It has been announced May as a Mental Health Month and this means, Educating self and community to mind one's Health and keep healthy and fine - Physically as well as mentally. Incidently, I recently started writing the Statesman Blog by the name Blossomsmile (category Health & Fitness/Food & Drink/Opinion). I am sure, you will find my Health & Fitness Blogging tips useful here.

Being Corporate Insurance Agent, I would say, Health has to be a prime priority in life. It's a concern for the whole family. I been watching the documentary film of Drew Barrymore and she started taking alcohol at the age of 9, hooked to drugs at 10 and had to go to a rehab center as she became too addicted and got into very bad shape. At the age of 14, she wrote a book and later, we know she became a star celebrity with movies like Charlie's Angels. She had faced a trauma of parent separation and faced a lot of misery at a young age.

Ask a child or teen "What's the Matter?" My article on 'Parent stress, kids stress' ( Romanian translation) focus on many a points to stop the depressive feelings - be it parent stress but let not the kids too get into the vicious stressful living. Depression along affects as many as one in every 33 children and one in eight teens. Mental Disorder in children rises which make them irritated, rude, unpredictable, disorganized and so on which lead to problems at home, school or community. Help children grown up gracefully in normal environment with their days filled with happiness. Visit the nmha site and get aware. Proudly wear a green ribbon to draw attention to childhood depression and use the material placed on this site of Child Depression Awareness Day.

- ilaxi

"It's true that the real reward for a job well done is having done it. But it feels so good to get a pat on the back."

The caption says aloud! How very often do you get a pat on your back or that little Appreciation that you deserve?

Well, we may talk of this later but right now, I am going to focus on a job well done. Interim Housing Solutions is a major benefit that can help you find the best accommodations at the most reasonable rates whether you are relocating to a new city, working on an extended assignment, settling an insurance claim, undergoing extended medical treatment, or simply need a place to call home during a period of transition. Free Temporary Housing and short term Apartments are in great demand especially when you want to stay for prolonged days - Home Away from Home. IHS provides an up-to-date inventory of furnished apartments available in major U.S. cities coast-to-coast and throughout Canada. Their mission is to make it easy for corporations, small businesses and individuals to find exactly what they want with a single search.

And staying away for a month in Charlotte, my friend said, she's got the best deal from IHS for a temporary stay. She had the facilities for 60 days and her apartment came with all the amenities, including cookware, dishes, coffeemaker, cable and local phone and all that you need for living. This reminds me of the Sterling RCI membership where we enjoy the 7 days facilities for free stay and lapses after the accumulation of 21 days.Poof! thats for an Indian vacation, lemme say! The abroad facilities are far away from the city.

Well, If you ever happen to be for a vacation to United States or major Canadian cities, here is IHS at the reach of a phone call : 866.279.4471 Toll Free: 703.893.1901 Phone or Fax:703.893.1902. You can even

E-mail IHS

for your interim housing solution needs or fill up a form here.

Do lemme have your views once you visit there coz I never gonna be that Faaar...Far way, away from Home as Yeh Mera India...I love my India.

-ilaxi

Wanna Blog? If you are a freak on web, prolly you know Why Blog but if you don't know What is a Blog and Why to Blog, How to Blog and that too, in Gujarati, here is my How to Blog in Gujarati Help Guide. It so happens, we think in Gujarati and speak in English, so why not Think, speak and Write in Gujarati? Or any other Language! Logic, you'd say!

With the Blogging mania on a rise on the web, Blogging is become a 'Revolution'. Nielsen/NetRatings found blog readership has grown 31% since the beginning of the year, as blogs attracted 29.3 million visitors in July 2005.The flourishing of blogs, estimated at more than 700,000 worldwide, has created a new space for self-expression on political and social matters.

And now here is the Big News. Got a great Blog and wondering what to do to increase your reach, visibility and readership? Get a Big Exposure with 'Blog Burst'. BlogBurst is a syndication service of Pluck.com that places your blog content on top-tier online destinations on the Publishers' websites. Submit your blog for an Invitation Call and once you're accepted into the BlogBurst Network, keep blogging as usual. The Publishers picks up your contents and you reach a target audience with that byline line, driving traffic to you Blog!

So, if you are dreaming to be a journalist - Just forget it working for a few bucks. Here is your chance to be read on big Newspaper sites like Statesman, Guardian, etc. and bigger websites like SFGATE - Earn great too! Just write great contents and be read. Here is one of my Blogs featured on Austin Statesman under the category Health & Fitness, Opinion and Food & Drink (click blossomsmile. Enjoy! Do send in your comments too:-)

Gujarati newspapers - are you listening? It's time to 'Appreciate' people around esp. own Journalists and also people blogging in Gujarati. Now they can have a say on your websites too. Just pick up those bloggers from Blogburst. They really would prove themselves to be better Journalist, after all.

- ilaxi

We read biographies and autobiographies to acquaint ourselves with the lives of great men and the times they lived in. Here is 'Blood Brothers' by MJ Akbar which combines history, biography and fiction. I ever enjoyed reading
Shade of Swords by MJ but here is a skillfully crafted family saga across three generations.





























When I blogged away reviews of this Book 'Blood Brothers', it's given me an immense feeling of a job worth done and exposed - A writer understands 'words' more and this is a meaningful book with MJ's insights, humour, arguments, debates and above all, the social interpretations.

Well, here's what people have to say for 'Blood Brothers' by MJ Akbar. Btw, look forward for 'Guardian of Angels:A practical guide to joyful parenting by Ilaxi (yeah, that's me, an unpublished Author; hopefully,soon to be published!) Watch for Excerpts at kidsfreesouls.com

- ilaxi

Listening is always a pleasure! I often say, Music is the speech of angels and so very true. Up in the morn, plays the Radio Mirchi Traffic beat, followed by World Space 40 Count Down and than the usual Yahoo Launch or the ipod.

Recently, while surfing for my ipod software download, it came to light, how Apple called for a meeting after making a little girl cry. Apple Computer recently called for a meeting to discuss changes in its Corporate Policy after the company sent an upsetting legalese reply to a third-grade girl who had hand-written a letter to chief executive Steve Jobs with her thoughts on improving the iPod. A 9-year-old Shea O'Gorman and her third-grade class began learning about writing business and formal letters, she thought who better to write to than the chief executive of the company that makes her iPod nano. Shea offered her ideas on how the company could improve on its iPod digital music players, such as adding song lyrics so listeners can sing along to their tunes.

The girl recieved a cold reply from the Apple's legal department but nevertheless, the company's General Counsel placed a personal call to Shea to apologize following a CBS 5 News inquiry.

It's a call to check the Corporate response policies. Change with the Change - communication lag is a major fall and I wonder, with the technology in, how many corporate check in for their responses or hit out on communication? An alarm sign...

- ilaxi

23rd April is marked for World Book Day. This reminds me of the rich literature we use to learn in earlier schooling days. Today's generation are aware of 'Shakespeare' but ask them to recite a poem or narrate a story - Who's got the time to read! I think, schools should make Literature a compulsory subject.

Well, here's a Shakespeare Poem and I remember too well, Makrant Shukla (Kash movie child artist) use to recite this poem and children just called for a 'Re-repeat' as he always had a flair of reciting so unique with an expression to match what the poet said.

All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms;
Then the whining school-boy, with his satchel And shining morning face,
creeping like snail Unwillingly to school.
And then the lover, Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad,
Made to his mistress' eyebrow.
Then a soldier, Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard, Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth.
And then the justice, In fair round belly with good capon lin'd, With eyes severe and beard of formal cut, Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part.
The sixth age shifts Into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon, With spectacles on nose and pouch on side, His youthful hose, well sav'd, a world too wide For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice, Turning again toward childish treble,pipes
And whistles in his sound.
Last scene of all, That ends this strange eventful history, Is second childishness and mere oblivion; Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans every thing.

Hmmm...An English Poet and Playwright, Shakespeare wrote 38 plays, a collection of sonnets and variety of Poems. The kids in my class recently did a Literature Project - Aayushi, Shaimi, Aashini, Gucci and Parav. Each selected their own Author Profile:William Wordsworth, Robert Browning, Percy B Shelley, John Keats and Lord Alfred Tennyson. It's an effort to motivate but nevertheless, its creating awareness to jumpstart for an action.

- ilaxi

Last week, I went for the Book Launch of Desi Dream Merchants by A.G.Krishnamurthy at Crosswords, Mithakhali.(9th April 2006) Among the present was the guest, Mr. Vimal Ambani. This Mudra Leader launched his first book 'The Invisible CEO' last year as Mudra completed 25 years. What impressed me was the speech of Krish, as he spoke of the team spirits of Mudra. The Desi Dream Merchants Back cover begins "Management theorists have opined that leaders need followers. And having a dream team is one of the latent desires of all managers and leaders." Rightly said 'Krish' but than the 'Boss is the speed of the Team', I would say:-)

Krishnamurthy conveyed a message at the end of his speech to the new Generation to "Keep the Faith in your own-self and believe in your own Dreams - If you dream and work hard, sooner or later, success is at your own door-step", he quipped.

