I simply loved it When gulli-danda and kanche(marbles) were more popular than cricket ...
When we always had friends to play aais-paais (I Spy), chhepan-chhepai and pitthoo anytime ...
When we desperately waited for 'yeh jo hai jindagi'
When chitrahaar, vikram-baitaal, dada daadi ki kahaniyaan were so fulfilling ...
When there was just one tv in every five houses
When bisleris were not sold in the trains and we were worrying if papas will get back into the train in time or not when they were getting down at stations to fill up the water bottle ...
When we were going to bed by 9.00pm sharp except for the 'yeh jo hai jindagi' day ..
When Holis & Diwalis meant mostly hand-made pakwaans and sweets and moms seeking our help while preparing them
When Maths teachers were not worried of our mummys and papas while slapping/beating us ...
When we were exchanging comics and stamps and chacha-chaudaris and billus were our heroes ...
When we were in nanihaals every summer and loved flying kites and plucking and eating unripe mangoes and leechis ...
When one movie every Sunday evening on television was more than asked for and 'ek do teen chaar' and 'Rajni' inspired us ...
When 50 paisa meant at least 10 toffees ...
When left over pages of the last years notebooks were used for rough work or even fair work ...
When 'chelpark' and 'natraaj' were encouraged against 'reynolds and family' ...
When the first rain meant getting drenched and playing in water and mud and making 'kaagaj ki kishtis' ...
When there were no phones to tell friends that we will be at their homes at six in the evening ...
When our parents always had 15 paise blue colored 'antardesis' and 5 paise machli wale stamps at home
When we were not seeing patakhes on Diwalis and gulaals on Holis as air and noise polluting or allergic agents ...
the list can be endless ...
On the serious note I would like to summarise with ...
When we were using our hearts more than our brains, even for scientifically brainy activities like 'thinking' and 'deciding' ...
When we were crying and laughing more often, more openly and more sincerily ...
When we were enjoying our present more than worrying about our future ...
When being emotional was not synonymous to being weak
When sharing worries and happinesses didnt mean getting vulnerable to the listener ...
When blacks and whites were the favourite colors instead of greys ...
When journeys also were important and not just the destinations ...
When life was a passenger's sleeper giving enough time and opportunity to enjoy the sceneries from its open and transparent glass windows instead of some superfast's second ac with its curtained, closed and dark windows ...
Avoid negative
people, places and habits.
Believe in yourself.
Distance yourself from those who belittle and discourage you.
Clutter hinders efficiency.
Get rid of any clutter in your home, work space
and the emotional clutter in your mind and spirit.
Develop financial intelligence and discipline.
Save and spend wisely.
Endure the tough times.
Don't give up!
Trouble don't last always.
Family and friends are a treasure.
Spend more time with those who matter.
Good character is wealth.
Be someone other people
can respect and depend on.
Health is a precious gift.
Make some form of exercise, healthy eating,
water and reduction of sugar, salt
and fatty foods a life style priority.
Invest in your future,
because that is where
you will be the rest of your life
Just do what matters.
Remain focused on your priorities.
Keep the main thing ---
THE MAIN THING!
Focus, concentration and perseverance pays off.
Let go of the heavy baggage of
stress, worry, shame and anger.
Manage your time, money and emotions well.
Never lie, cheat or steal.
Always be fair.
Don't take advantage of
others' kindness.
Optimism and hope can
get you through the tough times.
Anything is possible with faith and action.
Pray for strength, courage and wisdom
to endure, excel and enjoy your life.
Quality produces success.
How you do anything,
is how you will do everything.
Always do your best.
Read and learn something new every day
to increase your chances for success.
Stop waiting. Procrastination is a thief!
Action speaks louder than FEAR.
Take time to create balance in your life.
Don't sweat the small stuff.
Understand yourself in order
to better understand others.
Heal your emotional wounds.
Value your self-esteem and
choose wisely in your relationships.
Winners keep growing and going
in spite of obstacles.
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn."
Xcel in your efforts.
Don't settle for the ordinary.
Live and give above average.
You are a child of God.
Maintain your self-esteem.
Never compromise or discount yourself
Zero in on your target goals and ideas.
GO FOR IT!
The best is yet to come!
Review: * 1/2
Source:http://www.indicine.com/movies/bollywood/tashan-movie-review/
Tashan has been in news for a long time now. The movie stars Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and Anil Kapoor in the lead. Akshay Kumar seems to be unstoppable with 4 back-to-back successes in 2007. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are on an all time high after the super success of Race and Jab We Met. Anil Kapoor’s last two movies have been blockbusters (Welcome and Race). The curiosity around Tashan has built up steadily over the past few weeks, major credit of which should go to the star cast. Does it live upto the enormous expectations? Will Kareena sport a bikini? Is it a out-n-out Akshay Kumar movie or does Saif Ali Khan have some part to play? What about the chemistry between Saif and Kareena?
Before the review, let me introduce the characters of Tashan.
Lakhan Singh urf Bhaiyyaji (Anil Kapoor) is a trigger-happy gangster who enjoys gunning down people and speaking English in his own inimitable style.
Pooja Singh (Kareena Kapoor) is a girl whom you just can’t trust. She doesn’t mind playing with anyone’s feeling to achieve her goal. She uses her beauty and jawani as her main tool to make others dance to her tunes.
Jimmy Cliff (Saif Ali Khan) works at a call center but his main job is to flirt with girls. He is not a bad guy but doesn’t mind turning to one just to survive. He is more like a chameleon in his characters. He changes his side just to escape out safe and sound.
Bachchan Pande (Akshay Kumar) is an electricity stealer. He can climb, jump and fly with the support of just about anything. He can break all bones of the body and the result will always be 100%.
Bhaiyyaji is hoping to sign a big project with some foreign delegates. But just then Pooja with the help of Jimmy steals his money. Pooja abandons Jimmy and runs away with the money. Just then Bachchan Pande comes into the scene. He is appointed by Bhaiyaaji to catch hold of Pooja and get him his money back. In search of money they all go on an adventurous journey across spectacular India that changes the course of their life altogether.
Tashan Review
Tashan is yet another Yashraj movie with a wafer thin and nonsensical storyline. A few stupid twists and turns make the characters look like fools!
Vijay Krishna Acharya, add another name to the long list of below average directors in the Yashraj camp! The first half drags endlessly, its honestly tough to sit through it. Comparatively, the second half is slightly better, thanks mainly to the scenes involving Akshay Kumar.
At most times the change of sets and locations is totally absurd. How can someone travel from extreme North to extreme south of India in just seven days by lorry, jeep, boat or on elephants? Also our characters have traveled from North to South and again back to North in what seems like minutes.
The same goes with the fight scenes too. Although the action sequences are interesting at times, why make it so unrealistic? When will Bollywood learn to create action sequences that look realistic? The strength and flexibility that our Bachchan Pandey possesses and his power to turn even the hardest object into spring to help him jump high, is something that may not even have crossed the minds of Hollywood directors. And seriously how can a normal freaking human being survive, without a single expression on his face, after being electrocuted? Also, the camera angle during most part of the fight scenes is inexcusable; it gives away the magnetism that is usually seen in Akshay Kumar’s stunts.
