Sunday, October 13, 2013

October 13, 2013

Narrow your focus for a broader vision


Narrow your focus for a broader vision

A narrow focus is credited with many a success, but it is the broader vision behind it that gives our focus the right direction



    Deep in a book as the car took me to office, I looked up and saw a vision to gladden the soul – a beautiful patch of green hedged in by a glorious floral palette. For a moment I was disoriented; where was I? Surely this wasn’t my usual office route. Bedazzled by the vision, it took a couple of moments before things around regained their everyday drabness for me; indeed it was my usual route. But for a moment my focus had narrowed to the patch of beauty amidst the chaos, all else had been pushed to the periphery. 

    I have looked for the patch every day since, but it never again had the same impact, because once again I was seeing it as part of a broader vista. It was the intense focus of the moment that created magic that day. It set me thinking on the importance of a narrow focus, which one is generally told to avoid in favour of a broader focus. How can that be? If a narrow focus can acquaint one with such soul-stirring beauty, it has to be a good thing. 

    A lot of good things in life require us to narrow our focus. To meditate effectively, we need to narrow our focus almost to a pinpoint. Medical treatments — from the microscope to the laser — are all about a narrower, more focused process. Even to look far into the distance, we narrow our gaze by squinting to get a clearer vision. 

    New business practices consider a narrow focus essential for success. Research shows that no company can succeed by trying to be all things to all people – it needs to narrow focus on one unique value it can deliver in a chosen market. 

    Quite often, the narrow aspect you choose to focus on defines you. Take for instance the movie The Lunchbox. Some viewers came away with a general feel of having watched a good film, some shared a quote or two from the movie. But one friend surprised me by saying what he liked best were the contents of the tiffin box, especially the brinjals. And then my bureaucrat sister who has worked long in the field of child labour, shook me further by saying, “It pains me to see Indian kids still out of school... wasted generations, wasted resources, wasted lives. Did you notice those kids singing in the local train in the film?” I saw them sis, but not quite the way you did. 
 
    A narrow focus is critical; however in order to narrow that focus in the right direction, you need a broader vision. Meditation may require a narrow focus, and yet you do it to understand a broad focus of life. Healing may require specialists, but who can deny the significance of the physician who takes an overall view?A business narrows its focus based on its broader vision. Too much of a narrow-focus vision and tense, constricted attention leads to stress and disquiet; you need your moments of open focus to relax. 

    So, the vision needs to be broad, within which we need to narrow focus in specified areas. Just as while walking or driving, you use broader vision to get a general idea of the road and then focus on the immediate step ahead.

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October 13, 2013

Find out what your dreams mean


Find out what your dreams mean

Get insight into your unconscious mind through these reads



Beginner’s Guide to Dream Analysis: Although it is written by Sigmund Freud, known as the father of modern psychology, this entertaining introductory guide is easy to understand. Read it to learn what causes dreams and how to figure out what they mean. A good follow-up to this book is Freud’s revolutionary works, The Interpretation of Dreams and Dream Psychology.  

Dream Dictionary: Based on material from thousands of dreams gathered during three decades of research, dream therapist Tony Crisp’s classic provides instant access to information about recurring dreams and their significance, about what your dreams are telling you with regard to your relationships, how to resolve deep-rooted pain and how to banish nightmares.  

Book of Dreams: In this bestseller, psychic Sylvia Browne reveals how to decipher messages embedded in dreams, and then how to utilise them.  

Understand Your Dreams: Decipher your dreams using author Alice Anne Parker’s techniques for remembering dreams with a glossary of more than 2,000 key images, and a method of interpretation using pivotal questions associated with dream images.  

Dreamer’s Dictionary: Discover the stuff that dreams are made of and get a glimpse into your soul through more than 1,300 entries for common dream elements. Author Garuda provides not one, but up to three meanings — symbolic, psychological, and visionary — of dreams, and then narrows down the meaning through context.