Mudra as an agency has been quintessentially Indian. The logo with those two artistic hands in a striking dance posture and the ability to think in Indian languages, to appeal to the Indian consumer still remains. If you visit the Mudra website, it sure has the classic appeal with the Indian music notations being played 'Sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni sa or you call it 'Do, re, me..' The agency was understandably proud of its Indian roots - carrying the tagline “Made in India”. And whilst it had multinational clients, it had a wide range of clients who respected and valued its uniqueness and if one may add indianness. Brands like Vimal, Rasna, Binnies, Nutrine, Dhara, and Symphony were happy clients of the agency for years on end.

In Desi Dream Merchants, AG Krishnamurthy, the Mudra Man, in sequeal to The Invisible CEO reveals the inside story of Mudra - a desi ad agency catering to the needs of the Indian Business. In his amiable style, the author enlivens the book involving the team spirits with anecdotes and stories of the team. The book also has extracts of AGK Speak column in Business standard. Krish speaks of his bygone days, remembering Dhirubhai Ambani, who way back in 1980 handed Krish the mandate to begin the Mudra Ad Agency and create the best textile advertising in India with a minimum Rs.35,000/-. Dhirubhai put a lorry load of Trust and enough fuel to last till the nearest petrol pump, Krish says as he got to task, the right people and who obviously 'walked English, talked English and Advertised English.

The book is the Making of Mudra and is worth a story to be read from the Mudra Founder, A.G.Krishnamurthy and his team. Desi Dream Merchants is a veritable treat to leaders, would-be leaders, advertising and marketing professionals.

- ilaxi

While working on web, I came to know these guys Ajay Sanghani & Shiv who were actively involved with Internet Projects. It was a treat for me to run a site called Mysticcommune.com for Shiv who was also an Osho fan and I fantasy read Osho and wrote articles related to Osho thoughts. This domain is now sold, I guess! As time flew, Shiv lost in oblivion and I lost his trace but Ajay - he still is with his own UK-based E-business Consulltancy.

Recently, he invited me to Blog for itvidya.com and I got tempted to casual Blog there to share my piece of Blogging. I posted on webproworld, syndicationpro etc (Posting do chart me on #1 in Google and bring me readers for my websites to sambhaav.com, Kidsfreesouls.com, swagatgroup.net & mjakbar.org too;-)

ITvidya.com is a group of IT professionals who launched India’s first network of technology blogs that allows its members to create their own blogs and share knowledge on information technology. The network also hosts expert-managed blogs in areas of coding, design, database, operating systems (OS), emerging technologies, enterprise solutions, outsourcing, web and wireless technologies. Ajay says, “With blogs around, the web is now no more just a library, but also an interactive conversation platform allowing active participation by all users not only to read, but also write and comment. Ajay's aim is to build the largest blogging network of IT Professionals with a purpose to create information, share knowledge, interact with peers, learning, growing and creating opportunities for each other. 'Gain IT, Share IT' - the Slogan itself says all, allowing members access to gain and share IT Knowledge.

Sounds Interesting? Join the team of Ajay Sanghani and start Blogging right away. If you ever wish to talk to him and hear his most professional voice, ring him on 98200 20753.

- ilaxi

Blog : Merriam-Webster's Dictionary awarded it "the word of the year" in 2004. In that particular year, the percentage of Internet users who had read blogs spiked sharply from 17% to 27%. It's 2006 and the Blogging is become a 'Revolution'. Blogs power the 'Journalism Revolution' too. Laurel Touby, founder of Mediabistro.com, says media companies like hers are looking to bloggers to fill gaps in coverage. Rather than hiring a full-time beat reporter, they hire a part-time blogger for a lot less. Respected bloggers typically are obsessed with the subject matter they cover, she adds, and they attract a community of like-minded individuals that companies want to reach.

Blogs and websites will have a higher priority than the press. The flourishing of blogs, estimated at more than 700,000 worldwide, has created a new space for self-expression on political and social matters. Here's the October 2005 estimated figures of Bloggers as per the country. Pay is all over the map - from a low of $4 per post to a flat fee of up to $75,000 for a sponsored site, according to research by Blog Business Summit. Full-time, salaried bloggers earn in the $20,000 to $70,000 range, depending on skill level and benefits.

Recently, Adam Penenberg at Wired News breaks down the earnings of those who blog for a living at Weblogs Inc. and Gawker Media. Adam L. Penenberg is an assistant professor at New York University and assistant director of the business and economic reporting program in the school's department of journalism and he specifically reports on 'Can Bloggers Strike it Rich' at wired news.

Well, isn't this cool? I would say, If wishes were horses, beggars would ride....With so many Gujarati bloggers coming up too, you think these Gujju Bloggers will have a fair chance of earning 4$ per post? Wish you all Bloggers 'Happy surfing to get hired' - btw, here's MSN and Google looking for techie buffs. What its like to work in Bangalore or Hyderabad! Microsoft is recruiting Paid Bloggers. So, here's chances for many to fly down back to India....One thing is so sure and true, once you join Google, Bangalore, I've heard 'Nobody leaves' . If you get a job here, jes lemme know...but hey, be careful with MSN guys coz I know - their projects keep changing day in and out, like the Msn-Talkcity homepages teams were lurked in oblivion - maybe these bloggers are lurked in the dark!

- ilaxi

Come summer and AMC has to get on its toes to swing to action to make the city turn to City of Gardens and Fountains! Now, the figures say 19 fountains fall under AMC, out of which seven are found to be working! Some 17 fountains are sponsored. A budget was allocated last year for the maintenance to Rs.5 lacs which is to be doubled this year. Whatever, whatever, the kankaria fountain is the best in town and I feel fountains owned by private parties function well.

Recently, Chamber of Commerce Business Women's wing felicitated some 40 women AMC Counsellors and I happened to be present at this function as one of the active Committee member of GCCI Business women's wing. They were awarded for their various contribution and during the brief sum up, I got aware of the work being carried out by AMC by women counsellors.

Well, I just wonder if these 40 women under the leadership of Malini Atit geared into action, a lot cooler would be apnu amdavad during summer - As such, its getting ready to cool people with the Cool Points - one day it would turn to be not only a city of Gardens n Fountains but a city of Hotels, Restaurants, Coffee bars, Tea centers, juice centers - Food joints where I know all NRIs now visit that even we do not know staying in town! And than, maybe AMC got to swing to action for a Clean apnu amdavad and shove off those kachra dabba found in front of the restaurants! But really, NRIs need only Mineral water bottle but otherwise any kinda food stuff is ok. Afterall, ghar ka khana and apna desh - who isn't fond of?

- ilaxi

Memorable pic of Chandrakant Baxi: Presented by ilaxi

Pic courtesy : Scanned from copy of Bhaskar city, 23rd Jan 2006.

What interested me most is that apart from writing 185 Books, Chandrakant Baxi wrote 18 poems. He thought it to be a great art form. Quite surprising but harsh truth that on his death, even the Guj CM Narendrabhai Modi spoke great words for him but unfortunately, Gujarat had no consideration for him. He became the Sheriff of Bombay and his fans gave him ample love. He felt hurt that Gujarat did not give him anything....Interestingly, his articles 'Vintage Wine, Starter, Cocktail and Bottoms Up' had interesting captions but not on hard drinks or wine...whatsoever.




His memories, we all would cherish for all times to come. Gujarati Literature need to be kept alive and it's real need of hour that Gujarat Leaders takes some action otherwise, its so sad, we are losing our all old literature people and Gujarati Sahitya world would fade...

Check on our website Sambhaav to read what CM Narendrabhai, Editor Bhupatbhai and others say for Shraddhanjali to Chandrakant Baxi. Read here Dada's words on Shabdpreet too.

- ilaxi

Our hearts cry as words fail to express the grief of the sad loss of a great Literature person Chandrakantbhai Baxi, a regular columnist, friend and an inspiration to all at Sambhaav.

Though, I never ever tried to meet him in person, I always tracked his words appearing in all newspapers. An article on Chandrakantbhai with caption'Pustokoni bevdi sadi marvi che' recently appeared in Bhaskar City and the poster lies in front of me near my computer since 23rd Jan 2006, the day it appeared waiting for me to blog on it! Somehow, I always looked the pic of Chandrakantbhai with piled up books and I ever thought of scanning the pic and than writing the blog. However, I missed on the scanning...and the sudden news of his death brought me even closer to this person with a feel that I know him since years. He has been the author of 185 Books and ever said 'words never die and touch the heart of many souls, leaving traces behind'. His first debut novel was 'Padgha dubi gaya'.......What should I say!!!