The placement of songs is bad and they act as speed breakers. Dialogues are bad at most times, Anil Kapoor’s Hinglish is hilarious in the beginning but later it tends to get monotonous and even difficult to understand at times. Music by Vishal-Sekhar is just average. Dil Haara and Chaliya stand out.
Tashan Performances:
Akshay Kumar is the only saving grace of Tashan. He delivers a power packed performance and manages to entertain like he always does. Anil Kapoor is equally good.
Now, what is an actor of Saif Ali Khan’s caliber doing in a movie like Tashan? He has absolutely nothing to offer. Very disappointing!
Kareena Kapoor too has no scope for histrionics. She looks smoking hot in a bikini, although probably a bit too skinny. The chemistry between Kareena – Akshay is better compared to the Kareena – Saif Jodi.
Overall, Tashan is weak in content and quality. The movie is high on Tashan (style), glamour and action but the content is sorely lacking.
At the box-office, the hype and Akshay Kumar’s star power will ensure a huge opening. But there are quite a few things that could go against the movie in the crucial first weekend. The lack of promotion by the makers, Indian Premiere League being the talk of the nation, negative word-of-mouth and the fact that the movie hasn’t released in any multiplex in India..
All said and done, a good movie would succeed against all obstacles, unfortunately Tashan is a major disappointment from Yashraj. This could just go the Jhoom Barabar Jhoom way!
A lthough things are not perfect
B ecause of trial or pain
C ontinue in thanksgiving
D o not begin to blame
E ven when the times are hard
F ierce winds are bound to blow
G od is forever able
H old on to what you know
I magine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
K eep thanking Him for all the things
L ove imparts to thee
M ove out of "Camp Complaining"
N o weapon that is known
O n earth can yield the power
P raise can do alone
Q uit looking at the future
R edeem the time at hand
S tart every day with worship
T o "thank" is a command
U ntil we see Him coming
V ictorious in the sky
W e'll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high
Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
If you can look at the sunset and smile, then you still have hope.
If you can find beauty in the colors of a small flower, then youstill have hope.
If you can find pleasure in the movement of a butterfly, thenyou still have hope.
If the smile of a child can still warm your heart, then youstill have hope.
If you can see the good in other people, then you still have hope.
If the rain breaking on a roof top can still lull you to sleep,then you still have hope.
If the sight of a rainbow still makes you stop and stare inwonder, then you still have hope.
If the soft fur of a favored pet still feels pleasant under yourfingertips, then you still have hope.
If you meet new people with a trace of excitement and optimism,then you still have hope.
If you give people the benefit of a doubt, then you still have hope.
If you still offer your hand in friendship to others that havetouched your life, then you still have hope.
If receiving an unexpected card or letter still brings apleasant surprise, then you still have hope.
If the suffering of others still fills you with pain andfrustration, then you still have hope.
If you refuse to let a friendship die, or accept that it mustend, then you still have hope.
If you look forward to a time or place of quiet and reflection,then you still have hope.
If you still buy the ornaments, put up the Christmas tree orcook the turkey, then you still have hope.
If you still watch love stories or want the endings to be happy,then you still have hope.
If you can look to the past and smile, then you still have hope.
If, when faced with the bad, when told everything is futile, youcan still look up and end the conversation with thephrase...."yeah. ...BUT.." then you still have hope.
Hope is such a marvelous thing. It bends, it twists, itsometimes hides, but rarely does it break. It sustains us when nothingelse can. It gives us reason to continue and courage to move ahead,when we tell ourselves we'd rather give in.
Hope puts a smile on our face when the heart cannot manage.
Hope puts our feet on the path when our eyes cannot see it.* Hope moves us to act when our souls are confused of the direction.
Hope is a wonderful thing, something to be cherished andnurtured, and something that will refresh us in return. And it can befound in each of us, and it can bring light into the darkest of places.
NEVER LOSE HOPE!
Before you think of saying an unkind word
Think of someone who can't speak
Before you complain about the taste of your food
Think of someone who has nothing to eat
Before you complain about your husband or wife
Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion
Today before you complain about life
Think of someone who went too early to heaven
Before you complain about your children
Think of someone who desires children but they're barren
Before you argue about your dirty house; someone didn't clean or sweep
Think of the people who are living in the streets
Before whining about the distance you drive
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet
And when you are tired and complain about your job
Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another
Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down
Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around
Life is a gift
Live it...
Enjoy it...
Celebrate it...
And fulfill it.
Young King Arthur was ambushed and imprisoned by the monarch of a
neighboring kingdom. The monarch could have killed him but was moved by
Arthur's youth and ideals. So, the monarch offered him his freedom, as long
as he could answer a very difficult question. Arthur would have a year
to figure out the answer and, if after a year, he still had no answer, he
would be put to death.
The question was: What do women really want?
Such a question would perplex even the most knowledgeable man, and to
young Arthur, it seemed an impossible query. But, since it was better than
death, he accepted the monarch's proposition to have an answer by year's end.
He returned to his kingdom and began to poll everyone: the princess, the
priests, the wise men, and even the court jester. He spoke with
everyone, but no one could give him a satisfactory answer.
Many people advised him to consult the old witch, for only she would
have the answer. But the price would be high as the witch was famous
throughout the kingdom for the exorbitant prices she charged.
The last day of the year arrived and Arthur had no choice but to talk to
the witch. She agreed to answer the question, but he would have to agree to
her price first.. The old witch wanted to marry Sir Lancelot, the most noble
of the Knights of the Round Table, and Arthur's closest friend!
Young Arthur was horrified. She was hunchbacked and hideous, had only
one tooth, smelled like sewage, made obscene noises, etc. He had never
encountered such a repugnant creature in all his life.
He refused to force his friend to marry her and endure such a terrible
burden, but Lancelot, learning of the proposal, spoke with Arthur. He
said nothing was too big a sacrifice compared to Arthur's life and the
preservation of the Round Table.
Hence, a wedding was proclaimed and the witch answered Arthur's question
thus: "What a woman really wants," she said, "is to be in charge of her
own life." Everyone in the kingdom instantly knew that the witch had uttered
a great truth and that Arthur's life would be spared.
And so it was, the neighboring monarch granted Arthur his freedom and
Lancelot and the witch had a wonderful wedding.
The honeymoon hour approached and Lancelot, steeling himself for a
horrific experience, entered the bedroom. But, what a sight awaited him. The most
beautiful woman he had ever seen, lay before him on the bed. The
astounded Lancelot asked what had happened.
The beauty replied that since he had been so kind to her when she
appeared as a witch, she would henceforth be her horrible deformed self only half
the time and the beautiful maiden the other half.
"Which would you prefer? she asked him. "Beau tiful during the day ...
or at night?"
Lancelot pondered the predicament. During the day he could have a
beautiful woman to show off to his friends, but at night, in the privacy of his
castle, an old witch! Or, would he prefer having a hideous witch during
the day, but by night a beautiful woman for him to enjoy wondrous, intimate
moments with?
