- Power cut during a nail biting cricket match?
- New city, late night and you're out of cash with an upset tummy. Need to find an ATM, a doctor and a taxi service?
- Dread long queues at the railway reservation enquiry counter simply to confirm your seat or find the train information?
If you've been through any of above then we have a great friend for you - Google SMS Search (9-77-33-00000), which lets you find answers to these specific problems and a lot more questions on the go.
In the past, cricket scores and astrology updates on SMS brought a smile to a lot of us until seeing the premium charges associated with short code services. And this was after we had to remember a complicated set of prefixes for different types of information.
Understanding these woes, the SMS team at Google has come up with Google SMS Search. Now send all your queries to 9-77-33-00000 without paying any premium charges! SMS Search offers an easy-to-use way to type in free-form searches. No longer will your questions require complicated prefixes or a tight syntax. You can learn about the interesting features and try our interactive demo at http://www.google.co.in/sms.
Launched nationally, this service is available across all operators on both GSM and CDMA mobile phones. Give it a try by SMSing "help" to 9-77-33-00000 and don't forget to save the number of your newly found friend (Google SMS) in your phone book!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Windows Vista Audit Mode
Audit mode is a mode of Windows Setup that lets you bypass Windows Welcome so you can quickly access the desktop.
Audit mode is usually entered by running sysprep /audit command or using an answer file setting during unattended installation.
But if you install Windows Vista manually on a computer, you can also break into audit mode when the Windows Welcome screen appears by pressing CTRL+SHFT+F3.
This lets you get to the desktop quickly so you can add drivers, install applications, and do other stuff without having to go through all the steps of Windows Welcome.
Audit mode is usually entered by running sysprep /audit command or using an answer file setting during unattended installation.
But if you install Windows Vista manually on a computer, you can also break into audit mode when the Windows Welcome screen appears by pressing CTRL+SHFT+F3.
This lets you get to the desktop quickly so you can add drivers, install applications, and do other stuff without having to go through all the steps of Windows Welcome.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Diet Mantras for Working People
Most working people have the same complaints these days - no time to eat , rushed office time , long office hours and inadvertent eating out leading to acidity , gas , bloating , nausea , and obesity. Many people woefully complain that they hardly eat and yet they are gaining weight. What could be going wrong? The problem is that the food, instead of energizing, is sapping them away of all the energies.
If you are a working man/woman, here are a few mantras for you that can help you stay healthy and feel energized:
Don't skip the most important meal of the day (breakfast)
Missing the most important meal of the day tends to set a trend for the rest of the day. People skip breakfast for various reasons; it could be due to eating late at night therefore they don't feel hungry in the morning; they have no time because they're running late or even that they believe that skipping breakfast will keep them slim. What ever the reason, the problems one faces are ten times worse. Out of the many reasons to eat breakfast in the morning, some are:
- Eating breakfast first thing in the morning is very important for the brain and the body. For people on the go, a ready to eat cereal topped with fruits and yoghurt is one of the many easy options.
- Breakfast is the first chance the body has to refuel its glucose levels (also known as blood sugar) after eight to 12 hours without a meal or snack.
- Breakfast is also important for weight loss and management as it helps curb your hunger and prevent binge eating later in the day.
Eat at regular intervals
Our bodies need food (that equals energy), at regular intervals. Denying food to our bodies is like not greasing a piece of machinery, how will it thus function? Here is why meal timings are important:
- The best way to avoid acidity, gas, bloating is to eat small meals several times a day. Frequent mini-meals supply a steady stream of insulin to preserve muscle, but less of an insulin release (and thus less fat gain) over 24 hours than if you ate three big squares.
- Along with sleep and coffee, food has a huge impact on how energized you feel during the day. So keep handy some healthy snacks if you're going to have a late lunch/dinner and when you finally get to your meal, just eat a small potion instead of gouging on it.
- Regularize your eating patterns so body knows there's steady supply of food, this in turn, will ensure that it doesn't store fat.
Pay attention towards healthy food options
When hunger strikes, you eat chocolates, chips or fried foods. All these are contributory factors towards obesity, constipation etc. Some things to keep in mind:
- Read up on healthier options such as dry roasted nuts which taste great and yet pack 1/3rd of your daily needed calories. Keep them with you when you're on the go or even in your office drawers.
- Breakfast should consist of fruits and milk products e.g. papaya, apples, bananas, oranges, cottage cheese, yoghurt etc.
- For lunch/ dinner, make sure there is a balance between carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Dals, vegetables and lean meats are a good option as well as non starched rice and wheat roti's etc.
Avoid Eating outside food
With a busy and long day at work and other commitments, we tend to take the easy way out by just grabbing some junk food. Here are a few suggestions -
- Don't leave home with a satisfying breakfast under your belly.
- Carry fruits and nuts with you, instead of cookies and chips.
- Pack lunch as and when possible or get the famous dabbawallas to send you a home cooked meal.
Reduce intake of aerated and caffeinated drinks.
Feeling thirsty? With all the choices of many drinks we end up consuming lots of fizzy drinks thus feel no hunger. Fizzy drinks of any brand cause excessive bloating, palpitations, inability to concentrate and lead to reverse hypoglycemia. Here are a few suggestions -
- Always keep water on your bedside and on your work stations.
- Choose packaged coconut water, nimbu pani (lime drink), fruit juices or herbal drinks.
- If you need to have coffee or tea, restrict the amount you drink in a day to not more than 2/3 cups.
Avoid Stress and long working hours.
High stress jobs, lots of late night parties, alcohol, fizzy drinks, smoking etc. accelerate the side effects of poor dietary habits. Some ways to alleviate the harmful effects are -
- Intake of foods that cool your system such as yoghurt, cucumbers, tomatoes etc keep us hydrated.
- Intake of high-fibre foods such as oat bran, woody vegetables etc. keep your energy levels high.
- A balanced diet and regular meal timings will ensure your health can cope with such physical stress.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Anger & Love have no limits
While a man was washing his new car, his 4 yr old son picked stone & scratched lines on the side of the car.
In anger, the man took the child's hand & hit it many times, not realizing he was using a wrench.
At the hospital, the child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures. When the child saw his father....
with painful eyes he asked 'Dad when will my fingers grow back?'
Man was so hurt and speechless. He went back to car and kicked it a lot of times.
Devastated by his own actions..... . sitting in front of that car he looked at the scratches, child had written 'LOVE YOU DAD'.
The next day that man committed suicide. . .
Anger and Love have no limits, Choose the later to have a beautiful & lovely life....
Things are to be used and people are to be loved,
But the problem in today's world is that
People are used and things are loved.......
In anger, the man took the child's hand & hit it many times, not realizing he was using a wrench.
At the hospital, the child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures. When the child saw his father....
with painful eyes he asked 'Dad when will my fingers grow back?'
Man was so hurt and speechless. He went back to car and kicked it a lot of times.
Devastated by his own actions..... . sitting in front of that car he looked at the scratches, child had written 'LOVE YOU DAD'.
The next day that man committed suicide. . .
Anger and Love have no limits, Choose the later to have a beautiful & lovely life....
Things are to be used and people are to be loved,
But the problem in today's world is that
People are used and things are loved.......
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Say hello to Gmail voice and video chat
Today Google launching voice and video chat -- right inside Gmail. Gooogle have tried to make this an easy-to-use, seamless experience, with high-quality audio and video -- all for free. All you have to do is download and install the voice and video plugin and we take care of the rest. And in the spirit of open communications, they designed this feature using Internet standards such as XMPP, RTP, and H.264, which means that third-party applications and networks can choose to interoperate with Gmail voice and video chat.
Once you install the plugin, to start a video chat, just click on the "Video & more" menu at the bottom of your Gmail chat window, and choose "Start video chat." You'll have a few seconds to make sure you look presentable while it's ringing, and then you'll see and hear your friend live, right from within Gmail. You can click the "pop-out" icon
to make the video larger, or click the fullscreen icon
in the upper left-hand corner for a fully immersive experience. See this all in action in the video below:
Once you install the plugin, to start a video chat, just click on the "Video & more" menu at the bottom of your Gmail chat window, and choose "Start video chat." You'll have a few seconds to make sure you look presentable while it's ringing, and then you'll see and hear your friend live, right from within Gmail. You can click the "pop-out" icon
to make the video larger, or click the fullscreen iconin the upper left-hand corner for a fully immersive experience. See this all in action in the video below:Saturday, November 8, 2008
A good man leaves in good time
There was so much that was ‘correct’ about Kumble even if his leg-spin was not exactly of the orthodox variety. Even the umpires and the Match Referees loved him. Not once was he pulled up for bad behaviour during his 18-year international career.
