Sunday, September 8, 2013

September 08, 2013

The stylish and humble Irfan Pathan tells Amin Ali how he handles fame money, power and attention


“Fame is God’s gift”

The stylish and humble Irfan Pathan tells Amin Ali how he handles fame money, power and attention



    Cricketer Irfan Pathan is suave, grounded, level-headed and has a lot of patience. He was selected for the Indian team that won the Champion’s Trophy recently, but suffered an injury and couldn’t take part in any of the games in England. This stylish Pathan says his decade in cricket has been a valuable experience in life, one that has taught him how to handle fame, money and relationships. Excerpts...
Getting injured without playing a single game can damage the spirit. How do you motivate yourself during such times? Patience and hope. Keep working hard and be hopeful is my mantra. Keep telling yourself that hard work will pay. Even when I was out of the team, I used to tell myself: ‘I will be back’. But mere self belief is not enough. It has to be accompanied by hard work. Only then will your belief turn into real achievement.
You peaked pretty early in life. Fame followed. A lot of people become brash in such situations... As long as you remember the fame that you get is God’s gift for your talent, you will be grounded. I come from a very humble background. My father and mother are simple God-fearing people. They constantly remind me of my roots.
How do you keep your cool when fans mob you? Anyone who meets you or waves at you does it with the hope that you would reciprocate. They deserve respect. I always keep that in mind.
You come across as a grounded person... Everyone should have at least one friend, or one family member who has a calming influence. He should always guide you and advise you. I am lucky to have my parents and brother Yusuf around. Such company helps in taking off all the pressure. I never feel tired or get bored when they are around.
Contracts bring big bucks. You are a top draw. It often makes people arrogant... Everyone should like and respect money. I like it too when my profession allows me to make a decent amount. But I have never lusted for money. People who think they have made some cash should always remember that the guy next to you might have far more than what you can ever imagine.
We don’t hear stories of link-ups or postmatch revelry when it comes to you... I head home after the game’s over. A room full of doting friends and relatives is far better than a club full of unknown people. You have to make right and smart choices in life. Some people hardly spend time with their families at home. They think family dinners in expensive restaurants are equal to a happy family.
Isn’t a young celebrity expected to have a series of affairs? Being a celebrity doesn’t mean you act in a particular or a typical way. You can still go home after work and spend time with your family rather than date a number of glamorous women.
Youngsters these days crave fame and popularity. Any advice for them? A lot of ‘stars’ see their 20-30 ft-high billboards and think that is their real height, even when they are merely 5 ft tall. I have always remembered that I am only 6 ft tall, and that has allowed me to be real.
QUICK BYTES Fashion... Became a part of my life pretty late. I grew into fashion rather than with it. Initially, just wearing new clothes was fashionable. When I started travelling, I learnt and developed a sense of style.
Define your style... Denims and tees as everyday wear, shirts for meetings and kurta salwar for Friday prayers.
What’s your style guide? I look at a movie or a magazine and if I like a look, I browse through shops to get that look. You should be ready to shop anywhere without any brand hassles to be really stylish.
What’s your colour? I have started liking bright new shades of blue in lowers. I also have a lot of white shirts.
Essential accessories for men are... Gadgets and watches. They say everything about your taste. Your phone, laptop and watch can make a far more powerful statement than striking yellow shoes.
What’s your passion? Driving. I find excuses to drive, be it from the airport to home or taking my family out to the market, I am always game for a drive.
Preferred vacations... On a beach. Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Australia or West Indies.
Most stylish cricketer Yuvraj Singh.

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September 08, 2013

It’s Your Life — Best of O-zone by Vinita Dawra Nangia


Is unconditional loyalty a virtue?