Today evening will be Chandrakantbhai's 'Besna' at Gajjar Hall - Memories stay alive in our hearts and for me, he not only became an Inspiration but a memory with that pile of books and Chandrakantbhai's smiling face behind it starring at me near my computer!!! Look here for the Scanned pic soon....

Well, here's a reader's image that says a lot...Sent by Vinoobhai Sachania from UK.








We pray for heavenly peace to the departed soul - May Chandrakantbhai Baxi stay into the hearts of his fans for years to come and may his words flow the wisdom in our lives...

- ilaxi

Recently, I read a Japanese-led research team has made a seeing, hearing and smelling robot that can carry human beings and is aimed at helping care for the country’s growing number of elderly.The 100-kilogram robot can also distinguish eight different kinds of smells, can tell which direction a voice is coming from and uses powers of sight to follow a human face.

There has been a decline in birth rate and population in Japan and since World War II more younger people put off starting a family.

Now, I wonder, with the increasing younger generation turning to be NRIs, this idea of Robot would be novel so that their parents back at home do not feel helpless without their 'Only Son' or families settled there. After all, they can afford coz its $$$ that all counts, isn't it???? Feelings are almost evaporating these days...everybody wants to make their own lives!!!

As such, thats why there has been some housing facilities like Amby valley being set up and my town has Adanis I heard, coming up with Old Age homes. This reminds me of the hip hop song (Karmacy) recently showed on MTV : maru dil my heart.......My earlier post had the video (removed now) but you can listen to all songs here and join its mailing list too.

These guys are my fav rappers..Yo...They rocking! They say for real...the Truth! Yeah, Mistakes can be amended - If there is a will, there is a way! Why repent when you decide .....Face it - That's Life!

- ilaxi

Happy Dhuleti.....Fill in Colors of Love, Colors of life - You know what colors mean? And when Krishna played the holi with gopis, it ever been colors of love but indeed was that real or just a mythological tale? Here's one of my articles on krishna in english and gujarati...

Btw, you will need gujarati old fonts of sambhaav to view the gujarati krishna page. Download and save in your Windows>Fonts and refresh to view.

- ilaxi

Years roll by....12th March and this date is wishing Sambhaav...Sambhaav started on 12th March 1986 under the flagship of Bhupatbhai Vadodaria, fondly we call him 'bhai' or 'dada'. We wish him Happy Ageing and may he always be in pink health and best spirits as ever.....Also to Bhanuben, who has ever stood beside Bhai and walked all her life in thick n thin.

Last year, Sambhaav Metro was launched on 12th March and it’s the Human relations that counts for a ‘Team Work’ as we focus more on ‘We’ rathar than ‘I’ and the secrets of a longstanding successive years as they roll by are based on the developed ‘Strengths’ – the inner power of managing to achieve Excellence with a dash of determination and confidence to reach the goals. We thank all readers for your continued support and look forward for your further association so that we can bring the best news 'Sambhaav Metro' to all.

This year promised to be good with the diversified Sambhaav - SML Hoardings venture and readers may look forward for best reads on Sambhaav Metro, Abhiyaan and SML Hoardings websites....the latter two websites, to be launched in coming days....cross your fingers and keep cool. Enjoy!



- ilaxi

PS: Btw, if I remember it was on this day, 12th March 1930 that Gandhiji in his boldest act of civil disobedience against British rule, began a long march to the sea in protest of the British salt tax. Gandhi and his followers eventually reached the Arabian Sea, where they made their own salt by evaporating sea water. The march, which resulted in the arrest of Gandhi and 60,000 others, earned new international respect and support for the leader and his movement. Gandhi's nonviolent methods, including dramatic hunger strikes, eventually did bring great results to his goal of Indian independence in 1947.

Any Caption you can give to this pic? E-mail me....

Slow updates and missing news? So happens...its a part of the management flaw! However perfect we tend to be, always a loophole we face somewhere. Relax, there is always a change and change is always good sometimes. Watch out the space for better outcome at sambhaav.com and figure out the difference in time to come. Keep the patience - the best virtue ever!

Well, now that the news bangs of the US-India Reach Agreement on Nuke Deal has been said a success amidst protest to Bush's visit.The fuelling of arms race between India and Pakistan with the sale of sophisticated weaponry to both countries suits the US interests perfectly as well as providing a good market for its arms manufacturers. Whatever be it, a game plan or a power sale, its upto to the Government to accept or refuse the Offer of US!

I wonder, Do India and Pakistan need any more hi-tech, exorbitantly priced weapons for each other? Aren’t the nuclear bombs and missiles sufficient? President of the United States of America offered the President of Pakistan a whole bunch of F-16s, and even collected cash on the deal. Pakistan is still waiting to put those fighters to some historic use. What's the need?

Ugh,oh! A survey was conducted by CBS News recently. According to the poll, it reveals more Americans disapprove of how President George W. Bush is handling his job and are pessimistic about the Iraqi situation than ever. Mr Bush’s approval rating in the survey taken on Wednesday to Saturday fell to 34 per cent, the lowest it has been since he took office in 2001 and six per cent lower than last month. Altogether 59 per cent of respondents disapproved of the job President Bush was doing. Even in his war on terrorism, usually his strongest suit in opinion surveys, President Bush’s approval rating dropped to an all-time low of 43 per cent, with 50 per cent disapproving of his actions.

Do a common human being care? What about our own CM? His fate is again gonna hang with the Best Bakery verdict....It's all a part of the Politicial games....Beware of all Politicians, I would say!

- ilaxi

The General Budget for 2006-07 presented by the Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram was well-received in the Indian press and the business community. It’s a Good Feel and prove beneficial budget as well. Its to be seen that FM does not ignore issues in public expenditure efficiency, out of Poor Budget management or political reasons.

The budget includes a number of initiatives that will help spur economic growth and provide justice to the disadvantaged sections of the society. The bulk of the budgetary resources will go for UPA government’s eight flagship programmes – Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Mid Day Meal Scheme, Rajiv Gandhi Drinking Water Mission, Total Sanitation Campaign, National Rural Health Mission, Integrated Child Development Services, National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. The total allocation for these programs at Rs.50,015 crores will be 43.2% more (in nominal terms) compared to the last year's allocation of Rs.34,927 crores.

Continuing the emphasis on tax reforms, the Finance Minister has proposed rationalization of some of the indirect taxes while expanding service tax net, given that this sector now contributes about 54 per cent of GDP. As a step in the direction of a progressive convergence of the service tax rate and the CENVAT rate, the Finance Minister has proposed to increase the service tax rate from 10 per cent to 12 per cent. The net impact of this increase is, however, likely to be very small. The Finance Minister has set April 1, 2010 as the date for introducing national level Goods and Service Tax (GST).

The Finance Minister noted that while the world has recognized the potential of India. “It is now for us to rediscover the greatness of this country and the potential of its people. The young people of India are building castles, it may appear that those castles are in the air...it is our duty to put the foundations on which the young can build their castles.” So, here's a hope somewhere...

When we consider the emphasis given to the agriculture, agro-processing, rural development, education, industry,women empowerment,health care,research etc.etc.and reduction of excise and custom duties for competency, the budget is best but the NRIs are disappointed. Non Residents you call....(Not non reliable indians!) NRIs were getting 40% preferential allotment in Initial Public Offering of the Indian companies. That was excellent opportunity for NRI retail investors to invest Indian capital market.Government had withdrawn that facility and offered that segment to foreign institutional investors.

I also find that government had declared an insurance scheme for NRIs workers, the details are not published and the implementation is still pending...That remains to be seen how soon its introduced...

- ilaxi

No more Auda limits! Apnu Amdavad is set to go for a Mega City feel as newly formed seven nagarpalikas have been merged with AMC. The 1.89 lac plus population of the cream area Bodakdev, satellite, Vastrapur, Thaltej and Makarba in the western part and Nava Odhav, Nikol and Nava Naroda in East - all simply merged. This means, the residents are in real trouble.

I always wondered, these SG Road area and surrounding was flourishing with mega malls, hotels, restaurants, hospitals and residence - particularly people almost invested in farms and build their palace style bunglows in remote areas. Now is the price to pay! These people are hooked to pay additional tax burden.Worst hit would be the Hotels like Pride, Grand Bhagwati, clubs like Karnavati and Rajpath and the mega malls and hospitals. Well, well, one cannot eat the cake all the time - Auda was doing a great job and its now the AMC challenge.......fished in and sandwiched victims are the lucky-unlucky...ers!

Best virtue is to keep patience! After all, its Mega city 'Apnu Amdavad' Be proud of it.

-ilaxi

Love is All around or Love is in the Air? Think and ask your very ownself and pop comes an Answer - Be honest, hey tell me don't you people think Romance is out and short lived Relationship is in...Well, Bal Thakeray and the Shiv Sena is once again ga ga over the Valentine theme and I feel really they would be! Just saw a couple of messages in the newspapers today and wow, people gonna crazy! Do really guys n gals know the real meaning of valentine - How it started, what are Love symbols, who are Love gods, the val story ...etc. If you wanna dive into my Valentine pages, stay cool on my site here.


