Author: Archana

Once a Physiotherapist now a Wordsmith. Field Botanist. Bonsai. Proud Indian. Fauji Wife. Doting Mother and Mother-in-law. Devoted Grandmother. Reluctant Cook. Happiest on a road less travelled. 60s are the new 40s ;-)
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Turn green with…

Turning green with envy is something that all of us have faced at some point in our lives.
Yet turning to a green lifestyle is easier said than done.
I tried to do so and faced several difficulties.

This is a brief account of my efforts. Click here or copy paste the following in a new browser window:
http://readerspost.femina.in/expressions/my-green-path/

Have you adopted a green lifestyle? Was the move an easy one? Do share your experiences!
Archana 

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Words, words, words…

I still remember my English teacher in school who advised us to ‘read’ and learn meanings of five new words from the dictionary daily. I should have taken up her advice more seriously so I would have to ‘right click’ the mouse for synonyms less frequently!!

The Oxford Dictionary now includes Indian (Hindi or other languages) words. Other than those we also use many ‘new’ words whose use is often dictated by the very nature of our work. technology or products that we use. Let me explain:
1. Getting information on any topic under the sun is not a problem these days. We simply google it!
Did Google (the company) ever imagine when they launched their search engine that their name would turn into a household verb meaning to search for? Its not uncommon to google symptoms of a disease; side effects of drugs etc…

2. In 1979, there was only one shop in our suburb with a photocopying machine. Naturally getting copies of my SSC certificate meant long queues… Very soon this process was called Xeroxing. It was many years before I realised that Xerox is the name of a company that makes the photocopying machine!! Yet we always ask the office assistant to zerox a document for us…

I am sure you already knew about these two examples.

3. Look at this Deepika Padukone’s ad on You Tube. The cute cartoon asks “Kya aap Close Up karten hai?” Obviously the product name ‘Close Up’ is used to mean brushing teeth!!
What ever the source of this marketing/advertising/creative brainwave, it has successfully replaced teeth brushing with the word Close Up.
(Close up is a successful gel toothpaste by Unilever. The above question translated from Hindi means: ‘do you close up?’)

4. Every issue of the Business Today magazine has a small section called “Word smith’ that features new words. Here is a word I read therein:
Dilberted.
What does it mean? Rather than explain the meaning let me write its usage as I understand it: “A new management trainee must ensure the boss gets his morning cup of coffee or get dilberted throughout the day!”

5. Feeling run down? How about a spacation (spa focussed vacation)?

I am sure there are many more such words that we use knowingly or unknowingly.

Does it make the language less rich? Does it convey the right meaning? Just like global warming etc, is this the effect of modernisation and industrialisation on the English language?
Think about it.
Cheers!

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Silly Mistakes

Movies- we love them, hate them yet many find their way into our ‘must see’ list for each week or month. Often we depend on reviews to help decide if its worth spending over Rs 1500 for an evening doing something we don’t really enjoy…
Then begins the tearing apart. Actually we need not even bother to go to a theatre. Many of us can do so based on TV trailers, Web-based previews etc etc.
Such ‘tear downs’ are usually about acting, direction, editing and so on.

Do we ever pay attention to small things in the background of scenes in these movies?
Most likely not.

For those looking for more topics to criticise a movie watch a programme called ‘Silly Mistakes’ on Saam TV aired on Fridays at 5PM and 10PM (as of today). Saam is a relatively new Marathi channel.

The host is a chirpy youngster who systematically points out faults in ‘continuity’ of the movie- even huge Hollywood blockbusters have not escaped his minute scrutiny. For those who can’t catch on, he helpfully puts out arrows and circles to the ‘faults’!
So watch out for ‘action’ stunts wherein cars suddenly roar past with intact glasses being undoubtedly shattered in a previous shot.

When fed up of the usual soaps, surf across to Saam and have a good laugh.
Cheers!

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Hurray for retail!