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October 13, 2013

Do you have a friend you regularly flirt with, but indulge in nothing further?

5 signs you are in a ‘flirtationship’

Do you have a friend you regularly flirt with, but indulge in nothing further? We break down this complicated relationship trend...


    Flirtationship is a fast growing social trend today. It describes a relationship where you are more than just friends but not in a real relationship. Here are a few signs that you may be in one: Both of you often shower each other with compliments. You don’t shy away from telling your friend how cute, sexy, adorable he/she is looking in a new outfit. You are always the first one to like his/her online status or profile picture on social networking sites. You flirt suggestively but with no real intention of getting physically involved. There is at least one inside joke or anecdote you guys share and laugh about, that other people don’t understand. And you don’t really want to share or explain it to anyone else. You have hordes of pictures of him/her or, maybe, even a separate folder of the two of you posing together, in your phone or laptop. Your friends don’t understand your relationship and assume you are secretly dating. When you’re asked to describe your relationship, you most probably say ‘we’re just friends’ or ‘it’s complicated’.


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Friday, September 20, 2013

September 20, 2013

a surgeon in Chennai became the first in India to live-stream a surgery using the Google Glass


In a first, Chennai doctor uses Google Glass to air ops live


Chennai: When the surgeon’s scalpel drew a red line on the patient’s abdomen, two blocks away a group of medical students leaned toward their screens. The procedure was a simple hernia operation, but the surgical team members were unusually upbeat as they turned to look at the latest gadget in the operation theatre—the Google Glass worn by their chief.
    As the medical fraternity in the West debates the usefulness of the newest device produced by Google, doctors in India have joined the chorus with bouquets and brickbats, even as a surgeon in Chennai became the first in India to live-stream a surgery using the Google Glass. On Tuesday, Lifeline Hospitals live-streamed an upper gastro-intestinal laparoscopy on a 45-year-old man and a hernia repair on a 42-year-old woman to medical students two blocks away using Google Glass.
    “It felt like I was glancing at my rearview mirror while driving. I was focusing on the surgeries and talking to my students at the same time. At one point, I stopped feeling it was an external device,” said Dr J S Rajkumar, chief surgeon at Lifeline.  
 
Google Glass invites mixed reactions
Chennai: In a first in the country, Chennai surgeon J S Rajkumar on Tuesday used Google Glass to live-stream two operations he conducted to his students sitting two blocks away. Google Glass is a wearable computer that has a frame similar to traditional eyeglasses. It follows voice commands to take photos and videos that show the viewpoint of the user.
    The surgeries were livestreamed on Google Hangout as well. Doctors say the gadget is yet another step forward in opening the doors of the operation theatre.
    “People need to know what is happening behind those doors. This is one more gadget towards that end. Students can see the surgical procedures through their seniors’ eyes, quite literally. This is a phenomenal surgical tool,” said Dr Rajkumar. He, however,added, “We did face some practical glitches like problems with wi-fi and the battery dying early.”
    Although the gadget is still to hit the market, Google distributed 2,000 of the gizmos earlier this year for testing before its release to the general public. Doctors say the technology could be used to view X-rays, MRI images and other medical information as they conduct surgeries and connect with doctors in far flung places.
    While some doctors say the device could soon become a fixture in operation theatres, some see it as a distraction. “It’s too early to celebrate this as a breakthrough in healthcare tools. Unless it is carefully vetted, it could be a disaster for patients,” said Dr R Ravi Kumar, director, institute of cardiovascular disease, robotic surgery centre at Chettinad Health City.
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Friday, September 13, 2013