Btw, I read a Love Matching of Ganesha Speaks offered by Sandesh, a gujarati newspaper on its website! Here's a very old personal site I done years ago which has links to Free Love Calculator, Love Test, etc. - Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Recently I came across this word 'Hafta Vasuli' and gosh, I wonder whether this Mega city happenning thing has the ongoing slang - too favoring or too corrupted? Surat is in direct competition to Ahmedabad to get this Mega city label but its Ahmedabad that gonna be the choice for Bio-Tech & pharma hub, I hear. Now is there any hafta vasuli for this Mega City label? I guess only CM can direct in this regard...Why I say is 'Hafta vasuli' is so deep rooted that anywhere you go, people are found to pop up with this novel word.

Recently, a passenger bought a copy of Business world from a Baroda Book store and he picked up an old issue. When he found this and told the Book vendor lady that he will complain, she said '"Kuch nahi hoga, hum hafta dete hai" - Another incident goes to a late night eatery joint and they close only after 3 - just becoz of hafta vasuli - not to mention so many other hafta vasuli mal practices goes on but I guess, it's in the system and a part of living. Rang De Basanti movie has definitely made an attempt to portray the real corrupted living and young generation is flaunted hopeless defying the tricks of the trade - I wonder, Are our politicians aware or should they be 'Beware'! It's our Karmayogi CM (true doer) who need to find the meaning of the word 'hafta vasuli' from his govt dictionary and scratch the word off - Is that possible? No Way....

- ilaxi

A very hazy morn as I gulped my morning tea and incidentally glanced through the gujarati newspaper Sandesh. Delightfully surprized, I came through this article on Nilam Doctor. Know this guy? Well, he has been the Internet Whizz since years - He launched the first gujarati newspaper online with original sambhaav ttf fonts and the first Internet guy coz of whom gujarati readers were lucky to read sambhaav newspapers on the web. Than came sandesh followed by akila daily, divya bhasker and so goes the history of gujju newspapers and blogs.

He's been my 'Net Guru' - Yeah,the person who gave me the first lessons of training on how to make a web page with FP! Rest is a history as I shuffled along with many websites and mastering skills through cyber patrolling at msn homepages. Well, this guy I knew had a vision somewhere and I always fell at a loss that IT field did not favor people who really knew the tricks of the trade. I experienced different phases of his career as he moved from sambhaav and finally, I was happy that he had become a Software Consultant engaged in Educational CDs.

Today, when I read this article, I feel the educators need to understand the web themselves - It is a sad say, compu teachers still teach the logo and are not aware of online websites like epals.com where they can get into exchange programs on various projects with teachers and students round the world! Neither Principals nor teachers have the net facilities to explore and if they have, there hardly is a progress seen as to the welfare of children. Well, I did teach a student from Hongkong online preparing her for the English & GRE course but teaching a single student sounds like a conversation on a yahoo msgr and emailing lessons. This idea sounds a novel with audio-video facilities these days and yeah, I admit, there are ample opportunities for teachers coz I am a witness with the kidsfreesouls.com worksheets. These kidsfreesouls free worksheets and projects are actually used in foreign classrooms and I get tremendous feedback from teachers, parents and children and even they approach with their counseling questions.

Let's hope, the efforts of Nilam Doctor and his team may provide out-sourcing teaching opportunities but at the same time, it is the need of the hour to remember that teachers do require to sharpen their skills - Teaching is not the job of every Tom, Dick and Harry! We see Tuition classes flourishing in town and oops..the virtual classroom may leave our own students stranded!!!! God bless the young souls.....

- ilaxi

Last week, I been for a 'Brunch' Party. Yeah, Ahmedabad is changing and our Gujarat politicians are aware of the Farm partying manic craze, isn't it? Well, you remember I talked of my fav Purple Flower Band - Whispee and his group? Never has been a live party that I ever enjoyed. If you missed out, here's the link.

Anyways, I was talking of the Brunch Party. Believe me, its a fantastic idea and a great change to walk into a farm with a bouquet for the host early in the morn of a wintry day and she's sure to offer you a C...ugh oh...Mocktail with the mint n lime. The moment I sat gazing the big lawns, what drew my attention was the Music and I glanced to see who the DJ was! For some time, it was a great pleasure listening to all my fav tunes of the western music and he seem to know the mood of the people around.He had some soft amore, the love songs and my special beat of 'Careless whisper' of George Michael in the remix version. The stage was empty and not a single soul stirred to shake a leg as they were enjoying their morning first gulps. Soon, the DJ - he was DJ Shyamal and his group, and he banged on the rocky numbers with the upbeat mood and fast to raise the spirits. Some of them came to the floor and swayed their hips and soon, I found the music shifting towards the hindi remix and the dance numbers - Gosh, I felt it was a real mess the DJ was in! His expressions were blank with no inner feel of his heart beats and I could feel this standing miles away! I might be wrong but certainly, its anyways the people choice the DJ plays. The group enjoyed and we enjoyed the show! This is mod fashioned world and yeah, anywhere you find a DJ rocking the group with the remix. I guess his real talents are lost in playing the remixes coz his own remixes are limited upto the remix! In the western numbers, he's got a cool grasp of his breadth and sure, he's a true DJ who makes you rock on these numbers and even nobody would leave the floor...Here in a remix, you play a number and people pour in for eg. the kajrare...mere kale kale naina...Gosh, the whole bunch of 40s preference and you find the servants dancing in a corner when the yana gupta song is played...my my...This is not music - only an insult to the musician...the DJ!

DJ Shyamal is lately I heard the best pick of a DJ in town and the same day, he played at the Brunch party and evening,he was at a marriage dance party. The very next day, I came across Mayur...heard of him? The Bandish Project and some of the teens told me DJs are specially flown from Bombay with the c-mocktail girls.....!

Want to write to Shyamal? Call him to your town for your Music Brunch Party? Write to him at his email id: s_p_divetia@yahoo.com. Shyamal is a great Pick! Enjoy:-)

- ilaxi

I am wondering 'Is Osama Bin Laden so Intelligent n genious that he refers n quotes 'Rogue State' by William Blum? I think he could start a Book Club and all the Authors would bee line to make him review their Books!!!



(Read the review of Rogue State here)

Gr8 Master mind....Who is Osama Bin Laden? Any Guesses????

-ilaxi

Time is precious and as days fly by, it's hardly a breathe! Well, if you have recently gone through the 19th January Tape Speech of Osama Bin Laden, it's sprawling on the web and he's mentioned the Book 'Rogue State' by William Blum, an Anti Bush - Bush Bashing! Here's the review of the Book that might interest you and if you think, you have a say on this Osama Bin Laden's cool Pick, do lemme know.

- ilaxi

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall!!! Yeah, with the happy ending of the Vibrant Gujarat Uttarayan (Kite)festival in town, it's been real amusing to see the fall of CM in a rose petal water pool! He slips too fast, be it speech or jumping to conclusion - that's his real problem! However, lemme admit, the guy CM Narendra Modi can turn dreams to reality and I mean it coz he can prove to make the Mega city look dazzling as it was lit up glittery during the festival. The bridges - Gandhi Bridge, Nehru Bridge and Sardar Bridge were all lit up, transforming the look and feel of the Town-Hall too.

With the Tourism year 2006, I think Gujarat would definitely turn splendour its Heritage places to welcome the guests and provide the rich culture. CM feels that the first priority is to attract tourists to the State. But the bigger challenge remains making them stay. To ensure this it is important to develop the infrastructure and create more entertainment and relaxation zones around the spot. I hear Gujarat Govt. embarks on Rs.15.99 Crore to develop infrastructure of 12 Tourist places round the state. These centres include Saputara, Udwara, Nal Sarovar, Tarnetar, Sankeswar, Dakor, Nareswar, Kabirwad, Somnath, Palitana etc. I hear, in my home town village 'Vadnagar', CM's village too, the Tana Riri spot is being developed with memories of the great Tansen gonna come alive and a five star hotel is being built with the Taranga Hill Resort turning up in great shape.

No wonder, CM Narendrabhai is declared 'Personality of the year 2005' by readers in an opinion poll in Chitralekha Magazine. According to the magazine, Modi got 49 per cent votes from Gujarat and 17 per cent from Mumbai. Even Amitabh Bacchan lag behind to 3rd position!

Who cares whether the Congress alleges Modi for the breach of protocol by sending a junior Minister to deputise for him at an official function in Porbandar on Thursday in which President Abdul Kalam took part. Congress miss out that Anandiben was there for Kalam's lecture on "21st century's higher education in India" while CM was busy here flying kites. After all, 59 expert kite fliers from 21 countries, including Italy, France, the United Kingdom, China, Japan and Thailand, and about 80 experts from different parts of the country participated in the kite festival.

