tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81732589659002350792024-03-17T13:09:47.866+05:30Dreams and DramaSwarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-88990886498399653162017-12-30T08:54:00.001+05:302017-12-30T09:06:57.141+05:30Cover Reveal - The Vengeance of Indra by Shatrujeet Nath<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>~ Cover Reveal ~</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Vengeance of Indra </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>(Vikramaditya Veergatha #3)</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>by Shatrujeet Nath</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMz8GQDNSBc05wlxCAbj7duATkWg1muEY5WEqJdd06O53XLqErLfiQV9FTJ2ZU0EhmmswK0cEv8nG9hki8rYBDwE5RdFTJkrxwNOoChV3K4JIBnwSel8bfNrqop0S5Kg_7sj0drDL7ilU/s1600/Vikramaditya+3+-+Vengence+of+Indra_Front+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="783" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMz8GQDNSBc05wlxCAbj7duATkWg1muEY5WEqJdd06O53XLqErLfiQV9FTJ2ZU0EhmmswK0cEv8nG9hki8rYBDwE5RdFTJkrxwNOoChV3K4JIBnwSel8bfNrqop0S5Kg_7sj0drDL7ilU/s640/Vikramaditya+3+-+Vengence+of+Indra_Front+Cover.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>VENGEANCE IS A CAGE</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>FORGIVENESS IS FREEDOM</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In their greed to possess the deadly Halahala, the devas and the asuras have employed every dirty trick against Vikramaditya and his Council of Nine. But the humans are still standing, bloodied but unbowed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When the wily Shukracharya discovers the secret to breaking the Council’s strength and unity, he forges an unlikely alliance with his arch-enemy, Indra, to set a deceitful plan in motion.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As cracks emerge between the councilors and their king, ghosts from the past threaten to ruin Vikramaditya and Kalidasa’s friendship, signaling the beginning of an eclipse that will cast a long shadow over all that Vikramaditya holds dear. And into this shadow steps Indra, bearing an old grudge — and a devastating new weapon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How much longer before the Guardians of the Halahala finally fall apart?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Other Books in the Series:</u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31288622-the-guardians-of-the-halahala" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZVa7_uqqrurNAYdCvBF5-piUZwqI0qmzoQDawPy_ElVsoWjYhv8lEl2oRi9KL_-6BZ_H09Cu8gHI_bP-1xYkaYmvG96iPwbjDPmw9IbNh_SbK2W2A5IQPXJIMpEheJORi1H0RgsvM_4/s320/The+Guardians+of+the+Halahala-2.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31288429-the-conspiracy-at-meru" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVZStScBCn3vybeKPzkx0dTXK0qOdhnq82eztiwAne1kMcCv5YjSVq4BYQhARm-6X2_jur7COFWO5Lcx_dkdz-DB7O_Z5DFWSGzT4DbkC6yRA5Ko6ouzoam-LEfbS-rccUNeBqPacvzc/s320/Vikramaditya+2+-+Conspiracy+at+Meru-2.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>(Click on the Covers for more details)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>About the Author:</u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZzrkgNkmQqGfQfYoPYnso8inwF2Yu8jVMFa5w9kfCnOcwMbhwpMxTyLiKgUdbuou0Ou-wpJ4dGHFy4_JyVbFxs1S0Z2iZLad6bT_aUmGpgstyXSBMQoZhiO0XxRMAtsTC0M4ytJHBM0/s1600/12687971_10153255828216750_3553799377627655224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="667" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZzrkgNkmQqGfQfYoPYnso8inwF2Yu8jVMFa5w9kfCnOcwMbhwpMxTyLiKgUdbuou0Ou-wpJ4dGHFy4_JyVbFxs1S0Z2iZLad6bT_aUmGpgstyXSBMQoZhiO0XxRMAtsTC0M4ytJHBM0/s200/12687971_10153255828216750_3553799377627655224_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shatrujeet Nath is the creator of the runaway national bestseller series Vikramaditya Veergatha, a four-book mytho-fantasy arc which includes The Guardians of the Halahala, The Conspiracy at Meru and The Vengeance of Indra. Described as “a new face to Indian mythology” by DNA, Shatrujeet writes for movies and web shows as well. He is also the author of The Karachi Deception, an Indo-Pak spy thriller.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ShatrujeetNath/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;">Facebook</span></a></span><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"> * </span><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/shatrujeet" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;">Twitter</span></a></span><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"> * </span><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6575108.Shatrujeet_Nath" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="811" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qvvc7yymzSdjSXPC3v9-BggeO29lffyKdJS4oWEriOQKcuywe1f92BOCRrdpUGdRCFSTPBtft0URHUT-TOwZCVc323YsJ3M-Jh8DCGKrv7YsizAuNA37D_xuMntZXGfO8KC-rJjjAfI/s640/Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
</div>
<!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="https://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=757760&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script> <!-- end InLinkz script -->
</div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-57116868552681529312017-11-14T23:12:00.002+05:302017-11-15T05:42:10.459+05:30Book Review: Unlikely Tails by Mani Padma<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Author: </b>Mani Padma</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ISBN-13: </b>9789384901608</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Binding:</b> Hardcover</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Publisher: </b>Creative Crows Publishers LLP</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Number of pages: </b>125</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Genre:</b> Fiction, Anthology</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Language:</b> English</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Price:</b> Rs.650 (Got a review copy)</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEHdIXwx1PM/Wgsqsg1rLaI/AAAAAAAARWQ/qKh2hPKtAVoqeH21FhIKmr34Tu2nfBe7wCLcBGAs/s1600/91hADiNMkEL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1028" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEHdIXwx1PM/Wgsqsg1rLaI/AAAAAAAARWQ/qKh2hPKtAVoqeH21FhIKmr34Tu2nfBe7wCLcBGAs/s400/91hADiNMkEL.jpg" width="256" /></span></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<b><u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></u></b>