September 13, 2013

Government mulls madrasa-like grant for Vedic, Warkari schools

Government mulls madrasa-like grant for Vedic, Warkari schools

Buckles under pressure to address vote-bank imbalance ahead of general polls

MUMBAI: Following allegations levelled by right-wing parties that the state’s decision to offer a grant to madrasas is appeasement of minorities ahead of general elections, the government is likely make a similar provision for institutes imparting Vedic and Warkari education.
The suggestion came up in Wednesday’s cabinet meeting when ministers Patangrao Kadam and Jaidutta Khirsagar discussed the issue. The cabinet then considered a demand raised by the Warkaris (Bhakti sect). The bureaucrats were asked to prepare a proposal for giving aid to Vedic and Warkari schools.
On September 4, the cabinet had approved Rs10 crore for the 200 madrasas in the state. There are 1,889 madrasas in Maharashtra, in which 1,45,995 students are enrolled. The facility will apply to madrasas registered with the state charity commissioner. Under the scheme, madrasas will get a number of benefits, such as special grants to develop infrastructure and scholarships for student
The scheme is voluntary and those unwilling to avail the grant will be given as grants to madrasas for renovation a one-time grant for building libraries will be given as annual scholarships to some 600 students may refuse the state funds. In fact, some madrasas in central Maharashtra have refused the scheme fearing interference from government authorities.
The grant is subject to certain conditions — the institute must On September 4, the cabinet approved 10 crore for 200 madrasas in the state. teach subjects such as science and mathematics as per the state board syllabus and the students must take the SSC board examinations. Sources in the government said that similar conditions would apply to Vedic and There are 1,889 madrasas in Maharashtra, in which 145,995 students are enrolled. Wakari schools.
“We don’t have the number of Vedic or Warkari schools available. We will study the issue before finalising the policy,” a state government official said.
President o f Wa r k a r i The facility will apply to madrasas registered with the state charity commissioner. A week after it approved grants for madrasas, the cabinet agreed in-principle to allow sops for Vedic and Warkari schools. The Warkari sect is one of the most powerful religious groups in the state. With several crore people following the sect, the government cannot afford to invite their ire ahead of the general elections. In fact, many ministers and senior leaders are associated with the sect. Prabodhan Mahasamiti, Rameshwar Shastri Maharaj, said Warkari organisations operate some 3000 schools in the state. “We will need at least Rs100 crore annually in government grant,” he said
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September 13, 2013

Parel: Curious case of contrasts

Parel: Curious case of contrasts

DOUBLE TROUBLE While the main platform and bridge can barely hold the crowds, an unused platform and roads around the station get dark and lonely

As dusk falls outside Parel station, the street lights gradually come on. Vendors lining the street switch on their own bulbs, partially illuminating the narrow stretch, which is the main route leading out of the station, while commuters hurry past towards the road on the eastern side.
There is only one narrow bridge that connects Parel to the west, which gets stifling during peak hours. “I do not feel safe at Parel station at night,” said Paromita Pal, 25, a student who lives nearby. “I normally do not get down here and prefer to get off at Dadar. There are hardly enough street lights and even less lighting once the vendors go away.”
“After 10pm, no one can come here,” said Sadhna Kandare, 33. “At Dadar, I can come and go any time, because there are always enough people.”
At Parel station, it is a case of contrasts: the only platform in use can get overcrowded, while the surrounding areas get dark and lonely.
The bridge connecting the western and central lines is packed during rush hour. Vendors populate the main path towards the station on the eastern side till late.
“I have been here for 40 years, and nothing untoward has ever happened,” said a woman vendor. “We live right here. If anything happens, we are there to help.” However, there are still a handful of hangers-on – a stray homeless person sleeping on a bench of the unused platform, a semi-comatose beggar on the steps to the bridge. The walkway that leads to the bridge on the far side is well-lit but barely used.
“This station is a bit lonely because it has just one platform in constant use,” said a police officer on duty on the empty platform. . “In other stations there are more platforms being used.”