Loyalty doesn’t mean obedience or adherence; it implies keeping the interest of dear ones at heart by following your own set of values


    Years ago in college, the entire class would plan to bunk French almost every second day, while I would turn up for the class, forcing them all to trickle in, one by one. I had no desire to be the teacher’s pet; it’s just that I enjoyed studying the language. Years later in office, the entire staff signed a memorandum, which I refused to sign since I did not believe in what it said. It made me unpopular with colleagues, including some close friends. But my friends cared enough to understand and make up with me later; the rest never cared enough either way. And I lived with the satisfaction that I had not betrayed myself just in order to be one with the group.
    Blind faith or loyalty in a dog is a laudable virtue, but when it comes to human beings, it becomes a questionable one. Very often, we are expected to display loyalty to our in-groups — friends, the family unit, workplace colleagues, religion, politics or sports clubs — without using our own judgment, just because we ‘belong’. Hence you will often notice that many amongst an agitating group do not even understand the basic principle they are fighting for; they are just in it together. Use of intellect and adherence to truth are expected to take a backseat when it comes to standing up for, or with those we owe our allegiance to.
    So, if your mom has had an argument with the neighbours, woe betide you if you were to point out that the next-door aunty had a valid point. It may be clear to everyone that the boss’ viewpoint is baseless, but very few will raise an objection and risk being considered disloyal. On the other hand, indulging his every whim and assisting him in every desire, no matter how harmful to him, becomes recognised as an act of loyalty.
    When the emperor stepped out naked in the fairytale, The Emperor’s New Clothes, who was more loyal? The entire kingdom that pretended to admire his non-existent clothes, or the child who cried out, ‘Look mom, the emperor is naked’? Birbal is a good example of an adviser who tempered his loyalty with sense and intelligence, using wit as a tool to convey his honest opinions to Emperor Akbar in a court full of yeasayers. Nobody can question his loyalty to the emperor and yet he often disagreed with Akbar. But then you need a generous and confident Akbar to admire the Birbal in you.
    When truth and loyalty are in conflict, we should have the wisdom and courage to decide what to do. Unconditional loyalty is outmoded; loyalty should be conditional, based on our own set of values. A consciousness of this would give one the courage to take unpopular stances that go against the prevailing misguided opinions in groups. Silence can also be looked upon as complicity if we quietly go along with something we do not believe in.
    How can the consequence of loyalty to another be self-betrayal? Being loyal to someone does not mean closing your eyes to their faults; it means keeping their well-being and best interest close to your heart. Loyalty should not mean blind faith; it should mean an on-going reality check not just for our own benefit, but also for the benefit of those we profess loyalty towards.
    In fact, our loyalty as self-respecting human beings should be with our own selves. If you are a good human being, you are bound to do good not only for yourself, but also for the benefit of those you are loyal to; if not, you are not good to those who possess your loyalty anyway.
    Loyalty to ideas, religion and politics is good only so long as it helps us relate with like-minded people and protects us, giving us a sense of belonging. It is good so long as it does not encourage narrow-minded bigotry. One needs to keep re-examining ideas in different contexts and bring a new light and fresh air to old, antiquated beliefs.
    Most of us hold beliefs that have been passed down to us through generations without pausing to re-examine them in the light of fresh evidence or the changed reality. What good are ideas you adhered to at the age of 13 by the time you reach 50? Bring new light to well-entrenched beliefs, analyse and rethink them. Else you are deceiving your own self and being self-righteous.
    Loyalty must be tempered with truth and intelligence and must adhere to the values one holds dear. It should not be confused with obedience or adherence, but should be looked upon more as a feeling, an emotion, a bonding with someone for whose benefit you are prepared to go to great lengths.
The opinions expressed in this column are the personal views of the writer



It’s Your Life — Best of O-zone by Vinita Dawra Nangia. Available at leading bookstores and shopping.indiatimes.com. Or call 8010058888/8010558888. for doorstep delivery
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September 08, 2013

Getting good snapshots is pretty simple if you follow the basics


SHOOT LIKE A BOSS

Getting good snapshots is pretty simple if you follow the basics. Javed Anwer explains camera jargon and helps you with a few tips to...


