part in the break in education a person who wishes to educated will do so no matter what.

Step One: Book an Appointment (Generally its 1 to 3 months waiting period)

ICA e-Appointment Link

Step Two:

Download the Form A from the ICA website (ICA Link).

You need to 2 sets of completed Form 4A (one original and one photocopy)
Download the Accompanying Notes to Form 4A. This will list the supporting documents that will have to be submitted together with your application. (And strictly follow the listed document needed)

Step Three:

Keep the documents in Order.
The best way is to keep the Original followed by photocopies underneath it.

The outcome is know from 4 to 6 months time.

Some say applying for PR requires too much documents or its complicates which is not so, all you need to do is to keep documents in order and its takes only 15 mins max at the time of submission.

The application counter takes many applications in a day so the least we can do is to keep things in order so as the process is smooth.

Keep in mind that while applying for PR the governments needs the reason to give it to you.

IF you are serious you can do the following below:

Plan, Act and Do things as if you are going to stay here.
Make savings and keep it in Singapore for your future use.
Take Insurance for self and family you would do that in your own country if you know you will stay there forever right.
Enrol in Community Service. That’s important as being the part of the society what are you doing is important just than reaping the good from it.
The longer you are in Singapore the better it is for your application.
If your application got rejected give it some time. Redo the application with fresh outlook and please scrap the old photocopies of the application you have kept as reference possibilities are that you may have entered something wrong or was not legible, why do the same again.

I have also prepared a checklist excel I made for myself, you can download it and free to alter for your needs. Sample PR Checklist.xls

Also attaching a sample cover letter that I felt right for me you can download and alter it to you need as well. Sample Singapore PR Cover Letter.doc

Last but not the least the outcome might not be in our hand but attest we can keep our best foot forward.

All the Best.

HAP (Healing Ambience Piano)

2012-08-06T12:49:00.001+05:30

A relaxing massage-like experience of the whole body.
These mp3's recreate individual binaural frequencies associated to the specific organ. The last file contains
all the frequencies in order from coccyx to cortex. Algorithmic piano music mixed with sound frequencies.

Whole Body Binaurals Session
2.06 Hz coccyx
2.30 Hz genitals
2.57 Hz bladder
2.67 Hz intestines
3.07 Hz hara below navel, balance of pelvis
3.44 Hz ovaries vitality, life at every level
3.84 Hz liver, pancreas
4.11 Hz kidneys strength
4.60 Hz spleen, blood emotional impulse
5.14 Hz stomach emotional acceptance
5.35 Hz lungs oxygen, heat
6.15 Hz heart love, warmth
6.40 Hz top of head spirit, liberation, transcendence
6.88 Hz collarbones vitality, overall balance, stability
7.69 Hz shoulders strength of the arms, expansion, teaching
8.22 Hz mouth speech, creativity
9.19 Hz upper lip emotions, conflict resolution
10.3 Hz nasal passages breathing, taste
10.7 Hz ears hearing, formal concepts
12.0 Hz eyes visualization
13.8 Hz frontal lobes the seventh sense, final decision
15.4 Hz cortex intelligence

All the above in one zip

Source: Link

Muzic :)

2012-04-02T12:58:00.000+05:30

Been running in my mind for some time to post this as I felt connected to it ...

The Script taught me how to move on.
Greenday taught me that government's gonna fail someday.
Bruno Mars taught me to do anything for that one person I love
Eminem taught me that life is hard but you? can make it through
Travis taught me to be generous
Taylor Swift taught me not every girl is going to treat? me? right
30 Seconds to Mars taught me to speak whats on my mind
Michael Jackson taught me to always love? the people around me
Music taught me to live:)

Predict and be Prepared.

2012-02-24T13:55:00.003+05:30

The most devastating career risk we face is getting stuck doing one thing for too long without branching out. As a result increasing the chances of unemployed or underemployed or doing work that is not challenging, being poorly paid, or nearing obsolescence.

To end this we can have a framework – Career development and being proactive about learning. The big difference is how quickly the field changes and how much one feels a need to edge their career options.