I had ditched the local bania and unreservedly surrendered to the glitzy new retail outlet near my home. The orderly display and music, apparently huge discounts were infinitely a better atmosphere to shop in than the crowded stuffy shop next door. I was an ‘exclusive’ member of as many of retail clubs as the city had to offer. This made me privy to sale previews, encashable points on future purchases etc. None of the old style stores held my attraction or loyalty any more.

As I wandered through the store on my last visit commenting on a lack of sufficient variety in breakfast cereals, I accidentally dislodged two bottles of rose syrup jutting out of the shelf. The sound of breaking glass was drowned by my pounding heartbeats! I watched in horror as the red syrupy amoeba spread fast on the pristine white floor glaring accusingly at me. Some of my fellow shoppers stared at me with pity and others with condescension. I wished a hole would open up in the ground and swallow me up!

The store staff came around to clean the mess as I jabbered incoherently about paying for the damages. Of course I had had my share of broken bottles, glasses and cups but these were in the safety of my kingdom, namely my home. This was an entirely different cup of tea! I mentally began counting notes in my purse and began to rework my shopping list for the day in order to cater for this unexpected ‘purchase’. The plastic route was unavailable since I was awaiting a renewal of my credit card.

The area having been cleaned up I hurried through the rest of my purchases and landed up at the billing counter ready to pay for my deeds! I explained my predicament to the salesperson and hoped the matter would end there. It was not to be. I saw the manager approaching with a determined look and I feared the worst. Again I slipped into explanations of the accidental breakage and my willingness to pay for the same. The manager had a tough time to get a word into our largely one-sided conversation. As I finally stopped for breath, he grabbed the chance to say his bit!
It took a minute for my splintered brain to grasp what he had said. Seeing me gulping like a fish he gently repeated there was no need to pay- they would account for the bottle as a damaged piece. As the bit of information sank in I was overcome with contrition. I had been careless and this seemed to be the perfect way of ensuring I did not perform an encore! But there was more to come. The manager was profusely apologetic for providing only eight varieties of breakfast cereals and promised me the full range in a couple of day’s time. You see he had overheard my earlier comments.
I came away from the store thoroughly bewildered. The manager’s one sentence had ensured a permanent loyal consumer at his store. I now walk around the store with my hands crossed behind my back or safely folded in front. I have no wish to test if the store’s policies are unchanged!
Some of the big outlets offer exchange programs for old clothes, newspapers or even crockery! I hear foreign retail giants too are entering our markets. I was encouraged by my NRI relatives comments that the stores compared favourably with the ones abroad.
If the retail format gives me a comfortable shopping experience, with discounts, home delivery, gifts etc, what more do I need? Retail zindabad!
Hurray!
Happy Shopping!
First published here on MSN Contribute.

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Happy Cows

Today’s ‘Sakal’ (the indispensable Marathi daily for Punekars) has an interesting news titled translated as “cleaning machine for cows” (page 3 of the main paper). The cow’s expression of pure enjoyment is what caught my eye.

With some help from Google search (who else!) I located this Daily Mail article dated 22 July 2010 published online here (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1296609/The-cow-wash-How-automatic-brushing-machine-improve-milk-production.html).
The article describes how the cow wash designed by DeLaval helped improve milk production while obviously keeping cows happy!

Wow! This is truly spreading benefits of mechanisation to all!
Cheers!

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Domicile

Getting an admission into a professional course (after Class XII) or some post graduate courses in a Maharashtra state educational institution often calls for a domicile. While students do their bit by studying and parents by saving necessary funds over the years there are some more things that demand planning.

The most important is a domicile. Its important to first find out if the course you seek admission to needs one. Let me caution you that this is not just another certificate that can be ‘got’ after your results. A relative of ours said she actually ‘garlanded’ the certificate once they got it. This may seem like but is not an exaggeration. It takes time, plenty of patience and several documents to get this certificate.

It helps to get your certificate well in advance- anytime from August to December is good. This way you can avoid the admission rush in April/May/June .