AUDIT USING THE CHECKLIST



1. Lighting is substantial on the main bridges and main platform for local trains. Most lights are switched off on the abandoned platform. Ticket area is well-lit, but a large patch of ground adjacent to it is dark. Approach to the station from both sides lit by lampposts, but all the lights are not functioning. Heavy tree cover adds to the darkness
Most people avoid the desolate path on the station’s east, which the new, hardly-used bridge leads to. 2. There are no clear signs indicating the route to the second footbridge. No signs indicating the station master’s cabin. Other signs with helpline numbers, platform numbers are unclear, fading or in obscure places
3. One road to the connecting bridge is deserted and not used for the most part. The main access points towards the station are single pedestrian paths on the east and west sides
4. Women try and avoid the surge of men, especially on the bridge, by using the womenonly queues organised by the police during rush hour.
5. Hawkers and vendors are sometimes present on the bridges and in large numbers on the roads leading to the bridges, but their presence makes the area a little more populated, making women feel safer
6. The main bridge connecting two stations is overburdened. The new bridge on the other side is barely being used as it is far away and inconvenient. Loiterers are seen here sometimes.
7. There are no skywalks
8. Police are present on the bridges and on both platforms. They are alert and attentive, and also helpful with directions and information to commuters
9. Aside from hawkers, minimal non-commuters are seen. A few people were found sleeping in the area, and some loitering on the platform that is not in use. Loiterers are seen sometimes at the foot of the bridge.
10. Emergency services and routes are not marked clearly. Phone numbers and helpline numbers not prominently displayed.

Platforms 3 and 4 are deserted. The few trains that halt here are long-distance ones. Women commuters were not seen here.

Unknown men were found sleeping on the benches

Both ends of all the platforms were deserted. There were only two police constables near the foot over bridges.

There was only one woman constable and four to five men police officers

Men were seen passing ruthless comments, whistling, taking pictures.

Women commuters reported that boys/men touch them in the crowd while a train passes by

Many women/girls said there should be more police constables when the station is empty

A majority of college girls have suffered or witnessed staring, winking or touching

Men stare at women/girls who pass by or are walking along the length of the platforms

There is a women’s washroom below the bridge next to the tracks, but this is located right next to the men’s washroom which leads to a “lot of sexual harassment”.

Drug addicts are seen standing under bridges and at corners

Only useful bridge also the site of chaos, harassment

It is 7pm and the bridge connecting Elphinstone Road and Parel stations is heaving under the weight of hundreds of commuters.
As the nodal bridge between the two lines, it is densely packed at peak office hours. Three women constables have been posted to handle the traffic, but even that seems inadequate.
For women commuters, this isn’t just an ordinary bridge to descend from, it is an experience bordering on the hellish.
“When it’s crowded, men think they can take their chances,” said Nivedita Virnodkar, 27, who works in an import business and has been using this station for the past three years.
As the crowds surge through the bottleneck at the main platform, the constables try to control the movements through intermittent shouted instructions, whistles and asking for women to use a separate queue. But this is not always good enough.
The policewomen have been posted here mainly to help women commuters, and to try and ensure that women get preference while going up or down. “We try and manage the best as we can,” said one of them.
The bridge on the far side only connects the platform to the other side of Parel and not to the western line. Though clean and well-lit, it remains unused, because of the inconvenient access point and the lonely path that it leads to.


No toilet for women here

A women’s toilet at Parel station lies locked, and in disrepair. Meanwhile, men urinate just nearby in a half open structure that reeks. No other public toilets for women were found near the station. This is just one example of poor infrastructure and inadequate facilities at the station th t th d d il b i

Spot the helpline number

A sign with the helpline number lies in decrepit condition, hidden behind other odds and ends outside the station master’s office Although this number is out of use, the current helpline number is not prominently displayed in other locations; Dust-smeared boards, fading fonts and notices in obscure

An unusual hang-out spot

This platform is hardly used for local train commuters, and mostly just for freight trains. However, non-commuters still linger here, sometimes solo or in groups, sleeping or simply hanging around and chatting. The food stall here also remains shut through the day. At night, very few lights are used.


