Author: Admin

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Discovering Strength

‘It’s not who you think you are, it is who you think you are not that holds your back.’

Sometimes the greatest strength lies beneath the tree we look upon for the shade. A beam of light hits the dark when it is at its peak in order to shine the brightest. Amidst this chaotic life, we often lose the balance of our lives. Most of the time, it is a loss. Some loses something, other lose themselves. No matter how many of us shall accept it but the fact is everyone has gone through something bad in their life, a little worse or the worst of worst but every experience has some lessons and learnings in it.

The hardships and hapiness in one’s life forms a curvy road but with full of joy, sorrow, pain, healings and love.

When we are struck in the middle of the road, so full yet so lone, we long for a wanderer to give a ride to this lone traveller. But little do we ever think who can this wanderer be?

We often get puzzled searching for the solution that we forgot to search for the places never touched. When we search for help from other , we forget that there exist the greatest helper for you, the one who has never left your side, the one who has always been there for you. The one who is non judgemental, truest of all and the honest of all and that person is YOU.

You hold the greatest strength of yourself. You are the person who has the power to pop yourself out from this aching and hurting mud.

When life throws you in an ocean of changes and hardships, make sure you come out surfing through it.

There is something that winds of change teaches you, something different yet comforting, something which gifts you a moment to adore yourself. Something which gives you the strength and time to analyse and introspect yourself. The changes in the circumstances not always be regarding heartbreaks but sometimes it is about feeling yourself and seeing yourself grow with those changes. Whether it be travelling alone, being distant, thinking, observing or even starring. Each one of it gives you a chance to witness evey side of yourself. Giving time to yourself, to feel alive and to actually let the butterflies of you to fly in the endless, enormous sky is what you need sometimes.

The comfort created by you to solicit your own soul inside out is the most needed essential of life. Whenever you spend time with yourself, you see the mind knocking the door or the heart and talking their way out. It feels alive when you give time to yourself and see what you are willing to seek in others in your OWNSELF. You create, live, feel and cherish every second you have been gifted to live. When you unlock the doors to yourself, you unlock the door to happiness and solicity. When a person stops looking for love in other’s eyes, he searches for it in his own. That’s exactly when you uncover life and discover the greatest strength and that is solely you.

It is me who runs the mind. If I let him think dark, I am the one who own the power to convert in all into light.

When you ponder the vibes of yourself, you will know exactly how to deal with the obstructions and hurdles that awaits you. To look upon yourself as the shoulder you need, to have your own back when you fall , to gift yourself smile when your heart feels low are the ways of strength coming to you. Once, when you accompany your heart with the support of your mind, you feel stronger and better ultimately conquering the world and acing the way of life.

It is the victory you win, it is the milestone you achieve. Sometimes it is necessary to fall down so you know that you have yourself to pull you up. You are your strength because you are the one who has been through it all, all alone. If you have made it till yet, just don’t stop to get yourself back to the way you were, happy and carefree.

For the part which is broken of you, ought to be fixed by you because nothing can destroy the strength that is born from inside.

It's Okay to Be You

How many of you are a priority of yourself? A few right? Yep ofcourse how would you ever be able to put yourself first when all you have done throughout your life is to keep your loved ones ahead.

Well, without any doubt, that’s one of the most beautiful gestures for our loved ones. But seldom do we often forget to nurture and cherish ourselves in between the rush of seeking love from others. You, yes you, my lovely reader! You are no less than a miracle. The way you radiate smiles and comfy vibes to the people around you is exactly what they seek for. Okay, well can you do me a favor? Just close one of your eyes and read this. Now flaunt your teeth. Yes, perfect see you are almost there! Now flaunt it a little more, see, see it changing into a precious smile of yours, making your cheeks happier.

This person in you, smiling right now is the person you wish to see with yourself throughout right? The happy little kiddo who longs to smile the happiest but is trapped by the thoughts and doubts over self. It happens that we get conscious of ourselves and often get triggered negatively by some of the things said by people to us. When being poked for acting childishly or laughing louder or even not sitting properly or just being a kid while playing with a baby, you might feel yourself bounded and think that you should act your age right? But let me tell you, there is nothing in this world that can tell you how to act. It is about the things you feel the happiest doing. It is about what puts on a smile on your face when everybody let you down. It is about how you recreate your mischives in this busy running life.

It is how you live life. It is about how you feel alive. It is about being yourself. It is about loving yourself.

Remember this, It is always okay to be YOU. Living a life without regrets is way better living a life with restrictions i.e living a life of your choice is always happier than living the one through the minds of others.

We often come across experiences in our lives that compells us to feel harsh and foul about ourselves. There comes a time when all you feel for yourself is hatred and blame yourself for all the deeds you have done. In the haphazard of life, you let the sadness and despair of you conquer the reality of you. We seek for faults we never commited. We push ourselves into that zone where there is nobody to pull you out. Even after knowing this, we do this because we just don’t know how to deal with all of it.