In Pune, one has to visit the ‘Nagari Suvidha Kendra’ located at the ‘godowns’ next to Kamagar Putala, behind the Shivaji Nagar Court premises. The office timings (as of June 2010) are 10 to 5 and closed on second and fourth Saturday of every month. Most submissions are done only in the pre-lunch session.

Usually when we visit any government office the place is buzzing with ‘agents’ who are happy to do your job. However I was surprised to find this place totally ‘agent-free’. There are several notices (all in Marathi) that describe the process to get any of the several documents they issue.

The domicile form costs Rs 2. Its in Marathi and we were advised to complete the same in Marathi as well. Fill in all details however tedious they may sound. Depending on your fluency and Marathi literacy levels this process can become time consuming. Collect all documents as per the check list on the last page. This includes things like school leaving certificate, proof of residence in Pune for last ten years (electricity bills- one for each year)… Those children born in Maharashtra but not in the state for last ten years will need another affidavit (cost Rs 100 and to be made in this office itself) from the applicant’s father in the stated format about having been outside the state.

Collecting necessary certificates is the crux.

The next step is to prepare an affidavit. This HAS to be made in the above mentioned office itself and has to be in Marathi. (Cost Rs 20). The queue is long and in rush periods one can have to stand up to lunch time (1.30PM) or even return the next day…
Thereafter affix stamps on your form and this affidavit. These are available in the Court (a good 15 minute walk). If not one can buy them from a vendor outside the ‘Kendra’ but obviously at a premium.
The affidavit and form (with stamps affixed) must be ‘checked’ at another counter- obviously another long queue.
Once done, you can submit the form, documents and affidavit. The clerk again ‘checks’ everything and gives you a slip with the date on which you are can collect your domicile- usually after about five days. You will have to pay Rs 20 again.

There is more…

Certificate collection is between 3-5 PM at the above office on the specified date only. Reach early. The process is as follows. The officer calls out names (thankfully via a loudspeaker) and one has to wait for their turn and then rush forward to the window with all skills you have developed when claiming a prize for a round of ‘Tambola’ (also called Housie or Bingo).

If for some reason you ‘miss’ your turn then there is a second round when all remaining names are called out once again. If you are still absent then the forms and certificates are sent to the Collectors Office and you have to collect it from the Nagari Suvidha Kendra there.

If your form is rejected for some reason (many are) then you get a letter stating reasons. Resubmit with revised or necessary documents at the Collectors Office Kendra and collect it from this office.

This entire process without hiccups can take up to 10 days- more if you miss any thing.

Now you know why my relative felt like garlanding their domicile!!

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Football Fever (again)

Here we go again…
The Jabulani ball indeed has captured our imagination like no other…
In Zulu, Jabulani means ‘To Celebrate’- read this ET article that describes the Jabulani’s India connection (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6129229.cms)
Shakira’s Waka Waka is another World Cup product that will linger long after 10 July 2010 (day of the final)!

Shakira performed ‘This Time for Africa ‘ at the inauguration of World Cup 2010. The song is called “Tsamina” or “Zangaléwa” by a group called Golden Sounds of Cameroon. This link gives some information on the song’s background(http://hubpages.com/hub/world-cup-song-waka-waka).

From what I gather “Waka Waka” means ‘Do the job’.

The catchy number is infectious and won unlikely fans- women (baby boomers), children and those from a staunch Marathi upbringing as well. I’m sure it lends well to an energetic aerobics floor workout as well…
For those of you who are not Vodafone users (the service provider offers downloads of the number), Sony Music Entertainment has released a CD of World Cup songs called ‘Listen Up’.
Enjoy!

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Vitamin M

Folic Acid is at times referred to as Vitamin M.
But this post is not health related. Its about yet another vital nutrient necessary for wellness.
Vitamin M with M for Money….

Having sufficient funds for all our needs and wants is what will give us mental peace. A good high paying job or successful business usually is an abundant source of Vitamin M. That will take care of EMI for a swanky flat, an enviable car, admission to the ivy league schools for your kids, designer everything and so on…
Life’s cup may seem to brim over with plenty.