<b><u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">About the Book</span></b></u></b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How much do you know about women? Do you really know them even when you know them? </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">17 stories.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Various shades.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unexpected revelations.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But...the question remains, do you still feel you know them even when you know about them?</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">About the Author</span></u></b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mani Padma is from Assam, now based in Delhi. She is a full time government doctor, part time mother and a 'sometime' punner plus writer.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She started writing at the age of four, starting with ABC and now is a full time writer of prescriptions and reports.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Her stories and articles have appeared in online magazines and websites, Women's Era and in a couple of anthologies. 'Unlikely Tails' happens to be her solo debut.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She loves to be bright and has a compromised attention span which is the reason she has never attempted a novel but hopes to do so in future if she finds the motivation to do so.</span></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Swarnali Says</span></u></b></div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div align="center">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Few times at present have I come across a debut work so enjoyable as Mani Padma's Anthology of stories about women. I knew I would love her book the moment I read the "About the author" section, I loved her humour. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The book is a collection of 17 succinct stories involving women (the book actually has 18 stories-there is an error in the Contents page, but I could not figure how the story 'Sabjiwallah' fits in with the the rest, thus making it 17) They are not strictly women centric as you might assume but are about incidents involving women of different ages. Like any anthology, this too is an amalgamation of stories, some quite amazing, some pretty good and a selected one or two a tad bit predictable. However, I loved how she successfully captured the sometimes fragile, sometimes unpredictable, sometimes faltering,but always fearless and indomitable spirit of women in her stories. I decided not to reveal any details about any of the stories because I would love the other readers to figure them on their own and enjoy them without a bias, which is exactly what this book deserves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What I admired most about the book is how the author has found the most banal of situations worth exploring and writing about. There were several occassions where I could find similarities between her writing and those of some of my favourite short story writers like Ruskin Bond and Saki, a tone which puts the readers immediately at ease as they prepare themselves for a good time reading the narratives. I liked how the author dabbled with different styles and genres of writing with each story. Manipadma has quite the skill in adding unpredictable twists and thus unlikely tails to her tales. However, if you are an avid Jeffrey Archer fan, I warn you, you might be good at figuring precisely how the stories will end but be assured , you would still love the read. So go ahead grab your copy (I recommend you get one) and get reading. Do come back and tell me which ones were your favourites. As for me, I am really waiting to read her next. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>My Rating:</u></b> 4/5</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This review is a part of the biggest <a href="http://blog.blogadda.com/2011/05/04/indian-bloggers-book-reviews" target="_blank"> Book Review Program </a> for <a href="http://www.blogadda.com/" target="_blank">Indian Bloggers.</a> Participate now to get free books!</span></div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-66872038896113866472016-06-16T08:47:00.002+05:302016-06-16T08:47:34.103+05:30Meeting Silki Agrawal - Blogger Meet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello there , folks!!<br /><br />Remember me? Yes, I'm alive in case you were wondering where I had vanished. Life took first priority and I had to settle a few things. More on that later, coming to what this post is about. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWcJfM5FLTo/V2GR5IZ4IKI/AAAAAAAAKIw/xmvH-L3VJds886sk4xMkBDvJYKVhJSJxACK4B/s1600/1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWcJfM5FLTo/V2GR5IZ4IKI/AAAAAAAAKIw/xmvH-L3VJds886sk4xMkBDvJYKVhJSJxACK4B/s640/1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />A group of 8 city bloggers were invited to Shisha Reincarnated for an exclusive chat session with GIMA nominated singer, Silki Agrawal who recently released her music album "Soul Chants - Divine Light, Divine Love, Divine Power". </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Born in the family of doctors, Silki Agrawal has always loved everything to do with music. She spent her childhood in the lap of nature at Ranikhet, Uttarakhand. In 2006, Grand Master Choa Kok Sui's Pranic Healing entered her life; application of the teachings transformed her immensely. She expressed her deep gratitude for her teacher by launching her first album ‘Guru Mantra’ in 2011 at a World Pranic Healing Convention in Singapore which sold over 4000 copies worldwide.<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn2ABNQF5OU/V2GVtMP2bbI/AAAAAAAAKJE/1_3p7HTSwNYnpD3EmMjHwRed21jMzI59gCLcB/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn2ABNQF5OU/V2GVtMP2bbI/AAAAAAAAKJE/1_3p7HTSwNYnpD3EmMjHwRed21jMzI59gCLcB/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soul Chants - Here are the lyrics explained and translated for all the three songs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Her latest album “SOUL CHANTS” had been nominated for GIMA Awards (Global Indian Music Academy Awards) along the likes of Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan and S.P. Balasubramaniam. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">.</span></div>
<span style="text-align: start;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Encouraged by the overwhelming response of ‘Soul Chants’ and fuelled by her passion to spread soulful inspirational music around the globe, her next album is scheduled to be released by Sept' 2016. The video of her new album will be shot on Iphone 6S, to be directed by Avinash Vasu and the same will be in consideration by Apple to be used in their advertisement.</span></div>
<span style="text-align: start;">
</span><span style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksV3Eli90xY/V2GTQwGHfSI/AAAAAAAAKI4/NuH7ZiZUYSo4G5_LRxf04uWjCMmIpEYJQCLcB/s1600/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksV3Eli90xY/V2GTQwGHfSI/AAAAAAAAKI4/NuH7ZiZUYSo4G5_LRxf04uWjCMmIpEYJQCLcB/s640/2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Koustabh and I entered there to be warmly greeted with a beaming smile and a handshake by Silki. Once all the bloggers arrived we proceeded to an informal talk with the singer whose voice is as beautiful as she herself is. Silki gave us an insight into her life, how she juggles life as a soccer mom to her 9 year old son, working as a creative consultant for an interior designing firm and following her passion, singing. I was amazed how she successfully made classics like Gayatri Mantra and Guru Mantra her own using her mersmerising and soothing voice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Silki Agrawal states her husband Sumaysh Agrawal as her biggest critic and greatest inspiration who motivates her to push herself further. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While in school she learned soft vocals and for
the past few years she has been training under Shuvodeep M</span><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ukherjee.