I want you to know that It is okay. It is okay to commit mistakes, it is okay to feel things, it is okay to let yourself go through it. But what not okay is to let yourself be consumed by all of it. When we give thousands of chances for improvement to others for their endless mistakes then why not one to yourself? Even when you feel it yourself that how guilty you are for each of your bad deeds and knowing that you are working on it. Still why do we stop ourselves from letting ourselves out from the dark? Because you think you don’t deserve to be healed? Or maybe you feel it is all the punishment for your deeds? Just know that it is never wrong to go and love yourself.

You are a person to be loved. You are somebody who needs to be cherished for all the beauty you hold. There are flaws in everybody. What matters is how you embrace and flaunt your flaws. What matters is how you heal your scars and shine from within. What matters is how you accept the way you are and step ahead towards your growth. What matters is how you create a piece of art from those broken pieces of yours.

You are beautiful when you act as a child because that is the kid within you living your childhood again. You are beautiful when you laugh the hardest because that is how the happiest you look likes. You are beautiful just the way you are because that’s how you have mended all your pieces together to form this masterpiece.

Art is what runs in the veins of you. You are a miracle so glorious that not everybody has the vision to adore it. A beauty not everyone can understand. But see here you are, here I am who knows how vulnerable you are. How sensitive and lovely you are and how much love and care you need. If you know it all now, just be the person to love yourself endlessly and cherish every scar and sight of you. It is always okay to live the life you wished to live. It is always okay to be in love with yourself. It is always okay to put yourself first.

It is always okay to treat yourself the way you dreamt of treating your loved ones. It is okay, it is all okay for the time you love yourself.

FLOATING POST OFFICE

 Kashmir is the northernmost  geographical region of Indian subcontinent . Kashmir being the part of Mughal empire till 1571  then Afgan Durrani empire then sikh annexed kashmir later on it came into power of British. Srinagar, the largest city and summer capital of kashmir  with Jhelum,Indus,Dal and  Ancher lakes. on the waters of srinagar -Dal lake  floats a boat. Inside it sits a few post  postmen and with them, a box of stamps .

The floating post office was inaugrated back in the year 2011 by Omar Abdullah and then by Chief Minister of state Jammu and Kashmir with sachin pilot ,the minister of state for communications and IT.  This post office offers regular postal services on water.It is India’s only floating post office.

It is not only an active post office that is not only visited by locals for posting letters but also a tourist spot, attended by tourists in large number. Services available here are  international telephone calls and internet facility.

 It also contain a musuem that contains various collection of unique stamps and fascinating history .There is also available a souvenir shop from which you can buy stamps and postcards, greeting cards and local items. The postage stamps here bear the pictures of  the beautiful Dal Lake and have stamps of man rowing a shakira. There is a board which says “Floating post office ,Dal Lake“.

Being one of architecture,it became one of the most eye attractive tourist itinerary .one who have not visited won’t believe that  million of travellers  come to this post office by boat ride to sent their letters to loved ones and the stamp art work is a tribute.

If there can be a floating mosque, floating market then there is nothing to shock regarding floating post office. It is located in Srinagar ,one of the most beautiful city in kashmir.

   Planning Visitors of kashmir, must visit this  architectual place  as it is only wooden  floating  post office in India,a wonderful creation.

The Internet and Social Connection.

 

Today, the Internet is one of the most powerful tools throughout the world. The Internet is a collection of various services and resources. The Internet or the World Wide Web is indeed a wonderful and amazing addition in our lives. The Internet can be known as a kind of global meeting place where people from all parts of the world can come together. It is a service available on the computer, through which everything under the sun is now at the fingertips of anyone who has access to the Internet. A human brain to our eyes appears approximately six inches in size only but inside this little bowl hidden an ocean of ideas and thoughts. Internet is not that little word as is generally understood but actually it is the name of whole computer world’s universe which is carrying with it sea of knowledge and information that deals with each and every topic that exists on the face of the earth.

Today, Internet is providing everyone peculiar knowledge and information that one needs. The internet has allowed our world to become a globally connected network that advances knowledge everyday.

The last few years in the society have seen incredible changes technologically and culturally. Life has become increasingly easier as machines designed to improve living standards proliferated. Computers have brought so much information home that many students do all their research from the comfort of their desktop. Socially the changes have been just as great, though perhaps not always for the better. Overall, people are feeling less connected to one another than ever before.

Many sociologists subscribe to the belief that the internet, in-home computer usage and widespread availability of virtual access, are transforming modern social and economic life. Problematic to these issues, however, is whether the changes have been beneficial or detrimental.

If people were to use the Internet primarily for entertainment and information, the Internet’s social effects might resemble those of television. However, research has shown that interpersonal communication is the dominant use of the Internet at home. That people use the Internet mainly for interpersonal communication, however, does not imply that their social interactions and relationships on the Internet are the same as their traditional social interactions and relationships, or that their social uses of the Internet will have effects comparable to traditional social means of communication

ADVANTAGES OF THE INTERNET:

In fact, the advantages out-weigh the disadvantages. The most common thing the Internet is used for is research. Children and students are among the top people who use the Internet for research. Today, it is almost required that students use the Internet for research. Thirty percent of teachers give assignments requiring research from the Internet. In the classroom, sixty-six percent of teachers use the Internet to teach. The Internet has become one of the biggest sources for research. Almost everyday, research on medical issues becomes easier to locate. Web sites have become available for people to research diseases and talk to doctors online at sites.