It would be hard to pick his greatest attribute. Anil Kumble was a spinner who won matches. His commitment and integrity were unmatched. He was aggressive and courageous, soft-spoken and humble. Jumbo played his cricket with great honour and dignity.
The burden of expectations seldom weighed on him. Year after year, he shouldered the mantle of being the spin spearhead. The responsibility only inspired Kumble.
There was so much that was ‘correct’ about Kumble even if his leg-spin was not exactly of the orthodox variety. Even the umpires and the Match Referees loved him. Not once was he pulled up for bad behaviour during his 18-year international career.
He would look you in the eye and his hand-shake was firm. Kumble was direct and forthcoming, spoke his mind when there was a need. His words were measured, but he would make his point.
Now, he will not bowl for India again. The champion leg-spinner’s decision to retire after the drawn third India-Australia Test in New Delhi saw him once again putting “team over self.”
There were stitches in his non-bowling hand and he was not going to allow speculations about the team and its composition to do the round ahead of the crucial fourth Test at Nagpur.
The last few days were not particularly easy for Kumble. Rumours about retirements in the Indian camp upset him, so did the flippant manner in which some of the accomplished seniors were dismissed by sections of the media.
A troublesome shoulder meant his bowling suffered as well. Kumble’s deliveries had lacked bite over the last six months, the fizz off the pitch was missing.
Test cricket’s third highest wicket-taker with 619 scalps in 132 Tests picked his moment to walk away and his timing could not be faulted. Seasons of bowling had also taken their toll and he was being bothered more by fitness concerns.
The captaincy baton was passed on to Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Kumble had also cleared the way for the younger spinners.
Kumble always reached out to the younger bunch. Lakshmipathy Balaji would tell you tales about Kumble’s discipline and preparation before and during matches and his kind words of guidance. Recently, Amit Mishra revealed that the first call he received after his selection in the Test squad against Australia was from Kumble.
The champion leg-spinner leaves with the knowledge that both Mishra and Piyush Chawla are promising leg-spinners. The void left by a giant such as Kumble will be hard to fill and the younger lot face a daunting challenge. The depth in the Indian spin ranks will be tested in the coming days.
If the younger cricketers saw Kumble as a role model, there was also immense respect for the man from the senior players. The other day, Sachin Tendulkar called Kumble a “great warrior.”
Kumble was a ‘warrior’ who would not kill a fly. He only knew how to dismiss batsmen.
And he comprehended a ‘fight.’ Whether his broken jaw was wired up or his non-bowling arm sported stitches, he gave it all. He conquered the barriers of pain much like a footsoldier.
The admiration for Kumble within the team was reflected in the send-off given by his mates at Ferozeshah Kotla. It was a heart-warming moment of genuine affection.
It was only right that Kumble put a full stop to his Test career at Kotla; he had already announced his retirement from the ODIs. The ground meant so much for him, was a home away from home.
Kumble staged a memorable comeback here in the 1991-92, bowling himself into the Indian team for the tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa. The Irani Cup duel marked the turning point in Kumble’s career.
The leg-spinner relished the bounce in the South African pitches and he, indeed, was back on the highway to glory. Then, when he had become India’s top bowler, Kumble achieved ‘a perfect ten’ in the Pakistan second innings during the series of 1999 at the Kotla.
Yes, he could destroy line-ups, was India’s biggest match-winner.
The precision in Kumble’s bowling, the ability to send down long spells with control and accuracy, subtle variations, slight spin and killer bounce made him a formidable adversary.
The Smiling Assassin’s bowling simmered with aggression. He only smiled after sending back a batsman. Otherwise, Kumble was all intensity and focus. He would hardly mask his rage at a misfield or a dropped catch but never crossed the line. A wonderful sense of rhythm underlined his bowling. Someone who started as a paceman in his primary school days, Kumble ran in quicker than most spinners. He was also faster through the air.
He ripped the ball hard but his deliveries were more top-spun than side-spun. The bounce he extracted on most pitches made Kumble a compelling bowler. In the early stages of his international journey, he bowled a mix of leg-spin and top-spinners. Along the way, he developed the wrong ’un, and the flipper. A tall man, he complemented his height with a high-arm action and a wonderful wrist position. He would change the angle to bemuse batsmen, and his bowling was in harmony with his field placements.
Though not a conventional spinner of flight and guile, he did attempt bowling slower through the air in the later stages of his career and the changes in pace and trajectory added to his repertoire.
He could be devastating on wearing surfaces but Kumble was a healthy competitor on any pitch. The leg-spinner once sliced through Australia on a firm first day track at Chepauk (2004). Down Under in 2003-04, he almost won the series for India with persistent high-quality bowling. Pitches with an element of bounce suited his style.
Kumble’s spin partnership with off-spinner Harbhajan Singh won several matches for India. The pair had variety, seldom allowed the batsmen to breathe easy. If one didn’t strike, the other could.
Kumble’s batting — his Test hundred in the Old Bligthy last year was an unexpected moment of celebration — reflected his determination. His mental strength was enormous; Kumble’s comeback from a disturbing shoulder surgery in 2001 displayed his resolve.
He was conventional rather than attacking in his methods as captain but led the side capably during the acrimonious series in Australia last season.
Kumble leaves but `Jumbo the Giant’ will live on.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Scattering Dream in a fraction of Second
I was walking around in a Big Bazaar store making shopping, when I saw a Cashier talking to a boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old.
The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll. Then the little boy turned to me and asked: ''Aunty, are you sure I don't have enough money?''
I counted his cash and replied: ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy the doll, my dear.'' The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand.
Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to. 'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much . I wanted to Gift her for her BIRTHDAY.
I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this. 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.''
My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said: 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.' Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he was laughing. He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so my sister won't forget me.' 'I love my mommy and I wish she doesn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly.
I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll?''
'OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his with out him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.
The little boy said: 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!'
Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give It to my sister. He heard me!'' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose. My mommy loves white roses.'
I finished my shopping in a totally different state from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local news paper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine, because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy?
Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the newspaper that the young woman had passed away.. I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was exposed for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed for ever.
The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.
DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE
The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll. Then the little boy turned to me and asked: ''Aunty, are you sure I don't have enough money?''
I counted his cash and replied: ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy the doll, my dear.'' The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand.
Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to. 'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much . I wanted to Gift her for her BIRTHDAY.
I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this. 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.''
My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said: 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.' Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he was laughing. He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so my sister won't forget me.' 'I love my mommy and I wish she doesn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly.
I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll?''
'OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his with out him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.
The little boy said: 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!'
Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give It to my sister. He heard me!'' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose. My mommy loves white roses.'
I finished my shopping in a totally different state from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local news paper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine, because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy?
Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the newspaper that the young woman had passed away.. I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was exposed for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed for ever.
The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.
DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Stay On After A Lay Off
The folding up of Lehman Brothers has highlighted the role of planning in dealing with sudden layoffs. Seven-step way to financial security for employees.
On Friday, 13 September, when Rohit Kumar (name changed) wound up work and left for home, he knew that his employer, Lehman Brothers, was in a spot of trouble.
However, over the week, as rumours got stronger and stronger, his bosses in his office in Powai, Mumbai, assured him that the India unit would not be affected. “We were told that none of this would affect us, Barclays or someone would buy the parent company over and our life would go on as usual. We were not misled by our bosses, this is what they believed as well,” he says. Reassured, Kumar went home looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
On Sunday night, his phone rang. It was a colleague who asked him to watch CNN. The company had filed for bankruptcy, the TV news showed employees trooping out of the US office carrying boxes of their personal belongings. Kumar sat up and watched the news unfold all night.
