Month: October 2013

Categories
Tech

Preview: Spice Mobile’s AndroidLand Store

The country’s first Android store opened this week. The store’s fun and engaging concept was developed in collaboration with Google.
by Manik Kakra

Spice Mobile, one of India’s leading mobile companies, opened the country’s first AndroidLand store in Noida’s The Great India Place recently. The store houses Android devices from Spice, Lenovo, Samsung, LG, HTC, Karbonn, Sony, LAVA and Micromax, along with a variety of accessories for your device. Google is reportedly helping in training staff for more such stores in order to give a user improved experience and know-how.

Spice Mobile AndroidLandThe store also has free WiFi access for users to download and check apps on their Android device, as well as get their queries related to the OS answered there and then.

“We are confident customers will love the fun and engaging store concept that we developed in collaboration with Google. We have created a destination for customers to experience Android technology and learn about what they can do with mobile Internet. Spice has always believed in constant innovation in retail and with this launch we have kept our promise of bringing many ‘firsts’ to India”, in the field of technology retailing,” said Dilip Modi, Co-Founder and Group CEO, Spice Global.

While it is good to see such initiatives in the market, especially considering we might soon get Play Store gift cards in India, it would be interesting to see how well these stores compete against these companies’ own and other retail stores. The company has also opened a bigger store in Bangalore.

Categories
Enough said

The USA’s problem, in Chomsky’s words

Humra Quraishi recalls an old meeting with Noam Chomsky, especially since most of his words then are coming true now.

Total anarchy seems to be the order of the day. It’s happening in the Middle East, it’s happening in the African belt and to an extent, in our subcontinent.

The more I ponder over the situation, the more I recall a 2001 meeting with Noam Chomsky in New Delhi, when he’d given forewarnings of the shape of things to come. During the interview, he had repeatedly stressed that more disasters were waiting to hit as countries like the USA continuing with their expansionist policies.

arms raceHe’d said, “The threat of terrorism is not the only abyss into which we peer…an even greater threat is posed by the very expansion of the arms race. The arms race is inappropriate, because the USA is, for now, competing alone. Its goal is to achieve ‘full spectrum dominance’. These plans have been available in Government documents for some time and their plans are being developed.

“These plans were expanded in the first months of the Bush administration and again after September 11, in a crude exploitation of the fear and horror engendered by these horrific crimes. It is conventional everywhere for attack to be called ‘defence’ and this case is no exception. The plans for militarisation of space are disguised as ‘Ballistic Missile Defence’ (BMD), and even if technically feasible, must rely on satellite communication and destroying satellites is easier than shooting down missiles. This is one reason why the USA must seek ‘full spectrum dominance’.

“Such overwhelming control of space that even the poor man’s weapons will not be available to an adversary. The goals of space militarisation extend far beyond than this. It’s the Clinton era publications that announce the primary goal prominently: ‘Dominating the space dimension of military operations to protect US interests and investment.’ Armies were needed ‘during the westward expansion of continental United States.’ Of course, in self defence against the indigenous population!”

He added, “In the Reagan years alone, US-sponsored State terrorists in Central America had left hundreds of thousands tortured and mutilated corpses, millions maimed and orphaned and four countries in ruins…In the same years, West-backed South African depredations had killed 1.5 million people. I need not speak of West Asia or much else. All of this, however, is barred from the annals of terrorism by a simple device: the term terrorism, like most terms of political discourse, has two meanings; a literal one and a propagandist one.

“The literal one can be found in the official US documents, which instructs that ‘Terrorism is the calculated use of violence or threat of violence to attain goals that are political, religious or ideological in nature (carried out) through intimidation, coercion or by instilling fear.’ But the literal definition cannot be used, because it is close paraphrase of the official policy called ‘low intensity war’ or ‘counter terrorism’.

Humra Quraishi is a senior political journalist based in Gurgaon. She is the author of Kashmir: The Untold Story and co-author of Simply Khushwant.

(Pictures courtesy www.al-monitor.com)

Categories
Watch

‘Maazii’ gets a second chance

Small film gets a re-release in the absence of a biggie doing well at the BO; releases today in multiplexes.
by Rachel Tseng

With several small and big films releasing at the box office every week, a second chance is not something that is granted to many. The fear of failure dogs many a filmmaker, actor, producer and distributor every Friday. And though it is possible to recover one’s investment in a film by way of satellite rights and sale of music, DVDs and other media, it is the public’s and critics’ response that actually sets the tone for things to come.

maazii film stillWhile some films achieve success through their content and star power, there are others that don’t boast of a popular star cast, but have a good story to tell. The film Maazii falls into this second category – made on a minimalistic budget with lots of hard work and hope.