All a part of the game!

- ilaxi

With the new year bells ringing in great happy hours of surfing on web, here comes the Trojans riding on the web horse! Indians are ever the inquisite 'Hackers' - Yeah, I mean it as I came across a lot of guys who played the tricks and boasted the savvy types. Talk of Ankit Fadia - And you find him as Featured story - Ankit Fadia's Hacking Books and his tricks of the Hacking game. Every journalist (who don't understand Internet roads) interviewed him and placed him on top of the hack charts - ugh oh!!!

Well, right now, here's a link of Tech Briefs where I gonna talk of the Trojan Horse I mentioned. A new deceptive Trojan Horse program has surfaced and if you are tech savvy using the marketing tools to earn, read here.

- ilaxi

Choose Life! Acquire the secrets of the ‘Magic of Thinking Big’ and let this be New Year Resolution 2006. The mind is its own place and in itself can make a heaven of hell or a hell of heaven. Thoughts rule the world and amazingly perspective minds echo “There is nothing either good or bad except that thinking makes it so” As quoted in Upanishad ‘You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny.’ It’s the every action that generates a force of energy and when we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, this creates our destiny. Whatever will be, will be – Acquire the ‘Magic of Thinking Big’ and let the sun shine on you.

Wishing all readers ‘Farewell 2005 & Welcome 2006’
Keep the faith...

Every Year, this message comes from me to you. What is more important is to 'Make Resolutions & Make them Firm' - If you dream, you can achieve : You can grab the stars while striving to reach the moon! Just, we need to go ahead. As Nostradamus predicts a 2006, Time of Troubles, full of war, despair, and evil, but also of hope and promise. Interested to read more on Nostradamus predictions?
Watch out in my coming notes....Till then, Enjoy and celebrate the grand farewell 2005 and embrace 2006 with newer challenges.

Btw, I hear Sandesh is gonna launching its new look of print newspaper tomorrow. I wish them a grand success and look forward to great reading:-) You too, cross your fingers....Enjoy 2006.

- ilaxi

Merry Christmas - Let Peace be with You, Me & Us.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas! Whatever faith, it's Humanity, a big religion that I ever know. How oft, we miss out on the values of joyful living? I did write on the Bhagwad Gita review and now, it's here a faith so strong - Bible scriptures are great to hear especially in the middle of the night, watching the Pastor delivering the sermons on the television. Every time, its a conversation with God whenever you join your hands and pray in temple or kneel down in a church.

Ever surfed for the Bible org? Here's a one year Bible reading if you interested. And than there is the Christmas pages at kidsfreesouls.com.

Christmas is all about Faith : Faith is a light that dispels ignorance and darkness around. Faith is the hope that keeps you surfing on the waves on a sea of storms. Faith is love. Faith is grabbing the magical moments in life. Faith is deciding, daring, challenging and striving to reach the goals. Faith in whom we believe is intimacy & commitment to fulfil service towards mankind. Faith is trusting in tomorrow and dreaming God’s dream of a beautiful world with love, peace and joy to humanity.

And when there is Faith, there is service, when there is service, there is love and when there is love in our hearts, all is peace and calm!

Once again, Merry Christmas to all those who pass by this Blog! Enjoy!

- ilaxi

The recent release of Forbes Top 40 India's Richest show our very own Karsanbhai Patel from Ahmedabad and it's a pride to see my own community person, from my own homeland who stand 38th on the list amongst the Rich Indians from London, Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune.

Last year 2004, I guess we had Mr. Pankaj Patel of Zydus Cadilla but this year marks the celebration for the Ahmedabadis to see India's detergent king Karsanbhai on top with a whooping net worth $640 million!!Forbes reports, Pankaj Patel and Lupin guy dropped off because their stocks underperformed India's red-hot stock market.

The surprise comes in list as Anurag Dikshit and Vikrant Bhargava, executives at Internet casino outfit/PartyGaming who rank among the Rich Indians!

The Forbes Asia's second annual list of the 40 richest Indians is quite a bit more exclusive this year, indeed!

-ilaxi

Well, here me blogging after gap of time and time is such that when it drifts you away socialising and partying, its never a come back to web from real world unless and until you force your brain cells to be back to action. Moreover, I been exploring and designing the set up of my recent War Blog - The Iran Iraq War, President Bush n Saddam Hussein, President Musharraf, India-Pakistan and Kashmir.....whew, that's all about terrorism .....God grant Peace!

Now, the scoop of news is Hondo. Did you know that Honda Civic Sedan won the best in class economy, sports/performance car Award recently in Canada? Well, leave that apart. Here is an interesting debut of Asimo - Yeah, you got it right. The Robot who's gonna now serve you as a Receptionist with a tray of coffee mugs and even pushing a serving cart with drink glasses!




Unbelievable and indeed Interesting. At a recent press conference, Asimo greeted passer by, walked hand in hand and turned around with its quick pace and showed its skills of receiving and deliving a tray.









Much more but amazing is that ASIMO, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, presented His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Makhtoum, the son of the Crowne Prince of Dubai, with a golden pair of scissors to cut the ribbon and officially announce the 8th International Middle East Motor Show open. Asimo will be entertaining visitors with performance for 5 days.

Hmmm....The robotic features of recognition of moving objects, Posture/gesture recognition,Environment recognition, Sound recognition,Face recognition and what not!!! Artificial Intelligence! That's new waves of technology!

- ilaxi

The most influential Entertainers of the past century - The Beatles. George Harrison - Does this name strike a chord to you? Yeah, if you are a fan of Beatles, the rock n roll music would blast you to Cloud Nine! Though Ringo Starr has always been my fav in the Beatles band, George Harrison was the best with his 'My Guitar Gently weeps' - Today, thousands of people miss him as we remember this great star who died on 29th November due to Cancer! Here Comes the Sun was a number that made me hum all day long.

You know what? George Harrison became a lifelong devotee of Hindu religion, Krishna consciousness and Vedic philosophy! He had song writing talents and a great Guitar player. He did a large scale concert for the war torn Bangla deshi kids. Cloud Nine was Harrison’s most Beatlesque solo record.



George Michael - call him a gay and did you hear that he's gonna marry Kenny Goss, his boy friend? The news out and George is gonna change the gay world in UK!!! Who cares! A very different culture than Indians, indeed. But a role model he is as far as his singing goes and you can quip 'King George Michael'and hum all his songs. I've an Artist page if you're a fan of George Michael and a lot of pop n tops. You can listen to the tune of George's famous 'Careless Whisper' here on the site while you surf the pages.

I feel, we really miss the Sanjay Oza and Manhar Uddhas and the lot except that we grab an opportunity to hear them at a social function. Our taste varies and with the online radio stations, you can listen to my Launch cast and the very best songs in my list. I wonder, are there any gujarati or hindi Launch cast radios? Anyways, music is the speech of angels, whatever you listen.

-ilaxi

Recently, Mr. Vijay Mallya of UB group criticized our CM Narendrabhai Modi for not changing the age old rules on Prohibition in Gujarat and quipped at the IIM Ahmedabad Confluence 2005 that the Gujarat State is losing a huge chunk of revenue. The CM ignores the proposal and calls himself progressive, this being a mistake of the State Government and its failure to keep up with the times. Our CM told him that they have to follow the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and cannot do away with prohibition.

Now, in the land of Gandhi, it’s quite obvious Gujarat Government has to let go the Rs.2,500 crore revenue and promote the alternate ways to preserve the culture and commit to take the great ideas of Bapu to reach to people through the audio version of My Experiments with the Truth. (At least, our Gandhiji took the trouble to speak the truth!) Whereas, Prohibition? well, one wonders - Really, there is Prohibition ? Let christmas come and its gonna be the Mega city culture in town and its sure gonna be tough to check the prohibition. Yeah, maybe like last year, a strict round of traffic police at cross roads, sniffing the stuff and thats it. Whatever, I think, Mr. Vijay Mallya is right in his way coz now, even the private parties has adopted the mega city style of celebrating functions with the hookas and casino n roulette tables. So why allow the under the table tactics for brands of alcohol that is freely available in town? UB Group has already stepped into the market with its brands....Isn't our CM aware of it? Well, god knows!

-ilaxi

Nielsen/NetRatings done for the Newspaper Association of America (NAA)revealed recently that the percentage of Internet users visiting newspaper Web sites hit all-time highs in September. It says, Over 47.3 million people visited online newspapers that month, the largest rise in readership since the NAA began tracking online usage in January 2004. That represents 31.9 percent of all (US?) Internet users, up 15.8 percent from the same period last year.

Now, the best part on the web I feel is 'RSS Syndication' - Many of us do have the Copyright tags and the partial Creative commons Licence but inspite, Newspapers, websites and blogs go for the RSS Syndication and if you don't, you are apt to trail behind with generating Traffic and that means, losing on the traffic Revenue too!