“Even on Monday morning, when I drove to work, I expected that my job would still be safe. I was anxious, but I wasn’t panicking. Maybe I was in denial,” he says. But once in office, there was only despondency and gloom. Everybody knew the game was up and no one knew what to tell the other person.
Loan load. The first worry for Kumar was his home loan. He had bought a house in Mumbai in 2006. After seven years with his previous employer, Kumar had signed the appointment letter from Lehman. There was a fat joining bonus and 60 per cent jump in his salary and even though real estate prices were high, the EMI seemed well within his new budget. “My wife also works, but her salary does not even cover the EMI, much less our monthly expense,” he says. For now, Kumar is desperately seeking job options elsewhere. His company has said that it would pay the salaries of its employees till 31 October.
Job search constraints. “There are two problems now,” says Kumar. “One, with the meltdown in the financial services space, jobs are hard to come by, so it is going to take me longer to find an equivalent job. And two, future employers are all aware of our situation, so we have very little space for negotiating a good salary package. They know we are desperate.”
Fund value. It is important that we set aside a contingency fund of three to six months’ living expenses. But, warm in the cocoon of a secure job and stable life, most of us often ignore this step. In Kumar’s case, his EMI is substantial and he does not have liquid funds beyond his salary.
Security Blankets
Be your own FM. Financial experts say the first thing to do while preparing a strategy for a sudden layoff is to make a survival budget. Kumar expects it will be at least five months before he starts his new job. His wife’s salary can cover their basic expenses like food, transport, electricity and water bills.
Health cover—for you, by you. “If you are laid off suddenly, there are steps you need to take,” says Gaurav Mashruwala, director, ACE, a Mumbai-based financial planner. “Some of these are important and some are urgent. Getting a health cover is both urgent and important. Most salaried people depend on the medical policy offered by their employer and do not see a need for an additional health cover. If you are unemployed for a while, there is nothing more debilitating than having to spend all your money or borrowing to pay for medical expenses in case you fall ill.”
Portfolio management. The next step is to look at your investments. If you have an equity portfolio, you may have to liquidate a part of it. Says Mashruwala, “If you have debt, then in times like this you will have to liquidate your equity. Keep funds aside for the next six months’ expenses and use the rest towards part-prepayment of your loan.” With stockmarkets losing considerable ground in the last nine months, this might seem like an option loaded with losses, but you have to focus on your immediate concerns and sacrifice long-term wealth creation. If you are confident that you would be able to find a job in the next few months, then only liquidate to cover expenses and EMIs until then.
You should also relook at your debt instruments. If you have fixed deposits, try and reallocate these to schemes that offer monthly interest payout. Certain bank and post-office schemes offer this option.
Seconds to go. If you do not have enough equity to cash in and see you through the next few months, then you will have to think about cashing in on some other assets. If you have two cars, you could sell one off. Or if you have invested in a second home or plot of land, you could liquidate these and use the funds to see you through the next few months and use the remaining to pay off your loans.
Gold glitters. If you have invested in gold, then this is a good time to cash in on that. Gold prices are very high and the money would come in handy.
No credit on card. Tempted as you might be, do not use your credit card as a loan mechanism. Use the credit card sparingly and pay off your entire dues. If you are really strapped for cash, you can take a loan from close family members or opt for a personal loan from a bank. The last thing you want chasing you at this stressful time is sky-high interest payment on credit card dues.
Lesson from Lehman. What is happening to financial services employees around the world has once again highlighted the importance of contingency planning. Like Kumar, no one expects we will lose our jobs overnight. It is not impossible anymore that companies that have survived decades (and in Lehman’s case, centuries) crumble into nothing overnight. Building a contingency reserve and setting aside money for the next six months will save us not just a little anxiety but also the desperation associated with finding the next job. You can wait for the right offer to come along and negotiate a little better if you have the confidence of that money in your bank account.
See how many months’ expenses you have in liquid form
Assess EMI payouts and unavoidable expenses
Cash equities if you are falling short
Rejig(Re-equip) debt investments, move to those that pay out monthly income
If you have gold, sell it
Sell second car, second house, if necessary
Caution:
Never use your credit card as a loan mechanism
On Friday, 13 September, when Rohit Kumar (name changed) wound up work and left for home, he knew that his employer, Lehman Brothers, was in a spot of trouble.
However, over the week, as rumours got stronger and stronger, his bosses in his office in Powai, Mumbai, assured him that the India unit would not be affected. “We were told that none of this would affect us, Barclays or someone would buy the parent company over and our life would go on as usual. We were not misled by our bosses, this is what they believed as well,” he says. Reassured, Kumar went home looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
On Sunday night, his phone rang. It was a colleague who asked him to watch CNN. The company had filed for bankruptcy, the TV news showed employees trooping out of the US office carrying boxes of their personal belongings. Kumar sat up and watched the news unfold all night.
“Even on Monday morning, when I drove to work, I expected that my job would still be safe. I was anxious, but I wasn’t panicking. Maybe I was in denial,” he says. But once in office, there was only despondency and gloom. Everybody knew the game was up and no one knew what to tell the other person.
Loan load. The first worry for Kumar was his home loan. He had bought a house in Mumbai in 2006. After seven years with his previous employer, Kumar had signed the appointment letter from Lehman. There was a fat joining bonus and 60 per cent jump in his salary and even though real estate prices were high, the EMI seemed well within his new budget. “My wife also works, but her salary does not even cover the EMI, much less our monthly expense,” he says. For now, Kumar is desperately seeking job options elsewhere. His company has said that it would pay the salaries of its employees till 31 October.
Job search constraints. “There are two problems now,” says Kumar. “One, with the meltdown in the financial services space, jobs are hard to come by, so it is going to take me longer to find an equivalent job. And two, future employers are all aware of our situation, so we have very little space for negotiating a good salary package. They know we are desperate.”
Fund value. It is important that we set aside a contingency fund of three to six months’ living expenses. But, warm in the cocoon of a secure job and stable life, most of us often ignore this step. In Kumar’s case, his EMI is substantial and he does not have liquid funds beyond his salary.
Security Blankets
Be your own FM. Financial experts say the first thing to do while preparing a strategy for a sudden layoff is to make a survival budget. Kumar expects it will be at least five months before he starts his new job. His wife’s salary can cover their basic expenses like food, transport, electricity and water bills.
Health cover—for you, by you. “If you are laid off suddenly, there are steps you need to take,” says Gaurav Mashruwala, director, ACE, a Mumbai-based financial planner. “Some of these are important and some are urgent. Getting a health cover is both urgent and important. Most salaried people depend on the medical policy offered by their employer and do not see a need for an additional health cover. If you are unemployed for a while, there is nothing more debilitating than having to spend all your money or borrowing to pay for medical expenses in case you fall ill.”
Portfolio management. The next step is to look at your investments. If you have an equity portfolio, you may have to liquidate a part of it. Says Mashruwala, “If you have debt, then in times like this you will have to liquidate your equity. Keep funds aside for the next six months’ expenses and use the rest towards part-prepayment of your loan.” With stockmarkets losing considerable ground in the last nine months, this might seem like an option loaded with losses, but you have to focus on your immediate concerns and sacrifice long-term wealth creation. If you are confident that you would be able to find a job in the next few months, then only liquidate to cover expenses and EMIs until then.
You should also relook at your debt instruments. If you have fixed deposits, try and reallocate these to schemes that offer monthly interest payout. Certain bank and post-office schemes offer this option.
Seconds to go. If you do not have enough equity to cash in and see you through the next few months, then you will have to think about cashing in on some other assets. If you have two cars, you could sell one off. Or if you have invested in a second home or plot of land, you could liquidate these and use the funds to see you through the next few months and use the remaining to pay off your loans.
Gold glitters. If you have invested in gold, then this is a good time to cash in on that. Gold prices are very high and the money would come in handy.
No credit on card. Tempted as you might be, do not use your credit card as a loan mechanism. Use the credit card sparingly and pay off your entire dues. If you are really strapped for cash, you can take a loan from close family members or opt for a personal loan from a bank. The last thing you want chasing you at this stressful time is sky-high interest payment on credit card dues.