(If you are a man reading this ...) What would YOUR choice be?
(If you are a woman reading this ..) What would YOUR MAN'S choice be?
What Lancelot chose is below. BUT ... make YOUR choice before you
scroll down below. OKAY?
Noble Lancelot, knowing the answer the witch gave Arthur to his
question, said that he would allow HER to make the choice herself.
Upon hearing this, she announced that she would be beautiful all the
time because he had respected her enough to let her be in charge of her own
life.Now ... what is the moral to this story?
The moral is ..
If you don't let a woman have her own way, things are going to get ugly.
Believe while others are doubting.
Plan while others are playing.
Study while others are sleeping.
Decide while others are delaying.
Prepare while others are daydreaming.
Begin while others are procrastinating.
Work while others are wishing.
Save while others are wasting.
Listen while others are talking.
Smile while others are frowning.
Commend while others are criticizing.
Persist while others are quitting.
1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing till your stomach hurts.
3. Enjoying a ride down the Country side.
4. Listening to your favorite song on the radio.
5. Going to sleep listening to the rain pouring outside.
6. Getting out of the shower and wrapping yourself with a warm, fuzzy towel.
7. Passing your final exams with good grades.
8. Being part of an interesting conversation.
9. Finding some money in some old pants.
10. Laughing at yourself.
11. Sharing a wonderful dinner with all your friends.
12. Laughing without a reason.
13. "Accidentally" hearing someone say something good about you.
14. Watching the sunset.
15. Listening to a song that reminds you of an important person in your life.
16. Receiving or giving your first kiss.
17. Feeling this movement in your body when seeing this "special" someone.
18. Having a great time with your friends.
19. Seeing the one you love happy.
20. Wearing the shirt of a person you love and smelling his/her perfume.
21. Visiting an old friend of yours and remembering great memories.
22. Hearing some telling you "I LOVE YOU"
Don't attempt to run from the past, it is always behind you.
Don't be afraid of opposition; Remember a kite rises against, not with the wind.
Don't be afraid of tomorrow, for God has already been there.
Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.
Don't be angry at a friend who told your secret, for neither could you keep it to yourself
Don't be concerned others not appreciating you. Be concerned about your not appreciating others (Confucius).
Don't be irreplaceable -- if you can't be replaced, you won't be promoted.
Don't be so Heavenly minded that you do no earthly good.
Don't control, be in control.
Don't count the days, make the days count.
Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.
Don't ever slam a door- you may want to go back.
Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things.
The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have,might have, and should have.
Don't get good at doing something if you don't like doing it.
Don't get married only because of the money. You can borrow it cheaper.
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.
Don't just get something out of church, put something into it.
Don't kill the dream - execute it!
Don't learn the tricks of the trade, learn the trade.
Don't let anybody walk through your mind with dirty feet. (Gandhi)
Don't let people drive you crazy when it is within walking distance.
Don't let time take control of your destiny.Let your destiny take control of your time.
Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future.
Don't limit your challenges - challenge your limits.
Don't listen to what I say; listen to what I mean.
Don't love the things! you own, lest they own you.
Don't measure your life by how many breaths you take, measure it by how many times you get your breath taken away.
Don't pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger people.
1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.
2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."
4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.
5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.
6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, "Hello" or "Thank you."
01. Don't worry about knowing people just make yourself worth knowing.
02. Frndz are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.
03. If you can buy a person's friendship, it is not worth it.
04. True friends have hearts that beat as one.
05. If you cannot think of any nice things to say about your friends, then you have the wrong friends.
06. Make friends before you need them.
07. If you were another person, would you like to be a friend of yours?
08. A good friend is one who neither looks down on you nor keeps up with you.
09. Be friendly with the folks you know€ ¦'¥ if it weren't for them you would be a total stranger.
10. A friend is never known till he is needed.
11. Friendship is a responsibility. ..not an opportunity.
12. Friendship is the cement that holds the world together.
13. Friends are those who speak to you after others don't.
14. The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail and not his tongue.
15. Pick your friends, but not to pieces.
16. A friend is one who puts his finger on a fault without rubbing it in.
17. The way to have friends is to be willing to lose some arguments.
18. If a friend makes a mistake, don't rub it in... rub it out.
19. Deal with other's faults as gently as if they were your own.
20. People are judged by the company they keep and the company they keep away from.
21. A friend is a person who can step on your toes without messing up your shine.
22. The best mirror is an old friend.
23. The best possession one may have is a true friend.
24. Make friendship a habit and you will always have friends.
25. You will never have a friend if you must have one without faults.
26. Doing nothing for your friends results in having no friends to do for.
27. Anyone can give advice, but a real friend will lend a helping hand.
28. You can make more friends by being interested in them than trying to have them be interested in you.
29. A real friend is a person who, when you've made a fool of yourself, lets you forget it.
30. A friend is a person who listens attentively while you say nothing.
31. You can buy friendship with friendship, but never with dollars.
32. True friends are like diamonds, precious but rare; false friends are like autumn leaves, found everywhere.
33. A friend is someone who thinks you're a good egg even though you're slightly cracked.
A Friend...
A ccepts you as you are
B elieves in "you"
C alls you just to say "HI"
D oesn't give up on you
E nvisions the whole of you
(even the unfinished parts)
F orgives your mistakes
G ives unconditionally
H elps you
I nvites you over
J ust because
K eeps you close at heart
L oves you for who you are
M akes a difference in your life
N ever Judges
O ffers support
P icks you up
Q uiets your fears
R aises your spirits
S ays nice things about you
T ells you the truths when you need to hear
U nderstands you
V alues you
W alks beside you
X xoxoxoxxxoooxxoxo
Y ells when you won't listen and
Z aps you back to reality
"In Kindergarten"
Your idea of a good friend
was the person who let you have the red crayon
when all that was left was the ugly black one.
"In First Grade"
Your idea of a good friend
was the person who went to the bathroom with you
and held your hand as you walked through the scary halls.
"In Second Grade"
Your idea of a good friend
was the person who helped you stand up
to the class bully.
"In Third Grade"
Your idea of a good friend
was the person who shared their lunch
with you when you forgot yours on the bus.
"In Fourth Grade"
Your idea of a good friend was the person
who was willing to switch square dancing partners
in gym so you wouldn't have to be stuck
"Do-si-do-ing" with the dork of the class.
"In Fifth Grade"
Your idea of a friend was the person
who saved a seat on the back of the bus for you.
"In Sixth Grade"
Your idea of a friend was the person
who went up to your new crush, and asked them
to dance with you, so that if they said no
you wouldn't have to be embarrassed.
"In Seventh Grade"
Your idea of a friend was
the person who let you copy the social studies
homework from the night before
that you had forgotten about.
"In Eighth Grade"
Your idea of a good friend was the person
who helped you pack up your stuffed animals
and old baseball cards so that your room would be a
"High Schooler's" room, but didn't laugh at you
when you finished and broke out into tears.