As a child Silki had participated and won various singing competitions.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>She loves listening to Arijit Singh, Lata Mangeshkar, Lana Del Rey and Adele amongst others. </span>She gushed about her love for fashion and how she loves implementing unique pieces (notice her <a href="http://www.einaahluwalia.com/Love-Respect-Protect-Earrings--New-Edition--08614.html">Eina Ahluwalia 'Love Respect Protect' earrings</a>?) which resonate with her ideology.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Her music is available online at <a href="http://www.amazon.in/Soul-Chants-Silki-Agrawal/dp/B014DJFCYM">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/silki-agrawal/id575656821">Itunes</a> and Soundcloud. You can know more about her and her work <a href="http://www.silkiagrawal.com/">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-82995883707845037352015-11-06T15:11:00.000+05:302015-11-06T15:11:06.661+05:30Making College Admissions Easier - CollegeDunia.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My little sister finished her graduation in Botany this year and she wanted to switch her subject and do her Masters in Environmental Science. Now, while her choice to work for and continue research to save the environment was quite a noble choice, finding the right college for her to study the same was a Herculean task.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> One needed to ensure quite a couple of things before she got enrolled-</span><br />
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">the college was recognised by the government</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">the department was a good one</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">it provided job or research opportunities</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">the fees did not end up making us bankrupt and so much more</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We needed a forum which would help us with all our needs so that we could get my sister admitted to the college of her choice and help her realise her dreams without too many bumps. <b>CollegeDunia.com</b> came to our rescue. I had already utilised the information provided by this amazing website a year back when a friend needed information and updates regarding admissions notices and it helped me choose and decide the best college for my sister.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7Zvriwyd3Q/VjhNt1Zqn4I/AAAAAAAAHk4/eaC-HAEZpqk/s1600/College%2Bdunia%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J7Zvriwyd3Q/VjhNt1Zqn4I/AAAAAAAAHk4/eaC-HAEZpqk/s400/College%2Bdunia%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">CollegeDunia.com enlists about 20000 college from across the country with subjects as varied as Science, Commerce, Arts, Law, Management, Engineering, Medical, Architecture, Aviation, Computer Applications, Dental, Hotel Management, Mass Communications, Deign, Education, and Pharmacy. It also provides detailed information about the <b><a href="http://www.saching.com/Article/Where-do-Indian-institutes-stand--World-ranking-of-education-in-India-/3927">standings of the Indian Universities in the world</a></b> by giving out ratings for each college to help one choose the best. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every college listing has with it attached a college brochure for anxious parents to go through to make sure that their child goes to a reliable college and gets the best of education facilities available. Information regarding the course structure, fees, facilities and such are provided in detail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The exams and news features on the website helps students appear for various examinations and attend and participate in ongoing college fests across the nation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0se0CkPeryw/VjhPgy1EE1I/AAAAAAAAHlE/BmNBX1FTAQE/s1600/College%2Bdunia%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0se0CkPeryw/VjhPgy1EE1I/AAAAAAAAHlE/BmNBX1FTAQE/s400/College%2Bdunia%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A quick search through the list of <a href="http://collegedunia.com/india-universities"><b>Universities in India</b></a> helped me identify the various universities across the country which provided the option my sister wanted to study. A quick search through the seamless and easy to navigate website listed down the various colleges I should check and apply to. Upon further search I could ascertain whether the college is a central, state, deemed or private institution. It also helped me evaluate the costs involved, the ranking and rating of the various departments in the colleges, their placements from the past and the quality of the faculty. The website helped me a lot in identifying and getting my sister admitted to the college best suited for her needs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would highly recommend people who are confused and anxious to check the website and make the process much easier and less worrisome.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can always reach them directly at <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>contact@collegedunia.com</b></span> regarding any queries concerning college admissions and have them resolved at the earliest. </span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-15193512193428139822015-02-07T00:15:00.003+05:302015-02-07T00:15:44.061+05:30Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Challenge. Are You Game??<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A week back, I was approached by Garnier to take part in the 30
day challenge using their newly released <b>Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition
Shampoo and Conditioner</b> Duo. While my hair is usually tame and does not give me
too much trouble during the rest of the year, it just suddenly becomes this
frizzy mess of a bird nest during winters. They become insanely dry, rough and
extremely greasy. So when Garnier claimed to address to all my hair problems ,
I was immediate to say a yes. So there arrived these pretty orange bottles
which I'll be trying out for a period of 30 days.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I have already used them
twice and I know it is too early to decide if they are actually doing any of the claims they made but what I can see already is that my hair feels a little less frizzy than the winter usually makes it. Yay!! I'll have to use them
for some more time to decide if they become permanent placeholders on my bathroom shelf. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These new entrants claim to tame your frizzy manes, reduce hair fall, make hair shinier and smoother to prevent tangles, nourish your scalp and hair and strengthen them using the triple nutrition of <b>Coconut, Almond and Olive oils</b>.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Coconut Oil</b>- Nourishes and makes hair stronger</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Almond Oil</b>- Restores beautiful shine to your lengths</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Olive Oil</b>- Binds, repairs and helps reduce split ends.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Goodbye frizzy, wayward, dry and undernourished hair!!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EfXfkKu8z4/VNUHOadCo3I/AAAAAAAADLY/HCZD_jKx1SE/s1600/IMG_2937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EfXfkKu8z4/VNUHOadCo3I/AAAAAAAADLY/HCZD_jKx1SE/s1600/IMG_2937.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Both the shampoo and conditioner come in pale orange-ish flip cap bottles. They each come with a price tag of <b>Rs. 135</b> for a quantity of <b>175 ml</b> with a shelf life of 36 months which is pretty reasonable. I have a feeling I'm really going to love these. They smell really nice btw and I'm loving the conditioner because it does not make my hair feel heavy or flat unlike a few.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll be posting an update of how I'm liking these two after 30 days of using them. Why don't you take the challenge with me and pick these two and give them a try and tell me how you liked them?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Till next,</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sV2ImME5B80/VNUJjxhctII/AAAAAAAADLk/pBM1ZDzf-h4/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sV2ImME5B80/VNUJjxhctII/AAAAAAAADLk/pBM1ZDzf-h4/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-86629769961159299402015-01-21T09:30:00.000+05:302015-01-21T09:30:00.695+05:30To-Visit List.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
How many of you readers love travelling? I know, I do :D Travelling is a great way to move away from the regular humdrum and craziness of your life and unwind where you don’t have to worry about anything. 2014 was a great year for me travel-wise. I was invited with a few other blogger friends from Kolkata and Bangalore to go and visit the Four Seasons vineyards and the winery at Baramati, Maharashtra. Sitting on the balcony of my expansive room, soaking in the winter sun, staring into the vast vineyards, sipping delicious wine – life couldn’t be any better. I had the best holiday of my life there. I also travelled to Mumbai last year to attend an event and meet some other blogger buddies who I hadn’t met before. Blogging literally changes your world.<br />
<br />
The two trips I mentioned were organized and managed by others and so I did not have to bother about the travel details, stay and all the budget. However, having to settle the budget, plan the trip and the travel, the hotel bookings, places to visit can be quite exhausting and tiring. What if I tell you that you didn’t have to worry at all about the kinds and number of hotels available in any area? Sounds amazing, right? <a href="http://www.homestays.in/">Homestays.in</a> is the one step solution to your booking worries. All you have to do is visit the website, search for the place you intend to visit, see the listings of the hotels there and plan your stay there according to your decided budget. It doesn’t get any easier than this. What I love about the website is the clean and hassle-free layout with simple listings with the number of rooms available and their charges provided in easy formats.<br />
<br />