It’s useful to note that all of the following stages are generally in play at any given time. If you focus only on the future, you might starve. If you focus only on the present, you might become short-sighted and hurt long term results.
The idea is that one should have:

a list of skills that have general value today,
a list of skills that are becoming obsolete, and
a list of skills that just might become very useful in the near future.

Essentially, it’s skill diversification, much like people diversify stock.

The Cash Cow
This is something that one is very good at and is currently in hot demand. It differs from a core competency because this is something that can make money doing for the near foreseeable future. This could be web programming (and others) in the late 1990s. This is probably Sharepoint (and others) today. It might be something else tomorrow.
There are different kinds of cows. It could be that Java programming is the thing you are best at and can easily find a variety of work for. This would fit the criterion that is laid out. You might have some that are solid, and some that are getting to be less profitable.
If you follow this general process, you will eventually have multiple focused competencies that can be used in the future. This helps ensure losses in one area can be absorbed in another. For example, if for some reason the technology that you are working in suddenly comes into huge legal problems, you are alright because you have other skills that are useful.
It helps to have some competencies be similar so that can leverage what is known, but it also helps to diversify. In either case, being able to quickly shift what is known and learnt something new is going to be a benefit. If dinosaurs could adapt to changing climates, they would have been in much better shape.

Some of the time things don’t pan out, but the rest of the time it looks like we can predict the future.

Branching out
At the same time, it is possible to learn more about surrounding fields and seemingly completely tangential ones. This is the longest view possible and also has larger potential gains. It takes a long time to become an expert in one field, and it’s helpful to understand other fields to try to be at least oriented in a certain field. Again, this branching out takes into consideration that short term and medium term needs also need to be fulfilled for success.
The overall goal is to maximize long-term value creation and ensure cash flow stays at an adequate level. The opportunities should be evaluated for their lifetime value and short term impact. Value could come in terms of financial compensation, contacts, experience, work environment, and more.

Why Visit Temples? (Scientific Reason)

2012-02-22T08:47:00.001+05:30

I recently came across this in FB of a old college Ms. Sumi. Here it goes..

Photo by : da_pierino

There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way. Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth's magnetic wave path passes through densely. It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop. The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here.

Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as "*Garbhagriha*" or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.

Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or *poojaris* performing the pooja. The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress. The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the *Moolasthan*am / *Garbagraham*. *Theertham*, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not

plain water cleaning the dust off an idol. It is a concoction of Cardamom,*Karpura* (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, *Tulsi* (Holy Basil), Clove, etc...Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values. Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy. Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & *Tulsi* leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and *Pachha Karpuram* (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners. It is proved that *Theertham* is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as *prasadam* to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities. When people go to a temple for the *Deepaaraadhana*, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there. The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all. This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits. It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women. Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings. This act is now justified after reading this article. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.

Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly. The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. Did you know, every Vaishnava(Vishnu devotees), “must” visit a Vishnu temple twice every day in their location. Our practices are NOT some hard and fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God’s words in somebody’s dreams. All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life.

The scientific and research part of the practices are well camouflaged as “elder’s instructions” or “granny’s teaching’s” which should be obeyed as a mark of respect so as to once again, avoid stress to the mediocre brains.

Source: Link; Collection By Aji Prasad B Dubai

I day 1947

2012-02-17T13:44:00.000+05:30

Ever wondered how the news paper headline would have looked like when India got Independence. Well it never struck me till recently I saw the printout of the Headline, Times of India - 15 August Edition 1947 on the desk of my college Sumit. Somehow it just sent chills down my spine just to see it and wondered how would the readers felt on the day. Thanks to Google it seems much effortless to find the information.
In addition I also got few more newspaper editions :) Indian Independence Day

The Times of India - 15 August 1947

Morning News - 15 August 1947

The New York Times - 15 August 1947

The Statesman - 15 August 1947

The Hindustan Times - 15th August 1947

Source : Link

Buy ipod.. Upgrade OS..