"In Ninth Grade"
Your idea of a good friend was the person
who went with you to that "cool" party thrown by
a senior so you wouldn't wind up being
the only freshman there.
"In Tenth Grade"
Your idea of a good friend was the person
who changed their schedule so
you would have someone to sit with at lunch.
"In Eleventh Grade"
Your idea of a good friend was the
person who gave you rides in their new car,
convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded,
consoled you when you broke up with your
significant other, and found you a date to the prom.
"In Twelfth Grade"
Your idea of a good friend
was the person who helped you pick out a college,
assured you that you would get into that college,
helped you deal with your parents who were having
a hard time adjusting to the idea of letting you go.
"At Graduation"
Your idea of a good friend was the person
who was crying on the inside but managed the biggest
smile one could give as they congratulated you.
"The Summer After Graduation"
Your idea of a good friend
was the person who helped you clean up
from that party;
Helped you sneak out of the house when you
just couldn't deal with your parents;
Assured you that now that your significant other were
back together, you could make it through anything;
Helped you pack up for college and just silently hugged
you as you looked through blurry eyes at 18 years
of memories you were leaving behind.
"In Those Last Days Of Childhood"
Your friends went out of their way to come over
and send you off with a hug,
a lot of memories and reassurance that you would make
it in college as well as you had these past 18 years.
But most importantly, they sent you off to college
knowing you were loved.
"Now!"
who gives you the better of the two choices;
Holds your hand when you're scared;
Helps you fight off those who try
to take advantage of you;
Thinks of you at times when you are not there;
Reminds you of what you have forgotten;
Helps you put the past behind you but understands
when you need to hold on to it a little longer;
Stays with you so that you have confidence;.
Goes out of their way to make time for you;
Helps you clear up your mistakes;
Helps you deal with pressure from others;
Smiles for you when they are sad;
Helps you become a better person.
And most importantly, a friend loves you!
Its not easy becoming a friend or making one because a friend is not a state of mind. Its real and its in your face. A friend is someone who makes your life worth its while a little more than yesterday. While everybody has their own definitions of a "friend", the long and short of it is we all need friends to make our lives better. We at TheHolidaySpot value our friendship as much as you do and would like to share our ideas of how to become an ideal friend with you, for if wasn't for you we wouldn't be where we are today.
HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY...
In friendship "honesty" is the key word. One should always be honest to his or her friends.
Don't overlook their faults, even if you have none for you are his friend!
Praise them honestly and openly.
Say you're sorry, when you hurt your friend. Don't let them assume it.
GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE...
Be there when they need you or you may wind up alone.
Love them unconditionally, that is the only condition. Make them feel special, because aren't we all special?
Never forget them, who wants to feel forgotten.
BE SUPPORTIVE...
Cheer them on, we all need encouragement now and then.
Encourage their dreams and aspiration, Life seems almost meaningless without them.
Your words count, use them wisely.
Use good judgement.
Wish them luck, hopefully good
Eamine your motives before you "help" out
Just be there when they need you
Really listen, a friendly ear is a soothing balm
FORGIVENESS...Forgive them for, "To Err is Human", and you just may end up making the same mistakes in course of time..
KEEP THE FAITH...
Have faith in them. For, there is no love without trust.
Zip your lips when they confide in you
EXPRESS YOURSELF CLEARLY
Know when they need a hug, and couldn't you use one?
Offer to help, and know when " No thanks" is just politeness
Quietly disagree, noisy No's make enemies
Verbalsise your feelings
HAVE FUN...
Get together often, misery loves company, so does glee.
Talk frequently, communication is important.
Enjoying your friendship is the order of the day. So its not what we call a friendship if you don't feel right.
Always remember a friendship is worth it when you are able to enjoy the amazing relationship with no holds barred.
Its a mutual bond for life that you cant give up.
Cast: Ajay Devgan, Kajol
Direction: Ajay Devgan
Critic rating: ***1/2
Source:http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20080411-4.html
Watching Ajay Devgan’s directorial debut U Me Aur Hum is an emotionally stirring experience.
What’s up with Bollywood actors? One after the other they are proving to be better directors than those already in the business for years. After Aamir Khan , it is Ajay Devgan who stumps you with his finesse behind the camera (in front of it as well) in ‘U Me Aur Hum’, which is a moving, evocative, passionate, and painful tale told straight from the heart. Hats off to you, Devgan, for that.
Not only is the film rich in emotions, it is full of witty humour, thanks to intelligently and imaginatively written script, dialogues, and fine performances by the supporting cast.
‘U Me Aur Hum’ is a simple story told in a well-structured way.
A bespectacled, middle-aged father of a young teenager bets with his son to woo a woman sitting alone on a restaurant table. The man (Ajay Devgan), somewhere in his mid-forties, walks up to the lady ( Kajol ), as old as him, and strikes up a conversation. He tells her a story – a story of love at first sight between Ajay and Piya.
Ajay (Devgan) is aboard a cruise liner on an excursion trip with his two friends ( Karan Khanna and Sumeet Raghavan ) and their female companions ( Isha Sharvani and Divya Dutta ).
On a night of revelry, Ajay spots Piya (Kajol), who serves drinks in the bar. It is love at first sight for him. But she rebuffs his advances. He tries various ways to woo her. He breaks into her cabin and reads her personal diary, her ‘Book of Possibilities’. Being a psychiatrist he learns what she desires and then uses the right tricks to win her heart. Win it he does, but only to break it himself by telling her the truth. After some heartache the couple gets together again and gets married. Thereby begins the journey of U and Me.
As the protagonist says in the film – “Problems never cease. But they are never bigger than a person”. So is the marriage of Ajay and Piya hit by a calamity, a medical one. Will they pull it through and become Hum. Or will they drift apart.
Devgan follows a non-linear path to tell the story. Told almost in a flashback, the tale acquires wheels within wheels as the protagonist recounts the instances of his marital tragedy to his friends. And very imperceptibly, Devgan throws hints about Piya’s muddled mind from the start. The small ‘reminder’ notes pasted on the mirror of her cabin – to remind her of small tasks – when he breaks into it, or her forgetting the right time of her morning Salsa practice – they all point towards her impending fate. And you connect the dots as the story unfolds.
This is intelligent storytelling, supported by incredibly well-written, thought-provoking dialogues from Ashwani Dhir . Vishal Bharadwaj ’s music complements the story well, but the movie could have done without the song “Saheli Jaisa Saiyyan”. It seems deliberately squeezed in the narrative.
I have not yet seen Ajay Devgan act better in any other film. His performance, particularly in the second half, is arresting, when he looks to a ‘T’ a man struck by an unfortunate tragedy. He convincingly brings forth the pain, the dilemma, the inner turmoil and even the selfishness of his character.
Kajol fares pretty well, playing a complex character. She mostly keeps herself restrained but still goes over the top at places. But a commendable performance overall.
The two get solid support from Sumeet Raghavan and Divya Dutta who play an unhappily married couple, perpetually bickering about one thing or another. And there is also Karan Khanna and Isha Sharvani, playing happily unmarried couple. The best thing about all these characters is that they are well-etched and provide a lot of humour to the film.