KNOW YOUR CAMERA On any camera lens, its Focal Range is denoted in ‘mm’. For example, most DSLRs come with an 18-55mm stock lens. You can also use these two numerals to arrive at the optical zoom on your point-and-shoot by dividing the larger value by the smaller value. For instance, an 18-55mm lens has an optical zoom that’s a little over 3X. A lens with a 50-150mm focal range also has a 3X optical zoom. The difference, however, is that a 150mm lens will give you better depth (crisp foreground with a soft, defocused background). So if you’re shooting a close-up of a flower, or even a portrait, use the maximum focal length at your disposal for better depth of field. When clicking a picture, most people tend to just press the Shutter Release Button. Instead, half press the button and hold it there. This allows the lens mechanism to adjust itself for proper focus. Once focus has been acquired, press the button all the way to click your photograph. The whole process takes a moment or two, but will result in better snapshots. The Camera Flash is a boon as well as a bane. In low light, it artificially illuminates the scene you are trying to capture. At the same time, it also distorts colours and may add too much light to photos and ruin the ambience. Wherever possible, try and shoot without using a flash. Your pictures will appear more natural. The Aperture (or in non-geeky words, the lens opening) is from where light enters the camera. A bigger opening means more light. Keep in mind that bigger aperture values means smaller lens opening. So in low light, an aperture of F3 is preferable to F5. Aperture also affects the sharpness of the image. Lower aperture values make everything (except the subject) appear softer. This means, you can use lower aperture values to highlight your subject.  
 
UNDERSTAND YOUR CAMERA DISPLAY
    The dots are Focus Points. If you are using a DSLR in manual mode, you can choose between the different focus dots. In most cases, it is advisable that you keep the centre dot as your focus.
    Did you ever face a situation where you pressed the shutterrelease button, but your camera didn’t snap a picture? Well, you should have kept an eye on the Focus Status (green dot). It turns solid when you’ve acquired focus. If it doesn’t turn solid, your camera won’t capture an image unless you are using manual focus (which is different from manual mode). In point-and-shoot cameras, or on smartphones, the focus status is generally denoted by a square around the subject. It turns green if the subject is in focus, and red or orange if it isn’t.
    Increase the ISO Value on your camera to make it more sensitive to light when shooting in low-light settings without a flash. Higher ISOs, however, result in grain and artefacts in photographs. So use this setting judiciously. Most point-and-shoot cameras can’t handle an ISO of more than 800 or 1,600, regardless of what it says on the box. With most entry-level DSLRs, don’t go above 3,200.
    Shutter Speed, which is measured in fractions of a second, controls two things: the speed at which shutter closes to freeze a frame, and the amount of light that enters the camera.
    If you are shooting fast-moving subjects, like an athlete in a sporting event, your pet dog, or even jumpy kids, always use fast shutter speeds. This will give you sharper images. Slower shutter speeds generally result in blurry snapshots. For best results, keep your shutter speed above 1/100. If you are going below 1/30, use a tripod.
    This brings us to the connection between light and shutter speed. The faster the shutter speed, the lesser light the camera captures. So, if you are shooting in a dimly-lit area, use slower shutter speeds. But not slower than 1/30, or you’ll require that tripod.
    The figure preceded by the ‘F’ denotes Aperture Value (see camera section for aperture).
    Metering shows you the balance of light. For ideal images, this value should be zero. ‘Plus’ indicates the camera is capturing more light than required. ‘Minus indicates the light captured is less than optimum. More light means washed-out images. Less light means dark images.
    Battery Status graphically indicates how much of juice you still have in your camera. 

Although we’ve used a Nikon DSLR here, you will find similar controls in almost all brands of cameras. Besides, most of these tips and tricks can also be used to click pictures with your pointand-shoot. 
 

TIPS & TRICKS 


Hold the camera steady: Regardless of what type of camera you use, hold it steady when shooting, and if possible, for a few extra seconds after taking the snapshot. You will get sharper photos.  

Isolate the subject or subjects: Click pictures where your subjects are highlighted and stand out from the rest of image. To do this, position your subjects against a background that doesn’t overshadow them. This is the reason why photographers use plain backgrounds for passport photos. Also, make sure that your subject is well illuminated. Strong lighting behind your subject will put them in the shadows. As a rule of thumb, shoot photos where the sun/light source is behind the camera and not in front of it. 

Make it large and focus on the eyes: For portraits, fill your frame with your subject and focus on the eyes. This will create an intimate snapshot – and result in better photographs.  

Shoot twice (or thrice): Make it a habit to snap at least two or three pictures every time you press the shutter release button. Click, click, click… That’s it. You will find that, out of five simultaneous shots, the second or third will be the sharpest.  

