Music: The Rock Kind

I am a girl, in my twenties, living in 2016. That comes with a lot of clichés. And one such cliché is that I am assumed to be a fan of Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, or any such pop star. But I'm not. I don't find their music attractive. It is just a lot of auto-tune and lot less of real vocal talent. Even the lyrics are shallow and have no meaning. Their music is like fast food, it provides quick comfort but not healthy at all in the long run.

Music, in my opinion, should be meaningful, moving and should be such that it leaves a mark on you. Music should be such that it moves your soul and makes you think. It should connect you to your inner self. The lyrics should be meaningful. Like a story. Music is not only about a beat that you can dance to, or a beat that categorizes you "Hip"/"Cool", if you listen to it. It is not about average singers who, with the help of auto-tuning software, act like the best thing that happened to music. Music is life and life is music. Real music should be like that.

The music that I really appreciate is Classic Rock. Eagles, Foreigner, Nirvana, RHCP, Journey, those are the real gourmet kind of music. The time of Eagles, Nirvana, is the time when music really reached its pinnacle. Real, eloquent lyrics combined with mind blowing guitar and melodies made this music timeless. It really is. This is the music anyone can relate to and enjoy, irrespective of their age, gender, ethnicity etc.
The lyrics from Already Gone by Eagles…….

“So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key.”

Isn’t it a lesson of life? The song talks about the juxtaposition of freedom and entrapment in life. How it is so entangled yet so glaringly simple.

Hotel California by Eagles is my favourite song. It is one of their most popular ones and it talks about life in the pop age. It is a song writing master piece. The subtle metaphors and vivid imagery used in the song makes you feel like a part of a story. You feel like you are the one driving down the dark desert highway. My favourite line is “you can check-out anytime you like/but you can never leave!” This is life in a nutshell.

Moreover, who can forget Come as You Are by Nirvana? Or Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd. Or Under the Bridge by RHCP.

These are bands that inspired generations and will continue to do so for eternity. I still hum these songs and my playlist is filled with them. I wish I could see these Real Musicians in real but I was born in a generation too late.
This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Impact of your Friendship

How many people do we meet everyday?
How many of these people touch our lives deeply?
How many become a part of it?
How many stay forever?

We meet many but only few of them have an impact on our lives. And maybe one or two of those stay forever. However, those who stay are more often than not the ones who deserved to.

One such person, in my life, is my dear friend Amo. Amo has been my friend since we were in kindergarten. It is one of those friendships that they make chick-flicks about, like Bridesmaids, etc.
She and I have been friends for more than twenty years now and I think her friendship has had a deep impact on me. She has taught me many things, but the most important of those things is to care.

One of the most important times in a student's life is 12th class. It is the defining year which decides many things. And being a student of science, the stress multiplies a thousand times. Amo had humanities and she was very nervous. The rising cut-off each year in DU colleges is enough to give someone insomnia during result time. It was the end of May and we were eagerly waiting for our results. Our exams went fine but can one really predict anything! Tension was building with each passing day. Finally came the day of the result. I asked Amo to check my result as she does every time. So, Amo called me back after a few moments having seen both of results. She topped her school with a classy 95%. I, on the other hand, barely made past eighty. It broke my heart. I had scored more in the pre boards and everyone was confident that I would make it at least to ninety. The result shattered me but I was happy for Amo.

Amo, being the girl she is, started crying. I was so shocked to see that. It broke my heart to see someone who just outdid everyone crying her heart out for me. She should have been out celebrating and jumping with joy, but she was there with me crying on my shoulder and me consoling her. I shook me to my very core to see her cry just for me on the happiest day of her life so far.

That is the day I realized just how much she cares for me. I couldn't sleep that night. It still gives me goose bumps. And I just want to say thank you to her, for without her my life would not be complete. Amo, nobody has had an impact on me as much as you have. You are the sister I never had and I hope we remain like this forever.
This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Real Togetherness

When I see families toady, one thing is glaringly different –The invading presence of technology. People are sitting in the same room yet texting each other on various social media platforms than just talking to each other. This is absurd and maybe we need to take a step back from technology, especially at the home front. Even small kids who can’t even spell “cat” are busy playing stupid games on phones than playing with toys or in the park with other kids.They don't have real friends they have virtual ones. They don't have real pets they have virtual ones. This is not togetherness. This is not a family.

Kissan realized this about three years back and started the Kissanpur initiative.  Kissanpur focuses on the joy of being with nature especially for the tech-addict generation. Under this initiative Kissan distributed tomato seeds; it organized school contact programs that included visits to tomato farms, horticulture education and nature trails. They believe in breaking the shackles of the digital world and connecting with nature and connecting with each other. 