2012-02-15T13:28:00.002+05:30

I recently purchased an Apple iPod Nano 8 GB 6th Generation . As most of them I was searching what all can be done with it apart from listening to music.

I came across one question that caught my attention so I took a screen shot to share it.

Yahoo Answers for iPod Sync

Few Plus points:
Multi -Touch Screen, which is kind of cute.
FM Radio- The best part as other iPod does not have it.
Clock- Just saw it can be used as a wrist watch as well by purchasing a additional bracelet.
Sensor - For Sports tracking ( Walking or Running)

The only problem I feel is syncing it with itune may be i just prefer the good old way of drag and drop :)

Singapore Cost of living 2012

2012-02-01T16:24:00.001+05:30

Being in Singapore for sometime now I always get the questions "what's the best salary in Singapore" or "what's the salary I need to survive in Singapore".

To be honest the cost is dependent on each individual and their life style.
There are a lot of site but I am going to present a simple Excel calculation on roughly how much is enough to live in Singapore if you are single.

Download the above image

Who Am I...

2012-01-30T14:42:00.000+05:30

Just remembering a quote from ‘Michel de ... something’
“I know well what I am fleeing from but not what I am in search of”.
Instead of putting it where I am now let me project “What Am I”.

WHO AM I?

Thirty years of existence and finally this question might get answered to an extent.

It wasn't abruptly given but the method on how it was delivered was of utmost humility.

For the first six years of my life, I have thought that life's nothing more than getting everything that I wanted. Living was nothing more than basking under the sun and playing to my hearts content.

I thought I was living life to the fullest yet it wasn't so. For the next six years, I was introduced to institutionalized education, I gained new insights on what I must be when I grew up, gained new friends, enjoyed the laughter, cried the tears. I thought I was living life to the fullest yet it wasn't so.

The next six our years introduced me to the concept of peer groups, rules and regulations, policies and politics. These were the years when butterflies started fluttering in my stomach. These were the years when I finally understood when they said that life's like a wheel. I thought I was living life to the fullest yet it wasn't so.

Another five years at a university and finally I was getting somewhere. I learned diligence, patience and hard work. Perseverance was one of the keys to success, I found out later. I wasn't living life to the fullest, I knew, and so I moved on.

And so, I finally walked out of school, thought life taught me everything I should know yet it wasn't so. I learned as years passed by that everything that I do, every endeavour I get into, everyone whom I talk to, I was learning something and eventually who I am now is the sum of everything that I learned and every experience that I gained.

Maybe I was finally leading life to the fullest......

D.J Stevens Custom Rom For Dell Streak 5 GingerStreak 2.4.4

2012-01-18T12:46:00.001+05:30

I am using Dell Streak 5 for a while now and am happy about the performance I get out of it.
I had got my phone replaced two time due to hard ware issues and it came with froyo 2.2 and froyo 2.1 but it does not solve the purpose as front camera wont in skype wont work and the overall function are basic. So I decided to update the phone to Gingerbread 2.3, but to my surprise D.J Stevens Custom Rom For Dell Streak 5 GingerStreak 2.4.4 is much stable and great in performance.

Some of the key features of this custom rom is speed, stageui, pre-installed apps, less crashe (less not none) and overall better performance than the original stock rom (froyo 2.2)

Why Should you flash a different rom?
Well we all have our reasons, I can tell you why I personally Flash a Custom Rom, and that was because of some of Froyos instabilities (android 2.2.). Android 2.2 was constantly freezing up on along with some of the feature were need which StreakDroid Provided (camera, radio, miren broweser).

I am providing with hassel free download links as well as the links on how it can be done.
Mary Wieke has done a great job in explaning how this can be done with youtube videos. I thanks her for the same. She can be reached @mlwiekel or her site here.

How to Add a Recovery Flasher to Android Devices Dell Streak 5 Android 2.2
Mulitirecovery Boot

Link

Read this:
GingerStreak 2.4.4 Release Post
Download Rom
amss flash fix and DSP! flash fix Download

How To Add A Custom Rom to Dell Streak 5 ( StreakDroid, Modaco) Link;

How To Fastboot Flash To Your Android Device Link

11 Ways To Ruin Your Chances Of Getting A Job

2011-06-23T15:56:00.000+05:30

It’s no secret that working with a headhunter or recruiter can be an effective way to advance your career.