Past 8pm on the second platform of the Parel station, used by goods trains, is more than a little eerie. With only four tubelights on, it is more or less a straight walk through into darkness, with a few men standing around.
The policemen manning the platform claim the lights-out atmospherics is to save electricity, but this is hardly confidenceinspiring. Since it is not really used by commuters, there is no particular reason to come here, but even the policemen were circumspect to see me.
“Why are you walking here alone?” asked one, with a note of concern. “It is not safe to move around alone. You should go with a colleague. Haven’t you been reading the papers?”
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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

September 11, 2013

Acupuncture helps check excess weight gain


JUST PUNCTURE OBESITY

Acupuncture helps check excess weight gain


    Obesity is caused by a multitude of reasons. Chief among them are hormonal imbalance, lack of exercise, overeating, bingeing on junk food, sedentary lifestyle, slow metabolism, stress and depression. While there are as many remedies on offer to lose that excess weight, there’s one which isn’t just part of traditional Chinese medicine but is also endorsed by the World Health Organisation and The United States National Institutes of Health: Acupuncture, a science that is able to address almost all the factors associated with being overweight. It does so by providing a multipronged approach to the weight-gain problem by restoring bodily functions to normality so to bring about an equilibrium and thereby, control the factors leading to obesity. 

REDUCES APPETITE, ENHANCES ENERGY Obesity consultant Dr Amrapali Patil says that acupuncture can bring about weight loss by different mechanisms. “It can blunt craving for food, bringing about ‘homoeostasis’ in the body, thereby adjusting the ‘milieu intérieur’ of the body to normality.”
    For instance, blood sugar dips are known to cause hunger pangs. The doctor explains, “When the blood sugar level is normal, there is no unhealthy increase in appetite. Acupuncture achieves this by enabling one to eat less by reducing requirement of food while enhancing the body’s ability to effectively utilise the energy obtained from food consumed. This means that though appetite and food requirement decrease, one feels highly energetic and refreshed at all times.” 

METABOLISM BOOST The basal metabolic rate (BMR) of the body can be upped with the help of acupuncture. “So, while appetite decreases, energy is replenished and the body’s metabolism actually increases. This creates a negative caloric balance and the weight gets yanked down,” says Dr Patil. 

MORE EFFECTIVE 

DIGESTION Acupuncture enables the digestive system to process food effectively. 

HORMONE REGULATION Acupuncture regulates ghrelin and leptin, hormones associated with being overweight and obese. 

STRESS-BUSTER Being overweight causes stress, leading to wrong choices that lead to weight gain. Acupuncture releases endorphins (‘happiness hormones’) present in the body, resulting in a calming, tranquilising effect that brings about a feeling of well-being and positive mood elevation. 

AIDS LIVER FUNCTION It promotes functioning of liver to its optimal level. The liver is an organ that doesn’t just aid metabolism but also is imperative to glycogen storage, decomposition of red bloof cells, plasma proteing synthesis, hormone production and detoxification. Dr Patil states,
    “A regulated liver function means a proper metabolic rate and health at its best. This aids enormously in weight loss.” 
 
ACCUPUNCTURE CLAIMS TO:
    Reduce cravings
    Increase metabolism
    Reduce abdominal fat
    Improve insulin resistance
    Detox body 

OPPOSING OPINION
    Weight-loss clinics in our city that use acupuncture, also have nutritionists who prescribe a low-cal diet that aids weight loss. Others use electromuscular stimulation and procedures that need followups, wherein excess weight is taken care of by an in-house dietician. Since there are no scientific studies, in my knowledge, to study the impact of acupuncture on weight-loss in isolation, I don’t think it has an effect. We have operated many patients who have lost weight through these means but their weight always came back. Despite these procedures, weight re-gain possibility is very high.
    — Dr Ramen Goel,
    Bariatric surgeon

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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 ...