Here is a sample – Divya and Sumeet are fighting furiously when a passerby asks: “Are you mad?”. Divya replies: “No, we are married.” Or when Karan riddles his friend: “What would be the name of a girl jo apne baap ko dhakka deti hai”. When no one is able to guess, he replies: “Pushpa…Push..Pa”.
See, it has that kind of humour.
To sum it up, ‘U Me Aur Hum’ is mostly a well-crafted film, barring a few rough edges that don’t stand out much. Above all, it is a touching, moving tale that will change something inside you and make you a better companion.
1. It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, But what is more painful is to love someone and never find the courage to let that person know how you feel.
2. A sad thing in life is when you meet someone who means a lot to you, only to find out in the end that it was never meant to be and you just have to let go.
3. The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.
4. It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.
5. It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone-but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.
6. Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.
7. Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.
8. Always put yourself in the other's shoes. If you feel that it hurts you,it probably hurts the person too.
9. A careless word may kindle strife; a cruel word may wreck a life; a timely word may level stress; a loving word may heal and bless.
10. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
11. Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, ends with a tear. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you're the one smiling and everyone around you is crying.
As I sat there in English class,I stared at the girl next to me She was my so called 'best friend 'I stared at her long, silky hair,and wished she was mine
But she didn't notice me like that,and I knew it...After class, she walked up to me and asked me for the notes she had missed the day before I handed them to her She said 'thanks' and left...
I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends,I love her but I'm just too shy,and I don't know why...
11th Grade.......
The phone rang...On the other end,it was her...She was in tears,mumbling on and on about how her love had broke her heart She asked me to come over because she didn't want to be alone, So I did As I sat next to her on the sofa,I stared at her soft eyes, wishing she was mine After 2 hours, one Drew Barrymore movie,and three bags of chips, she decided to go home She looked at me, said 'thanks' and left...I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends,I love her but I'm just too shy,and I don't know why...
Senior year........
One fine day she walked to my locker "My date is sick" she said, "hes not gonna go well", I didn't have a date, and in 7th grade, we made a promise that if neither of us had dates, we would go together just as 'best friends' So we did...That night, after everything was over,I was standing at her front door step I stared at her as She smiled at me and stared at me with her crystal eyes Then she said- "I had the best time, thanks!" and left... I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends,I love her but I'm just too shy,and I don't know why...
Graduation.......
A day passed, then a week, then a month Before I could blink, it was graduation day
I watched as her perfect body floated like an angel up on stage to get her diploma
I wanted her to be mine-but she didn't notice me like that, and I knew it Before everyone went home,she came to me in her smock and hat,and cried as I hugged her
Then she lifted her head from my shoulder and said- 'you're my best friend, thanks' and left...I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends,I love her but I'm just too shy,and I don't know why...
Marriage.......
Now I sit in the pews of the church That girl is getting married now and drive off to her new life,married to another man I wanted her to be mine,but she didn't see me like that,and I knew it... But before she drove away,she came to me and said 'you came! ' She said 'thanks' and left...I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends,I love her but I'm just too shy,and I don't know why...
Death....... ......... ......... ......... ......... .......
Years passed, I looked down at the coffin of a girl who used to be my 'best friend'.
At the service, they read a diary entry she had wrote in her high school years
This is what it read:"I stare at him wishing he was mine;but he doesn't notice me like that,and I know it. I want to tell him,I want him to know that I don't want to be just friends,I love him but I'm just too shy,and I don't know why...I wish he would tell me he loved me ! " ...'I wish I did too'... I thought to my self, and I cried..."
Do yourself a favour, tell her/him you love them...They won't be there forever..
Thankx
Ur Frnd
Cast: Rahul Bose, Kay Kay Menon, Javed Jaffrey, Minissha Lamba
Direction: Samar Khan
Critic rating: ***1/2
THIS film tries to redefine the way Bollywood looks at the men in olive, and almost succeeds. The Bravehearts of the Indian Army do lay their life defending the honour and dignity of the country, but they don't go about chestbeating and yelling expletives to the enemy across the LoC. Refreshingly, Shaurya is a surprise package that for once does not equate pride and honour for the country with killing those across borders. Instead, it takes an introspective look at the sentinels of our country and gets reflective about the questionables within: prejudice, bias, antagonism that prevent fair play from a Few Good Men that make up the country's premier institution.
Here, you meet Rahul Bose, who thinks nothing suits his personality more than ‘googling’. It's only when the cool dude discovers the hero in the valley that he becomes a causaratti for democracy and a shaurya that doesn't tar a single community. He pitches a fine performance. Close to him is Minissha Lamba, the small town reporter who sips beer to scandalise those who question what she calls ‘small town morality’. A short role she executes with ease and confidence. Not to miss out is Javed Jaffery, who plays the perfect friend, though the character seems to be lost as the movie progresses. And just in case you wondered who's shaurya are we all taking of, it's none other than Kay Kay Menon, the sarkar of the valley with so very misconstrued views. Kay Kay is absolutely dynamic and it's his explosive act in the climax that helps him walk away with applause for sheer shock value.
Inspired by a Few Good Men , the Hollywood drama on the defence forces which revealed the ugly underbelly of one of the most respected officers (Jack Nicholson), Shaurya is essentially a courtmartial drama where two friends (Rahul Bose and Jaaved Jaafrey) play defence attorney and prosecutor to a cadet guilty of murder. And if the background is Kashmir, be sure there is a dissection of the world's number one problem: Islam versus terrorism. But the director handles the incendiary topic with balance and sensitivity. Go for some serious, cerebral viewing.
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif
Direction: Abbas-Mustan
Critic rating: ***1/2
THE Baazigars are back. Once again, the Burmawala brothers (Abbas-Mustan) dig deep into the darker side of the human psyche and come up with another thrilling study of wickedness. Ever since Shah Rukh Khan made a virtue of vile and guile in Baazigar, the director duo seemed to have specialised in a certain kind of cinema. One, where all the beautiful people are bubbling over with the beast within. And what makes their films interesting is the fact that this beastliness is born out of circumstances -- a childhood grudge, a blow of fate -- rather than being a case of pathological evil. Hence, the viewer always seems to `understand' and `empathise' with the anti-hero. As Saif Ali Khan confesses in Race: he is only scared of honest people. The rest, he can handle and outrun, in any and every race. Ethics, anyone?
The story can't get darker than this. Two brothers begin by racing bikes in childhood and end up running a race for life itself, with each trying to kill the other. Younger brother Akshaye hates big brother Saif, who not only won all the kiddy races but also managed to walk away with the family fortune, leaving kid brother completely dependent on his generosity. Under the veneer of pyar-mohabbat and traditional bhaichara , kid brother weaves a complicated plot to get rid of Bade Bhaiyya and walk away with the millions. And he's got a tantalising weapon to deliver the final blow: the sultry and super-sensuous Bipasha Basu who plays her charms against Bhai-Bhai . But it isn't Bipasha alone who keeps you guessing about her loyalties. In this gritty game of death, loyalties are as slippery as quicksand and it takes just a flick of a pretty head for a sweet simpleton to turn into a pucca predator. End result? Twists, turns, twists that keep you on the edge and leave you unblinking for most of the film.