Headhunters often have access to jobs that are not advertised elsewhere and can speed up the hiring process between an employer and potential candidate.

The trick, however, is understanding how a headhunter operates.

As a HR, it is always surprising to me that even senior level job seekers often don't know that ‘headhunters’ work for the companies, not the candidates.

Clients sometimes say: ‘I'll just contact a headhunter who will get me a job.’ Headhunters aren't career counselors...they're motivated by earning the commission.”

To find out how to increase your chances of landing a job through a headhunter, we spoke with several executive recruiters and career coaches to get the low-down on the errors job seekers make.

Holding back information can make you look sneaky.

It’s important to be as honest as possible with your recruiter about your career, preferences and anything else that could affect your job search.

Job seekers sometimes fail to tell their recruiter when their company, position, or compensation preferences change. Second, job seekers hurt themselves by not telling recruiters about personal obligations and other things that might interfere with their job searches.

Bring these things up at the last minute, and they can be a deal-breaker. Why? Changing the game at the last second with a hiring company makes you look sneaky or complicated for no reason at all.

Providing a vague description of your accomplishments makes it harder for a headhunter to place you.

Leave out the jargon.

Show specific and measurable results.

Don't make me as the listener/recruiter/prospective employer have to translate what you're saying into how it will benefit me or fill my needs. Talk to me in terms of my needs and what you will do for me.

Don’t assume that a headhunter will do all the work for you.

The biggest misconception a job seeker makes is that they assume because a headhunter agrees to meet them, that headhunter will find them a job.

And then, job seekers tend to put all of their eggs in a headhunter’s basket. Unfortunately if the companies that headhunter works with don’t pick up on their resume; it’s out of headhunter hands.

A headhunter's job is to find the right candidate for the client (company) who hired the recruitment services - not to find a job to every single job seeker who contacts the recruiting firm.

Not tailoring your resume to a specific job tells a recruiter that you are either lazy or the wrong candidate for the position.

Whether you’re using a headhunter or applying directly through a company’s website, gear your resume towards the position.

There is nothing wrong with having different versions of your resume as long as everything you list is truthful. If you are applying for a position that requires event planning experience, then be sure to include all information that’s relatable.

A job summary should consist of 4-5 sentences on what you can bring to the table.

Don’t waste time by applying for jobs that you are not qualified for.

Be realistic about the jobs that you apply for.

Don’t apply for jobs that you want or think you can get (when you know you can’t) … rather apply for jobs that you are qualified for.

A poor online reputation will torpedo your chances of getting a phone call from a headhunter.

Recruiters don’t work for you, they work for the employer. When they submit a candidate they are putting their reputations on the line. They are risk adverse, so make their lives as easy as possible so that that don’t consider you to be a risk in any way, shape or form.

Remember to monitor your online presence on networking sites such as Facebook and by simply Googling your name. Another way to keep track of what shows up about you online is to create a Google Alert for your first and last name.

The best time to contact a headhunter is when you are employed.

Headhunters don’t typically work with job candidates that are unemployed.

Companies don’t pay them big money to present workers that aren’t gainfully employed. In this market there are many good workers on the sidelines, yet companies still want to see candidates that are gainfully employed and on the 'top of their game.' This is why we tell workers to never quit their job until they have a new one."

These days, you never know if your job could disappear tomorrow, Anticipate the problem before it happens by networking and responding to headhunters, even when you're happy with your current job.

It is not a headhunter's responsibility to tell you what you're good at.

The biggest mistake most job hunters make when they approach a headhunter is not knowing what job they want.

It's not a headhunter's responsibility to tell you what they think you might be good at -- that's the job of a career counselor. The headhunter's job is to find that opportunity. When the job hunter says that they are 'open to new opportunities' a headhunter hears, 'I'm clueless.’”, “They’ll ask you to 'send a résumé and you'll never hear back from them."