Lesson from Lehman. What is happening to financial services employees around the world has once again highlighted the importance of contingency planning. Like Kumar, no one expects we will lose our jobs overnight. It is not impossible anymore that companies that have survived decades (and in Lehman’s case, centuries) crumble into nothing overnight. Building a contingency reserve and setting aside money for the next six months will save us not just a little anxiety but also the desperation associated with finding the next job. You can wait for the right offer to come along and negotiate a little better if you have the confidence of that money in your bank account.
Steps To Take If You Have Been Recently Laid Off
Buy a health insurance policy if you don’t have one
See how many months’ expenses you have in liquid form
Assess EMI payouts and unavoidable expenses
Cash equities if you are falling short
Rejig(Re-equip) debt investments, move to those that pay out monthly income
If you have gold, sell it
Sell second car, second house, if necessary
Caution:
Never use your credit card as a loan mechanism
Monday, November 3, 2008
Factfile: India's Anil Kumble
Champion leg spinner Anil Kumble has hung up his Test boots. Here is a look back at the 38-year-old's dynamic career.
1970: Born October 17 in Bangalore, Karnataka.
1990: August - Makes Test debut against England at Old Trafford.
Takes three for 105 in the first innings, but goes wicketless in the second and is dropped.
1992: November - On his return to the national team, helps India dismiss South Africa for 252 in the second innings in the second Test in Johannesburg with a six-wicket haul.
1993: February - Takes 21 wickets in the three-Test series against England, including a six for 64 in the second innings of the second Test at Chennai, his first series-winning performance.
March - Passes 50 wickets in only his 10th match.
November - Takes six for 12 against West Indies in Kolkata in the Hero Cup, a new record for an Indian bowler.
1994: January - Claims his first 10-wicket haul, helping India defeat Sri Lanka by an innings and 119 runs in Lucknow.
1995: October - Martin Crowe is his 100th Test victim.
1996: March - Takes the most number of wickets - 15 - at the 1996 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka.
December - Is named Wisden's Cricketer of the Year for his 61 ODI and 105 Test wickets.
1998: September - Becomes the first spinner to take 200 wickets in ODIs.
1999: February - Becomes only the second player after England's Jim Laker to take all 10 wickets in an innings. Achieves the feat against Pakistan as India secure their first Test win over Pakistan in 19 years.
2002: August - Snares seven for 159 in the third Test against England at Headingley as India level series.
2004: October - Reaches the 400-wicket milestone in his 85th Test.
December - Goes past Kapil Dev's record of 434 wickets to become India's leading wicket-taker of all time.
2005: December - Takes 10 wickets in a match for the eighth time in his career in a match against Sri Lanka.
2006: September - Dropped from India's Champions Trophy squad, but is picked for the tour of South Africa.
2007: March - Announces his retirement from ODIs. His last game is the Word Cup match against Bermuda in which he takes three for 38.
Finishes with 337 ODI wickets.
August - Scores a century at The Oval, his maiden Test 100 and comes 17 years after making his debut.
Goes past Glenn McGrath's record of 563 Test wickets and is the world's third highest wicket-taker in Tests.
November - Is named captain of India's Test team for the series against Pakistan.
December - Leads from the front with a five-wicket haul as India bowl of Australia for 343 in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne. India go on to lose.
2008: January - The controversial Sydney Test follows, but he becomes only the third bowler to reach 600 wickets at Perth. India go on to win, but lose the series.
April - Is ruled out of the third Test against South Africa in Kanpur due to injury.
November 2: Announces his retirement from Test cricket following the third Test against Australia.
Pay for kindness
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry.
He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.
Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"
"You don't owe me anything," she replied "Mother has taught us never to accept payment for a kindness." He said... "Then I thank you from my heart."
As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt; stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease.
Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.
Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room.
Dressed in his doctor's gown he we nt in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.
After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room.
She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally, she looked, and something caught; her attention on the side as She read these words.....
"Paid in full with one glass of milk." (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.
Never forget the help even a little bit , helped to you
Friday, October 31, 2008
RUN commands
Go to Start->Run and type the following command
Accessibility Controls: access.cpl
Add Hardware Wizard: hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs: appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools: control admintools
Automatic Updates: wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard: fsquirt
Calculator: calc
Certificate Manager: certmgr.msc
Character Map: charmap
Check Disk Utility: chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer: clipbrd
Command Prompt: cmd
Component Services: dcomcnfg
Computer Management: compmgmt.msc
Date and Time Properties: timedate.cpl
DDE Shares: ddeshare
Device Manager: devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)*: directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter: dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility: cleanmgr
Disk Defragment: dfrg.msc
Disk Management: diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager: diskpart
Display Properties: control desktop
Display Properties : desk.cpl
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected): control color
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility: drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility: verifier
Event Viewer: eventvwr.msc
File Signature Verification Tool: sigverif
Findfast: findfast.cpl
Folders Properties: control folders
Fonts: control fonts
Fonts Folder: fonts
Free Cell Card Game: freecell
Game Controllers: joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof): gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game: mshearts
Iexpress Wizard: iexpress
Indexing Service: ciadv.msc
Internet Properties: inetcpl.cpl
IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration): ipconfig /all
IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents): ipconfig /displaydns
IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents): ipconfig /flushdns
IP Configuration (Release All Connections): ipconfig /release
IP Configuration (Renew All Connections): ipconfig /renew
IP Configuration (Refreshes DHCP & Re-Registers DNS): ipconfig /registerdns
IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID): ipconfig /showclassid
IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID): ipconfig /setclassid
Java Control Panel (If Installed):: jpicpl32.cpl
Java Control Panel (If Installed) javaws
Keyboard Properties: control keyboard
Local Security Settings: secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups: lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows: logoff
Microsoft Chat: winchat
Minesweeper Game: winmine
Mouse Properties: control mouse
Mouse Properties: main.cpl
Network Connections: control netconnections
Network Connections: ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard: netsetup.cpl
Notepad: notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed): nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager packager:
ODBC Data Source Administrator: odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard: osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed): ac3filter.cpl
password Properties: password.cpl
Performance Monitor: perfmon.msc
Performance Monitor: perfmon
Phone and Modem Options: telephon.cpl
Power Configuration: powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes: control printers
Printers Folder: printers
Private Character Editor: eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed): QuickTime.cpl
Regional Settings: intl.cpl
Registry Editor: regedit
Registry Editor: regedit32
Remote Desktop: mstsc
Removable Storage: ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests: ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof): rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks: control schedtasks
Security Center: wscui.cpl
Services: services.msc
Shared Folders: fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows: shutdown
Sounds and Audio: mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game: spider
SQL Client Configuration: cliconfg
System Configuration Editor: sysedit
System Configuration Utility: msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately): sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot): sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot): sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting): sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache): sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x) : sfc /cachesize=x
System Properties sysdm.cpl
Task Manager: taskmgr
Telnet Client: telnet
User Account Management: nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager: utilman
Windows Firewall: firewall.cpl
Windows Magnifier: magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure: wmimgmt.msc
Windows System Security Tool: syskey
Windows Update Launches: wupdmgr
Windows XP Tour Wizard: tourstart
Wordpad: write
Accessibility Controls: access.cpl
Add Hardware Wizard: hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs: appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools: control admintools
Automatic Updates: wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard: fsquirt
Calculator: calc
Certificate Manager: certmgr.msc
Character Map: charmap
Check Disk Utility: chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer: clipbrd
Command Prompt: cmd
Component Services: dcomcnfg
Computer Management: compmgmt.msc
Date and Time Properties: timedate.cpl
DDE Shares: ddeshare
Device Manager: devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)*: directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter: dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility: cleanmgr
Disk Defragment: dfrg.msc
Disk Management: diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager: diskpart
Display Properties: control desktop
Display Properties : desk.cpl
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected): control color
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility: drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility: verifier