The film boasts of a super cool look, testosterone-high action sequences, a lively music score (Pritam) and some classy performances from Akshaye and Saif as the bloodthirsty bhais . But the film does get staggered in the second half with the Anil Kapoor-Sameera Reddy track being the weakest link. Amongst the girlie brigade, it's Bipasha who adds glitz with her dangerous liaisons. Sameera too articulates the busty bimbo act with elan, reminiscent of TV's super-sleuth Karamchand's Kitty. Katrina however is too pale as the blousy secretary who comes into her own only when she gets seductive with a `Touch me, kiss me' tenor. Time for some paisa-vasool entertainment.
An Article Address by Azim Premji in the "Shaping Young Minds Program" (SYMP) organized by AIMA in collaboration with the Bombay Management Association (BMA) in Mumbai on "My Lessons in Life".
I am very happy to be here with you. It is always wonderful to be with young people. As my hair turned from black, to salt and pepper and finally salt without the pepper, I have begun to realize the importance of youth. At the same time, I have begun to truly appreciate some of the lessons I have learnt along the way. I hope you will find them useful when you plan your own career and life.
First
The first thing I have learnt is that we must always begin with our strengths. There is an imaginary story of a rabbit. The rabbit was enrolled in a rabbit school. Like all rabbits, it could hop very well but could not swim. At the end of the year, the rabbit got high marks in hopping but failed in swimming. The parents were concerned. They said, "Forget about hopping. You are anyway good at it. Concentrate on swimming." They sent the rabbit for tuitions in swimming. And guess what happened? The rabbit forgot how to hop! As for swimming, have you ever seen a rabbit swim? While it is important for us to know what we are not good at, we must also cherish what is good in us. That is because it is only our strengths that can give us the energy to correct our weaknesses.
Second
The second lesson I have learnt is that a rupee earned is of far more value than five found. My friend was sharing me the story of his eight year-old niece. She would always complain about the breakfast. The cook tried everything possible, but the child remained unhappy. Finally, my friend took the child to a supermarket and brought one of those ready-to-cook packets. The child had to cut the packet and pour water in the dish. The child found the food to be absolutely delicious? The difference was that she has cooked it! In my own life, I have found that nothing gives as much satisfaction as earning our rewards. In fact, what is gifted or inherited follows the old rule of come easy, go easy. I guess we only know the value of what we have if we have struggled to earn it.
Third
The third lesson I have learnt is no one bats a hundred every time. Life has many challenges. You win some and lose some. You must enjoy winning. But do not let it go to the head. The moment it does, you are already on your way to failure. And if you do encounter failure along the way, treat it as an equally natural phenomenon. Don't beat yourself for it or any one else for that matter! Accept it, look at your own share in the problem, learn from it and move on. The important thing is, when you lose, do not lose the lesson.
Fourth
The fourth lesson I have learnt is the importance of humility. Sometimes, when you get so much in life, you really start wondering whether you deserve all of it. We have so much to be grateful for. Our parents, our teachers and our seniors have done so much for us that we can never repay them. Many people focus on the shortcomings, because obviously no one can be perfect. But it is important to first acknowledge what we have received. Nothing in life is permanent but when a relationship ends, rather than becoming bitter, we must learn to savor the memory of the good things while they lasted.
Fifth
The fifth lesson I learnt is that we must always strive for excellence. One way of achieving excellence is by looking at those better than ourselves. Keep learning what they do differently. But excellence cannot be imposed from the outside. We must also feel the need from within. It must involve not only our mind but also our heart and soul. Excellence is not an act but a habit. I remember the inspiring lines of a poem, which says that your reach must always exceed your grasp. That is heaven on earth. Ultimately, your only competition is yourself.
Sixth
The sixth lesson I have learnt is never give up in the face of adversity. It comes on you suddenly without warning. Always keep in mind that it is only the test of fire that makes fine steel. A friend of mine shared this incident with me. His eight-year old daughter was struggling away at a jigsaw puzzle. She kept at it for hours but could not succeed. Finally, it went beyond her bedtime. My friend told her, "Look, why don't you just give up? I don't think you will complete it tonight. Look at it another day." The daughter looked with a strange look in her eyes, "But, dad, why should I give up? All the pieces are there! I have just got to put them together!" If we persevere long enough, we can put any problem into its perspective.
Seventh
The seventh lesson I have learnt is that while you must be open to change, do not compromise on your values. Mahatma Gandhiji often said that you must open the windows of your mind, but you must not be swept off your feet by the breeze. Values like honesty, integrity, consideration and humility have survived for generations. At the end of the day, it is values that define a person more than the achievements. Do not be tempted by short cuts. The short cut can make you lose your way and end up becoming the longest way to the destination.
Final
And the final lesson I learnt is that we must have faith in our own ideas even if everyone tells us that we are wrong. There was once a newspaper vendor who had a rude customer. Every morning, the Customer would walk by, refuse to return the greeting, grab the paper off the shelf and throw the money at the vendor. The vendor would pick up the money, smile politely and say, "Thank you, Sir." One day, the vendor's assistant asked him, "Why are you always so polite with him when he is so rude to you? Why don't you throw the newspaper at him when he comes back tomorrow?" The vendor smiled and replied, "He can't help being rude and I can't help being polite. Why should I let his rude behavior dictate my politeness?
I hope you achieve success in whatever way you define it and what gives you the maximum happiness in life. "Remember, those who win are those who believe they can."
They were men of principles, whose idealism helped bring freedom to the country. But in the process, did their idealism also affect their families? For instance, take the much-talked about rift between Mahatma Gandhi and his son, Harilal. Many believe it arose because Gandhi did not recommend his son's name for a scholarship, as he didn't want to be accused of nepotism. Other leaders too, tended to keep their public and private lives separate. All this leads to the question: Did India's first generation of political leaders consciously try to keep their families away from politics and public life, lest they get an unfair advantage because of their famous surnames?
"In many ways, it is true. India has always had a nepotistic culture. But people like Nehru, Gandhi, Patel and other leaders of the freedom movement tried to rise above this kind of dynastic ethos," says historian Ramachandra Guha.
Gandhi, for instance didn't want his sons to get preferential treatment and he was transparently honest about it.
Similarly, Sardar Patel is believed to have written to a friend about his son, Dahyabhai, a businessman who later got into politics, "I take no interest in Dahyabhai's personal and business interests. All that I'm interested in is to ensure that no consideration is extended to him because he happens to be my son."
It was a sentiment typical of the environment of idealistic fervour that defined those times, says Guha. Most of these leaders, in fact, genuinely believed they would be doing the country a great disservice if they promoted their kith and kin. Agrees Firoz Bakht Ahmed, grand-nephew of Maulana Azad, "My father Nooruddin Ahmed, who was Maulana Azad's nephew, once applied for the post of librarian at ICCR. He got the job at the behest of the secretary of the society. At that time, Maulana Azad was not in Delhi. When he came to know of this, he immediately asked his nephew to resign and wrote a letter to the society saying the job be given to someone else."