Not revealing your compensation requirements or being inflexible is a huge turn-off.

Headhunter typically ask for this [a job seeker's required compensation] in the first or second phone call and it is usually to make sure that the candidate and the position in question are in the same ballpark,

"If not, there is no sense in wasting anyone's time so it is best to make this as clear as possible early on. It is usually the least-experienced candidates who resist this."

“More companies now prefer to try an employee out as a contractor, with the possibility of hiring them full-time.” Job seekers should be open to various forms of compensation.

Not personalizing your cover letter practically guarantees your letter will be recycled.

They get hundreds of cover letters every day and they are more likely to respond to a personalized cover letter addressed to them, also make sure you have the correct spelling and gender of the person to whom you are writing.

"If you can’t do some research to market yourself as a candidate, why would they think you would take the initiative for the client?”

Don't harass the recruiter.

Following up with a thank you note or email to remind the recruiter of your skills is appreciated.

What is not appreciated are numerous phone calls or emails requesting an update on your status.

Being assertive is a good thing, but be careful of coming across as desperate.

"Even if you're unemployed, the secret to getting a job is acting as if you don't need one."

Lifeblog post

2009-08-20T10:19:00.001+05:30

Lifeblog post, originally uploaded by Karti_KK.

Wed 12/08/2009 19:33 Sarat's 26th birthday.

BREAKFAST & HEART ATTACK

2009-05-06T16:30:00.004+05:30

For those who are skipping breakfast :-

Breakfast can help prevent strokes, heart attack and sudden death. Advice on not to skip breakfast!
Healthy living. For those who always skip breakfast, you should stop that habit now! You've heard many times that "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Now, recent research confirms that one of the worst practices you can develop may be avoiding breakfast.

Because the frequency of heart attack, sudden death, and stroke peaks between 6: 00a.m. and noon, with the highest incidence being between 8: 00a.m. and 10:00a.m.What mechanism within the body could account for this significant jump in sudden death in the early morning hours? We may have an Answer. Platelet, tiny elements in the blood that keep us from bleeding to Death if we get a cut, can clump together inside our arteries due to Cholesterol or plaque buildup in the artery lining. It is in the morning hours that platelets become the most activated and tend to form these internal blood clots at the greatest frequency.

However, eating even a very light breakfast prevents the morning platelet activation that is associated with heart attacks and strokes. Studies performed at Memorial University in St.Johns, Newfoundland found that eating a light, very low-fat breakfast was critical in modifying the morning platelet activation. Subjects in the study consumed either low-fat or fat-free yogurt, orange juice, fruit, and a source of protein coming from yogurt or fat-free milk. So if you skip breakfast, it's important that you change this practice immediately in light of this research. Develop a simple plan to eat cereal, such as oatmeal or Bran Flakes, along with six ounces of grape juice or orange juice, and perhaps a piece of fruit. This simple plan will keep your platelets from sticking together, keep blood clots from forming, and perhaps head off a potential Heart Attack or stroke. So never ever skip breakfast.

Nice Read by Michael Josephson

2009-04-21T08:50:00.006+05:30

Thanks Ganesh for this nice read.. This makes to the blog.

This is a beautiful piece by Michael Josephson..
Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear.
So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won’t matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end.
It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin colour will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not your success but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.
What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters

When a Milker Leaves I lose one Cow

2008-11-05T21:12:00.003+05:30

"When a milker leaves I lose one cow"

Recruiting the right employees is easy. But the challenge is to
motivate and retain them. Retaining the right employees in the right
place is the secret of any organisation's success.

Usually the employees are loyal to their organisations. But they
become unhappy job-hoppers when they feel that they are not valued
and not given enough challenges and opportunities.

It is true that everyone is looking for better prospects and the
present organisation is often only a pole-vault to jump into better
pastures. The CEO to the frontline executive, all are waiting for
the right opportunity to migrate.