Event Viewer: eventvwr.msc
File Signature Verification Tool: sigverif
Findfast: findfast.cpl
Folders Properties: control folders
Fonts: control fonts
Fonts Folder: fonts
Free Cell Card Game: freecell
Game Controllers: joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof): gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game: mshearts
Iexpress Wizard: iexpress
Indexing Service: ciadv.msc
Internet Properties: inetcpl.cpl
IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration): ipconfig /all
IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents): ipconfig /displaydns
IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents): ipconfig /flushdns
IP Configuration (Release All Connections): ipconfig /release
IP Configuration (Renew All Connections): ipconfig /renew
IP Configuration (Refreshes DHCP & Re-Registers DNS): ipconfig /registerdns
IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID): ipconfig /showclassid
IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID): ipconfig /setclassid
Java Control Panel (If Installed):: jpicpl32.cpl
Java Control Panel (If Installed) javaws
Keyboard Properties: control keyboard
Local Security Settings: secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups: lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows: logoff
Microsoft Chat: winchat
Minesweeper Game: winmine
Mouse Properties: control mouse
Mouse Properties: main.cpl
Network Connections: control netconnections
Network Connections: ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard: netsetup.cpl
Notepad: notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed): nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager packager:
ODBC Data Source Administrator: odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard: osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed): ac3filter.cpl
password Properties: password.cpl
Performance Monitor: perfmon.msc
Performance Monitor: perfmon
Phone and Modem Options: telephon.cpl
Power Configuration: powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes: control printers
Printers Folder: printers
Private Character Editor: eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed): QuickTime.cpl
Regional Settings: intl.cpl
Registry Editor: regedit
Registry Editor: regedit32
Remote Desktop: mstsc
Removable Storage: ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests: ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof): rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks: control schedtasks
Security Center: wscui.cpl
Services: services.msc
Shared Folders: fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows: shutdown
Sounds and Audio: mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game: spider
SQL Client Configuration: cliconfg
System Configuration Editor: sysedit
System Configuration Utility: msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately): sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot): sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot): sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting): sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache): sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x) : sfc /cachesize=x
System Properties sysdm.cpl
Task Manager: taskmgr
Telnet Client: telnet
User Account Management: nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager: utilman
Windows Firewall: firewall.cpl
Windows Magnifier: magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure: wmimgmt.msc
Windows System Security Tool: syskey
Windows Update Launches: wupdmgr
Windows XP Tour Wizard: tourstart
Wordpad: write
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Smart Investor
A city boy, Kenny, moved to the country and bought a donkey from an old farmer for $100.00. The farmer agreed to deliver the donkey the next day.
The next day the farmer drove up and said, "Sorry son, but I have some bad news, the donkey died last night."
Kenny replied: "Well then, just give me my money back."
The farmer said: "Can't do that. I went and spent it already."
Kenny said: "OK then, just unload the donkey."
The farmer asked: "What you gonna to do with him?"
Kenny: "I'm going to raffle him off." (Note: To raffle is to sell a thing by lottery - draw lot -! To a group of people each paying the same amount for a ticket)
Farmer: "You can't raffle off a dead donkey!"
Kenny: "Sure I can. Watch me. I just won't tell anybody he's dead."
A month later the farmer met up with Kenny and asked, "What happened with that dead donkey?"
Kenny: "I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at two dollars apiece and made a profit of $998.00."
Farmer: "Didn't anyone complain?"
Kenny: "Just the guy who won. So I gave him back his two dollars."
How smart his investing is !!!!!
The next day the farmer drove up and said, "Sorry son, but I have some bad news, the donkey died last night."
Kenny replied: "Well then, just give me my money back."
The farmer said: "Can't do that. I went and spent it already."
Kenny said: "OK then, just unload the donkey."
The farmer asked: "What you gonna to do with him?"
Kenny: "I'm going to raffle him off." (Note: To raffle is to sell a thing by lottery - draw lot -! To a group of people each paying the same amount for a ticket)
Farmer: "You can't raffle off a dead donkey!"
Kenny: "Sure I can. Watch me. I just won't tell anybody he's dead."
A month later the farmer met up with Kenny and asked, "What happened with that dead donkey?"
Kenny: "I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at two dollars apiece and made a profit of $998.00."
Farmer: "Didn't anyone complain?"
Kenny: "Just the guy who won. So I gave him back his two dollars."
How smart his investing is !!!!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Ten practical ways to lower expenses in Small Business
Even if your small business is holding its own, there are steps you should take to keep costs under control. Here are 10 practical ways to lower expenses.
Whether your business is doing well or taking a hit on the revenue side, just about everyone is seeing their costs of doing business go up. Even small and midsize companies whose sales and income have increased are being forced to tighten their budgets to deal with soaring expenses due to fuel and energy prices, higher taxes, and other outlays over which they have little or no control.
Luckily, there are other areas where you may be paying more than you have to, so you can cut your costs to keep your organization's financial status on an even keel. Many of these changes don't require a big sacrifice--and you might find yourself getting more while paying less.
#1: Cut the landline
Traditional telephone service in most areas costs substantially more than voice over IP, even if you only make a few local calls. If your company does a lot of domestic long distance and/or international calling, you might be able to save a bundle by dropping the landline in favor of VoIP.
For instance, one small business in our area was paying US$43 a month per line for a basic landline from AT&T with no voicemail or other advanced features. Long distance calls were extra, resulting in an average monthly bill of more than US$200 each month for two lines.
Switching to Lingo Business VoIP, they were able to keep the same phone number, and they got two lines for US$49.95 with no extra charges for calls anywhere in the United States and 22 other countries. They also get features such as voicemail delivered via e-mail, call waiting, simultaneous ring, and other options they didn't have with the landline. Other VoIP providers have similar plans.
Before you give up the landline, be sure it's not needed for other purposes, such as your fax machine or security alarm monitoring system, and be aware of the emergency calling implications.
#2: Ditch the fax machine
Some older fax machines won't work on a VoIP line, although many modern machines will. However, whether or not you have VoIP, you may be able to save money by doing away with the fax machine altogether. Sending a fax over a landline often incurs long distance charges, and receiving faxes uses paper and printer ink.
Most documents that are faxed can be sent more cost effectively and just as easily as e-mail attachments. If the original document was created electronically, attaching it to an e-mail message is a simple click-click operation. If not, you can scan it and send it.
Some people with whom you do business may insist on a fax instead of e-mail. Recently, a Merrill Lynch advisor refused to accept a form via e-mail because it contained personal information, even though I offered to encrypt it.
However, I was able to send it using a free Web faxing service called FaxZero. The catch? They put an ad on the cover sheet. If you prefer not to have the ad, you can pay US$1.99 to send the fax. If you send only a few faxes a year, this makes more sense than maintaining a fax machine.
If you have people who insist on sending you faxes rather than e-mail attachments, you still don't have to deal with the expense of a landline, fax machine, paper, and ink. There are low-cost Web-based services for incoming faxes, such as Packetel that allow you to get a fax number and receive incoming faxes for US$3.95 per month.
#3: Reconsider physical security options
Physical security for your business is important, regardless of its size. But some small and midsize companies are paying more than they need to for physical security because they haven't considered modern options.
If you're still relying on the traditional security guard on the premises to protect the property at night when you leave, you might want to look into new technological solutions, such as IP-based surveillance cameras you can monitor from home or have monitored by a service at much lower cost than the salary of a guard.
You may also be able to save money on alarm system monitoring by switching to a monitoring company that supports VoIP or that uses a dedicated cellular uplink instead of a landline for communications between the alarm system and the monitoring station.
It also pays to shop around and carefully read all the details of alarm monitoring contracts, since many of them lock you into a contract that automatically renews for a multi-year period if you don't cancel at precisely the right time--which means you could end up paying for years of service you don't use if you need to move or want to switch companies.
Invest in good locks, fencing, security lighting, etc., but don't let security companies use fear tactics to talk you into buying expensive sophisticated security equipment and services that are overkill for your level of risk.
#4: Use snail mail only when absolutely necessary
Postage keeps going up, even as the quality of service we get from the post office seems to keep going down. Many business people have learned the hard way that they end up paying extra when bills that were mailed on time take weeks or even months to get to their destinations across town, so they pay even more to use certified mail or priority mail that can be tracked. At US$4.80 to send one regular size envelope domestically, the costs can add up fast.