Maazii was released on September 27, 2013 after negotiating show timings and numbers of screens. Starring Sumit Nijhawan and Mona Wasu, the film opens in a setting that has no respect for the law and even less for those who uphold it. But released with minimum publicity, booked with less shows and screens, it was quickly replaced by a big banner film boasting a power star cast.

But the last few Fridays have not been kind to big budget films, with the likes of Phata Poster Nikhla Hero and Besharam faring very poorly at the BO. With Besharam doing badly, and as per the contract between multiplexes and film distributors, if a film does not cross a particular box office collection, they have the right to reduce the number of shows and screens in the second week. Hence, small budget movies like WAR – Chhod Na Yaar and Baat Bann Gayi are getting more shows and screens. Even Phata Poster Nikhla Hero is being shown in theatres again.

In the past, Rang De Basanti was re-released due to the phenomenal audience clamour for it; so was Fukrey, in Delhi. But this is probably the first time that a small film with an unknown star cast has got a re-release.

 

Maazii, which had been noticed by critics and liked by those who saw it, re-releases today, October 11, in multiplexes across India. It will have 60 shows across India, with six in Mumbai.

Lead actor and writer Sumit Nijhawan is ecstatic at the news. “From a state of disillusionment, I see hope that at least the hard work put in by the entire team will reach some quarters Maaziiof the audience. Cinema is a beautiful medium and it should stay democratic,” he says.

Producer and director Jaideep Chopra says, “I am happy to have the support of the people who believed in the film and liked it. With the re-release, the film will be seen by the people it has been made for.”

The makers agree that with no famous cast in tow and minimum publicity – this movie does face the challenge of drawing in the crowd. But the fact that it got a second chance to be seen at all certainly needs to be celebrated.

I’m not saying this is a great film and that everybody should see it – though every film critic has given this film a thumbs-up. I just feel that often, we – the audience – are lured to the silver screens by jazzy songs and promos, we land up paying big bucks to watch really bad films featuring stars, and what do we get? Besides, the power play that big films indulge in – block booking screens across the country so that no other film is seen, wrangling the maximum profits out of distributors, etc. – ensures that many films either do not get released or are not seen by most people. Maazii does have its work cut out, but it would be great if other small films also get a similar second chance – and not just when the big films crash.

(Pictures courtesy www.indiatvnews.com, skjbollywoodnews.com, indiatoday.intoday.in)

Categories
Beauty

10 ways to glam up instantly

Want an instant sparkle to your tired eyes? Wondering how to make your gorgeous lipstick last long? Just read on.
by Ankita Pathak

They say beauty is self-confidence applied to the face. But what happens when you know how beautiful you want to look but don’t know how to achieve the look? We’ve got 10 little ways to help you glam up and stay gorgeous. Here’s what you do:

dark eyeliner– Dark eyeliner is a part of our Indian shringar. But if you’re not a professional makeup artist, it can be difficult to line your eyes with a liquid liner. So the trick is to line eyes first with a pencil liner, because it’s easier to hold the pencil than a brush. Then trace the line you just made, but this time use the liner brush. If you are good at colouring, this should be a piece of cake! Your eye liner will not only stay for long but would also be smudge-free throughout the day.

– Insomnia, stress and late-night TV watching are all giving girls puffy eyes. With eyes like these, you will find that even heavy concealer fails to have any effect. Here’s a quick fix: dab your white pencil liner in your inner eye area. It will brighten up your eyes and give them an instant sparkle!

– For gorgeous lips during the day, dab lipstick on to your fingers and then to your lips. It will give your lips a subtle color wash and leave them looking juicy!

– Whatever the season, there’s no excuse for tardy eyebrows. To keep your brows neat in between brow appointments, invest in a goodeyebrows pair of tweezers and fill in any gaps with a soft, smooth brow pencil that gives a natural finish. Don’t own a brow gel? Replace it with a clear mascara to avoid hair from looking straggly.

– Sporting no makeup and get a sudden interview call? Do this: take a lipstick and place it directly on top of the apples of your cheek. Aim a little higher and apply. Dab the same lipstick on your lips, and you’re good to go! This will not only give your cheeks a rose tint but will help make your cheekbones look even higher.