Employee turnover is costly and it makes the organisations less
efficient and productive. If we want to retain the top performers we
need to know why people leave. The reasons for leaving may be many.

1. Lack of opportunities and challenges

For many young and bright employees of today money is not a concern.
They are looking for more than compensation packages and benefits.
They want challenges and job satisfaction. If you want to retain
them, offer them not money but challenges and risks. They thrive in
challenges and love risks. They look for job satisfaction and
contentment in their work. Job satisfaction comes out of their
relationship with the management; it's the effect of good work
environment and is the fruit of their commitment to a vision.

2. Lack of management support

One of the main reasons why people quit is the lack of support from
the top management. The top management itself is often not aware of
what is going on and not sure of what decisions to be taken. The
victims of their poor communication and management are always those
at the bottom. The only thing they communicate well is to tell the
employees that they are responsible for every failure. If you want
your employees to be loyal to you, support them when they need you.
Be visibly present by their side in their struggles and appreciate
their victories.

3. Lack of monetary rewards

For many people today telling, "I don't care about money but I need
challenges" is a fashion. Most of the employees are there with you
because of the rewards you give. When they feel that they are paid
less than what they deserve, when they feel that you are not
faithful to your promise to increase their package, when they feel
that you don't reward hard work and commitment its time for them to
bid you bye. Better compensation and benefits will always keep them
by your side.

4. Lack of career development possibilities

No one likes to be in the same place for long. People long for new
experiences, changes and growth. Once they know that their present
organisation doesn't provide them opportunities for their career,
personal and professional growth they feel suffocated in that rigid
system. In such a dissatisfied atmosphere they long for liberation
and when the right opportunity comes they pack up and leave you.

5. Lack of visionary mangers

The supervisors are one main reason why many employees leave.
Supervisors and mangers are often shortsighted and fail to place the
right employee in the right place. They make a highly talented
person become a failure and the employee alone is made accountable
for the losses. The management should consist of visionary people
who are able to assess the potentials and strengths of the employees
and give them the right opportunities and right challenges where
they can excel. It must create a positive work environment where
people are rewarded and recognized, where free and open
communications exist and where people feel excited and thrilled to
work.

6. Lack of friendly atmosphere

Often our workplace is so boring with so many serious people around.
The workplace should be a home where people smile, relax and enjoy
working. Every morning the person should long to come to work.
Friendly and homely place is a must if you want to retain your
staff. The management is so much caught up in the web of profit and
revenues that it looks at people only as a means to higher profits
and forgets to look at them as persons. Listen to the employees,
respect them and make work fun for them if you want them. Provide an
employee-friendly environment where they can participate in
decisions making, execution and evaluation.

7. Lack of freedom

If the employee can't express his ideas and thoughts freely in the
organisation he won't last there. We must create an atmosphere where
people feel free to contribute their ideas, criticize the existing
systems and try out alternatives to make their work more productive
and satisfying. There should be freedom for him to use his talents
and skills. There should be freedom to make mistakes.

We need to invest in building up retention if we want our
organisations to be successful. Recently I read about a dairy
manager who said: "Every time a milker leaves I lose about one cow."

We have recruited the best talents; now it's our duty to motivate
and retain them for the health and success of our organisations.

Lifeblog post-Diwali08

2008-10-28T21:09:00.002+05:30

Lifeblog post-Diwali08, originally uploaded by Karti_KK.

Mon 27/10/2008 08:16

The first session of homakundan as we called it. Its also acted as an cleaning process where in all the busted crackers left over was piled in and burned.The best fun was to put in bijilis and enjoining to crackling sounds.

Lifeblog post,Diwali08

2008-10-28T20:52:00.002+05:30

Lifeblog post-Diwali08, originally uploaded by Karti_KK.

Sun 12/10/2008 18:07

The diwali shopping @ mega mart. Buy 5 Get 5 free:)

Lifeblog post,Diwali08

2008-10-28T20:49:00.002+05:30

Lifeblog post-Diwali08, originally uploaded by Karti_KK.