You can save money by paying bills online when possible; this also saves money you pay for checks and makes it less likely that you'll incur late fees. You can also save by sending documents, especially large ones, as e-mail attachments, making them available for download from an FTP server or using other electronic file-sharing applications to send them.
#5: Go (at least partially) paperless
Paper and ink cartridges cost money, and the more you use your printers, the more quickly they'll wear out and require replacement. Printers also use power. With the rising cost of energy, you can save money on electricity bills by cutting down on the amount of material you print.
Consider how you can convert your workflow to an electronic one by eliminating unnecessary hard copies wherever possible. If you print and send a monthly newsletter to your clients, for example, consider instead sending it via e-mail or posting it on your Web site. Advertise your products and services on your Web site instead of printing flyers. Send internal memos electronically rather than distributing printed copies. Read documents and e-mail messages on the computer screen instead of printing them out.
#6: Recycle within the organization
Families on a budget have always saved money by passing on hand-me-down clothing, shoes, and toys from one child to another. Businesses can do the same by recycling office equipment, furniture, and supplies from one employee to another.
If your company's engineer needs a more powerful computer to run the latest number crunching software, the old system may be perfectly adequate for a clerk who only uses e-mail and word processing applications. Always look at how assets can be recycled within the company before throwing them away.
If you really have no more use for electronic equipment, many localities won't allow you to simply throw it in the trash--you have to pay to have it hauled away. Instead, you may be able to donate it to a charitable organization and save the cost of disposal while at the same time possibly getting a tax deduction. Just be sure to keep security in mind and remove or completely erase hard drives on any computers you give away.
#7: Cut travel costs
If travel is an important part of your business model, you know that costs are way up. Airlines are raising fares, tacking on new fees, and charging extra for things that used to be free, like checked baggage and nonalcoholic drinks.
Choosing to drive instead means paying gasoline prices that have almost doubled in the past year. There are also hidden costs involved in traveling--like that $852 cell phone bill for international roaming that we got after a recent business trip.
You can still reduce travel expenses by careful planning. Of course, the most effective solution is to travel less. With videoconferencing technology, you get the next best thing to being there without the cost or the hassle. You don't need expensive enterprise-level "telepresence" equipment to conduct effective remote meetings.
If you must travel, use technology to get the best prices possible. Many travel agents now charge booking fees. You might save by booking your own flights and hotels.
Do some research and find out the most cost-effective way to do it. Some airlines charge a higher fee for making reservations online, while others charge more to make phone reservations. Sign up for frequent flyer miles--and use them. Use a company credit card that gives you miles or cash back. Don't pay for extras you don't need, such as rental car insurance when your company or personal policy, or your credit card, already covers you.
The key to getting the best travel deal is often doing the research. You should try alternate airports, and alternate days/times if you have some flexibility in your travel plan. Booking directly from a hotel's Web site will often get you deals you might not get through the travel sites.
#8: Embrace telecommuting
If your small business is outgrowing your physical space, one way to save money may be to allow select employees to telecommute instead of investing in more office space.
With new technologies, it's not only easier but more secure than it once was to let workers log onto the company network from home. Having fewer people working at the office can also save money on your energy bills. One option is to shut down the office completely one day per week and have everyone work from home, so that you can also shut down the heating or cooling system.
Telecommuting costs less for the employees themselves, too. Not only do they save money on gasoline, but they may also save on the cost of clothes, lunches, and other incidental costs associated with working in an office environment. And they also save the time that it would take to drive to and from work.
Because telecommuting has so many advantages for workers, they may accept a lower salary, in turn saving your company more money.
#9: Partner up
Small businesses may not be able to buy office supplies and other items in bulk to take advantage of volume discounts, but by partnering with other small businesses in a co-op purchasing plan, you can all save money. You may also be able to form an association with other businesses to get better prices on things like employee health insurance or even consulting services.
#10: Go green
"Green" is the new buzzword, and many businesses are now making efforts to operate in a way that's more environmentally friendly, either voluntarily, out of the desire to be good community citizens, or under government mandates. The good news is that many of the measures you can take to help the planet also save you money.
For instance, using Energy Star rated electronic devices and turning off electrical devices when they aren't in use can save you a substantial amount of money. Similarly, reducing paper consumption to save the trees also has a positive impact on your bottom line.
Other environmentally-friendly money saving tips include upgrading the cooling systems in your facilities and using programmable thermostats to automatically adjust temperatures when the office is empty, using smaller and more fuel-efficient company cars, replacing bottled water in the office with a water filter, using energy-efficient light bulbs, replacing old CRT monitors with flat panels, and even replacing desktops with laptops, which use considerably less energy.
Whether your business is doing well or taking a hit on the revenue side, just about everyone is seeing their costs of doing business go up. Even small and midsize companies whose sales and income have increased are being forced to tighten their budgets to deal with soaring expenses due to fuel and energy prices, higher taxes, and other outlays over which they have little or no control.
Luckily, there are other areas where you may be paying more than you have to, so you can cut your costs to keep your organization's financial status on an even keel. Many of these changes don't require a big sacrifice--and you might find yourself getting more while paying less.
#1: Cut the landline
Traditional telephone service in most areas costs substantially more than voice over IP, even if you only make a few local calls. If your company does a lot of domestic long distance and/or international calling, you might be able to save a bundle by dropping the landline in favor of VoIP.
For instance, one small business in our area was paying US$43 a month per line for a basic landline from AT&T with no voicemail or other advanced features. Long distance calls were extra, resulting in an average monthly bill of more than US$200 each month for two lines.
Switching to Lingo Business VoIP, they were able to keep the same phone number, and they got two lines for US$49.95 with no extra charges for calls anywhere in the United States and 22 other countries. They also get features such as voicemail delivered via e-mail, call waiting, simultaneous ring, and other options they didn't have with the landline. Other VoIP providers have similar plans.
Before you give up the landline, be sure it's not needed for other purposes, such as your fax machine or security alarm monitoring system, and be aware of the emergency calling implications.
#2: Ditch the fax machine
Some older fax machines won't work on a VoIP line, although many modern machines will. However, whether or not you have VoIP, you may be able to save money by doing away with the fax machine altogether. Sending a fax over a landline often incurs long distance charges, and receiving faxes uses paper and printer ink.
Most documents that are faxed can be sent more cost effectively and just as easily as e-mail attachments. If the original document was created electronically, attaching it to an e-mail message is a simple click-click operation. If not, you can scan it and send it.
Some people with whom you do business may insist on a fax instead of e-mail. Recently, a Merrill Lynch advisor refused to accept a form via e-mail because it contained personal information, even though I offered to encrypt it.
However, I was able to send it using a free Web faxing service called FaxZero. The catch? They put an ad on the cover sheet. If you prefer not to have the ad, you can pay US$1.99 to send the fax. If you send only a few faxes a year, this makes more sense than maintaining a fax machine.
If you have people who insist on sending you faxes rather than e-mail attachments, you still don't have to deal with the expense of a landline, fax machine, paper, and ink. There are low-cost Web-based services for incoming faxes, such as Packetel that allow you to get a fax number and receive incoming faxes for US$3.95 per month.
#3: Reconsider physical security options
Physical security for your business is important, regardless of its size. But some small and midsize companies are paying more than they need to for physical security because they haven't considered modern options.
If you're still relying on the traditional security guard on the premises to protect the property at night when you leave, you might want to look into new technological solutions, such as IP-based surveillance cameras you can monitor from home or have monitored by a service at much lower cost than the salary of a guard.
You may also be able to save money on alarm system monitoring by switching to a monitoring company that supports VoIP or that uses a dedicated cellular uplink instead of a landline for communications between the alarm system and the monitoring station.
It also pays to shop around and carefully read all the details of alarm monitoring contracts, since many of them lock you into a contract that automatically renews for a multi-year period if you don't cancel at precisely the right time--which means you could end up paying for years of service you don't use if you need to move or want to switch companies.
Invest in good locks, fencing, security lighting, etc., but don't let security companies use fear tactics to talk you into buying expensive sophisticated security equipment and services that are overkill for your level of risk.