Use camera modes: All cameras come with pre-defined modes – portrait, outdoor, indoor, landscape, night, macro, etc – for different types of photos. Use these for best results. 
 
Most importantly, compose your photograph: Don’t shoot a photo. Compose it. Decide on how much of the scene you want to capture, the angle from which you want to capture it. Consider your light sources. Initially, it may take you a few minutes to compose an image, but with practice, you will soon be able to picture a composition within seconds.












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September 08, 2013

HOW i START MY DAY

JOGEN CHOUDHARY Artist


“Work with the flow, not against it” “Begin every day, by accepting the realities of life. Accept, then act. Accept whatever the present day offers. Work with the flow and not against it. In Shantiniketan, my mornings have a different colour. The joy comes from within, as soon as I hear the sound of birds. I go for a walk, where I spend time with the trees that I’ve personally planted. I invite grace, ease and lightness into my life. I look at the sky, trees and flowers as I walk. I also do Pranayama after my walk. I don’t understand why people need a quiet place or a yoga mat to meditate. The mind doesn’t need these accessories. You can meditate anywhere, anytime. Mornings are a time to reflect without that tiny voice in your head trying to look for answers or form opinions. Our worldly attachments to people, material things bring us pain and suffering. Try to harness a sense of well-being and happiness in the morning that will take you through a roller-coaster life. When I walk into my studio to paint at 10 am, I’m in no rush. Time stands still. I focus on my painting. There’s immense joy in being in the moment with my brush and colours. I appreciate the colours, the creative inflow. I don’t like to be distracted by the insignificant. Truly then, a masterpiece is created. If you want to live a good life, don’t get sapped by small things. Focus on the big things to make a beautiful life.”
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September 08, 2013

GIFT AN EXPERIENCE


GIFT AN EXPERIENCE

A quirky coffee mug or a stylish helmet may be ‘cool’ gifts, but what if you paid for a connoisseur’s class on coffee-making or a quad biking experience for a biker friend? In a world of abundance, a lesson on the value of things would be a far better present than a thing of value,


    Your best friend’s birthday is coming up and you are clueless about what to buy this time. You have exhausted all the options in the years gone by. What can be new? Ditch the boring perfumewatch-and-designer-bag routine; instead, present your loved ones with an experience they will cherish for years.
    We all have wardrobes brimming with discarded gifts accumulated over the years – from flower vases, trinkets, bags to chinaware. These traditional gifts occupy space, and a lot of times, we repackage them and pass them along, or hoard it for years without using them. But what if you loved wine and received a wine-tasting session offer? Or you are a bike enthusiast, and have been presented with a chance to go quad biking? Called ‘experiential presents’ this new idea has given the traditional concept of gifting, a heart-warming makeover.
Memories last longer Experiential gifting gives you a chance to save time, and promises that your effort and choice will be well-received. A relatively new phenomenon in India, experiential gifting includes spa or beauty treatments, adventure activities, dinner reservations, music or dance lessons, sailing, helicopter rides… the list is endless.
    According to a research by Joseph Goodman, a professor at the Washington University in St. Louis, US, experiential gifts lead to more happiness compared to material gifts, because experiences stay much longer in a person’s memory. They bring people closer while material gifts are more likely to be perceived as an obligation.
    So, a wine-tasting experience creates life-long memories in comparison to a gifted wine bottle. Neha Thakur, HR professional, shares, “When I got married, I got six wall clocks as wedding gifts, and I didn’t know what to do with them. But on my anniversary, a friend gifted me an experiential gift box. I was given the option to choose from 30 different experiences – from yoga classes to salsa dancing. I just had to call and make an appointment. I was treated really well and the experience made me feel very special.” Onaydatt Kinare, a business analyst, says, “I gifted my friend an experiential gift box and she chose a hair spa treatment. She loved the experience. And my family and friends, who heard about the concept, were very impressed. They are looking forward to an experience on their birthdays.”
A personal touch This new trend is fast becoming popular because they are not impersonal like material gifts. Mayank Bhangadia, co-founder of Giveter, explains, “A gift should be chosen based on the personality and taste of the recipient. We extract the interests and likes of the recipients from their social networking accounts, and recommend experiences to the buyer. For example if the person is a fan of Harley-Davidson, we may suggest a Harley-Davidson tour.”
Experiential gifting also offers the recipient more choices. If you get a wellness gift box, you can choose a massage at a spa retreat or a haircut from a particular salon you always wanted to visit. “Once you decide on a service, a dedicated concierge takes over all the nitty-gritty, making sure the service provider knows exactly what to include in the service. This way, we ensure that the person chooses what they want, when they want it, and where they want it,” says Manvinder Kohli, director, Witty Gift. This makes the gift personal for the recipient and extremely convenient for the buyer.
More affordable than you think To top it, this trend won’t leave a gaping hole in your pocket. Experiences are offered in all price ranges. They start from 400, which is a paintball session, to a spa or dinner reservation, for 2,000 to 3,500, and beyond if you are willing to splurge. Pooja Lal, director, Delight Gifts, says, “You can customise the experience as per your budget. We have people purchasing a dining or a spa experience for 500 to 2,000. Our average order is pegged at 3,500, with customers purchasing luxurious hotel experiences for special occasions.”
    In an age where people hardly find time to pamper themselves, what could be better than gifting an experience and letting your loved ones indulge in their passion? Try something out of the box, like a relaxing spa therapy, theatre tickets for a hit play or a dive with sharks! Which memory are you gifting your friend this birthday, then?
THE EXPERIENTIAL GIFTING GUIDE You can choose your personalised experience from these themes: Sports & adventure: Diving course certification, river rafting, Muay Thai training, deep-sea fishing, hot-air ballooning, bungee jumping, golf coaching, ice-skating, quad biking, cycling tours Wellness & beauty: Slithery snake spa treatment, Czech beer rejuvenation, foot reflexology, salon haircuts and styling, holistic health packages Culture & entertainment: Learning ethnic printing techniques, pottery classes, movie/theatre/musical tickets, acting, cartoon study classes, tattoo designing, ballroom dancing lessons, photography, home décor workshops Gourmet: Fine dining, wine tasting, beer appreciation, cocktail-making session, Thai cooking holiday, multi-cuisine meals, picnic baskets, cake baking

