Destination Infinity's Blog, page 66

January 11, 2015

#Song of the Week: Mascara (Salim)

#Song of the Week, this week, is a peppy song from Tamil movie Salim ~ Maskara pottu mayakkariye . . . Generally, I like melodious songs, but this song somehow appeals to me. Excellent beats and rhythm. Danceable and Lovely (if you ignore the visuals). This song is repeating in my loop now!

Music by Vijay Antony. Sung by Vijay Antony, Supriya Joshi & Sharmila.

Destination Infinity

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Published on January 11, 2015 06:03

January 5, 2015

Life Before and After becoming an Author!!

Becoming an author, at least for me, has resulted in me taking a U-Turn in many aspects of life. Some -

Before becoming an Author: I can easily write a 400-page Novel within a couple of months.

After becoming an Author: Writing a 115-page novella took 7 months. Phew!

***

Before: Frank (often blunt) comments on other’s blog posts.

After: Sugar-coated SWEET comments

***

Before: I will comment only on blogs whose authors comment on mine.

After: I want to comment on every blog post that comes to my notice. There is a chance that the bloggers will come back and consider buying my novel

***

Before: (After picking up an argument with another blogger): I will never visit that blogger again.

After: If I don’t go back to that blog, I may miss one crucial reader and one potential customer. I am going to visit back from the next post itself!

***

Before: (When a book review comes up on a blog I follow): Oh no, another book review. How long is it . . .

After: Wow, a BOOK REVIEW. I must some day ask them to review my book. So let me comment and develop relationship

***

Before: Penguin, Harper Collins, Westland, etc. will queue up before my house to buy the book rights for my novel.

After: Will I be able to upload it successfully at least on Kindle Direct Publishing and Smashwords, according to their guidelines?

***

Before: My English is perfect and I don’t need any editor.

After: Reading an email from my editor that asked – did you study English in high school?

***

Before: Let others call me. Why should I call them?

After: Macchi, hi da… long time no talk da, I am fine… did you know I have published a novel? Yes da, you can buy it in Flipkart

***

Before: I will not communicate directly with other bloggers. We should interact only on our respective blogs.

After: Me sending emails: Hi.. We’ve been interacting on blogs for a long time, so can we meet sometime? *Leave subtile hints about the novel during the meet*

***

Before: I will not watch movies, plays, etc. Those are inferior to reading books.

After: Be glued to the screen while watching movies, take notes during screen-writing classes, go to theater shows in the French Embassy, etc.

***

Before: Oh, a classic. How boring!

After: Wow, a classic!

***

Before: (On being asked what do you do – professionally): I am a professional blogger *Others stare back blankly and disapprove my weird career choice*

After: I am a novelist *Others go ‘wow, really cool, super – don’t worry, you may not earn much but you’ll surpass the popularity of Chetan Bhagat one day’*

Destination Infinity

Photo Credit: By Polly (Flickr) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

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Published on January 05, 2015 09:28

Diabetics Dezire – Sweets for Diabetics Patients!

When I came across a sweets shop named Diabetics Dezire, I got curious and thought why not check it out, especially when it’s near my area in Blue Star, Anna Nagar. It seems that the sweets sold here can indeed be eaten by diabetics patients as they don’t use sugar, but instead use a natural sugar substitute which is a low gycemic product. More info on this here.

They have many common types of Indian sweets like milk sweets, badam sweets, halwa, jangiri, laddu, gulab jamun, etc. They also have juice extracts, jams, cookies, sugar substitute, etc. that are all sugar free. I tasted that sugar substitute and it was sweeter than normal sugar, and so were their sweets!

I bought a pack of assorted sweets and halwa. They also gave me a sample of health salt and sugar substitute. The sweets were good, some were too sweet! I asked them if we need to eat sweets in limited quantity and they said that’s always better. The best sweets I found here were halwa and jangiri.

I feel, normal people can also eat these sweets, so that they can prevent diabetics from occurring. If you know any diabetics patients who have been longing to eat sweets, maybe you can try this. I said maybe, because I did not test it on any diabetics patients – so do it at your own risk!

But I think it’s a good concept worth spreading. Especially considering the amount of sweets we keep eating at every opportunity. It seems you can order online also.

Destination Infinity

Photo credit: By Destination8infinity (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

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Published on January 05, 2015 09:20

FAQs About eBooks

* What are eBooks?

eBooks are just like books, with pages and all, but the pages are displayed on the screen of a computer/tablet/mobile phone/eReader. You can touch, swipe or press a button (depending on the device) to turn pages.

* How do I buy an e-book?

You can buy eBooks on websites like Amazon.com, Kobo.com, Google Play Store, etc. There are also tons of free eBooks on these sites, and sites like Gutenberg. You need to create an account with an user id/password (and email address) before you can purchase and read eBooks from websites.

* How do I download the eBook?

On open source sites like Gutenberg, you can directly click on download link and the file will be downloaded to your device. On other sites, you need to register, click buy, pay (if not free), and then the download link will appear.