Travelling is something I enjoy immensely. The light headed feeling when your plane lifts off from the ground, the joy of wandering around aimlessly, looking and absorbing the scenery that encompasses you, nothing explains the surreal experience. My favourite places to go are mountains and forests. Having lived by the coastal regions my entire life, I gravitate more towards the towering mountains and lush forests than towards beaches and the sea. I have a long list of places that I’ve prepared over the years that I plan to visit as soon as I am done with my current course. I’ll have plenty of time in hand of which a huge chunk I plan to dedicate entirely to travelling across the length and breadth of the country. The list of the places I want to visit in the near future are-<br />
<br />
<i><u><b><span style="color: blue;">1) Munnar –</span></b></u></i> I spent my entire childhood, eight years to be exact, in Kochi. Unfortunately, we never got around to visiting this quaint little hill station tucked safely in the lap of the Nilgiris. Munnar is an extremely beautiful place with wide expanses of tea gardens all around. The temperature there is always pleasant which makes it a perfect destination to visit throughout the year. <a href="http://www.homestays.in/homestays-in-munnar">Check out the options</a> from the elaborate Keralite style resorts to modern high-rises in Munnar at homestays.in.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><u><span style="color: blue;">2) Mumbai- </span></u></i></b> I did mention visiting Mumbai last year but my stay was merely for a day and this city deserves more than a single visit. I plan to visit my new friends there and experience the many things I missed in my last trips- take a walk down the famous Juhu Beach, munch on the chaat and vada pav that the city is synonymous with, treat myself to some seafood delicacies, and street shop from Colaba Causeway and Hill Road.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><u><span style="color: blue;">3) Delhi- </span></u></i></b>A trip to the capital city toh banta hai, right? Two of my favourite people on earth stay in Delhi and it has been on my to-visit list for a very long time. Delhi and its surrounding areas are a dream for any history lover. I’ll be visiting the city soon and I plan to put a tick on my checklist across The Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, The Qutb Minar, Lodi Gardens, and the Lotus Temple amongst many others. Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar are the Mecca for flea market lovers and I have a list of places and stores here that I know I need to visit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><u><i><b>4) Dharamsala-</b></i></u></span> Dharamsala has the largest Tibetan monastery in the world outside Tibet. It has for very long been the safe haven and refuge for His Holiness, The Dalai Lama and his followers. I had quite some time ago found this very beautifully written article about this beautiful city tucked in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh and I’ve been dying to visit this place ever since. The scenic beauty of the unending Himalayan range coupled with the delectable food available at McLeodGanj makes this a must visit for all travel lovers in India. <br />
<br />
So, what are the places you have bookmarked to visit in the near future? Do you share any from my list? Let me know in the comments below.<br />
<br />
<br />
Till Next,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYuviHjmdYk/VL5RV0GwVcI/AAAAAAAADKo/6mUHXefRbtY/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYuviHjmdYk/VL5RV0GwVcI/AAAAAAAADKo/6mUHXefRbtY/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-78433556075025313982015-01-19T21:00:00.000+05:302017-07-30T00:45:07.983+05:30Of Books - Where to Buy Them<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello there folks,</div>
<br />
How has 2015 been treating you? It has been pretty fabulous for me so far. <img goomoji="ezweb_ne_jp.B18" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/ezweb_ne_jp.B18" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /> I cannot believe it is 19th already!! The beginning of every New Year seems synonymous with new resolutions. I always end up breaking all my resolutions religiously. This time however, I have decided to stick to the few I have resolved to follow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Starting the day with a short silent prayer has been one and it is surprisingly refreshing especially on these cold winter mornings when all I want to do is sleep. Another thing I have resolved is to read at least 50 books this year. I read a mere 15 last year (thanks to the super busy second half of the year I had) <img goomoji="344" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/344" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /> . My bookshelf has some 100 books that I've bought over the last 3 years and never got around to reading. I cannot get over the compulsive habit of buying books which makes the pile of to-read books only grow higher with time. You cannot blame me entirely, who can resist the smell of those new books inviting you to buy them!! <img goomoji="361" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/361" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
How many of you are guilty of buying books and making a pile of them? I know I am. How many of you are also guilty of checking out books in stores and buying them cheaper online? *raises hand* <img goomoji="329" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/329" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" />Well, you cannot blame me for that. Being a student with no source of income is particularly difficult. You need all these awesome stuff out there and have only a limited sum of money you can spend. What do you do then? Search for deals to get things cheaper and at awesome deals!! This is where life saviors like CupoNation come into the picture. They provide you with information about the latest discounts and deals on different websites selling books. Books come at unbelievably great prices online and what makes it all the better is you get them home delivered. I absolutely love going to and buying from bookstores but the joy you experience from bagging a great deal is pretty awesome too. <img goomoji="349" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/349" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The Kolkata Literary Meet (KALAM) is to start from 23rd January and I cannot be more excited. I've placed a huge order of books by Ruskin Bond, Amitav Ghosh and Jeet Thayil which I am planning to get signed from them. Yay! <img goomoji="360" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/360" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /> My favorite websites to shop books from are-<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b><i><u><span style="color: lime;">1) Flipkart.com</span></u></i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WI56UiR4T9w/VLvn9BYWfVI/AAAAAAAADKM/SvzB7x425pQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WI56UiR4T9w/VLvn9BYWfVI/AAAAAAAADKM/SvzB7x425pQ/s1600/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This was pretty obvious, right? Flipkart started their entire venture with books quite a couple of years back. I have been a loyal customer from 2010. They have never failed to deliver their promises and have super cool offers on books all the time. They have currently a huge sale going on and they offer free deliveries for books from WS retail!!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;"><u><i><b>2) Amazon.in</b></i></u></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAebnD9nmTs/VLvnYxEXAbI/AAAAAAAADKE/m0i8SRqI1y4/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAebnD9nmTs/VLvnYxEXAbI/AAAAAAAADKE/m0i8SRqI1y4/s1600/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Amazon’s Indian version is my new favorite when it comes to shopping books. They provide free shipping on (almost) all books and they also pack your book with in a pretty cover (different from the regular one) and add a message for free if it is a gift. I totally love that.<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Check for amazing </span>Amazon coupons<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> to save much on your next purchase</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;"><i><u><b>3) Landmarkonthenet.com</b></u></i></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: lime;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: lime;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59YNVEJy2Oc/VLvm7H3uO8I/AAAAAAAADJ8/ZVxqJ70HdP8/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59YNVEJy2Oc/VLvm7H3uO8I/AAAAAAAADJ8/ZVxqJ70HdP8/s1600/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: lime;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span> This is another website I really like buying books from. The deals aren't always the best here but they store some books other stores don’t.<br />
<br />
<br />
What are your favorite places to buy books from? Do you prefer buying them from stores of do you get yours online? Let me know in the comments.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Till next,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2ncHIfU0JI/VLvoyoiAvqI/AAAAAAAADKU/lh-kwlYh13Y/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2ncHIfU0JI/VLvoyoiAvqI/AAAAAAAADKU/lh-kwlYh13Y/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-48527320315003005862015-01-16T19:30:00.000+05:302015-01-16T21:08:16.098+05:30My Favourite Indian E-retail Websites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Frankly speaking, it’s absolutely fabulous to be alive in a time
where you don’t have to travel all the way to your favourite stores to buy
things. E-retail has made our world so much easier and has made shopping all
the more fun and smooth! No more pesky shopping assistants breathing down you’re
your neck, trying to ‘help you’ choose the right product. Honestly, I get more
freaked out than anything else having people running around suggesting me what
I should pick. </span><img goomoji="361" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/361" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br />
Shopping online is way cooler and totally fuss-free. Just add your favourite
products into the cart, fill in your details and pay through your card or try
COD if you are not too sure and your yummy stuff come straight to you in a
matter of days!! E-commerce websites offer you seamless tools for searching the
right product with the right price, color, shape, size and what not. Just
click/check the right boxes and your options are presented to you instantly.