#4: Use snail mail only when absolutely necessary
Postage keeps going up, even as the quality of service we get from the post office seems to keep going down. Many business people have learned the hard way that they end up paying extra when bills that were mailed on time take weeks or even months to get to their destinations across town, so they pay even more to use certified mail or priority mail that can be tracked. At US$4.80 to send one regular size envelope domestically, the costs can add up fast.
You can save money by paying bills online when possible; this also saves money you pay for checks and makes it less likely that you'll incur late fees. You can also save by sending documents, especially large ones, as e-mail attachments, making them available for download from an FTP server or using other electronic file-sharing applications to send them.
#5: Go (at least partially) paperless
Paper and ink cartridges cost money, and the more you use your printers, the more quickly they'll wear out and require replacement. Printers also use power. With the rising cost of energy, you can save money on electricity bills by cutting down on the amount of material you print.
Consider how you can convert your workflow to an electronic one by eliminating unnecessary hard copies wherever possible. If you print and send a monthly newsletter to your clients, for example, consider instead sending it via e-mail or posting it on your Web site. Advertise your products and services on your Web site instead of printing flyers. Send internal memos electronically rather than distributing printed copies. Read documents and e-mail messages on the computer screen instead of printing them out.
#6: Recycle within the organization
Families on a budget have always saved money by passing on hand-me-down clothing, shoes, and toys from one child to another. Businesses can do the same by recycling office equipment, furniture, and supplies from one employee to another.
If your company's engineer needs a more powerful computer to run the latest number crunching software, the old system may be perfectly adequate for a clerk who only uses e-mail and word processing applications. Always look at how assets can be recycled within the company before throwing them away.
If you really have no more use for electronic equipment, many localities won't allow you to simply throw it in the trash--you have to pay to have it hauled away. Instead, you may be able to donate it to a charitable organization and save the cost of disposal while at the same time possibly getting a tax deduction. Just be sure to keep security in mind and remove or completely erase hard drives on any computers you give away.
#7: Cut travel costs
If travel is an important part of your business model, you know that costs are way up. Airlines are raising fares, tacking on new fees, and charging extra for things that used to be free, like checked baggage and nonalcoholic drinks.
Choosing to drive instead means paying gasoline prices that have almost doubled in the past year. There are also hidden costs involved in traveling--like that $852 cell phone bill for international roaming that we got after a recent business trip.
You can still reduce travel expenses by careful planning. Of course, the most effective solution is to travel less. With videoconferencing technology, you get the next best thing to being there without the cost or the hassle. You don't need expensive enterprise-level "telepresence" equipment to conduct effective remote meetings.
If you must travel, use technology to get the best prices possible. Many travel agents now charge booking fees. You might save by booking your own flights and hotels.
Do some research and find out the most cost-effective way to do it. Some airlines charge a higher fee for making reservations online, while others charge more to make phone reservations. Sign up for frequent flyer miles--and use them. Use a company credit card that gives you miles or cash back. Don't pay for extras you don't need, such as rental car insurance when your company or personal policy, or your credit card, already covers you.
The key to getting the best travel deal is often doing the research. You should try alternate airports, and alternate days/times if you have some flexibility in your travel plan. Booking directly from a hotel's Web site will often get you deals you might not get through the travel sites.
#8: Embrace telecommuting
If your small business is outgrowing your physical space, one way to save money may be to allow select employees to telecommute instead of investing in more office space.
With new technologies, it's not only easier but more secure than it once was to let workers log onto the company network from home. Having fewer people working at the office can also save money on your energy bills. One option is to shut down the office completely one day per week and have everyone work from home, so that you can also shut down the heating or cooling system.
Telecommuting costs less for the employees themselves, too. Not only do they save money on gasoline, but they may also save on the cost of clothes, lunches, and other incidental costs associated with working in an office environment. And they also save the time that it would take to drive to and from work.
Because telecommuting has so many advantages for workers, they may accept a lower salary, in turn saving your company more money.
#9: Partner up
Small businesses may not be able to buy office supplies and other items in bulk to take advantage of volume discounts, but by partnering with other small businesses in a co-op purchasing plan, you can all save money. You may also be able to form an association with other businesses to get better prices on things like employee health insurance or even consulting services.
#10: Go green
"Green" is the new buzzword, and many businesses are now making efforts to operate in a way that's more environmentally friendly, either voluntarily, out of the desire to be good community citizens, or under government mandates. The good news is that many of the measures you can take to help the planet also save you money.
For instance, using Energy Star rated electronic devices and turning off electrical devices when they aren't in use can save you a substantial amount of money. Similarly, reducing paper consumption to save the trees also has a positive impact on your bottom line.
Other environmentally-friendly money saving tips include upgrading the cooling systems in your facilities and using programmable thermostats to automatically adjust temperatures when the office is empty, using smaller and more fuel-efficient company cars, replacing bottled water in the office with a water filter, using energy-efficient light bulbs, replacing old CRT monitors with flat panels, and even replacing desktops with laptops, which use considerably less energy.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
NearHop.com
Travel aggregation is a crowded market and what’s really needed is travel planning - across the different modes of travel (bus, train and flight)
Hyderbad based, Nearhop is attempting to be the travel planner and computes all the possible ways using bus/ flight/ train with combinations upto 3-hops.
Nearhop claims 5,000 places and has database of 38000 flights/trains/buses. For eg if you give ‘AAA’ as the source and ‘BBB’ as the destination,
NearHop enumerates the list of all direct services from ‘AAA’ to ‘BBB’. It also enumerates the list of all 2-hop paths to reach from ‘AAA’ to ‘BBB’. An example of a 2-hop path is first to reach a station, say ‘CCC’ from ‘AAA’ by flight/train/bus and from there go to ‘BBB’ by flight/train/bus. 3-hop paths are also enumerated if they are appropriate.
Few features:
- Given a source, destination and date, NearHop creates a travel plan. i.e it computes and enumerates the list of all "possible paths which include arrival time, departure time, fare, number of hops, service details, availability" to reach the destination from the source. A "possible path" can be either direct bus/flight/train or combination of the above.
- Lists the possible paths upto 3-hops.
- Lists the day specific schedules. ie A flight may deptart at 3:00PM on sun, mon and tue and depart at 7:00PM on remaining days.NearHop computes the schedules specific to a day.
- Lists the links to book the tickets.
- Displays timetable of flight, bus and train for each city; shows the map for your journey
NearHop has also created database of bus/local train routes (for Bangalore,Mumbai,Chennai,Delhi,Hyderabad and Kolkata) and one can download the .jar/.jad file from here.
One of the most interesting feature is the local travel part: you can search for local train and bus timings (sort of navigator) and to me, that seems like a very relevant and useful info.
Aggregation of this sort is quite needed in the travel space, and Nearhop really needs to improve on data presentation - the current version seems too complex (and cluttered) to understand.
Do give Nearhop a hop and share your comments.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Worth of Words
Horror gripped the heart of a World War-I soldier, as he saw his lifelong friend fall in battle. The soldier asked his Lieutenant if he could go out to bring his fallen comrade back.
"You can go," said the Lieutenant," but don't think it will be worth it.
Your friend is probably dead and you may throw your life away."
"The Lieutenant's words didn't matter, and the soldier went anyway.
Miraculously, he managed to reach his friend, hoisted him onto his shoulder and brought him back to their company's trench. The officer checked the wounded soldier, then looked kindly at his friend.
"I told you it wouldn't be worth it," he said. "Your friend is dead and you are mortally wounded."
"It was worth it, Sir," said the soldier.
"What do you mean by worth it?" responded the Lieutenant. "Your friend is dead."
"Yes Sir," the soldier answered,
"but it was worth it because when I got to him, he was still alive and I had the satisfaction of hearing him say....
"Jim...I knew you'd come."
/
Many times in life, whether a thing is worth doing or not, really depends on how u look at it.
Take up all your courage and do something your heart tells you to do so that you may not regret not doing it later in your life........
/
Monday, October 6, 2008
Success Sayings
Zig Ziglar:
The real opportunity for success lies within the person and not the job; you can best get to the top by getting to the bottom of things.