This idealism, though laudable, also raises the question whether in the process, genuinely meritorious family members of these leaders were disadvantaged. "Perhaps there was some disadvantage if you were related to the politi cians of the time, as they were people who squirmed even at the thought of favours being given to their families," admits Anil Shastri, son of former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri. "In fact, my father was so particular that his position as prime minister shouldn't give any undue advantage to his children, that I was even afraid to mention my surname while applying to St Stephen's College," he says.
Tara Sinha, grand-daughter of former President Dr Rajendra Prasad, agrees that family members, especially children had to lead a balanced life so that the ideals which were dear to their fathers weren't compromised. "For instance, my father, Mrityunjay Prasad, was a bright student who was expected to win a scholarship in the university where he was studying. However, my grandfather, in response to Gandhiji's call to boycott western education, had him withdrawn from the university and asked him to complete his education from Bihar Vidyapeeth, an institution that was started by nationalist leaders," she says.
Probably the leaders of the time, having seen the difficult and turbulent days of the freedom struggle, knew that their task now lay in nation-building. And that's why they made sure their family members did not take undue advantage of their position, always emphasising on giving to the country rather than taking, says Ashoka Jahnavai Prasad, great-grandson of Rajendra Prasad. "I think that the family members of these leaders are today grateful to them for this," he says.
In contrast, however, nepotism is the order of the day today, not just in politics, but in almost every field — from business to films to even sports, says Guha. "The principles prevalent in our society are diametrically opposite to the ones that leaders of our freedom movement advocated and lived by. Promoting your family members is seen as an expected thing to do today. The way this has seeped into our system is alarming, since it is damaging the very foundations of our democracy and leading to a sense of despair among youth who do not have a family name or connections to flaunt," he says.
As we celebrate the 60th year of independence, perhaps it's time we revisit the lives of the fathers of the freedom struggle and remember some lessons that seem to have been forgotten.
Et tu, Brute? Those pained words, uttered by Julius Caesar after he was literally backstabbed by Brutus, convey the angst that the dying dictator experienced at being betrayed by one he considered friend, advisor and confidant.
Neither was it strawberry fields forever for the famed friendship between John Lennon and Pau- McCartney, who split over irreconcilable differences and went on to chart their solo careers.
With the brouhaha over Friendship Day, when mush and messages reigned supreme, just behind us, it's as good a time as any to explore why so many good friendships bite the dust.
"Friendships are primarily driven by consumerist concerns, power equations, and an innate desire to explore beyond the confines of an existing relationship," says Rajib Haldar, Delhi-based sociologist.
Time was when bosom buddies Amitabh Bachchan and Rajiv Gandhi did everything from feasting to flying together. It took a Bofors scanda- to sever the bond forever.
Once bum chums, socialites Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie parted ways, and the latter declared, "When I got out of rehab, I had to figure out what path to go down, and part of that included taking certain people out of my life."
"If a friendship is fundamentally flawed to begin with and is entered into for al- the wrong reasons, it is a question of time before it flounders," explains clinica- psychotherapist Seema Hingorrany. "We may swear by our friends, but the moment they point out our shortcomings, there are only a few who can take it in the right spirit. Also, there is more than a grain of truth in the adage that prosperity makes you friends, adversity tries them."
Though dialogue writers Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar have maintained a studied silence over what drove them apart, many believe their creative egos got in the way of a wonderfu- partnership. "Good friendships often come unstuck because of egos that cannot be contained. True friendship is one where both the parties learn to sublimate their egos in situations of possible conflict," says Haldar.
Writer Pau- Theroux worshipped the ground his mentor VS Naipau- trod on, and was content being "Sir Vidya's Shadow", til- the day the friendship lay in tatters and Theroux regretted being in awe of the "mean" man. Being himself, Naipau- had no remorse about losing a dedicated friend. He asked Theroux to "take it on the chin and move on".
"Envy, boredom and a case of familiarity breeding contempt may also cause a good friendship to snap," avers Hingorrany.
While philosopher and writer Jean-Pau- Sartre and author Albert Camus, at one time the best of friends, had a permanent, bitter break-up when their politica- leanings clashed, the friendship between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, two people who disagreed severely on ideologica- issues, spoke volumes of their maturity, points out Haldar.
Not too long ago, Bollywood actors Anupam Kher and Ani- Kapoor shared a deep camaraderie and bond. "Nothing is the matter with our friendship. We both have gotten busy with our work commitments," said Kher dismissively when asked what went wrong. "In any case, I hold too many good memories to want to make our relationship appear pedestrian by talking about it." Point taken, but obviously al- is not hunky-dory on that front.
In denia- too is Smriti Irani of Tulsi fame. Despite tongues wagging incessantly in quarters that apparently appear knowledgeable on her split with Ekta Kapoor, Irani maintains all's swimmingly wel- between them.
Not everyone makes an attempt to hide or disclaim the end of friendship. Tennis players Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi had the whole world and its grandaunt talking about their falling out. Theirs was a public feud that, sadly, ended on a no love score.
Do friendships come with a sell-by date? And do true friendships belong mainly to the realm of mythology and celluloid -- to wit, Krishna-Sudama, Veeru-Jai?
"No, that shouldn't be the case," asserts Hingorrany. "If you are loya- to your friendship and don't keep evaluating it on superficia- and materialistic parameters, there is every reason the friendship is for keeps. Also, good listening abilities lay the foundation of an everlasting association."Sometimes, an act of indiscretion can sound the death knel- of close ties. A friendship split wide open was that between industrialist Sonia Garware and her sister-in-law. It was Garware who alleged that Ramona's wanton ways drove her cousin to depression and subsequent suicide.
More recently, the marriage of a Mumbai raja and his rani came under a cloud, as the rani in al- her roya- wisdom concluded whatever belonged to her best friend was hers by right as well. Except in this case it is the best friend's husband we are talking about.
"Friendship is like a China cup, precious rich and rare, once broken can be mended, but the crack is always there" goes a piece of maudlin prose that has found its way into many autograph books. Mawkish, but no less true for that.
A peeved Shatrughan Sinha perceived insult to injury when Amitabh Bachchan, a friend for decades, who did not invite him for his son's wedding, had sweets home delivered to him post the festivities. True, they subsequently kissed and made up in a very public forum, but insiders insist that it is a surface-mend.
Today, gossipmongers and tabloid trawlers lose sleep over whether Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan's friendship has taken a knock. About time Johar set the record straight, by making a movie on how it's really al- about loving one's friends!
This may sound quite aberrant to most of the younger generations who are not really exposed to the personality development articles, books or motivational lectures.
Being positive does not indicate that we aren't able to handle a situation which is of abstruse nature. Being positive means, seeing the opportunity, seeing the best option that is available in any situation.