Pretty much like having a personal shopper </span><img goomoji="329" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/329" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Online stores give you exactly what
you ordered. And add to that the benefits of return and exchange. Don’t like a
product? Size doesn’t fit exactly the way you thought? Worry not, the best
e-retail websites provide free exchanges and full-returns. Things don’t get any
better, does it?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The top giants in the business are definitely Flipkart,
Amazon, and Snapdeal who are ruling the roost as they sell almost everything
available under the sun. There are, however, a few others who are doing some
pretty amazing work to compete with these. Added to all the amazing deals these
websites keep offering throughout the year, we have fabulous coupon websites
that provide you fabulous deals that make it all the more fabulous than it
already was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://priceburp.com/"><span style="color: red;">PriceBurp.com</span></a></b> is one
of my personal favourites when it comes to finding awesome deals before
grabbing anything online. Be it coupons for sites like Amazon, Flipkart, and
FabFurnish, or others like ShopClues, this coupon site has then all under one
umbrella. I have listed my favourites to shop from (in no particular order)-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="color: blue;">Amazon </span></u><o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></u></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Amazon opened its Indian website very recently which was an
instant hit among the Indian shoppers. Amazon
is a platform where you can buy almost anything that you can think of. They
are currently running and sale and you</span> can the products available at a much cheaper rate by checking the amazing coupons priceburp.com<span style="font-family: inherit;"> offers<b> </b>for
books, electronics, watches, toys, clothes,accessories and more. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcNj4MMBGIU/VLkrPfkZ2RI/AAAAAAAADI4/bxtNV1XfdAw/s1600/dfdsf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcNj4MMBGIU/VLkrPfkZ2RI/AAAAAAAADI4/bxtNV1XfdAw/s1600/dfdsf.jpg" height="190" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>Flipkart</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><u><br /></u></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Flipkart started the entire online shopping trend in India
and they began by selling books. Imagine how much it has evolved and almost
became synonymous to Amazon.com, giving away best deals on electronics,
clothes, shoes, accessories and kitchenware. Flipkart has become our favorite
online shopping center where we can check out wide varieties of products and
goods. In fact, certain products like Moto E, Asus Zenphones, etc., were
launched first and exclusively sold via Flipkart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfb1Sr7v1hc/VLksTw2MyAI/AAAAAAAADJA/RHCUxZYuNxM/s1600/askbhxdsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfb1Sr7v1hc/VLksTw2MyAI/AAAAAAAADJA/RHCUxZYuNxM/s1600/askbhxdsh.jpg" height="190" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><u><span style="color: blue;">Myntra</span></u></b></i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><u><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></u></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What started off originally as an online store of
personalizing gift items, has now expanded into a company dealing in fashion
and casual lifestyle based products. Although its Wikipedia page would tell you
that it’s owned by Flipkart, Myntra works independently as it has only merged
with the former. Myntra stores a variety of lifestyle fashion brands like Polo,
Nike, Puma, Adidas and ...(you get the idea, pretty much everything). <b><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDSdhYRSHwg/VLksev8YH5I/AAAAAAAADJI/4kBofu-oe2M/s1600/dsdsf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDSdhYRSHwg/VLksev8YH5I/AAAAAAAADJI/4kBofu-oe2M/s1600/dsdsf.jpg" height="198" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><i><span style="color: blue;">Snapdeal </span></i></u><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We all know how beautifully Snapdeal doused the fire of
Flipkart’s ‘Big Billion Sale’ by a simple full-page ad on Times on India,
having the tagline ‘For Others It’s a Big Day. For Us, Today is No Different’.