Another popular thing to do on the Internet is to check out the news. Almost all local news can be obtained through the Internet.  Shopping online has also become a huge success and is considered a great advantage of the Internet. No matter what people are shopping for, it can be found on the Internet. People do not even have to leave their homes. A few companies have collected millions of dollars using the Internet for selling. Clothing is probably one of the most bought items online. Almost every major clothing store has its on Web site. Just one click of the mouse on the items they want to purchase and the items are delivered to their front door.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE INTERNET:

Despite all of these advantages of the Internet, there are numerous disadvantages. Many fear the Internet because of its disadvantages. They claim to not use the Internet because they are afraid of the possible consequences or are simply not interested. People who have yet connected to the Internet claim they are not missing anything. Today technological society must realize, it is up to them to protect themselves on the Internet.

Children using the Internet have become a big concern. When children are online, they can easily be lured into something dangerous. When children talk to others online, they do not realize they could actually be talking to a harmful person. Most parents do not realize the dangers involved when their children log onto the Internet.

Another major disadvantage of the Internet is privacy. Electronic messages sent over the Internet can be easily snooped and tracked, revealing who is talking to whom and what they are talking about. People should become aware that the collection, selling, or sharing of the information they provide online increases the chances that their information will fall into the wrong hands. Consequently, they will become a victim of identity theft, one of the worst privacy violations with potentially devastating financial consequences. When giving personal information on the Internet, people should make sure the Web site is protected with a recognizable security symbol. On the other hand, this does not mean they are fully protected because anyone may obtain user information.

Today, not only are humans getting viruses, but computers are also. Computers are mainly getting these viruses from the Internet.

PUBG CAUSING HEALTH ISSUES

DETAILS

 Pubg ( playerunkown’s battlegrounds) a online multiplayer battle game published by PUBG corporation, a subsidiary of  south korean video game company korean Bluehole. In the game upto 100 players parachute on a  island and scavenge for weapons and equipment to kill others and avoid getting killed themselves. The available safe area of game map decreases over time leading to face tight areas to face encounters. The last player or team standing win the round.

Being one of the  most played  games in Asia, the most popular app  bringing $ 5 million dollars a day.

  • PUBG addiction is a very real thing ,especially in Asia.we hear many people are losing their lives due to this and even many countries are choosing to ban this game.

INDIA POSITION
  There are 120 million PUBG users in India. One of the top three download in india.Thing came up that a 10 standard student of Telengana comit suicide when parents told to study instead of playing PUBG.
Again 16 years old student after playing PUBG for constantly 6 hours in Madhya pradesh succumbed to a major cardiac arrest and lost life.
TIK TOK apps got ban as it may contain pronographic content. This made PUBG lovers to worry about nation-wise PUBG ban. Nepal and Iraq banned PUBG.
HOW IT BECAME FAMOUS?
  
PUBG mobile is free of cost  and can be accessible to most without any relevant skill. Even it allows you to play with your friends and have video chat in real . Thus human connection made it more addictive. It is addictive to both children and adult. You an find in public transport or school or college anywhere the users are stuck in completing a level .

POSITIVE SIDE 
 It improves alertness and cooperation. The player have to coordinate and interpret of brain  with movement of fingertips  and hands for searching foe and save ownself. 
In order to suceed in the game and reach another level, the  player require better visual-spatial capacity and eye hand coordination. It increase your thinking ability to high level.
NEGATIVE  SIDE
 .As per we know it is a shooting game ,so it is violent in nature. Excessive violence can led to aggressive thoughts, behaviour and emotions affecting mental health of player.
. It makes you addicted to you. You want to complete one by one level thus waiting for it. 
. It can make you less socially active.
. It may bring laziness. It will harm physical health as sitting and playing for long hours lead to headaches.
. Lack of interaction may led to stress and anxiety issues.
. Affects your sleeping schedule .
.Engaged too much on this led to lack of time for other work.
. It is found mostly school and college students during this lockdown timing getting more addicted, it may  harm their studies. 
  So, Government and parents should take strict measures regarding video games not only PUBG. I am not saying to stop play pubg but to  know its good and bad sides.
 

The Impact of 'Racism' on the society

Racism is the prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior. It is the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. Racism may be defined as the hatred of one person by another — or the belief that another person is less than human — because of skin color, language, customs, place of birth or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person. Anything that might be used to discriminate against a group or an individual that is not under one’s own control falls in the domain of racism. Ethnicity, race, religion, region and language are some of the few factors that people use to discriminate against other people. It has influenced wars, slavery, the formation of nations, and legal codes.

A person that believes in the idea of racism, that humans are somehow divided into exclusive biological entities and can be termed inferior or superior to each other on the basis of certain biological traits, are leaches that are depriving our societies of countless extraordinary and brilliant individuals. People are termed incapable or unqualified for something just because of their race despite after decades and decades of research, science has been unable to provide a single concrete proof that supports these claims. Racism has existed throughout human history. From the abuse of Native Indians, “The Redskins”, to the horrifying atrocities suffered by the African Americans, “The Blacks” or “The Negroes”, at the hands of the self-proclaimed superior race, are all part of the history of this vile and abusive belief. All of these victimized groups had no other fault than to not share a skin color with other people. Racism has been employed as powerful weapons repeatedly, for encouraging fear and hatred in others in times of conflict and war, and even during economic downturns. 