Mon 27/10/2008 07:43

Been long since i have posted in the blog. This post and the few coming ones are from the diwali celebrations of this year. This is for my family and friends who were not able to celebrate diwali due to staying out of country. Luv Kartik

Mingle Bells: The 5 Do's of Picking up at a Party

2007-12-14T10:32:00.000+05:30

Want to be the party guest who lights up the room? See these party tips from singles..
Be prepared for the party season

I have a friend who claims to hibernate during the winter because all the couples she sees snuggling up and keeping each other warm make her want to crawl back into bed.

The good news is that the holiday season is one of the best times to meet someone. Chances are you'll be invited to more parties over the next few weeks than the rest of the year, and singles report that parties are one of the greatest places to meet potential dates. The mood is fun and festive and breaking the ice is easier when you know some people in common in the room.
When you're heading out to the parties, remember some of the 'do's' of picking up:

1. DO be impressed by the object of your affection rather than trying to impress him or her with all your stats. People notice when you notice them. No need to ask 20 questions, but do ask a few open-ended and specific questions (rather than 'yes'/'no' questions), make eye contact and listen. Curiosity is a very attractive quality and a simple way to engage your audience.

2. DO find common ground. What brought you to the party? Chances are you know some people in common in the room. This will help you build connection and trust. When asking the object of your interest questions, figure out some activities, hobbies, or experiences you've shared.

3. DO hang out by the food and drink table when you don't know who to talk to. Ever notice how people congregate in the kitchen at many house parties? Many people approach this area on their own to refill their cups and grab a bite, and it will be easier to start a conversation when they've stepped away from the other guests. Offer to get a drink for the object of your affection and if he or she is standing with a friend, extend the invitation.

4. DO see every person you meet as a potential connection.
Stay open. Sometimes the people you know the least will help you the most. If you chat with someone interesting who is not single, he or she may know someone to introduce you to. Also, do not assume that the shy person in the corner at a party is boring. Take the opportunity to learn about people in the room before you decide if you are interested or not.

5. DO initiate conversation. The general rule of networking is to approach someone who is standing on his or her own or join a conversation with three or more people. In general, it's not a great idea to interrupt two people talking unless you know one. When approaching someone new, always remember to smile.

So fill up your social calendar this holiday season and let the pick ups begin! If you play your cards right, you'll be like my friend and will want to hibernate and crawl into bed this winter...but in this case, it won't be because you're lonely.

SO LET THE PARTY BEGIN :)

Communications at Work

2007-12-13T15:26:00.000+05:30

Today, most of your clients, colleagues and stakeholders are just a phone call or email away -- technology has made communication that simple. However, while tools like telephones and computers score high on convenience and speed, they lack the warmth and emotion that face-to-face communication provides.

Appreciating colleagues

In the words of Helen Keller, 'We are all walking with a signboard on our forehead which reads -- 'Appreciate me'.' It seems we have replaced the pat on the back with 'Thank you' and 'Good job' emails. But there is nothing that motivates someone more than seeing their boss walk up to them and appreciate them in front of everyone.

Go to your colleague's cubicle and congratulate them on the great report they sent or the presentation they made recently. I remember one of my ex-bosses who used to call us team members to his cabin just to say 'thanks' and pat our backs. The team immediately took a liking to him as most people expect a warning or feedback when the boss invites them to their cabin.

"It's difficult to build rapport over an email; I would feel much better if my boss appreciates me in person," says Ashok Krishnan, a CA with Nestle.

Criticising or providing feedback

When you provide feedback over an email or a phone call, the receiver may have a completely different perception about its relevance. This effect is amplified when you are not communicating face-to-face. The reader or listener may think you are cold and indifferent and that's why you avoided meeting them in person to discuss the issue. A face-to-face meeting gives you the opportunity to put your point across, while being sensitive and diplomatic at the same time.

"I have noticed that colleagues often use emails to avoid confronting the real issue. If someone fails to meet their target, I would prefer they tell me in person than offer an explanation over email," says Vidhanshu Bansal, a director with Pixel Webtech.