Now, under the Kissanpur initiative Kissan brings another adorable surprise call the Joy of RealTogetherness. It emphasizes on connecting with one another without technology. Connecting with each other on an inter- personal level. This features an almost four minute long film. In this cute and moving film, the protagonist is an old man. The film captures the day in life of an old man. As he moves about he sees that everyone is busy with gadgets. He enters an elevator and notices that everyone is busy on their Smartphone. Nobody cares for anybody. None smile or even nod. He sees a couple walking together but instead of holding hand or talking, both are busy on their phones. He watches a woman collide with a bunch of playful children, as she was too engaged with her phone to notice their presence. Her shopping bags fall over and stuff spills out. Only the old man stops to help her gather her. He is also shocked by the fact that no one else came forward to help her but even more at the fact that the woman didn’t even acknowledge his help; she didn’t even thank him and walked on like nothing happened.

As the old man moves on he finds a tomato cap and with the help of a kid plants tomatoes all around the building. However, this plan of theirs is foiled by rain as it drowns all the saplings. But they manage to find new se3eds and other kids also join in to help hem plant seeds. The neighbors also join in nurture the saplings when it rains again. At the end all grow to care for the plants and in doing so start connecting with each other inter-personally without gadgets.

So, we all need to question that in this constantly shrinking world maybe we can reach anyone anytime but do we really connect? Are we becoming more distant?

No video game ever will be as joyful as playing on swings in the park with your friends. Real emotions are always better than emojis . Rolling around in the grass, playing hide-and-seek among trees, watching different birds are things which are not only peaceful but also irreplaceable. Hence, the real joy of togetherness lies in being with each other and one with nature.

TATA SKY+ Transfer to the Rescue of TV Addict

Yes, I'm a TV addict. I can watch TV all-day-all-night non stop.Watching TV is how I spent most of my summer vacations and holidays. It is my favorite activity for the weekend.

My favorite shows these days include the following:

A) The Mindy Project

B) Younger

C) The Big Bang Theory

D) Sherlock

E) Elementary

F) Grey's Anatomy

G) IZombie

H) Orange is the New Black

I) How to Get Away with Murder

J) Scandal

Yes that is a long list and Yes I have seen all the seasons that have aired or are airing. Now you get the level of my addiction!!!

But there are some major hurdles in my way to TV addiction. The major one being that my Family is just like that of the Transferkars. My dad wants to watch the news, my brother watches his awful cartoons, my mom and her saas-bahu crap. Which means that every time I have to watch TV it is like FAMILY WAR with Battle of Remote, Battle of Channel, and ceasefires usually mean me bowing out. Hence, I'm stuck to watching these on my Laptop/Smartphone/Tab. Which also sucks because that means I have to download all this first and then watch it. There is also a limit to this since Downloading Data is not Free :(

Hence it requires major commitment and serious efforts on my part to watch my Favorite TV shows these days.  And the quality also sucks for most of them since I would have to download 1080p if I want good quality but that takes like 8GB for a single season. (Not to mention that it Illegal too.)

However, there is a solution. That is Tata Sky+ Transfer. This is a gift from heaven. TATA Sky + with all its awesome features like 1080p resolution, Dolby Digital Sound, 16:9 aspect ratio, HD recording, Transfer data to any device, Video on Demand and Rewind and etc etc are no less than a miracle.

 All TV addicts know that the picture quality should be as clear as watching them live. And Tata Sky is a dream come true for me when it comes to picture quality. With 1080p resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio and Dolby Digital Sound you clearly see the the tears in Olivia's eyes and the sighs of Sheldon Cooper every time someone says something stupid.

It also allows to you to stream recorded content, record in HD and transfer recorded content to any device. So no waiting too see Sherlock and Watson in action soling crimes in the city of London.

Moreover, It has 500GB in-built space. That means all the above shows with all their seasons on one device at your disposal whenever, wherever you want. What more can you want!!!!

The Fastest Network Ever

Airtel , the most beloved network of our country, is known for its superb coverage and exceptional service even in the remote areas all through out our country. In my own family, people have been using Airtel for 20 years now. I am writing this using an Airtel Broadband.

Airtel recently launched 4G services across the country in over 296 cities and boy is it fast! Now those days of buffering video and waiting for the music to download are over. It just takes seconds now. Just SECONDS!!!!! 4G or 4th generation of the mobile communication technology provides mobile broadband in addition to voice calling and other features of 3G. Airtel is the first provider of 4G network in India.

Moreover, the amazing thing is that Airtel is offering 4G at the price of 3G. In addition to that, you just need to ask them and they will home deliver the new SIM at no cost. That is taking customer service to a new level.

Airtel asked us what we will do with such speeds and I got to thinking and came up with the following uses.
1)Full movie Download : On a slower connection, a full movie download seems like an uphill climb which is tiring and draining. It involves a lot of waiting. But with airtel 4G one can do this at five times faster. That is speed.

2)Maps: For navigation, especially in new places, one these days is majorly dependent on maps. However, loading statellite views is no easy thing. It is slow process which can be vexing at times. But this is no more the case with airtel 4G.

3) Youtube Videos: No more circles of buffering!!!!  Watch as many videos at lightening fast speeds with minimal lags.

4) Lightening fast searches: Now one can surf the web with lightening fast speeds and enjoy the 21st century like it should be enjoyed.