Yahoo News offers dozens of RSS feeds you can read in My Yahoo! or using third-party RSS news reader software. With MY Yahoo, Newsgator, FeedDemon, Pluck and many other RSS Readers, the reach is into a one stop Read with no need to visit individual websites. Yahoo! News RSS feeds are also offering thumbnails of related photos for stories in RSS feeds, giving a richer news experience.

What I can't understand is their strategy in taking RSS feeds in their Yahoo News Category and still in Beta, Yahoo News do generate the RSS.xml code for news websites (sambhaav)/news Blogs for incorporating news but when the Yahoo news search for news and blogs is performed, the results land you to add to "My Yahoo" and yet, the site is not found in search! How very strange!!! I guess, Yahoo and Google are going super speeds with Beta version but its now to see how far their Projects run smooth!

Btw, the Sambhaav.com has faced a Technical snag and the server is undergoing some Upgrades, hence, I am really sorry for those who missed on the news for three days. Yeah, much worse, we missed out the impressions with the Revenues!!! That's the part of the Tech ....way to go.....

- ilaxi

Day before yesterday, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce in Ahmedabad had its Executive Committee and members meet with Narendra Modi, followed by dinner. As a biz person, actively involved with the Ladies wing committee, I happened to meet Narendrabhai who incidently belongs to my own native place 'Vadnagar'. A tech savvy CM and I happened to be told years ago that he surfs all newspapers early in the morning. At least, this had made us alert to update Sambhaav regularly lest we may not bear the fury of the CM.....!

During the speech to the Business persons, Narendrabhai in his usual expert orator skills mentioned about the developments in Gujarat.

One thing that strike the chord is what he said of the Economy rise with potentials towards more people entering into Gujarat, esp. Ahmedabad. The mega city is turning to glamour with Biz centers and Malls spawning visinity and the branded products are great attraction to consumers. Narendrabhai quoted the Narmada project and mentioned where once scooters use to go through the canal, its at least the water seen now. I guess its the Chimanbhai Patel and Keshudada's work left incomplete now covered by Modi Government. Am I right? Well, we the janta look for results and not who's who done it! Narendra bhai mentioned that any place you find, there is some development work in progress in Gujarat. (It's only city roads that give bumpy and ditchy rides! The car suspension is in danger whether you drive a wagor R or a Viva or Brand BMW/Mercedes)

Crowned with another Award glory recently, Narendrabhai mentioned of Travel Year 2006 and he's right when he mentions that Rajasthan has great places but in the whole of India, Gujarat has the most highest heritage spots. He beamed that the chamber should seriously consider its next meet at a place like Lothal - why, even I say, it can be Vadnagar:-) the place of Tansen, Tana Riri folktale. Another important mention was of Agro Processing and he called for all business persons to think over and find great developing areas in this field.

Now, whatever people say, this is a new gen CM who is always on the move with some Projects and winning hearts of people with his flawless Oratory skills and of coz, his management is excellent as his team work excel towards developing Gujarat. By next year and NRI comes to India, sure he sees the results! If not, meet our CM!

- ilaxi

14th November and India celebrated the Universal Children's Day on the day when Jawaharlal Nehru was Born. Somebody in email did ask me when exactly did India start celebrating Children's Day after Nehru's Death but aah, I fail to find this. If any one of you know the exact year when India started celebrating C-day, please do email me.

I feel its the need of the hour to pledge: To liberate every child from the web of Malnutrition, poverty, illiteracy and abuse. The Department of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Human Resource Development has indeed come out with nationwide program for holistic development of children below 6 years and expectant and lactating mothers too.

However, children's day is yet far away for celebrations for the child laborers in India. They work 10 to 12 hours a day under hazardous conditions sometimes, many kids doing small chores for a living too. Even kite making and crackers factories have child workers and at this tender age, they are abused, illiterate and face poverty.

I remember a 10 year old boy who polished my shoes and went to a studio with my hundred rupee note to get his pic so that I can put him in 'freesouls' page in sambhaav but aah, reluctantly he turned up after six months only to tell me that the money was grabbed by his Dad who drunk himself! Gosh....and that chaiwala boy who appeared in Freesouls was abused by his Dad and had to work hard to earn money for living.

It's here to see what actions are taken to pull these kids out from their diversed situation and time to look into their needs. Kids are after all, the future of the nation!

- ilaxi

Are you a Game Freak? Yeah, I am! Occassionally I play games to ease stress when my mind refuse to digest the games people play! Believe me, people play behind your back and during these times, a sane advice from me - Keep cool and listen to music or play video games.

You know what? Jon Jacobs, a director of independent films,spent $100,000 On Virtual Space Station In Online Game! We not gonna do that but its for Real! In one of the largest sales yet of property in an online game, a Miami resident has bought a virtual space station for $100,000 and wants to turn it into a cross between Jurassic Park and a disco. The reports of Information Week say that Jon plans to call the space resort, in the science-fiction themed game Project Entropia, "Club Neverdie." Like other land areas in the game that has been visited by 300,000 players, the resort grounds will spawn dinosaur-like monsters, which visitors can kill. Jon also plans to hire Disc Jockeys to entertain visitors once a week.

Now this is gaming zones but mind you, be careful on the game site coz you can find the pop up touching your Registry files any time and there lies the never ever moving Ads that show when you connect the net. It pops up ads of 888.com and the damn screen saver ads - I hate them! It also eats your bandwidth, slower down your computer - only that its harmless when your tech person will say 'its virus' - Blah ! These tech guys in India cannot even read English, many can't even log to internet and don't even know of the Anti spy softwares and only shoot up telling you to format your computer! Goodness me, Its real tough to make people understand Tech! Anyways,thats the rosy world of Computing....!!!!!

- ilaxi

Management Mantra - yep, this been the column I started in print media Sambhaav but unfortunately, I couldn't continue and neither did I get a good response for translations. This very same article had been a Diwali/new year newsletter of Sambhaav and I been so overwhelmed to receive the reader responses.

Today, I share the same article on the blog : This is the real Secret of Success, Believe it or not! May this new year lead your towering inferno of personal strengths to achieve your goals. Enjoy!

SECRET OF SUCCESS 'TOWERING INFERNO OF PERSONAL STRENGTHS'
- by Ilaxi
(copyright article) (Swagat Group)

Possess Self Confidence - Feel the Difference!
Your strength lies in your own vision and outlook. Build the confidence and be optimistic. Proceed ahead ‘I can do it and I will win’ The game is yours and you are the ‘Winner’ – Quite Naturally!

Mental Drive & Physical Energy
Achieve aims with active mental drive and physical force by ‘Meditation’ and ‘Keep fit - Eat healthy attitude’ Pursue mental and physical drive exercises and aim for completion of tasks undertaken

Check your Potentialities
Turn your talents into engines of success. Believe in your ownself and the things that you can do. Its simply amazing to find your own key factors to develop your potentialities to boost morally to climb the steep steps of success. It needs determination, vision, confidence alongwith competitive spirit.

Self Evaluation
Develop qualities of self assessment. Recognize and learn from mistakes and failures. Measure success levels and check those decisions and actions, weaknesses and drawbacks. Discover within.

Set Goals
Aim high to reach the skies. Goals are essence of planning and should be ambitious but achievable. Add zest with dynamic Leadership and motivated team

Understanding ‘M’ Power
Express plans in words and sure, you will start counting numbers. Manage cash flow. Don’t build castles in air lest it would cripple you down. Use money wise. Money saved is money earned

Competitive Edge
Competition results to effective competitive edge. Brainstorm promoting creativity and stimulating ideas to adopt, adapt and apply the techniques or qualities that make winners a success. Build own standard principles and accept challenges. Grab opportunities, eliminate weaknesses.

Influence
Powers of influencing others and convincing accepting compromises. Sometimes, just a word, a glance, an inspiration, motivation or lack of one can make a big difference.

Planning Ahead
Plan to achieve more than you expect. Your success is measured positive. You will be rewarded with big results or else you may land up with setting up your ownself ‘Independent’

(This is a Copyright article. If you use for online web presentation, please give credits)

- ilaxi

Happy Diwali & Id Mubarak....

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore has truly said: The night is black. Kindle the lamp of LOVE with thy life and devotion...


I always said "There are magical moments in life that come unexpectedly when the darkness disappears and the sun rises above the horizon. This happens when there is hope, there is faith, when there is faith, there is love and when there is love in our hearts, There is Service, When there is Service, Miracles happen! Blessed are those in whose hearts faith flows freely and whose dreams are shaped by their hopes with the heralding of the New Year, bringing in peace and happiness around us."