Racism causes harm to those who are on the receiving end. It hurts individuals, communities and our society. People are not born with racist ideas or attitudes; rather racism is something that is learned. People often associate racism with acts of abuse or harassment. However, it does not need to involve violent or intimidating behavior.

Racism can be revealed through people’s actions as well as their attitudes. It includes all the barriers that prevent people from enjoying dignity and equality because of their race. Racism has existed in all areas and at all times where different races or cultures of humans have encountered each other. Research indicates that the places where racism is exercised often include the local neighborhoods, shops, and in the workplaces. It can emerge in other spaces such as on public transport, sporting events or at schools. Expressions of racism can also be found in media. This happens when, for example, racial groups are represented in an unfair or negative light in news reports or commentary. Many regard the lack of cultural diversity represented in media as another form of racism.

In recent years, racism has even translated to a problem online. Whether it is offensive comments on social media, inflammatory memes or hateful videos, cyber-racism has had a significant impact on the growth of racist attitudes in different ethnic groups. Those spreading such racist impulses often do so under the comfortable veil of anonymity. It is an unfortunate legacy of ancient days that humans are still inclined to judge groups by surface appearances. Therefore, it must be abated and minimized at all costs, as soon as possible, lest it halt our development even further.

Beware of credit card fraud

  A HARASH REALITY OF DIGITAL AGE
Credit card fraud is a wide -ranging term for theft and fraud committed by using a credit card or any similar payment mechanism as a fraudulent source of funds in a transaction. The purpose may be to obtain goods without paying or to obtain unauthorised funds from an Account.
The credit card fraud  occurs when a thief uses your credit card to make purchases. More serious is when someone uses your information to open accounts or take loans in your name. That’s why  you need to fight to get your credit restored and  your name cleared an arduous process that can take months or years to complete.

HOW DOES CREDIT CARD FRAUD HAPPENS?
 well,the fraud begins with either the theft of the physical card or the compromise of data associated with the account like  number of card or other information which is necessary for a merchant during legitimate transaction. The compromise can occur by many routes, even tripping off the card holder,the merchant or the issuer. The fraudulent might go through the trash to find the discarded billing statements and then use your account information to buy. A retail or bank website may be hacked and your card number stolen. A waiter takes a photo of your credit card and uses your account to buy create another account or may be you get a call offering a free tip or discounted travel package. But to be eligible you have to join a club and give your account number , to gurantee your place. The next thing you know, charges you didn’t make are on your bill and the trip promoters who called you are nowhere to found. So you are trapped.
 
CREDIT CARD FRAUDS’s categories
.Application fraud- unauthorised opening of credit card account in another person’s name for this enough personal information to be known for filling up the application
.Account takeover-criminal hijacking of an existing credit card account, personal inform about a victim to change the account’s billing address.
.skimming- Let me inform it is a small electronic device.Theft of credit card information used in an otherwise legitimate transaction. It can occur at restaurants , bars, call centres, gas stations.
 Technological advances have also created avenues for credit card fraud with online purchasing now common , perpetrators need no physical card to make an unauthoried purchase.
  • In INDIA occured
An unidentified person allegely stolen personal information of 13 credit card holders of a multinational Bank and withdrew cash of Rs 3,73 lakh through on line  transaction. The cyber cell of pune registered this.
 Again central crime branch sleuths arrested five persons for cheating  several persons of their credit cards and then buying articles worth Rs 1.80 lakhwith the card. The arrested people were later remanded in judicial custody.
         Several such incidents .
 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES AS EVERY PROBLEM     HAS SOLUTION 
1. As we all are engaged in online shopping.  we need to clear our logins and passwords and change monthly.
2. Be alert in which banks or businesses to obtain personal information which they use to access your accounts… check their websites.
3. Record the credit card account,expiration date,security code and toll free phone numberon safety in a free proof lock box 
4. Kindly dont give your account number to anyone on the phone unless you have made the call to a company you know to be reputable.
5. Carry your cards seperately from wallet.
6.check accounts regularly so that you know when something is away. Call credit card issuer immediately if any erroneous charge seen.
7. Don’t forget to take your paper receipt with you after eating or shopping.
 8.LIFELOCK and TRUSTED LD that market themselves as identity theft protection experts.you purchase the services of a dedicated identity theft protection firm or one of the products offered by your bank or insurer sign up for any free alerts that let you know of any credit card  activity that is out of the ordinary.
9. Report lost cards immediately.
 