– Making lipstick last all night is a task! The key to long-wearing, transfer-proof lipstick is layering. First, apply colour directly to your lips. Next, separate a two-ply tissue and hold one sheet against your lips while dusting translucent loose powder on top. Remove the sheet and apply another layer of colour. Blot one last time with the remaining sheet and you’re good to go—for hours.

– In makeup, as in life, timing is everything. If you tend to apply concealer first, change things a bit: start with eye makeup instead. That way, you can easily clean up any powdery residue that migrates below your eyes and which could cast dark shadows, with a Q-tip soaked in makeup remover or baby oil. Then top with concealer for a bright finish.

foundation– Feel your foundation melting off by the end of the night? You will find that even the best liquid foundation won’t give you a flawless complexion unless it’s well blended. To make foundation melt into your skin, dab it on with a dampened makeup sponge – wet the sponge, then squeeze until it’s almost dry. Next, dispense foundation onto the back of your hand, press the sponge into it, and apply wherever you want coverage. It will give you an air-brushed finish which will stay fresh all day long.

– The bronzed look need not be limited only to summers. For a slimmer face, sweep some matte bronzer in a slant under your cheekbones, on the bridge and sides of the nose and jaw line. Don’t be surprised if you end up looking like a Greek goddess!

– To make your at-home manicure last long, paint the tips of your nails first after you’ve applied a base coat. Follow as usual with two coats of colour. The extra step reinforces the tips, where peeling usually starts.

Do you have an instant glam tip to share? Tell us in the comments section below.

 

Categories
Kharcha paani

Mumbai will spend less this Diwali: Survey

City is second to New Delhi in probable cut in Diwali spending; inflation and shaky job situation are the reasons.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Diwali will be upon us in November, but it seems that worried Mumbaikars are practicing thrift already.

A country-wide survey conducted by ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry) and released recently reveals that this Diwali, there will be a 40 per cent cut in most households’s festive budgets, with Delhi-NCR topping the list. The survey sample includes a majority of middle and lower income families.

The reasons given for slashing their Diwali spends were: rising monthly expenses due to high inflation, less job opportunities, shrinking real wages, and staggering costs of food commodities that are commonly used during Diwali.

Titled ‘High prices dampening the festive spirit’, the survey was conducted under the aegis of ASSOCHAM and showed that over 72 per cent respondents from middle and lower middle income families would spend nearly 25 per cent of their monthly salaries on Diwali for shopping, sweets, gifting, apparel etc. Delhi-NCR is on top of the chart projecting curtailment of festive budget thanks to eroding purchasing power, while Mumbai ranks second, followed by Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai.
 The survey was conducted over two months beginning August to September 2013 in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Dehradun etc. A little over 200 persons were selected from each city on an average. 
“The skyrocketing prices of essential commodities have left the aam aadmi  hard pressed. Be it sweets, dry fruits, crackers, pulses, dairy products, fruit or vegetables, the prices have registered large increases this year compared to the Diwali of last year. Even gold, the much sought-after item during this festive season, stays in the range of Rs 30,000 per 10 gm compared to Rs 22,000 last Diwali,” said DS Rawat, Secretary General, ASSOCHAM.
The survey reveals that the high income group remains unaffected from rupee fall, double digit food inflation. However, a large number of lower and middle income groups indicate that they are finding ways to cut back spending now or indicating they will do so in the future, noted the survey. A majority of respondents said that they plan to spend fewer amounts on this festive season as the prices on average of most of the gifts and traditional Indian sweets have gone up by 55 per cent, while the value of saving has gone gown by almost 15 per cent. Revisions in interest rates by banks have also sent their EMIs soaring, further eroding their monetary power, adds the survey.
Most of the respondents plan to cut down on personal expenses or go bargain hunting to keep their festive budgets in control. Over 57 per cent of the respondents will buy only on sale or discounts, 12 per cent will buy fewer gifts and the rest 2 per cent will buy a group gift. Only a small percentage feels that festivals are the time to splurge, even as discounts remain the biggest attraction for most buyers.
Over 76 per cent of respondents said that monthly grocery bills have jumped to about Rs 7,000, compared to Rs 4,000 in the last 12 months. The prices of vegetables and bakery products have also risen in the last few months. Obviously, this will affect the Diwali celebrations. Milk, butter, sugar, dry- fruits, flour and labour charges all go into making sweets. On the other hand, dry fruit and sweets are the most expensive items in Diwali.
The survey adds that the rates of ghee, sugar, edible oils, atta and spices have also registered increases of around 25 per cent to 35 per cent during the past one year.
(All figures courtesy ASSOCHAM. Picture courtesy webylife.com)
Categories
Diaries