This is exactly why Snapdeal is now a <span style="background: white; color: #545454;">₹ </span>2000+ crore company, operating all
over India. Snapdeal’s marketing strategy and all-year sale has earned it a
fair name for being one of India’s top e-commerce websites. It hosts over four
million products on its website ( unbelievable, isn’t it?). If the deals
weren’t enough, you can now save more from the deals available at
PriceBurp.com. Starting from a toolkit for your garage to hair straighteners,
Snapdeal has them all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1IAXcr3r-s/VLkspAC4cBI/AAAAAAAADJQ/EVbXakZ8RWw/s1600/dfddfbgsdg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1IAXcr3r-s/VLkspAC4cBI/AAAAAAAADJQ/EVbXakZ8RWw/s1600/dfddfbgsdg.jpg" height="188" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><u><i>Koovs </i></u></span><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><u><i><br /></i></u></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are one of those who want to own things you see on
the runway and cannot afford the price tags, Koovs is the place you need to
check right now. This is one hell-of-a website that puts up unbelievably trendy
products at the most reasonable prices. Look at Koovs more like a boutique
store where you get to browse through the choicest apparels, bags, jewelry and
accessories. Meant for both men and women, Koovs displays brands like Puma,
Nike, Burberry, Benetton and Gap among innumerable others. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1q0TbRQ9T8/VLktJ4bSRWI/AAAAAAAADJY/nP-Pl928xdU/s1600/cavsd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1q0TbRQ9T8/VLktJ4bSRWI/AAAAAAAADJY/nP-Pl928xdU/s1600/cavsd.jpg" height="198" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><u><i>Pepperfry </i></u></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You must have definitely seen the cute advertisements that
Pepperfry has been airing recently on TV. Pepperfry is indeed a nice place to
buy furniture online. They have such fabulous pieces that are no very easily
available at your local markets and the prices that they are offered at are
unbelievable. Just browse their website, check the amazing furniture, order one
and they send you the product complete with professionals who would install the
furniture at your place. Can refurbishing your home get any easier?! <u><a href="http://priceburp.com/pepperfry-coupons/"><span style="color: red;">Check out</span></a></u>
the </span>great deals that PriceBurp<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b>provides
you to make shopping from Pepperfry even better.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0TPtblK4U0/VLkt0SezlNI/AAAAAAAADJk/my_iVq_6rTw/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0TPtblK4U0/VLkt0SezlNI/AAAAAAAADJk/my_iVq_6rTw/s1600/Untitled.jpg" height="183" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What are your favourites to shop from? Tell us in the comments!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Till next,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2U4FzafxZI/VLa_o3ZLBoI/AAAAAAAADIo/w1MGp2KEpFM/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2U4FzafxZI/VLa_o3ZLBoI/AAAAAAAADIo/w1MGp2KEpFM/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-2394501062596719262015-01-06T00:15:00.000+05:302015-01-06T00:15:32.127+05:30Book Review : Breach by Amrita Chowdhury<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Author: </b>Amrita Chowdhury</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>ISBN-13: </b></span>9789350098554</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Binding:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> Paperback</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Publisher:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Hachette India</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Number of pages: </b>352</span><span class="apple-style-span"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Genre:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> Fiction</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Language:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> English</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Price:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> Rs.350 (Got a review copy)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZqZAg7ly4s/VKrV0hQbT8I/AAAAAAAADIU/L1eCyvAJtyg/s1600/breach-by-amrita-chaudhary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZqZAg7ly4s/VKrV0hQbT8I/AAAAAAAADIU/L1eCyvAJtyg/s1600/breach-by-amrita-chaudhary.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<b style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">About the Book</span></u></b></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<b style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: left; word-spacing: 2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How secure are your secrets? Weeks before Acel is ready to file the global patent application for Colare, a wonder drug for pancreatic cancer, the research data stored at its offshore data center in Mumbai goes haywire and Dr. Udai Vir Dhingra, the charismatic, Ivy-educated young leader of its Indian business, gets blamed. Battling market pressures, media leaks, livid American bosses and crumbling relationships, Vir must find the real perpetrators or see his career-and his life-spiral downwards. Swept into a shadowy world of masked online identities and muddied digital footprints, Vir discovers that nothing is easy or obvious and everything has a price. Set in Mumbai, Washington DC and Suzhou, in an online-meets-offline adventure of cyber threats and IP espionage, drug research and medical ethics, strained affairs and lost love, disillusionment and hopelessness, Breach is a clever, fast-paced thriller full of surprises.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: left; word-spacing: 2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">About the Author</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; word-spacing: 2px;">Amrita Verma Chowdhury</span><span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: left; word-spacing: 2px;"> is the author of <i>Faking It</i>, an art crime thriller about fake modern and contemporary Indian art. She holds engineering degrees from IIT Kanpur and UC Berkeley, where she was a Jane Lewis Fellow and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon - Tepper Business School. Her work as an engineer in Silicon Valley led to seven US patents for semi-conductor fabrication-something to show for all those bad-haired days. She has done strategy consulting and board effectiveness work in the US and Australia and has spent long nights fitting five-syllable words inside two-by-two squares. She has worked in the rarefied bastions of Ivy League education bringing together ideas and people. She currently works in publishing. She lives in Mumbai with her husband Sumit, their two children Shoumik and Aishani and an assortment of pets including a cocker spaniel, a guinea pig and two turtles. She loves travelling, baking cupcakes with her daughter and hearing from her readers.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: left; word-spacing: 2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: left; word-spacing: 2px;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gaurav Says</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: left; word-spacing: 2px;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Few times at present have I come across meticulous thrillers
that hardly have a dull moment in them. Previously, I have seen this trait in
the works of film directors like Farhan Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap and Vishal Bhardwaj,
who know how to tell a story with style. Amrita Chowdhury has just about worded
one of the best, stylish and pacing thrillers of 2014 that come at par with the
directorship of the above mentioned personalities. <i>‘Breach’</i> captures
that portion of cyber-crime, which makes you read pages after pages, just for
the sake of knowing what happens next! ‘Execution’ is primary, which makes an
author a bestseller and Amrita knows how to exploit it. She places each event
of this thriller in a brilliant chronology. Right from the start, we find how
loopholes in the cyber space can wreak havoc for giant companies, individuals
and the economy in general. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Coming to the storyline of the whole book, we have one giant
pharmaceutical company called Acel, based on Maryland, who are gearing up to
launch their revolutionary anti-cancerous drug ‘Colare’. They have their
offices in Mumbai, India where Dr. Udai Vir Dhingra is in charge. Weeks before
filing for petition, the core team finds out a glitch in their test trials of
Mumbai. Smelling fish, Acel hits the panic button and blames Dhingra for the
‘breach’ of information regarding Colare, from Acel’s well-encrypted database.