If you have an eReader like Kindle and buy eBooks on Amazon Kindle, Amazon will deliver the book directly to your kindle through Internet (Wi-Fi or 3g). For reading books on mobile/tablet/computer, you need to download the respective e-book reading app, and sign into it with your account credentials. Once you log in, your books will be visible there. You can select the book you want and start reading.

* What are common eBooks formats?

The most common eBook format is .azw/azw3 but it is supported only on Amazon Kindle device and Amazon Kindle mobile/browser app.

There are two common open eBook formats: ePub and Mobi, that are supported by most eReaders/e-book reading apps. However, Amazon Kindle doesn’t support ePub. But most other stores like Kobo, B&N, Google Books, etc. support it, and make eBooks available to download in open ePub format.

* What if I download a particular eBook format, and it is not supported on my eReader/mobile app?

You can convert eBooks from one format to another using a free computer application called Calibre or by using conversion apps/web-based converters. Just search on Google.

However, if the eBook is DRM protected (which you need to verify before buying a book), you can’t convert it. You’ll have to read it using the app or eReader device provided by the company/site that sold you the book.

* What is this eReader?

eReader or eBook Reader is a specialized device that enables you to download a book and read it. All you can do using that device is store and read e-books. Examples are Amazon Kindle, Kobo eReader Touch, Sony Reader PRS-650, Nook Simple Touch, etc.

eReaders use eInk displays which use reflective technology. That means, it uses the ambient light to display text (like a real book) and doesn’t use a backlight. This is supposed to be better for long reading schedules. However, some eReaders do support front (embedded) lights on the sides of the screen to enable you to read in the night or low-light. Many eReaders come with touch screens nowadays.

Have a look at the above video that shows the difference between five different eReaders. Although newer models have been released now, this video is a good introduction.

* Can I read eBooks on my Computer, Tablet, or Mobile phones?

Yes, absolutely. But you need to download the appropriate apps first, before you can load eBooks and read them.

* What are the advantages of eBooks?

You can adjust the font size, and make it large to read books comfortably.
eBooks don’t use paper (no cutting of trees, reduced global warming).
You can buy an eBook, download it, and start reading it in less than a minute.
The collection of books on most major eBook stores is endless. Amazon Kindle, for example, claims to have more than two million books for you to select from.
Your favorite eBook will never be out of stock.
You can carry many (thousands of) books inside your mobile or eReader to where ever you go without adding any weight.
Built-in dictionaries.
Notes can be stored as a separate file inside the eReader.

* Can you listen to an eBook? Is there an app to read the contents of an eBook, aloud?

Yes. You can listen to eBooks on your mobile device using an Android app called FBReader as it supports TTS (Text to Speech) technology, for common eBook formats like ePub and Mobi. So now you can read (listen to) eBooks when you are walking/exercising/traveling, and even if your eyes are tired due to long exposure to computer monitors. Some Kindle Fire tablets also support TTS technology.

There are audio books narrated by professional narrators (sometimes with background music). Check out Audible (expensive, but great collection) and LibreVox (Free).

* Are eBooks available as a Subscription?

Yes. Services like Scribd, Oyster, and Kindle Unlimited allow you to download many books, for a fixed monthly fee. Read the T&C on those sites to fully understand these services. These are somewhat like Netflix (for Movies) in the US.

* Are Books from Public Libraries available as eBooks to Download & Read on eReaders?

Yes, in some countries.

Destination Infinity

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Published on January 05, 2015 09:17

December 29, 2014

Some Interesting Houses in North Chennai

I went to a Photo Walk hosted by Chennai PhotoWalk, which is generally organized twice every month (most probably on 2nd and 4th Sundays). But be sure to check the above linked Facebook page for event intimations and details.

The walks are free of cost (at least now) and offer a good chance for budding photographers to learn, practice, and improve their craft. Everyone seems to have a DSLR in the group, but don’t worry if you don’t have one – I didn’t!

Here are some photos (of interesting houses) I took during this week’s photo walk in North Chennai:

OK, the building in the last photo is a Jain Temple, not a house!

Destination Infinity

Photo Credit: By Destination8infinity (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

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Published on December 29, 2014 23:14

#Song of the Week: Katra Katra Mein Giroon (Alone)

Katra Katra Mein Giroon (Alone), Full Song, Hindi, Audio Only:

Katra Katra Mein Giroon is a beautiful slow and sensuous song from the movie – Alone. Brilliant music by Ankit Tiwari. Sung by Ankit Tiwari & Prakriti Kakar, the female lead voice is stunning. The male lead, though good, could have been sung by a singer, instead of music director himself singing it? It works, but could have been better . . .

Altogether an excellent song, and one of my best finds in the recent times. Enjoy

Destination Infinity

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Published on December 29, 2014 23:10

Pk

Pk Movie Trailer:

Pk is the latest Aamir Khan movie (directed by Rajkumar Hirani) released on 19th Dec. 2014. I saw it recently in AGS Cinemas, Villivakkam, Chennai.

Plus: Comedy, Imagination, Action, Music.