Is it? Really?

Vitamin M is extremely expensive. Getting such doses of Vitamin M (for above mentioned benefits) necessitates a high price namely long hours of work, stress, irregular meals, no exercise, tons of coffee cups and often improper nutrition. I don’t have to tell you what this combination brings on…
We always crib about what we don’t have (a bigger house, another car, more jewellery etc). Do remember to rejoice some important things that you don’t have such as:
Diabetes
High Cholesterol
Heart disease
Backache

High Vitamin M levels do not necessarily translate to physical wellness.

My favourite question to patients- Do you slog 24X7 only to give away a considerable part of what you earn to the medical fraternity? Just as we pray to God to give us lots of Vitamin M, so does the doctor!!
😉

In our race to achieve all that “I want” we often overlook or sacrifice basic things in life. Good health, hobbies, relaxation time to name just a few.
When you make your wish list each year do remember to add these things.

This does not mean we can do without Vitamin M. One has to find a golden midpoint and strike a WORK-LIFE balance.
Think about it!
Stay well!

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Football Fever

For the present month, many of us have turned couch potatoes and no one’s complaining.
Reason:
Of course is the ongoing FIFA world cup matches.

We can safely watch these matches since India is not participating- safely because we need not fear spikes of blood pressure or irregular heart rhythms commonly experienced when watching the Indian team play cricket. A sore throat is a possible hazard for those watching at home as we join the thousands in the stadia in South Africa to cheer Messi or Ronaldo as they surge ahead towards the goal. Initially I was foxed with the persistent hum only to realise it was from the vuvuzela. This article and this one helpfully suggest ways to protect our ears from losing their powers…

The surprising factor is that women have sacrificed their usual serials in favour of these matches. Its not surprising to hear an over sixty-year old grandma discuss her favourite football star with her twenty something granddaughter!! Several ads now cast their product on a football background hoping to leverage this fever and boost sales. Does it work? Don’t know- you have to ask the marketing wizards for an answer…

Personally I love the ‘break-free’ 45-minute adrenalin-charged session as the footballers magically move the ball around the field. While many are extremely dexterous in gaining possession of the ball others often push, shove, pull, kick the opponent player in an at-times no-holds barred play. The referee runs in promptly to take care of any such incident flashing the yellow or dreaded red card. Each referee in the current event seems an extremely tough guy and able to see through if the player apparently writhing in pain is really hurt or not… Their gestures to get him back on his feet brook no argument.

I was surprised to see them pencil in punishments awarded in a small notebook. No fancy hand held gizmos Thank You! Obviously in such a fast paced game the human eye may not be able to keep with the motion which can create controversy if a goal was indeed a goal or not. FIFA is said to be averse to using technology saying ‘‘Errors should be a part of the game.’’

Read this article about a new high tech football that can actually sense if it has crossed into the goal!! Wow!

This has been a longer than usual post and I must stop lest your attention wanders. We have two more weeks of Football Fever to contend with so the dialogue can continue.
Cheers!

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Coffee:Boiled or Filtered?

Here in Maharashtra, many people prefer to drink their coffee boiled. Personally I have never liked this version as it leaves a grainy taste and somehow does not give the ‘nervous stimulus’ that one seeks in a cup of coffee particularly when fighting to stay awake- that’s my opinion.

There are times when I have opted for tea if the usual filtered (nothing to beat this version) or the instant version is not available.

However this study shows that boiled coffee may actually be beneficial for women. (Click here or copy paste the following in your browser:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100615151255.htm)

Research by Lena Nilsson and associates at Umeå University showed that women who drink Scandinavian boiled coffee, (chemically similar to French press and Turkish/Greek coffee) over four times everyday run a lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who drink coffee less than once per day. For the the first time experts could show that different brewing techniques can lead to different risk patterns for cancer.

I hope you have read the above research.
In a broader perspective, it is sensible to focus on proper cooking techniques and not only ingredients as the wrong method contribute to ill health.
Food for thought?
I wonder….

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