By card issuer ,strong authentication measures can be used . multi-factor authentication to verify that the account is being accessed by the cardholders through requirements of additional information like account number ,pin etc. Out of band aunthentiaction to verify the transaction is being done by the cardholder through a known or trusted communicationchannel such as text message, phone call etc.
By merchants , pan transaction ,tokenization ,pin ,zip code etc to be used to avoid this.
LAW– 
under Information Technology Act  2008, section 43 (a) , 43(b),43(g) along with 66 applicable to it. Section 420,467,468,471 of IPC ,1860 also applicable. The victim can register a complaint in police station  and complainant can also fine for compensation upto 10 lakh rupees with bank ombudsmanor 5 crore rupeesbwith adjudicating officer of state / civil court. It act provides 3 years imprisonment or fine 5 lakh rupees or both

Cyber Bullying is a serious problem!


Internet and mobile phones have become an inseparable part of our lives. When the internet was out, there were restrictions on its usage that were imposed on children by the parents almost everywhere. At least they would use it under an adult’s supervision. Now that the use of the internet has become inevitable because of the school requirements and its necessity in the making of assignments and projects, parents really can’t help but make it accessible for their children.

Since we all are aware of the risks and dangers of cell phones and the internet entail, we ensure that they don’t adversely impact our children and their vulnerable brains. Are the web restrictions like age gate, safe search and family filters enough to keep our kids protected from every kind of possible harm in the cyber world? Do we only need to worry about that inappropriate content on the internet or there are other things too?

“Cyber bullying is a term used for bullying kids using technology including digital or social media. It involves the use of harassment, threat, and provocation that leave a negative impact on the mind, mood and overall psychological position of the child. It occurs in kids and teens and normally young children of all age groups. In adults, the same acts constitute a legally punishable crime known as cyber-stalking or cyber-harassment.”

Misuse of your child’s photos, messages or any other thing on digital media, any messages or calls that tend to scare your child out of their wits, acts like calling names, causing embarrassment and insult, faking identities etc., all are acts of cyber bullying. Most victims of cyber bullying don’t share their grief with their parents or teachers. According to a recent study, 1 in every 4 children encounters cyber bullying.

The consequences of cyber bullying vary from child to child. Some children are not that seriously affected by it while others can develop conditions like depression, anxiety, and disorders involving high stress. In some rarely reported cases, some children have even committed suicides that were either provoked by cyber bullying or merely attempted to get rid of it.

It’s not really difficult to spot if a child is being bullied online if we’re smart enough and know our children. Cyber bullying can result in increased distress for the victims along with increased anger and frustration. They will vent this out on various occasions, and it might force them to get addicted to the virtual world where they can have several identities to hide their real one.

The victims will automatically have lower self-esteem since that is the sole purpose of bullying. Prolonged bullying will lead to severe withdrawal from their family and friends. They will begin favoring isolation most of the time and indulging in harmful activities like drugs and alcohol.

Cyber bullying is a serious issue, and it can be truly horrific to go through such a difficult period. Staying strong and fighting back is the only option against these bullies. It’s possible to get over it and live your life again. Seeing a counselor can help the victims handle the incident in a better and a safe way. Life does not get over if you are a victim of cyber bullying and it is possible to fight back.

The Influence of Advertisement: Changing people's way of life

“Taste the Thunder!” A popular beverage slogan of ‘Thumbs Up’ promotes what they call “Fearlessness”.  Advertisement like this is often a persuasion for action, an action to get alongside with what the advertisement display. The advertising industry revolves around creating commercial messages urging the purchase of new or improved products or services in a variety of media i.e. print, online, digital, television, radio, and outdoor. 

Advertisement is impacting the society in many ways especially inducing a factor of not required materialism. The world is now moving fast, and the people don’t have enough time to think on their own, and is where these advertisements are more strongly playing its role in bringing the materialism to society. Now people cannot live without smartphones or cars etc., they are more attracted to new models or new styles. Advertisement display how these products bring life to them and happiness is only possible with the possession of a product fading out the image of real happiness and satisfaction which comes from inner self and not by involving in this material world and its contents.

What is also important is the way in which these advertisements are operating to the mindset of people to be attracted towards these advertisements. The answers to these questions lie in the fact that these advertisements are suggesting material possession will add to the social life of an individual and they will be more accepted in society. There are some of the most talented people, in the advertising industry, who are experts in reading the mind of common people, and thus what they do is simply providing the people what they want to see by understanding the intricacies of their life and thus manage to sell the things which are nothing but a part of a materialistic world. We now don’t go for things that are cheap and can satisfy our needs, rather we go for things better advertised. We now go for the brand over quality and other parameters. We should not be amazed that what we call as brands are those who claim them to be one is advertisements. Living in a society filled with these advertisements those people made, our thinking power has been totally debarred.

Although advertisements have always created a false image of the world in front of us, to reverse the condition we must make the utmost of the advertisements to make good impacts on the society since we have understands completely how they work on us. By advertising, we must be repeatedly reminded how the world is on brotherhood rather than excelling over brothers. By advertising, we must be constantly put in mind the importance of thinking of the environment rather than having fasting moving cars, expensive watches, and the latest fashion. By advertising, we must be continually alerted that satisfaction and happiness come from the inner heart not from the material world.

In a word, we are living in an age of advertisement perpetually disillusioning us and spreading perfect life before us every day, but what we can do is keeping in mind what really matters to us, and take advantage of the advertisements.