How easier it is to Think! Our Mind is a Thought Factory and Emotions stir our souls. How powerful are our emotions! They override circumsances with ease.Action of a person is a good or a bad deed which is stored and determines the events in one’s future lives. One is born time and time again to face the consequences of one’s actions in previous life. Karma of a person influences his lifestyle and all is required of a person is to keep the vigil check of the nine gates which means the nine sense organs so as to perform true karma and the emotional well being of a person can make him perform the actions in the right direction.

Isn't this so true? How can one Keep the Faith! Diwali or Id, whatever festival one celebrates, it's the light we need to spread around and stop to spill the fuelling hate among human beings. It's a pity that Terror spreads its claws in Delhi causing panic and loss of human beings - Are we out to celebrate a bloody Diwali or Id? One only can think........

- ilaxi

It's more Coffee chains setting its pace to India - Barishta, Cafe coffee day, star bucks and now Gloria Jeans, Australian Coffees. Star Bucks and Gloaria Jeans are gonna be the latest craze 'hangouts' in India and no doubt, Ahmedabad would scale up to shoot the charts with highest number of outlets and coffee freaks moving around. The traditional 'half cup tea' or the 'ek rakabi (saucer) cha (tea') is getting out of fashion. You can't imagine business talks over a cup of tea, can you? Nor can u date someone over a cup of tea - thats the feel of many teenagers and men 40 plus who seem to get into new wave trends meeting and dating n having high coffee (tea!).

Well, the point is that I've heard some Tea company is also coming out with its Tea outlets - This means the whole of the town is gonna be packed with coffee bars and Tea stalls!!! Ya know, originally, coffee beans were taken as a food and not as a beverage. The so-called stimulating properties of coffee were thought by many during ancient times to give a sort of religious ecstasy, and the drink earned a very mystical sort of reputation, shrouded in secrecy and associated with priests and doctors. It is said, Muslim pilgrims from across the globe during their pilgrimages to Mecca managed to smuggle coffee plants back to their homelands, and coffee crops soon took root in India.

Well, now get ready to treat yourself with Pumpkin Spice coffee when GJ arrives but yeah, why not give your own try of Pumpkin Spice coffee this Diwali? Do send in your innovative idea.......viola...I'll make a jar to serve and get chill!

Here's my innovative recipe
'Pumpkin Spice Coffee'

Take 50 gms pumpkin juice, add sugar, spices n nuts n coffee (vivita pack), blend in mixie to give a smooth, add a scoop of chocolate ice-cream - Serve! Enjoy.....

- ilaxi

They call him Hitler and the Hitler Wins! Modi's charisma and style of campaining has proved him to be Number one and no wonder, the Mega city Ahmedabad is all gonna lead to road ahead of success to reach Number one in India. As such it is! Well, Afterall, apna narendrabhai che - What he promises to janta, he keeps his word.

Yeah, BJP sweeps Ahmedabad civic Polls and Narendrabhai's 'Jan Sampark Yatra' has waved the magic wand. The congress fails miserably and Keshubhai's men failed cause it's the people power and citizens are too well aware and confident that Narendra Modi and his team can 'Dream big, perform big' and provide rapid development. The 21st century voter with very high aspiration uses only one yardstick to judge a party that this new gen Hitler has the super power to bring about the changes and its time we now wait and watch - what Next? One thing is sure, it's time for Keshudada now to sit and relax and do nothing - Like Osho says!

- ilaxi

I read the headlines 'Apathetic Amdavadis fail to vote' - Now, it should be read 'Amdavadis wanted to Vote but had to return from Polling Booth cause their names were removed from the List' - Yes, this is what has happened in the A.G High School Voting booth, Shahpur and many other booths where names of all residents of many societies were removed and they could not vote because their names were no more listed. One can say 'Jinnah in Pakistan but Ahmed Patel in Ahmedabad. It is heard that Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel who camped in Ahmedabad, claimed that the party would win 65 seats at least. Yeh toa hoga hi bhai....saaf baat hai - When the records are swindled, half of the people had to go back home without Voting.

It is said, only 35-36 per cent of the 29.9 lakh voters in Ahmedabad had actually turned up to vote for the AMC polls. Shame on such Polls! BJP accuses of the devious acts of Congress and vice versa - all a 'Game of Politics' - Beware of Politicians!!!

Osho said ‘If politicians disappear, there is no need for nations’ and if we think over this we do have a say here that ‘If politicians wish to make this world a paradise, sure it is in their hands – just they have to Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached like Swami Vivekanand said!

-ilaxi

Recently, I got this Spotlight Review Badge at Amazon.Check it out with the book link below. You know what's Spotlight means? It's blowing my own trumpet that yeah, customers of Amazon read this review and rate it as it's helpful to them and decide upon whether to buy this book or not.

Well, well, the picture below you see is just stunning, of the man who stole maps. Now, don't you think face is revealing features and your very own expression says a lot. I've done a research on voice and aaah, a voice vibrates echoes and you can decide upon the voice how a person is. The same way, its the Body Language and this is well said in this Book. Grab a copy...Any Allan+Barbara Pease is great to Read and even Gift it.

My Dadaji wrote a Book in Gujarati and I got it in print around 100 copies only for private circulation. Maybe, if I ever get a chance, I will upload some extracts of the same - This one too, is on Facial appearance and Body movements explained with figures!

Anyways, here's the review....

Body Language by Allan + Barbara Pease
Review by ilaxi



I got this book a year ago and indeed this book is a reflection of the soul! What people say to us is different from what they think and feel! With Body language wiz by Allan Pease, one can correctly interpret other people's thoughts by their gestures. This book has quick references as 'How To' :

1. Find out if someone is lying
2. How to be more likeable to others
3. How to get cooperation
4. How to successfully conduct interviews and handle business negotiations
5. How to pick up a partner

More n more - What I like about this marvellous book of Allan is the illustrated Gestures. The eye signals and Hand-to-face gestures are simply terrific illustrated readings and Allan sure has deep roots to indepth study of Body Language, it seems. Hand and arm gestures,way of using cigars,cigerettes, glasses, head gestures, courtship gestures and signals and more wide areas are selected which is very interesting. A good Interesting read and good to explore.

Really there's nothing new with the recent AP story about a man, Mr. Brooke who was caught with a $5,000 book, 'Pennsylvania Evening Post, Collection of Jan-Apr. 1777, in his waist band from the Wisconsin Historical Society because he wanted to read a story on page 106 of William Hill.

Libraries have been complaining about Books, Book plates and Maps which are missing since years. There's an upswing in criminal mischief with the advent of eBay, Amazon and other places making it easier to sell. The collector's pieces sell like hot cakes!

In one rare case, a Mr Smiley was caught cutting rare maps out of rare books in the Beinecke Library at Yale. A graduate of Hampshire College in Amherst and so with scholarly air, it was not hard for E. Forbes Smiley III to blend in at the Yale rare-books library and make himself at home among its Atlases and Maps. Here goes the recent story of Alison Leigh Cowan at NY Times. It seems many of the customers who bought his wares were the rich, powerful, influential and nation's prestigious and secretive collectors!!!

- ilaxi

Recently, I read the Time Magazine (Asia) and what interested me was the topic 'Global Business': Fishing for the News:Multinational media conglomerates are eager to snag a share of India's tumultuous newspaper market. Are the outsiders just treading water?


Now, a lot of competitive strategy is being adopted among newspapers. Too many players may wind up chasing too few customers. For the present, Competition for reporters and other staff has pushed up labor costs for existing newspapers, and huge marketing expenditures threaten to eat into profit margins - at this juncture, foreign investment sooner or later would be potential competition entering into Indian newspapers. Whatever be, will be, will be - the future is black and white. Technology has set in pace and not only print media, television media too faces a hefty competition round the globe. It's time some newspapers Editors call for "ombudsman" to investigate news reports and listen to caller complaints or reader complaints/letters and combat smugness. If there is no ombudsman, I feel the senior editors must be personally accountable to readers and the public - Unfortunately, power rules but no more with internet media, afterall!

-ilaxi

Google introduces Blog Search and this is indeed great news for Bloggers:-) Blog is a great tool for freedom of expression and the recent Hand Book of Dan Gilmor, US Journalist and Jay Rosen, US Blogger is full of handy tips and technical advise on why Blog, Blogging Language, Choosing tool, setting up and running a blog, ethics, getting picked up by search engines, etc.

This Handbook may prove to be a boon to bloggers who are often the only real journalists in countries where mainstream media is under pressure or censored. Reporters without Borders provide tips to remain anonymous and to get round censorship, by choosing the most suitable method for each situation.

Now this is a download or a print : Handbook for bloggers and cyber-dissidents.

However, the latest buzz is Internet censor world championship - Most of the world’s authoritarian regimes are trying to control what their citizens read and do online. They’re getter better and better at blocking “objectionable” material, usually with technology bought from US firms. China is far and away the world champion. But it’s felt the heat of competition in recent years. Each country in this far from complete list has its own style and tactics but they all have one purpose, to keep ahead of the game.