“LIFE ISN'T JUST ABOUT MATERIAL THINGS. THERE'S NOTHING LIKE TRYING YOUR HAND AT SOMETHING NEW, ESPECIALLY IF YOU GET A CHANCE TO MEET NEW PEOPLE, BE ACTIVE AND HAVE A FEW LAUGHS. PEOPLE TEND TO PUT OFF THINGS LIKE SIGNING UP FOR DANCE OR COOKING CLASSES. BEING A DANCE FREAK, I'D LOVE TO LEARN SALSA. AND I HAVE A SWEET TOOTH TOO, SO A BAKING CLASS WOULD BE A GREAT GIFT” —SHIBANI DANDEKAR, SINGER AND MODEL


“EXPERIENCES ARE EMBEDDED DEEP DOWN IN OUR MEMORIES, UNLIKE TANGIBLE COMMODITIES THAT HAVE A SHELF LIFE. I OFTEN GIFT MY FAMILY, CLOSE FRIENDS AND MY COMPANY MEMBERS AN OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE IN THE FORM OF A TREK OR A HOLIDAY. WE LIVE IN STRESSFUL TIMES, AND THERE IS CONSTANT PRESSURE, BOTH PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY. SO, I KNOW THAT PEOPLE I LOVE AND GENUINELY CARE FOR SOMETIMES REQUIRE MORE THAN JUST A SUPERFICIAL GIFT. THEY NEED SOMETHING THAT ALLOWS THEM TO UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES AND DEAL WITH THE WORLD OUTSIDE” —TERENCE LEWIS, CHOREOGRAPHER, REALITY SHOW JUDGE


“THE IDEA WORKS FABULOUSLY BECAUSE IT GIVES YOU SO MANY CHOICES. GIFTING PEOPLE EXPERIENCES WILL ENSURE THAT THEY THOROUGHLY ENJOY THEIR PRESENT, AND THAT THE PRESENTER GETS HIS MONEY’S WORTH TOO. A HIGHEND PAINTING CERTIFICATE COURSE WOULD DEFINITELY BRING A SMILE TO MY FACE”
— MUGDHA GODSE, ACTRESS