Walter Chrysler:
The real secret of success is enthusiasm.
Benjamin Disraeli:
The secret of success is constancy to purpose.
Aristotle Onassis:
The secret of success is to know something nobody else knows.
Vincent Lombardi:
The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur.
Dale Carnegie:
The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way.
Orison Swett Marden:
The successful men of today are men of one overmastering idea, one unwavering aim, men of single and intense purpose.
E. M. Gray:
The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do. They don't like doing them either necessarily. But their disliking is subordinated to the strength of their purpose.
Irving Berlin:
The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success.
Anonymous:
The two hardest things to handle in life are failure and success.
The real opportunity for success lies within the person and not the job; you can best get to the top by getting to the bottom of things.
Walter Chrysler:
The real secret of success is enthusiasm.
Benjamin Disraeli:
The secret of success is constancy to purpose.
Aristotle Onassis:
The secret of success is to know something nobody else knows.
Vincent Lombardi:
The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur.
Dale Carnegie:
The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way.
Orison Swett Marden:
The successful men of today are men of one overmastering idea, one unwavering aim, men of single and intense purpose.
E. M. Gray:
The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do. They don't like doing them either necessarily. But their disliking is subordinated to the strength of their purpose.
Irving Berlin:
The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success.
Anonymous:
The two hardest things to handle in life are failure and success.
Side Effects for West Bengal Bcoz of Nano's Exit
Finally, Tata’s small car Nano will not be manufactured at West Bengal’s Singur Plant because Tata has decided to pull out from Singur and will manufacture Nano at some other location. Names of states like Gujarat and Maharashtra are emerging as front runners in begging Tata Nano project, though, we will able to see clear picture in coming days.
Tata has already started manufacturing small car Tata Nano from Tata’s Panthnagar plant in Uttarakhand and 50 Nano cars are getting manufactured on the daily basis from this plant. However, this exit of Tata Nano from West Bengal looks to have affected future industrialisation plans of state very badly. Second, people of Singur are biggest sufferers because they have only lost and lost heavily in this whole struggle, as they lost good compensation, job opportunities, growth opportunity and many other opportunities.
In future, any big industry will think twice before entering into West Bengal. Tata Nano has become a big success even before its official launch, because of worldwide publicity got by this world’s cheapest car. Therefore exit of such big project of worldwide value can put west Bengal many years back on the industrial growth map.
In the present time, Industrialisation provides a great option in front of state governments to provide rapid growth for their states and provide employment opportunities to people of state. Overall, Tata Nano Singur project is a failure for state government, central government and opposition and main losers are people of Singur and West Bengal, who have lost a good opportunity from their hands.
Tata has already started manufacturing small car Tata Nano from Tata’s Panthnagar plant in Uttarakhand and 50 Nano cars are getting manufactured on the daily basis from this plant. However, this exit of Tata Nano from West Bengal looks to have affected future industrialisation plans of state very badly. Second, people of Singur are biggest sufferers because they have only lost and lost heavily in this whole struggle, as they lost good compensation, job opportunities, growth opportunity and many other opportunities.
In future, any big industry will think twice before entering into West Bengal. Tata Nano has become a big success even before its official launch, because of worldwide publicity got by this world’s cheapest car. Therefore exit of such big project of worldwide value can put west Bengal many years back on the industrial growth map.
In the present time, Industrialisation provides a great option in front of state governments to provide rapid growth for their states and provide employment opportunities to people of state. Overall, Tata Nano Singur project is a failure for state government, central government and opposition and main losers are people of Singur and West Bengal, who have lost a good opportunity from their hands.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Ban on smoking in public
A ban on smoking tobacco in public has come into force in India.
Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss says he aims to cut the number of smokers and to protect passive smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco.
India has more than 120 million smokers and observers say the ban will need to be strictly enforced. Those flouting it face fines of 200 rupees ($4.50).
Tobacco smoking in India kills 900,000 people a year, a figure expected to rise to a million by 2010.
India's health ministry says hundreds of thousands of people who have never smoked die each year by inhaling smoke from other people's cigarettes and bidis (small hand-rolled cigarettes common in India).
"From 2 October India is going to go smoke-free in all public places," Mr Ramadoss said.
"The aim is to discourage the smokers, to make them quit or reduce smoking. Also all non-smoking employees have a right to a 100% smoke-free atmosphere.
"The perils of passive smoking are equally bad."
'Teething problems'
Health experts say passive smoking contains more than 4,000 chemicals and exposure can cause lung cancer, heart disease, bronchitis and asthma.
PUBLIC PLACES DEFINED
Auditoriums, cinema halls
Hospitals, health institutions
Railway stations, bus shelters
Restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs
Offices, libraries, courts
Markets, shopping malls
Airports
Discotheques, coffee houses
Schools, colleges, fun parks
In the capital, Delhi, no-smoking notices have been posted at many office buildings, restaurants and hotels.
The government has provided an exhaustive list of what it deems to be public spaces as well as officials who have the authority to fine law-breakers.
People will still be able to smoke inside their homes, and in open areas.
The health minister says he has written to all state governments asking them to ensure the ban is observed.
Legislation to outlaw smoking in public in India was first passed in 2003.
A ban was supposed to have taken effect in 2004, but it has taken four more years to work out guidelines before it could be implemented.
Many say the new regulations will need strict enforcement to be effective.
Some say they believe the law will be used by the police and other authorities to harass people.
The health minister admits there will be "teething problems".
Campaign
But he says the "smoke-free campaign is a movement launched with massive public support" and he is confident that it will succeed.
"I expect there will be problems, but it will be done. I appeal to the people to please do self-policing and abide by the act."
To raise public awareness about the ban, the health ministry is running a publicity campaign in newspapers and on television and radio and billboards.
A new website is also being launched on Thursday to provide information about the ban.
Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss says he aims to cut the number of smokers and to protect passive smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco.
India has more than 120 million smokers and observers say the ban will need to be strictly enforced. Those flouting it face fines of 200 rupees ($4.50).
Tobacco smoking in India kills 900,000 people a year, a figure expected to rise to a million by 2010.
India's health ministry says hundreds of thousands of people who have never smoked die each year by inhaling smoke from other people's cigarettes and bidis (small hand-rolled cigarettes common in India).
"From 2 October India is going to go smoke-free in all public places," Mr Ramadoss said.
"The aim is to discourage the smokers, to make them quit or reduce smoking. Also all non-smoking employees have a right to a 100% smoke-free atmosphere.
"The perils of passive smoking are equally bad."
'Teething problems'
Health experts say passive smoking contains more than 4,000 chemicals and exposure can cause lung cancer, heart disease, bronchitis and asthma.
PUBLIC PLACES DEFINED
Auditoriums, cinema halls
Hospitals, health institutions
Railway stations, bus shelters
Restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs
Offices, libraries, courts
Markets, shopping malls
Airports
Discotheques, coffee houses
Schools, colleges, fun parks
In the capital, Delhi, no-smoking notices have been posted at many office buildings, restaurants and hotels.
The government has provided an exhaustive list of what it deems to be public spaces as well as officials who have the authority to fine law-breakers.
People will still be able to smoke inside their homes, and in open areas.
The health minister says he has written to all state governments asking them to ensure the ban is observed.
Legislation to outlaw smoking in public in India was first passed in 2003.
A ban was supposed to have taken effect in 2004, but it has taken four more years to work out guidelines before it could be implemented.
Many say the new regulations will need strict enforcement to be effective.
Some say they believe the law will be used by the police and other authorities to harass people.
The health minister admits there will be "teething problems".
Campaign
But he says the "smoke-free campaign is a movement launched with massive public support" and he is confident that it will succeed.
"I expect there will be problems, but it will be done. I appeal to the people to please do self-policing and abide by the act."
To raise public awareness about the ban, the health ministry is running a publicity campaign in newspapers and on television and radio and billboards.
A new website is also being launched on Thursday to provide information about the ban.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
MSN India Launches Live Search Maps
MSN India has launched it’s live search maps product and now supports 9 cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur (as well as integration with national highways/roads).
Live maps supports driving directions, business listing/PoI searches as well as local search - though the data quality is nothing great to talk about.
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