So far, there's no way to censor Internet in this country and I wonder, who's framing the cyber laws?

- ilaxi

I came across this poll on The Asian Age website and the results itself speaks:

Do you agree with the PM that competition has affected the quality of journalism in India?

Total poll voted is 56
Yes 76.79%
No 21.43%
Can't Say 1.79%

Now, at the Chandigarh Press Club, Dr. Manmohan Singh addressed to Journalists, his concerened views and I believe that today as markets rise and fall, Investors gain and lose! Hence, financial reporters need to draw a line to move and make markets with their own motivated presumptions!

As such, those who regular surfers are now quite convinced that competition has affected the quality of journalism. More and more websites provide Online Feeds to read and download Feed Readers with more and more online newspapers, websites and even bloggers providing worthy & informative RSS feeds. This becomes exhaustive reads with every new story that leave behind the print media Journalists to trail and be informed to newer technology.

The next 'Big battle of Journalism' is maybe the 'Internet - News websites, RSS Feeds & Blogs'. On the rise is 'Advertising, Sponsoring, donation and contribution by Readers on major Blog websites and online media channels. Thereby, more journalists emerge every day as many flair in information and write ups, contribute their articles and I wonder, why not! Even I find many common readers and surfers blogs so interesting and their writings 'par excellence' than even a journalist - This is the real cup of life on web and Journalists real do face the competition. I feel, 'It is great to earn Credits than earn the bucks'. Knowledge is Power & RSS Feeds are getting Super Power!!

-ilaxi

Sania Mirza recently encouraged Kolkata school kids to dream big and become successful in whatever field they chose in life. She beamed, "I was like any of you. If I can do it, anyone can do it. I hope to see many more Sanias from among you in the future".

Now, that's a great message from a great player from India, the 18-year-old who is the toast of the Sunfeast Open, being played in Kolkata from September 19 to 26. It had been a confident game she played with Sharapova and I watched late night US open Tennis earlier. Of coz, it was a sigh everytime she made unforced errors and second serve faults - the line she needed to improve and be less distracted as crowds cheered her. She didn't won but definitely this game experience would be outstanding and we await to see what's more coming from this sports celebrity.

However,in any game, its the sports spirit that is very important.Failure is never final, success is never ending. Defeat is only a challenge!

With some Muslim clerics raising objection to Sania's dress on the court, a massive security blanket has been thrown around Indian tennis talent Sania Mirza, now in Kolkata. Well, this is where Muslim clerics act as godfathers and their rigidity is 'nerves' wrecking the community and labelling them as 'backwards' - what not! At least, a voice reaches for a reform - Read here.

- ilaxi

Robin sharma is soon to visit India for his Motivational Programme in metro cities. I guess the charges are exorbitant to attend the seminar and listen to the life coach in real person. All his books are great think tanks and you can read my reviews at Amazon. However, here's the review of Robin Sharma #1 best selling 'The Saint, the Surfer, and the CEO'. His website is newly re-designed lately and you can peek into the Inner circle to fetch gems from the author.




A motivational speaker and a Life Coach, Robin Sharma's Favorite Quote: "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." by Thomas Campbell has ever touched my heart to believe in living the Heart's desire. This book is a peppy read with all Goodness lessons in these times when moral values are waning. Robin's wisdom on life has profound insights and breakthrough ideas for self-leadership and living your best life. The book has a story about one man's quest to discover the answers to life's greatest questions. Robin Sharma reveals joys of living and suggests ways on how to stop betraying your self and live your destiny. Robin has practical wisdom for self feeling of goodness, conquering stress and balancing life with better fruitful relationships. His theory on self transformation has an impact on living life with adventurous feel and simplicity. He suggest ways of conversations with self. He tells to go deep inside the soul and begin the process of knowing yourself. He says "Self- knowledge is the starting point of personal excellence. Detect your largest values, define how you really wish to conduct your life, and think about what makes you happy. Clarify what standards you feel you need to live your life under in order to be true to yourself, then articulate how you'd occur in the world if you were really thinking, acting and feeling in authentic ways." The book is a good Life Changing Advice. He says 'Rather than spending all your time trying to do great things, spend more time trying to be a great person. That is the secret to doing great things.' Among his other books-'The Monk who solf his Ferrari' series is a great read and if ever you catch a listening of his speech, Robin's got a cool voice, a fluent spiritual excellency that flows the words with ease to be digested for better living. Grab a Copy of Robin Sharma #1 best selling 'The Saint, the Surfer, and the CEO' - Live the heart's desire! A great Pick.

-ilaxi

As our CM blows the trumpet of being No.1 CM of India (Hero No.1)through the newspaper advertisements & hoardings at many crossroads in Ahmedabad, here's fresh rounds of attack on Narendrabhai's Gujarat, accusing it of glorifying Adolf Hitler in School text books. In the land of Mahatma, a nazi leader cannot be a role model!!! Quite obvious. When IGNOU launches a course 'Gandhi & the Contemporary World', here's the reasoning that the Center cannot interfere as far as Education is a State subject. No way, many think that after the Gujarat riots, our CM is in disguise - reincarnation of Hitler! Well, I've heard constructive criticism helps sometimes and the results we see in Gujarat is tremendous - I am proud to live in the land of Narendrabhai, I confess.

This Hitler deserves the No.1 CM label and we gujaratis enjoy getting 'progressive' with all CM's and his cabinet's efforts. Believe it or not! Why see how the seeds are sown...its best to relish & cherish the taste of the fruit. Politics se hame kya lena dena - this is all a common citizen feel, afterall.


-ilaxi

Music is the speech of the Angels and it has ever been my passion to listen and play on my keyboard. One song I like to share is 'Hotel California' sung by Eagles. This song in Ahmedabad is well sung by only one person so far as I know - Whispee! Yeah, the Parsee guy who's been exclusive singing western oldies at exclusive shows. He sings 'Stand by me' too good apart from his band playing Hotel California, extraordinarily. Whispee been engaged in a Bank job and this was his passion of playing and singing songs. I remember, once at a private farm house Hawaiin party, whispee had the big screen karaoke set up where he showed the video, he sang and we dance away on the floor. Never has been such a live party but ugh, things do turn out sour in a city where people do not understand the rythm and dance of western songs where more indi pop, filmi and rest peek-a-boo to fancy youngsters.

Here's the song to hum and midi tune ...This song of Eagles: Hotel California is, surprisingly, about greed and the temptations of humanity. The glory of American marketing inundates people with messages to shop, "He who dies with the most toys, wins." but many feel that this lifestyle is the cause of depression, unhappiness, and the prozac generation.

Hotel California : By Eagles



On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night

There she stood in the doorway; I heard the mission bell
And I was thinking to myself this could be heaven or this could be hell
Then she lit up a candle, and she showed me the way
There were voices down the corridor, I thought I heard them say

Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place, such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
Any time of year (any time of year) you can find it here

Her mind is Tiffany twisted, she got the Mercedes bends
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys that she calls friends
How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat
Some dance to remember, some dance to forget

So I called up the captain; please bring me my wine
We haven't had that spirit here since nineteen sixty-nine
And still those voices are calling from far away
Wake you up in the middle of the night, just to hear them say

Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place, such a lovely face
They livin' it up at the Hotel California
What a nice surprise (what a nice surprise) bring your alibis

Mirrors on the ceiling, the pink champagne on ice
And she said we are all just prisoners here of our own device
And in the master's chambers, they gathered for the feast
They stab it with their steely knives but they just can't kill the beast

Last thing I remember I was running for the door
I had to find the passage back to the place I was before
Relax said the nightman We are programmed to receive
You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave.

For the complete meaning of the song, here is a link that says all! Enjoy.


- ilaxi

Jack of all trades, Master of None!!! I ever said 'If Wishes were horses, beggars would ride' but now on the world wide web, as I explore high and low, I guess 'If Dreams had Wings, I would fly : reach for the moon and we land up picking up the stars!



My ever dream was to be a Teacher and I proved to excel. My ever dream was to be a Business person and write Management articles and yeah, I wrote 'Management Mantra' articles in print media for some time. I dream to be an Insurance Executive and IRDA gave me the license. My ever dream was to be a Journalist and lo, God granted me the gift! My ever dream was to play a Piano and lo, I self learnt my Yamaha and Casio 61 keys Portasound Synthesizers and performed on Stage Shows! I wanted to be a Pop singer and sing like George Michael on the Stage and oops, I'd have to wait for a nex Birth and be there in UK or US and here's Blogger tempting me to be an Author! Whewwww....Lemme Try!!! Yep, I gonna Blog 'Romance' novel - Will I be able to do it??? Time will speak :-)

I wish my readers Happy Teachers' Day, who directly or indirectly turned out to be my 'Teacher' - taught me to be wise and nice.

-ilaxi