“I HATE THINKING OF GIFTING IDEAS. THIS TREND MAKES IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE LIKE ME TO CHOOSE A PRESENT. AT LEAST, YOU'D BE GIVING THE PERSON WHAT THEY ARE FOND OF AND WOULD BE APPRECIATED AS WELL. I WOULD TOTALLY LOVE TO NOT JUST GIVE BUT EVEN RECEIVE SUCH GIFTS. SINCE TRAVELLING IS MY HOBBY, ANYTHING TRAVELRELATED WOULD BE A GREAT GIFT FOR ME”
    — SAMIR KOCHHAR, IPL HOST AND ACTOR


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September 08, 2013

things you must avoid doing after breaking up

SENDING THE ‘ACCIDENTAL’ TEXT...

...and other things you must avoid doing after breaking up



    Everyone has poured on the how-tos of conducting yourself after a break up, but here are some things most of us are guilty of doing:
The “accidental” text Admit it. You have done this at least once if not multiple times with the same or a different person. Avoid. It is desperate and pathetic. Sorry people, but there’s no softer way to put it.
The dramatic makeover A break-up is the perfect time to bring the focus back on yourself, get your wardrobe straightened out, change your hair, your style et al. However, do not opt for a drastic haircut or wardrobe. You might get over the break-up in a few weeks, but will have to live with the look for months.

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September 08, 2013

The latest technologies in consumer durables have made life so much easier for mankind. Here’s how…

The latest technologies in consumer durables have made life so much easier for mankind. Here’s how…


    Evolution of mankind has happened since eternity. Right from the invention of wheel to today's tech-savvy generation, technology has come a long way. Each and every invention has taken place with one motto: to make life easier for humankind.
    Despite being a developing country, India is not far behind when it comes to the usage of high end products that make for a convenient lifestyle. Basic kitchen utility items like mixer-grinders, water purifiers, microwave ovens, etc., to decorating the living room with the latest television and music sets technology has changed the way we live life. Over the years, television has evolved and how!
    Nihal Nambiar, who recently purchased an LED TV, says, "The model that I bought recently is loaded with features. With the advent of the internet application in most of the modern TVs and the on-demand concept being introduced, TV has become interactive. You can Skype (video chat); watch YouTube videos."
    While technology has changed the way we live, rise in the disposable income of the upwardly mobile class has changed how we do it as money is no longer the restraining factor.
    Nilesh Gupta, owner of Vijay Sales, firmly believes that people are looking out for designer products, especially when they are thinking of renovation or buying new homes. "There are consumers who wish to buy washing machines and refrigerators in bold colours like red and burgundy. They do so simply as the whole ensemble go well with their interiors. Sometimes, when the desired colour is not available in India, they also end up importing it from abroad," he reveals.
    For Nilimal Desai, a working professional, her day starts with filling water bottles from her water purifier. "I feel technology has helped in making life easier for women, especially working women like me, who also have to manage their family. Every appliance you see in my kitchen helps me cook faster and serve nutritious food to my family, right from the juicer to non-stick pans on which I can cook a healthy meal for my family. For me, the water purifier is the best invention ever! No more waiting for the boiling hot water to cool off to fill the water bottles. One touch and the automatic washing machine does the washing and drying of the clothes. By the time I'm ready to leave for work, it dries up. My daughter thinks I am a super woman! Well, I guess all working ladies will be super women, if they have these special gadgets," smiles Nilima.
    With the advent of smartphones, you don't necessarily need to switch on a laptop or PC for checking mails; one can easily get a lot of work done while away from office, too. It is like carrying a mini office with you. Phones are no longer used only for communication. There are many business deals that are done over on the phone with apps like Skype, Hangouts, etc.
    Given the awareness regarding environmental issues like global warming, there are various products that are designed with power-save concept.
    One cannot deny the fact that human kind is dependent on technology and the not so tech-savvy people are also trying to learn to operate these modern gadgets. Technology has indeed brought a huge change in the general lifestyle of the common man.



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AI Training and the Destruction of Rare Books: Is Technology Creating a New Information Monopoly?

  AI Training and the Destruction of Rare Books: Is Technology Creating a New Information Monopoly? Introduction Artificial intelligence is ...