Vir’s world takes a summersault when he finds himself tangled within a nasty
web of online hacking and advanced programming. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Notching down from the high-profile hacking in the
background, we come down to a parallel story of a genius national ranker from Korba
who gets a chance to study with his cousin, Ankita, at one of Mumbai’s
prestigious universities. Raghu, previously a topper in the university now
faces an adversary in Madhu, who leaves him behind in aptitude. Seeking
revenge, Raghu hides under the façade of masked online identities and hacks
into Madhu’s online content. Furious with the misuse of her personal
information, Madhu swore revenge. As painstaking and brain-slaughtering it can
get, Madhu learns the tricks and ploys of online hacking and exacts her fair
share of vengeance! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Two storylines, beautifully fuses together as we move
further and further into the text. I’ve hardly been excited with tech-savvy
novels before. My <span lang="EN-GB">favourites</span>
being Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Roald Dahl and Michael Crichton among others. However,
the maturity and <span lang="EN-GB">vigour</span>
with which Mrs. Chowdhury shaped her novel, it kept me rooted to the narration
till I could reach the final pages. She kept all sorts of readers in mind while
she scripted <i>‘Breach’</i>. Be it for individuals who speak, talk and eat
‘Programming’ or the myriad scientists who are dedicated to the world of
fighting cancer, the book has all sorts of information lucidly explained. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">To speak more about the story would be to rob you off the
chance of reading something truly amazing. Like I said, after a long time, I’ve
had the good fortune to stumble upon an exciting, fascinating and truly sophisticated
thriller. If I could offer any appreciation to Mrs. Chowdhury, I would ask her
to write a sequel of </span><i style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">‘Breach’</i><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> with Raghu and Madhu on the fore. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-style: italic; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">‘Breach’</i><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> is definitely one of the ‘coming-of-age’ thrillers in the
Indian soil. Amrita Chowdhury has injected our bookshelves with a particular
style of storytelling, which was previously followed by thriller writers
Stephen King, Ernest Hemmingway or our very own Satyajit Ray. '<i>Breach'</i> is fresh, detailed
and flawlessly executed. I highly recommend you get a copy and get reading.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Reviewed for Dreams and Drama by Gaurav Dutta. Thanks so much , Gaurav :)</div>
</span></div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-16646315987171284472014-12-23T00:10:00.003+05:302014-12-23T00:42:28.647+05:30Book review : Warrior by Olivier Lafont<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Author: </b></span>Olivier Lafont</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">ISBN-13: </span></b></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 15.3636360168457px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">9780143423638</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Binding:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> Paperback</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Publisher:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span><span style="line-height: 13px; text-align: left;">Penguin Books Ltd</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Number of pages: </b>384</span><span class="apple-style-span"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Genre:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> Fiction</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Language:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> English</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Price:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> Rs.399 (Got a review copy from the author)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img5a.flixcart.com/image/book/6/3/8/warrior-400x400-imaefab8zwkbgtan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img5a.flixcart.com/image/book/6/3/8/warrior-400x400-imaefab8zwkbgtan.jpeg" height="400" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><u>About the Book</u></b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Join Saam, last son of the destroyer, on his epic quest to save all existence.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Mumbai, driven to its knees by a merciless blizzard, Saam the watch mender is cornered into an intolerable position. As Shivas only earthly demigod child, it falls upon him to stop his indomitable father.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bred to war, son of destruction, Saam rides with six extraordinary companions into the horror of a crumbling world to face Shiva. He is forced to join hands with ara, his half-brother he can never fully trust and take with him his own mortal beloved, Maya, on this desperate attempt to stop the end of days. But his path is littered with death, danger and betrayal.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Interweaving mythology, epic adventure and vintage heroism, this enthralling novel will change the way you see gods, heroes and demons.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">About the Author</span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QF02GId-eg/VJhiyZUWjaI/AAAAAAAADHk/KAbxVIiINzA/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QF02GId-eg/VJhiyZUWjaI/AAAAAAAADHk/KAbxVIiINzA/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Olivier Lafont is a multitalented and versatile personality who writes fiction, feature film screenplays, and editorial pieces, but also acts in feature films, endorses some of India’s most popular brands on television, and lends his voice to many media in many languages. A French polyglot, Lafont pursues his eclectic interests at the highest standards having worked with some of India’s most acclaimed directors on films like <i>3 Idiots</i>, <i>Guzaarish</i> and two Hollywood films, and continuing in the same vein with his new novel coming out with Penguin India. He is a familiar face due to his work in over 70 adverts on television.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Gaurav Says</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">‘Warrior’ takes you right to the ‘reminiscence highway’ of
Nolan’s Dark Knight. Bruce Wayne, the reluctant superhero goes into cover as
he’s absolutely certain that Gotham didn’t need a vigilante. Picture a Dino
Morea version of Christian Bale and you have Saam, the son of Shiva the
destroyer, reluctant to don on his god-like powers to save our universe from
imminent doom. There lurks one all-pervasive force, ‘The Master’, who have
wrecked havoc by threatening to bring in The ‘Judgment Day’, ‘Armageddon’ or
*insert your favorite word of carnage here*. This carnage is the immediate
effect of the ‘Great Dance’ of Lord Shiva. ‘The Master’ demands all demi-gods,
living among us, to either become his slaves and serve to recreate humanity
after complete destruction or perish with the impending doom. And unlike the
horror movie, ‘The Ring’, the demi-gods have three days in their hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Obviously, the demi-gods, or the ‘Peerless’, turned to Saam
to have a talk with daddy (Lord Shiva). However, being one of the many sons of
Shiva, Saam has ‘daddy issues’. He ignores the Peerless’ insistence, thereby
earning the Peerless’ wrath (more on that later). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The events of ‘End of Days’ starts with sudden gusts of
north winds, bringing snow to Mumbai followed by irrepressible earthquakes. To
add to it all, Bhopal gets infested by a certain form of fog which disembodies
every mortal being that comes in its way (akin to the green mists of Narnia).
Saam, although reluctant to seek Shiva’s blessings, started to look for
solutions to stop the doom. In comes his half-brother ‘Ara’ who advises him to
find the ‘Pure Glass’, which may have some solutions. Before setting up for his
voyage, the Peerless tries to eradicate Saam. They first burn his house to
ashes and then try to kill him. Hence, a fight sequence ensues where Saam
becomes a hybrid of ‘Neo’ from ‘The Matrix’ and ‘King Leonidas’ from 300. ‘SLASH!
CUT! REPEAT!’ became his motto for the fight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The gory fight scene marks the end of first half of the
book. In the second two halves, we see Saam teaming up with his brother Era,
Era’s companion Moti, Saam’s bikini-body-certified girlfriend ‘Maya’ (because Lafont never fails to describe her tanned skin, perfectly smooth back and sex-appeal
almost everywhere), another Peerless ‘Lalbaal’ (yeah! Funny name!), a historian
& expert on Hinduism ‘Fazal’ and a turbaned rakshas ‘Fateh’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">‘Team Saam’, hence go on a quest riding their mighty steed
(which has an impressive history of serving in the ‘Kurukshetra) to find the ‘Pure
Glass’. They confront meek rakshashas, 12 meter tall, who are (surprisingly) prone to the
common cold & flu; humanoid pterodactyls, geckos and lizards; the Nagraj
who has an underwater library of sorts that holds copies of ancient texts
(think of the secret library vault of the Vatican city from Angels &
Demons) and ultimately the ‘World Gate’ that allows travelers to traverse
between multiple universes (watching Interstellar would help you in this case).