Nature in the midst of crowds: Maharashtra Nature Park

Lovely plants, awesome birds and seriously cool reptiles in close proximity to humans? It’s a jungle out there at Mahim!
by Adithi Muralidhar

Part 7 of the ‘Green Hangouts’ diaries

mnpLocated right in the middle of the city, the Maharashtra Nature Park (MNP), which was originally known as Mahim Nature Park, can be seen right behind the Dharavi Bus Depot. It is ironic that this park exists close to one of the most densely populated areas in the world!

What’s so special? The MNP has about 27 acres of functional area, most of which was a garbage dump earlier. The entire creek area behind the park was used as a dumping ground back in the 1970s. But by the 1980s, some of this area was declared as a bird sanctuary; soon enough, three decades later, MNP is one of the success stories of the city where nature has once again flourished!

The MNP has recorded close to 300 varieties of plants, 115 species of birds and quite a large number of insects. It is like a little green haven in the middle of the choked, polluted city. The forested area pretty much cuts down the vehicular sound that comes from the Bandra-Sion link road, right adjacent to one side of the park. You will find yourself in a tranquil state once you enter the park.

What to look for: If plants, birds or insects are not your thing, you can even sight some really cool reptiles here like the Common Cobra, Green Vine snake, Checkered Keelback, Rat snake, a few lizards and skinks, and an occasional rare sighting of the Indian Star Tortoise. Unfortunately, the serious habitat damage to the adjoining areas doesn’t support any mammal life. Apart from the intermittent sightings of the striped squirrel and a few species of bats, you are unlikely to come across any other mammal.

Currently the MNP also has an Education Centre, nursery, medicinal plant section and vermicomposting demonstration project, apart from the usual birding and butterfly trails. So if you are looking to get some information while you are the park, you can stop by these places! The park is often visited by loads of children who are part of various environment awareness groups.

Whether you want to go for a nice walk in the forest or do a nature-trail or just relax, MNP is one of the best places to go to…it’s an immediate get-away from the polluted city and it is quite accessible by road and rail.

Getting there: The nearest railway station to MNP is Sion station (Central line), and the nearest bus stop is Dharavi bus depot. The Park is open on all days from 9 am to 5 pm (except on Government holidays).

—————-

This concludes our ‘Green Hangouts of Mumbai’ diaries. Apart from the seven places I mentioned earlier in the series, there are some more green spots to check out in and around the city. These are:

– Pherozshah Mehta Garden aka Kamla Nehru Park aka Hanging Gardens

– IIT Bombay campus, Powai

– Aarey milk colony, Goregaon

– Kharghar hills, Navi Mumbai (Note: It is better to go in large groups here, I hear it is a little unsafe, particularly for women)

– Bhandup petrol pump

– Palm Beach road mangrove stretch, Navi Mumbai (Note: Again, go in large groups.)

– Godrej Mangrove patch owned and maintained by Godrej and Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej marine ecology centre (SPGMEC) at Vikhroli. But here, you would need permission of the concerned authorities and plan a visit in advance.

– Wetlands of Uran

– Anushakti Nagar colony, where you can witness a small lake at the foothills (of Trombay hill chain) and where sightings of numerous birds and snakes is the norm. Usually, unless you are visiting someone who lives there, you are not likely to get entry into the colony as they have strict security set-ups in place.

– Karnala bird sanctuary, around 40 km from Panvel. One can hike/trek or go for nature trails here.

– Yeeor hills, ThaneTungareshwar, Virar

Adithi Muralidhar currently works in the field of science education research, in Mumbai. She is associated with Hypnale Research Station where she assists with various environment, wildlife conservation, education and community-related projects. She is a strong advocate of nature education.

This conclues ‘Green hangouts’, a series of stories celebrating Mumbai’s place in the green scheme of things, to coincide with Wildlife Week, which is celebrated from October 1 to 7 every year. 

(Pictures courtesy Vishal Rasal and Adithi Muralidhar. Reference: Sunjoy Monga (2005). Maharashtra Nature Park: Back to Nature. Naturecolours: Mumbai and MMRDA,  http://202.54.119.40/projects_mnp.htm)

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