Generally people criticize themselves, time and other previous situations whenever, they are caught up in a problem, jinx etc.
Basically, abecedarians who are undergoing personality development through self interest or by means of their parents, pretty well fall into such traps of criticizing themselves for what has happened. But, let me tell you, if you have chosen to be strong, then nothing can make you weak, if you have chosen to be weak, nothing can make you strong. The transformation from weak to strong and vice versa is very much dependent upon your self esteem " The way you feel about yourself", will and of course positive attitude.
People are bound to make mistakes; and they should, in fact to make your brains work. Yes, when you commit mistakes or things go wrong, as they may sometimes, you do not have to feel inferior, rather be strong and fight back, make yourself capable to handle such situations. Above all learn; the more you learn, the more you achieve. As it is very precisely said:
Arise, awake and stop not till you goal is achieved.
Here, goal may be anything; it might be effective handling or learning.
When i say LEARN; i mean:
L - Lead
E - Effective
A - Alert
R - Realistic, ready, reasonable
N - Natty (smart)
Remember, being effective, alert, realistic and natty not only helps and enables you to act pragmatically, but, it also helps you in learning.
So, fear not my dear, rather strike hard and effectively. May this article bring lots of positive personality changes in you transforming your sole into a blend of intellect, boldness and bring out the natty features of yours whenever a hard task arises.
Last but not the least: "Believe in you".
For me, there are always several things constantly competing for my time - articles to write, business opportunities to explore, links to follow up, my daily work, personal commitments etc. In my experience whenever I try to work on many things at the same time, none of them actually gets done.
In response, I’ve incorporated the following techniques for staying focused into my work patterns:
1. Having well defined goals. I can’t stress the importance of this too much. Having goals which are well defined along good guidelines is key. I’ve found writing my goals down really helps. Whenever I get distracted, I read my goals and I’m reminded of what I am trying to do and why.
2. Breaking things into bite sized chunks. Having broad high level goals are good but having an actionable plan is essential. A plan can identify how you can get from where you are to where you want go. Breaking goals into smaller actionable chunks (tasks) is great - it gives me motivation to start and allows me to get things done in one sitting.
3. Prioritising constantly. To figure out which task I should be working on, I prioritise constantly. Some tasks are more important than others. Some tasks are more urgent than others. I’ve found that working on urgent tasks followed by tasks which have the greatest impact to work well for me - urgent tasks allow me to get things done on time and important tasks allow me to maximise the benefits I receive.
4. Tracking progress vigorously. Each of us wants to improve our lives. However, it is easy to start with good intentions but more difficult to sustain commitment. I’ve found that by tracking my progress, I have more visibility on what I’ve done and can better gauge how much effort is left.
5. Planning ahead without fail. Concentrating on the remaining effort can help reinforce commitment. Some might think they’ll get discouraged, however I haven’t found this to be the case because my tasks are bite sized and easy to finish. I’ve found it really helps to look at my goals and task lists periodically, so I can assess how much time it’ll take to do something and determine the best time to sit down and work on it.
6. Rewarding myself when warranted. By all means focus on what’s outstanding, but also take stock of what’s done. I always reflect on what I’ve done, whether it is reading a post I did awhile ago or looking at the ticks I’ve made alongside my task lists. Whenever I accomplish a logical piece of work, I always reward myself. It really does help with maintaining motivation.
7. Having positive patterns in my routine. I’ve found having good habits and positive patterns to be instrumental. At the moment, I can consistently get more done. As these patterns continue to establish into a routine, I’m finding that I can better judge the periods of the day in which I really need to focus and work.
8. Removing distractions as best I can. The best way not to give in to temptation is not to have the option to. What seems to work for me is making the distractions difficult or inconvenient to access. Because it takes too much effort to indulge in the distraction, I find it is less likely for me to give in.
9. Blocking out some time. In a previous post I wrote about waking up early and consistently. You don’t necessarily have to do this but I’ve found that having quiet time, set aside specifically for accomplishing a given task, to be very productive. I also tend to be more focused in the morning after a restful night.
10. Keeping the results clear in mind. Instead of concentrating too much on the task at hand, sometimes I put some attention on the feelings I ultimately wish to experience. By focusing on the results, it is easier for me to maintain my motivation especially when working on things that I am not by nature motivated by.
11. Enlisting my family and friends for help. I communicate with my family and friends about my goals all the time. Not only have they been helpful with gentle reminders whenever they see my behaviour is not consistent with my goals, but they also give me constant incentives to work at my goals and succeed.
As part of the Lead India initiative, Lee Iacocca, former CEO, Chrysler lists the 9Cs which make a leader stand out from the crowd.
I've never been commander-in-chief, but I've been a CEO. I understand a few things about leadership at the top. I've figured out nine points — not 10 (I don't want people accusing me of thinking I'm Moses). I call them the Nine Cs of Leadership. They're not fancy or complicated. Just clear, obvious qualities that a true leader should have.
So, here's my C list:
A leader has to show Curiosity. He has to listen to people outside the 'Yes, sir' crowd. He has to read voraciously, because the world is a complicated place. George W Bush brags about never reading a newspaper. "I just scan the headlines," he says. Am I hearing this right? He's the President of the US and he never reads a newspaper? Thomas Jefferson once said, "Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate for a moment to prefer the latter.''
A leader has to be Creative, go out on a limb, be willing to try something different. You know, think outside the box. George Bush prides himself on never changing, even as the world around him is spinning out of control. God forbid someone should accuse him of flip-flopping. There's a disturbingly messianic fervour to his certainty. Leadership is all about managing change — whether you're leading a company or leading a country. Things change, and you get creative. You adapt.
A leader has to Communicate. I'm not talking about running off at the mouth or spouting sound bites. I'm talking about facing reality and telling the truth. Communication has to start with telling the truth, even when it may be painful.
A leader has to be a person of Character — knowing the difference between right and wrong and having the guts to do the right thing. Abraham Lincoln once said, "If you want to test a man's character, give him power."
A leader must have Courage. Swagger isn't courage. Tough talk isn't courage. Courage in the twenty-first century doesn't mean posturing and bravado. Courage is a commitment to sit down at the negotiating table and talk. If you're a politician, courage means taking a position even when you know it will cost you votes.
To be a leader you've got to have Conviction — a fire in your belly. You've got to have passion. You've got to really want to get something done.
A leader should have Charisma. Charisma is the quality that makes people want to follow you. It's the ability to inspire. People follow a leader because they trust him. That's my definition of charisma.
A leader has to be Competent. You've got to know what you're doing. More importantly, you've got to surround yourself with people who know what they're doing.
You can't be a leader if you don't have Common Sense. I call this Charlie Beacham's rule. When I was a young guy just starting out in the car business, one of my first jobs was as Ford's zone manager in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. My boss was a guy named Charlie Beacham, who was the East Coast regional manager. Charlie used to tell me, "Remember, Lee, the only thing you've got going for you as a human being is your ability to reason and your common sense. If you don't know a dip of horseshit from a dip of vanilla ice cream, you'll never make it.