How to ensure Master Plan Implementation

 Implementation of plan proposals has direct implications on urban growth and development. For this, a vibrant, robust and coordinated network of institutions and information system is essential for full utilization of available financial and other resources judiciously. Besides, a set of tools are needed to implement plan properly. These tools include legal protection of plan, regulatory measures of land use controls, i.e., land and zoning regulations, building regulations etc., controls on development activities and capital enhancement programmes. Other subordinate tools like tax policy, township policy, land acquisition, institutional reorganization, incentives for public-private partnerships etc. must be attuned to the goals and objectives of the master plan. 

Further, the plan constantly need its translation into socio-economic and investment programmes. However, spatio-temporal variations in availability of planning tools and their limitations should be recognized during preparation of plan to ensure its successful implementation. For instance, land use zoning or compulsory purchase of land may well exist on paper or in legislation but are not effective in practice. Such exercise enhances effectiveness of master plans and their implementation on ground level. 

The execution of master plan is carried out either by municipality or corporation. For execution a team of experts in Engineering, Architecture, Public health, Sociology, Economics, Finance etc. headed by a Town Planner is required. After the master plan is accepted and approved by the concerned authority, the steps to be taken will be 

  1. To fix the broad policies in connection with various proposals. 
  2. To prepare the list of the urgent works according to their priorities. 
  3. To prepare the detailed estimates of work of top priority. 
  4. To prepare a financial programme. 

It takes many years to complete the works contemplated in the master plan. The cost is also very high amount. So the expenditure will have to be distributed over several years. Moreover, several modifications will have to be made as such no final estimate is made in the initial stage. The most important part of master plan is the reservation of land for road system, open spaces, and public amenities, which cannot be provided for at a later date. Once it is finalized, no building should be allowed to construct which will upset the street system. 

Following inputs from preceding stages and prevailing statutes, a seamless plan implementation schedule must be prepared for development plan. It should contain roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, resource mobilization framework and phase‐wise implementation schedule for planned project activities. The key aspects to be covered in the Implementation framework should be in line with aims, objectives and prioritized projects and schemes. Implementation framework may include the following: 

  • Priorities of projects and research 
  • Phasing of developmental activities 
  • Proposal for land resource mobilization 
  • Investment strategy and promotion 
  • Institutional set‐up 

1) Priorities 

Classify various projects identified as a part of development proposals by priority as under 

  • Essentials (Top priority)
  • Necessary (2nd priority)
  • Acceptable and desirable (3rd priority) 
  • Deferrable (4th priority) 

Projects and research should be identified by phases and implementing agencies (including private and corporate sectors) to be given as per the institutional setup. 

2) Phasing 

Development plan should advisably be in phases of 5 years to coincide with the state five year plans. The targets set for each phase can be assessed as the mid‐term review against the achievements at the end of each phase. For greenfield area phasing could include a ‘zero’ period for approvals, institutional set‐up, initial land pooling and revisiting any strategy. 

3) Proposal for Land Resource Mobilization 

Implementation mechanism detailing approaches for land polling and development in lines with the suggested mechanism in the state perspective plan. 

4) Investment Strategy 

Proposals for fiscal resource mobilization including: 

  • Internal revenue 
  • Grants and aids 
  • Institutional finance 
  • Market borrowing 
  • Private sector finance 

5) Institutional Setup 

 To clearly provide Stakeholders’ role and responsibility and organisation chart.

Appearance vs Reality of Merchant of Venice-3

Most importantly, Shylock.He is introduced as this very self-centred person who only cares about money and is portrayed as a really bad person only basis that he was a jew and he lends money with interest. He is the antagonist in the play. Even though his actions and behaviour was not the best, I honestly feel he is the way he is only because he was treated the way he was.i believe he is a good person.as for the thing about lending money with an interest, as it is given that at the time the play was set, 1598; London, England and at the time, Jews either having been “forced,” or voluntarily choosing to abandon landholding and with no alternative but choosing moneylending as a livelihood.

He doesn’t hurt anyone intentionally.i think the real reason he has this cruel hatred towards Antonio is that he bullies

I think the real reason to why Shylock’s actions towards Antonio are so evil is mainly because of the evil things done to him. Antonio bullies Shylock and treats him really badly.  This is proved when he asks if Jews don’t get sad, hurt, happy and angry just like Christians. It clearly shows that Shylock acts like a bad person because people around him made him that way. just like the saying:

People say that I’ve turned bad, but the thing they don’t understand is that the same people are the ones who changed me.

I feel really moved for Shylock because he is the only one who really suffers in this play. Everyone has a happy ending into the play except him. It is as if all the bad luck has been dumped on him. To one extent Shakespeare has cut him some slack as at the end the audience does feel sympathy for Shylock. As begun from everyone hating him for choosing a living by taking interest for loans he gives out, to being a Jew. I do understand at the time of this play is set it was a very conservative society and Shakespeare was only trying to interest his audience with relatability. In the play, Shylock goes through a lot of loses. He loses his beloved whom he deeply moved and trusted daughter when she elopes with what he calls “the enemy”. Robbing him of his money and jewels too. Knowing that this Jessica doesn’t have any materialistic values and how she doesn’t understand them is quite unsympathetic.