So, what are you waiting for?? Have no worries! Airtel being the carer for customers,  has designed an exclusive website www.airtel.in/4G where you can check whether your number is eligible for a 4G upgrade or not. You can also tweet at - #GetAirtel4G to get your 4G SIM with free home delivery across the nation.

 The Airtel website actually takes you through all the offerings of the product. You can compare and find a pocket-friendly prepaid/postpaid plan suited to your requirements. Then also choose to buy a 4G compatible mobile from the best deals. You can locate your city/town in the lists of four circles serviceable by 4G and can even request for a 4G SIM card by clicking on here if you possess a 4G compatible device. 

 

So, what areyou waiting for. Get it! NOW!! And live in the future today!

Honey Diet - A sweeter alternative

       For the non-metabolically blessed, dieting is an old friend. We all have tried at least one of its many variants  at some point in life. Many fail to resist the temptations but those who do, experience the glory that is the loss of a few kilos. However, this is a risky road. A safe carefully chosen diet might work wonders but crash diets, artificial supplements etc. may do more harm than good. 

Our body needs certain compounds like proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, fats, carbohydrates and fiber to function well. There is a limit in which these must be consumed which varies from person to person depending on the occupation, lifestyle, activity etc. A well Balanced diet means all these are taken in a appropriate quantity which not only give us energy but boosts our metabolism so we function better. And a good metabolism is all one needs to loose weight. Healthy carbohydrates are slow to digest, keeping blood sugar and insulin levels on keel for a steady supply of energy through the day. Healthy proteins are essential for energy and upkeep of the body. They are found in lean meats, poultry and fish, whole grains, tofu, beans and nuts. Fiber is extremely important for digestive health and keeps the bowel functioning well. Vitamins and Minerals, although needed in small amounts, are very important for the functioning of the body. They regulate not only hormones but many serious diseases like anemia, goiter etc are a result of their deficiency.

However, in our click-for-anything world where instant is the trend, the need for instant results forces us to try the unhealthy and sometimes even dangerous alternatives. The weight loss pills which have resulted in liver failures, cardiac malfunctions and are even banned in certain countries, are still being used. Crash diets which include only 1200 to 1600 calories per day whereas the requirement for an adult is anywhere near 2200 calories. These diets not only put a lot of strain on your immune system but also weaken your metabolism. As a result one feels lethargic, moody and even hormonal levels are affected. Moreover, after prolonged crash dieting, demons such as malnutrition, cardiac ailments etc. cause the metabolism to plateau. And the whole point of being fit goes moot.

Hence, A safe balanced diet is the best alternative for healthy and prolonged weight loss. One such diet is the Honey Diet. Honey is a natural sweetener. But don't be fooled by its sweetness. It is great weight-loss tool. The enzymes in honey help boost the metabolism and also help in strengthening the immune system. Honey is also a healthy alternative to sugar. It has antioxidant properties and has health in every drop.

Hence before trying any diet, do consult a dietician or a doctor and make sure it is safe and well balanced.

Surf it Fast! with UC Browser

UC Browser is one of the fastest browsers available in the market. I really like its speed, performance and also it is very easy to use. It loads fast  and never crashes. I like the yellow theme and the easy to use interface. I have been using it for quite some time now and I don't plan to change. It features UC Cricket which is a space dedicated for every cricket fan, connecting them to the match wherever they are. And this is a blessing for our cricket crazy nation.

I, myself, am a decent level cricket fan. I don't paint tricolor on my body and shout at the top of my lungs  every time our men in blue hit the turf, but I still do watch most matches and especially world cup. However, with the increasing responsibilities it is getting much more difficult to stay connected with cricket. I remember when I was in college, world cup meant entire week bunks, checking score in class, once our teacher even agreed to let us watch the match on a projector. We even protested to get an exam cancelled because it was scheduled on a world cup match day. Ah the awesome days!

However, such luxuries are no longer available. These days between meetings and presentation, there is little time left for passions. But I still do my best to stay connected with cricket. Technology nowadays is the greatest tool. It ensures connectivity and makes everything much more easy. Smartphone is the greatest invention of all time in my opinion. You can do whatever, access information watch videos, matches, the potential is infinite. I watch highlights, snippet and score updates during work hours to keep myself updated with the latest happening in the cricketing world. I also keep reminders for important matches and my favorite players' news is very promptly delivered to my buzz feed. I remember when India won the world Cup my wallpaper and screen saver for an entire month was the picture of the entire team with the world cup alongside the CHAMPION board.  

UC Browser makes staying updated with cricket even more easy with the UC Cricket feature. It is an awesome feature for cricket fans. It has a reminder feature that sends you a notification before every match. Just click on the yellow bell on the right to follow your favorite match, and receive an alert 15 minutes before the match begins and if you have exited UC Browser, you still get the notification. Cricket fans all over world can exchange their opinions via the Comment Section where it allows you to customize your ID, and also use emoticons. It’s extremely easy to read the replies. I just love it.

So if you want to experience cricket like a true fan then UC browser is a great choice.