Assigning new responsibility
There is a great risk of the message getting diluted when a responsibility gets delegated through email or a phone call. Don't be surprised if your team does not show a sense of ownership or complete tasks on time if you are not communicating face-to-face. Nonverbal communication, such as tone of voice, facial gestures and eye contact help individuals understand the importance of a task and the need to complete it on time.

"We rely on conference calls, video conferencing and online meetings but, from my experience, there's nothing more impactful than meeting the team in person," says Delhi-based Ashu Gosh, a manager with Aviar IT Consulting.

Damage control with clients

If you haven't provided the product or service the client expected, you are putting your relationship with the client at stake. An apology mail would not suffice in a sensitive issue like this. Go to the client's office, if possible, without them having to call you for an explanation, and reassure them that the confidence they demonstrated when they gave you business was not misplaced. Your client would be pleasantly surprised that you took the time to come and meet them, especially when things went wrong.

"I used to interact on almost a daily basis with a client over emails without ever figuring out whether the person was male or female. When a report I was supposed to send got delayed, I made a rude comment about a female colleague which offended the client who happened to be a lady herself," says Deepak M.L, a manager with Convergys.

Resolving conflicts

Workplace conflicts are common in most organisations. The lack of interpersonal communication only worsens the situation. It's important to remember that 55 per cent of meaning in an interaction comes from facial and body language and 38 per cent comes from vocal inflection. Only seven per cent of an interaction's meaning is derived from the words themselves. So, trying to resolve a conflict over email or a phone call is often a bad idea.

"A colleague complained about another colleague and copied the senior management on the mail. I was surprised to see that mail translating into a flood of mails providing and seeking explanation. The person who sent the original mail was just one floor above the person who was at the receiving end. I had to sit down with both of them in person to resolve the conflict," says Kailasam R, a manager with Lufthansa Airlines.

Your communication style says a lot about you as a professional. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, 'You are always under examination by people around you, awarding or denying you very high prizes when you least think of it.' So leave the comfort of your cubicle and build trustworthy relationships by communicating face to face.

Expectations and HR

2007-12-13T14:55:00.000+05:30

Business leaders have different expectations of HR and usually when HR professionals go ahead doing their job they conveniently forget to have any sort of "expectation alignment" discussion with their clients.

If you are a HR professional have you had an explicit discussion about what your client expects of you? Incidentally, have you thought about who exactly is your client? Is it the CEO? The business unit leaders? The middle managers (cranky or otherwise ;-) ? Or all employees?

What happens when you decide you have more than one client? Do you make your priority list explicit?

And what are your expectations of yourself as a HR professional? Where and at what level would you like to contribute to your organization and to your profession? How does that sync or clash with your business's expectations from you?

For some people having the big expectations explicit is important, but for others it can even be distracting when a context does not exist for it in the immediate time frame. For a person like me, the large expectations are important to know. However, I know of people who say "Damn, don't give me the philosophy, just tell me what you want from me this week and next week"

These are different modes of engagement between two parties, specially when one is providing professional services to the other. Someone like Peter Block, calls it the "engagement dance" in the "contracting" phase.

What professionals (whether "internal" or "external") often forget is that when the contracting is for a specific activity, you have to keep going back to the client and re-engaging again in subsequent contracting phases. However, when you have "contracted" on overall expectations, the smaller activities do not need constant renegotiations.

So my advice to HR professionals and business leaders is to make as much of the expectations explicit as possible. Some expectations might be embarrassing to share ("I want you to give me great service, so that I can showcase it and get a promotion") but putting as much as possible on the table makes the relationship easier.

Hiroshima Atomic Bomb CGI Re-enactment

2007-12-12T22:57:00.000+05:30

Hiroshima Atomic Bomb CGI Re-enactment

From the awesome BBC doco "Hiroshima". See CGI effects bring this disaster to horrifying life.

This video makes me think was it really worth it to drop a bomb, so many change in the life of the people after it, life wud never been the same..
All i feel is love all,,v need peace... Live and Let live