I strongly believe what he did with being adamant with getting revenge as in cutting the man was very rude but the thing is that the only reason the man did that was that after all these ill-luck happening to him, he saw a chance of revenge in Antonio. Antonio was in a way the face of Christians, ones who caused him all the bad things, and wanted to win at least once. And it is clearly proved when Antonio is off the noose and gives him a hell life to live. Just like flipping a coin, two-faced. It was so confusing when he changed from begging shylock to making Shylock a beggar. Just for making Shylock made Antonio feel powerless for merely a month, which was only due to how Antonio treated him his whole life, because to his inferiority complex, he took away everything the man had left. Taking away his money and making him a Christian, as a whole taking away his free life and only happiness.

All these actions and traits really make all the protagonist as the antagonist and vice – versa.


Appearance vs Reality of Merchant of Venice-2

Are all the characters in the play Merchant of Venice as good or as bad as portrayed?

characters are said to be good it means there isn’t anything bad about the character and when 

From the starting of the play, The writer has categorised characters as good and bad. When the characters are said to be good it means there isn’t anything bad about the character and when said bad vice-versa. But I don’t agree with this.

characters are said to be good it means there isn’t anything bad about 

The first character introduced in the play is Antonio. He is rich, very helpful, loyal, trustworthy, really a true gentleman. He loves his friends and doesn’t seem to have a love interest in the play. He is mostly paraded about in the play by his friends and the writer himself to be a pure and kind person. To me, he is not really as good a person as he is bestowed. He hates people based on their religion and beliefs. Him being a Christian, he hates all Jews. His biggest hatred is the towards Shylock, a jew merchant. So even if he is really honest and great, he should not in any way bully a person just because he happens to be a jew and their beliefs are different from his. It is explained that one of the reasons for his behaviour towards Shylock is due to Shylock giving out loans with interest which is against the bible. But analysing the character further we understand that this is just a plausible defence. play

characters are said to be good it means there isn’t anything bad about the character and when 

The next character, Bassanio. A handsome and dashing fellow. He really loves Antonio because Antonio always helps Bassanio with everything especially when it comes to money. Antonio being a blind fellow to love makes it very easy for Bassanio to deceive him. Bassanio is in love with Portia, a lovely rich lady who is in preparation to be won by any suitor who wins her. What really got me thinking about Bassanio’s intention is his opening remarks about Portia when he was talking to Antonio. Where he refers to Portia as ‘a rich-lady in waiting’.This mostly gives out the impression of Bassanio’s Intentions of wooing Portia to be because of her wealth and beauty. And almost fully neglecting the factor of her personality.which is considerably understandable due to Bassanio being a young prodigal. But later in the play, they do fall in love but i truly believe it’s for the wrong reasons

characters are said to be good it means there isn’t anything bad about the character and when 

Portia, she is the rich lady that Bassanio is wishing to woo. She is really beautiful. She is the prize to the puzzle her late father set in order for her to get an honest husband, who marries her for the right reasons and not because of her wealth and good looks. This was her father making sure that his daughter was taken care of after his time. When Bassanio really wins her in the play, we see her shift into a very obedient, loyal and loving wife. The downfall of her personality is that she easily criticise people very easily on the basis of their looks. And I believe it was wrong of her to tell the suitors that if they lost the puzzle, they cannot talk to another woman about marriage ever again.i.e.never marry if they choose wrong. She added this extra clause so that most of the suitors she didn’t like would be scared and would go away. So that she wouldn’t have a risk of having to marry them because neither did she have the chance to turn them down nor knew the answer to the puzzle. And when Bassanio came along she slightly cheated so that she can marry Bassanio because she liked how he was. Purely judgment of what was shown on the outside and his actions.


Appearance vs Reality of Merchant of Venice

One of the greatest writers of history is Shakespeare. William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s greatest dramatist in the history of English literature.

He has written many masterpieces. In which are are Macbeth, Othello, Romeo and Juliet extra etc. 

In which Merchant of Venice is one. The storyline of the play goes :

The play commences on a street in Venice. Shakespeare introduces the central character of the play, Antonio, as a Merchant of power and influence. Bassanio, his friend, confesses to him that he is in love with Portia, a rich heiress of Belmont. To present himself as an eligible suitor to Portia, he seeks a loan from Antonio. Antonio has no money in hand to lend as his fortunes are tied up with his ships at sea. However, he promises to help us Bassanio to take a loan from money lenders using his(Antonio’s)name. The entire play is based on the scenario that happens as a continuation of this situation. And then the place carried on by the test of Fortune, the bond story, Jessica’s deceit, the choice of caskets, the trial scene and the happy ending.

The play has many teams which include love, friendship and loyalty, love of wealth, justice and Mercy, and most importantly appearance and reality.

In this segment of the blog, I have decided to give my point of view of a very famous question which is discussed in this play. Which is the theme of appearance and reality in the play.

The most obvious points would be:

1. How Shylock was discussing the terms of the bond appearing friendly to Antonio but had an ulterior motive of taking revenge on him.

2.How in Jessica-Lorenzo Love Story where Jessica pretends to be meek and submissive in front of her father; though in reality, she is rebellious.