Minus: Is more like a sermon, than a story. Too much “advise”.

My question to the movie-makers: If Godmen are making money taking advantage of people’s desires and fears, SO ARE YOU. Why fake a moral high-ground? Also, is this is a movie or a debate show?

You can watch it once. For the comedy. And imagination.

Destination Infinity

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Published on December 29, 2014 23:08

Melbourne is a good Tourist option for Animal Lovers

I hate to see animals locked inside a cage. As in zoos. That’s why I admire the cities, communities, and Government authorities that do animal tourism the responsible/right way: Letting animals stay in their natural environment, and enabling humans to visit them without disturbing their activities in any way.

Melbourne, Australia, seems to have got that spot-on. I think this city is a good tourist option for animal lovers. Just have a look at two of their flagship tourism initiatives:

1. Seal Watching at Seal Rocks, Phillip Island:

This two-hour cruise enables tourists to visit and see Australia’s wild fur seal colony on Seal Rocks, off Phillip Island, on a boat. The boat comes within a few meters to let tourists see thousands of seals in their natural environment. Don’t you think this is a noble tourism initiative when compared to capturing animals and locking them in zoos? Zoos not only stuff animals/birds into small enclosures, but they also do it in a location that is not their natural habitat. High-time this nonsense called zoo is abolished.

2. Penguin Parade, Phillip Island:

The Penguin Parade is also located in Phillip Island, Australia. It is the third largest tourist attraction in Australia! It seems, this place is home to more than 32,000 little penguins which would fill the hearts of any animal lover with delight!

Again, sighting Penguins in their natural enclosure (and even building small homes for them) is much better than capturing Penguins and putting them inside little cages in zoos just because people in cities are too lazy to travel.

If you are an animal lover, I hope you’ll consider visiting Phillip Island in Australia, where they do responsible wild-life tourism, the way it needs to be done. I hope other places and countries follow suit, and abolish zoos at the earliest.

Have a look at interesting tourist options in Melbourne, Australia, and also the Visit Melbourne Official tourist website.

Destination Infinity

Disclaimer: This post was written for an indiBlogger contest titled ‘What’s your reason for falling in love with Melbourne, the most livable city in the world’. I will get a pen-drive for writing this post.

Contest for readers: Have a look at these videos, and let know your favorite tourist destination in Melbourne, in the comments section below to win a gift voucher of Rs. 500/- (for one lucky winner). The contest is open until 3rd January 2015.

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Published on December 29, 2014 23:07

Shaving was an Important Instruction in my job!

I was working in the sales/marketing career, earlier. Once I joined the company they gave us two important instructions during the training sessions – wear neat, ironed, plain full shirts/pants; and shave daily.

At that time, we didn’t bother about it. But we were surprised when managers followed up on it and actually enforced it during the days that followed, once we started to work. Since our work involved meeting existing and new clients, our managers were particular that we were well groomed when we went to meet them.

Thinking about it now, I realize why they insisted it – the way we present ourselves reflects on our attitude towards life, and ultimately forms the impression of who we are. There upon, even after taking up a different career, I made sure that I was neatly shaven, whenever I went out or met new people.

Why allow people to judge us unfairly, when all that we need to do is to shave for five-minutes and go?

I want to take the opportunity to give a suggestion to Gilette. Why not send gift-hampers with different types of razors to bloggers, so that we can use it and review it on our blogs? That will help readers also to take a decision.

I am saying this because, I use Gillette ready-shave razor, and am happy with it. But only if I explore how the experience of shaving with other/better razors, I will know how good/useful those are.

Destination Infinity

PS: I was tagged by The Whitescape to participate in this activity.

Disclaimer: This post is a part of #WillYouShave activity at BlogAdda in association with Gillette.

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Published on December 29, 2014 23:00

Gilette #WillYouShave

I’d like to write about an interview experience of a friend, before many years. Both of us were studying in college back then and one fine day he decided to find a part-time job – more for the experience, and then for some pocket money.

So he applied to Dominos Pizza and got a call for the interview. At that age, as college students, we were casual and had an uncaring attitude. What we didn’t know was, our attitude reflects in our dressing/grooming, and interviewers are sharp enough to identify them. In fact, the way we present ourselves in an interview is an important factor considered for selection!

My friend went to the interview without much of a preparation, and they asked a few things to which he answered. Then suddenly they asked why my friend had not shaven that morning (as a small stubble was visible on his face). He didn’t expect this question at all, and ended up giving an unconvincing reply that he was watching a cricket match late in the night (on the previous day), and hence he woke up late and had rushed to the interview.

They advised him against going to interviews without shaving in the morning, but gave him the job anyway. But my friend didn’t know that something he considered a small/inconsequential factor (shaving), would play such a crucial role in interviewers’ judging parameter. From then, I am sure my friend never went to an interview without properly shaving in the mornings

Destination Infinity

PS: I was tagged my Manogna M, to participate in this contest.

Disclaimer: This post is a part of #WillYouShave activity at BlogAdda in association with Gillette.

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Published on December 29, 2014 22:57