3. The message of how outward appearance is liable to be deceptive which is shown in in the play through the principle of the lottery caskets. The lottery ordeal has been used to test the sincerity and character of the suitors for Portia. In the choice of caskets, not only their appearance but also the mottoes inscribed on them are to be considered.

Throughout the play, we see how each character is portrayed.

Antonio is characterised as a wealthy merchant, a popular figure, a true friend, philanthropist, a gentleman and melancholic in nature.

Bassanio is shown to be an extravagant young man, a true lover, optimistic, cheerful and has genuine affection for Antonio.

 Portia’s portrayed to be beautiful, witty, humourous, resourceful, has a compassionate nature and is a loyal daughter.

While Shylock is attested to be having a complex personality, greed for money, ribbons for, deceitful and crafty and is suspicious in nature.

I strongly believe these are these things that Shakespeare, himself, wants his audience to believe in the play. but deep down I feel different. My real question is are all the characters in Merchant of Venice as good or as bad as they are portrayed in the play?


3 Skills Business Students Should Know

Technology is ubiquitous in the business world, and it’s expected that new employees will be able to tackle certain computer-related tasks once they join the workforce.
Herzing University understands that need and includes technology as a major theme throughout most courses in the business program. One of the most important computer-related skills that students in all academic concentrations learn is proficiency in standard Microsoft Office applications. While similar applications may be used by other businesses (such as Google Docs or OpenOffice) Microsoft applications are still the de facto standard.
Let’s take a look at each one of these applications, and the types of work that a new employee may be asked to do with them:
  • Microsoft Word is the standard for word processing tasks. Employers will expect new hires to be able to use the application to complete an existing template, such as reports and forms. Employees may also be expected to generate new documents based on the needs of the company, the field and their position. Some documents may be as simple as memos, while others may be as complex as research reports or marketing flyers.
  • Microsoft Excel is used to create spreadsheets that organize data so that it can be easily interpreted and analyzed. Students should know general spreadsheet formulas and functions and understand how Excel compiles and reports data. Business students should also be able to analyze data and present it in a fashion that is easy for others to understand. This can include statistical analysis and the creation of tables and charts.
  •  Microsoft PowerPoint is a slide show presentation program that is also often used in the business world. Students should be able to use PowerPoint in a professional setting and create slides that can explain concepts, ideas and data to others. They can use different formats, templates and layouts that make the information both engaging and easy to understand.
In addition to these general applications, students should familiarize themselves with the technical skills they will need for their desired career. For example, students interested in marketing should be able to analyze data in Excel, create memos relating to marketing efforts in Word and develop engaging presentations in PowerPoint. Other applications that might be relevant to a career in marketing include those used for web-based marketing, social media campaigns or evaluating the profitability of different marketing mix options.
A student who understands the value of technology in the business world is likely more qualified job candidate and a more effective worker. At Herzing University, we ensure that students are exposed to a wide variety of software applications so that they can hone their technical skills throughout their academic program.
Learn more about our business programs here.

How Virtual Reality is Changing the Way We Work

It’s an exciting time for virtual reality, which became a billion-dollar industry in 2016. A variety of companies are adopting VR technology to serve their specific missions, markets and customers. As virtual reality becomes more affordable and accessible to the masses, its widespread use is likely to become as routine to mainstream culture as social media platforms. Because of this, virtual reality has the potential to affect everyone and needs to be understood by students preparing to enter the workforce.

Who is benefiting from VR technology?

Education professionals were among the early adopters of VR technology. Several schools already offer students a VR-based lesson plan. Using Google Cardboard, students can take virtual field trips to distant and exotic locations, like the Great Barrier Reef, Egyptian pyramids and even Mars. The New York Times is also engaging consumers in VR technology with the launch of its new NYT VR app, which uses video and storytelling to create an immersive user experience via a smartphone and headphones. Real estate professionals are also beginning to adopt VR technology. Realtors can now offer clients a 3D virtual tour of desired properties using a VR headset.

What does VR mean for today’s students?

VR is likely to have a significant impact on the future job market. Here are three steps that you can take to make sure you’re VR ready:
1. Do some additional research on businesses currently using VR and consider if the industry you plan on working in can make use of the technology. If so, how can you be an innovator in incorporating VR into your industry – either by bringing ideas to the table or by initiating this change yourself?
2. Engage your fellow students and teachers on the topic and ask for their thoughts on how virtual reality might influence the future. Creative innovation has more fertile ground among many minds.
3. Start getting familiar with VR technology yourself by downloading different apps such as the NYT VR app, which is free on your smartphone or tablet. Understanding VR’s current capabilities and limitations will show you what’s possible and where the technology needs to grow.
Interested in pursuing a technology degree? Learn more here.
Hal Fickett is the CEO of an Orlando-based marketing and design agency called Hal Fickett & Company. Before managing the firm, he was a professional actor, theater producer and worked in marketing and sales for NPR. Hal is currently earning his MBA in Project Management at Herzing’s Orlando campus and is expected to graduate in 2017. He is married to Gina, they attend NewCity church and are expecting their first child in May.