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lafont creates a mash-up of LOTR meets GoT meets
Mahabharata. We have valiant demi-gods trying to save the world from complete
obliteration. We have hints of ‘Red Wedding’, betrayal and complete chaos among
frenzied population. We have mythical characters from Mahabharata come to life.
If you subtract the supernatural elements, then Lafont paints a pretty nice
picture of human psychology. With the slightest hint of things going wrong, our
psychology tends to manifest our inner fears and demonic ideas. Likewise, </span>in the novel,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the
women take up arms and proclaim their territory while ‘sadhus’ turn on each other
and people in general turn into cannibals and feed on corpses.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The only issue I had with the book was the </span>occasionally slow<span style="font-family: inherit;"> narrative. You’re likely to
be bombarded with stretching comparisons like ‘hair as smooth as silk’ or
‘hip-hop such as Honey Singh’ </span><img goomoji="329" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/329" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (just kidding). The point is that this
incessant need to compare creates major annoyance in the overall narrative. It
destroys the speed of the narrative , making it a little tiresome.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oliver Lafont does really well for a debut novelist. Despite some minor flaws in the narrative, the book manages to grip your attention as it progresses towards the end. The catch phrase for this book is ‘a journey’, one that takes you to different places all over the country and gives you interesting insights about mythologies, legends and folk lores. Its impressive cover page is the perfect prelude to the story that follows. You can definitely judge this book, based on its cover </span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">. </span></span><o:p></o:p><img goomoji="360" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/360" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reviewed by Gaurav Dutta for Dreams and Drama. Thank you so much, Gaurav </span></span></span><img goomoji="330" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/330" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /></div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-39724651918254331412014-11-20T22:19:00.000+05:302014-11-20T22:19:49.204+05:30Book Review : The Mahabharata Quest : The Alexander Secret by Christopher C. Doyle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>BN</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Author: </b></span></span></span></span>Christopher C. Doyle</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span class="apple-style-span"><b>ISBN-13: </b></span></span></span></span>9789384030599
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Binding:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span">
Paperback</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Publisher:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> Westland Publications</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Number of pages: </b>308</span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Genre:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> Fiction</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Language:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> English</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Price:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> Rs.295
(Got a review copy from Blogadda.com)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img6a.flixcart.com/image/book/5/9/9/the-mahabharata-quest-400x400-imadzk34hxzseb4m.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img6a.flixcart.com/image/book/5/9/9/the-mahabharata-quest-400x400-imadzk34hxzseb4m.jpeg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="371">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
mso-bidi-font-family:Vrinda;
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:black;
mso-themecolor:text1;
mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>About the Book</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 334 B.C., the young Alexander has already conquered most of the
known world. He turns his gaze towards Hindustan, the land of the Indus.
There, he seeks a secret buried in the Mahabharata, one that will grant
him the powers of a god. In the present day, a tomb is uncovered in
Greece, one that has been buried in secrets for over 2000 years. It
hides the body of a queen. In New Delhi, the discovery of strange and
unexplained corpses in a hidden lab leads Vijay Singh and his team,
members of an elite task force, in a hunt for a deadly adversary. Their
only clues lie hidden in the Mahabharata, and when they decipher them,
they will discover the truth many people have sought for eons. In this
journey, they face an ancient enemy who will yet hold the world for
ransom with his diabolical plan for total domination.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>About the Author</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christopher C. Doyle is a historical fiction writer. A graduate of St.
Stephen’s College, Delhi, he studied business management at IIM
Calcutta. He is currently based in Gurgaon where he lives with his
family.</div>
<strong><br /></strong><br />
<b>This book follows <em>The Mahabharata Secret</em></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><em> </em></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em> </em><b>Gaurav Says</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we were growing up and drooling in our sleep during
history classes, the teacher possibly leafed through the chapter of Alexander
the Third, without being aware about most of his conquest. The teacher must
have humored Alexander when he considered himself to be a God. Little did you
know that the humor was about to get real. Little did you know that Alexander
went for a quest to the end of the world, just to emerge out victorious and
coveted with the powers of a greater and mightier sentient. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Christopher C. Doyle’s latest release, The Mahabharata
Quest: The Alexander Secret turned my boorish history classes ‘downside up’ as
I travel into past to know about the extent to which Alexander went, after
conquering Persia, to attain immortality. His most trusted historian
Callisthenes (sounds familiar?) accompanies him in this quest. Alexander
eventually shakes hands with the secret that made him a living God. His journey
brought back gleeful insights of one retrovirus and bacterium, which holds the
key to reduce ageing and provide a guard against most known diseases. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Although the myth of his journey is a loosely woven, the
science that supports it totally rules out any ambiguity. It is this science
that begins, quiet a perilous journey of secret law syndicates, trying to grab
the secret of Alexander’s quest. Once the secrets are in their hands, they
could literally hold the Panacea of medicine. However, instead of spreading
them for free, they would like to dominate word politics and become the
ultimate masters. (Something that a reputed drug brand recently tried to do by not making
cancer drugs cheaper <img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/361" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" />). But hey, back to the science fiction story now! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So it all starts around 323 B.C. when one of Greek’s
favorite tragic hero, Eumenes, contemplates in his prison how he has swiftly
concealed Alexander’s secret from the hands of Plutarch and Antigonuus. His
execution is followed by the first appearance of a secret covenant-The
Order-who receives a vellum that maps the way to Alexander’s quest. Cut scene
and we come down to an anxious looking Mike Ashford who received a secret
papyri and two journals, which was followed by a life threat by unknown people
who are privy to every detail of Ashford’s discovery (talk about crappy days).
If that’s not all, Mike’s co-archaeologists are either dead or missing. Mike’s
not sure what’s in store for him. But he made sure that he dutifully send a
copy down to one of old colleague, back to downtown India, Delhi. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alice, an ambitious Greek-American (and a blonde, but don’t
let that fool you!) archaeologists lays perplexed as she sees the dead body of
an young chap Marco, lying in front of her eyes. She has been chased by two
hitmen, working for ‘The Order’. Why? Because she’s carrying an ivory cube that
bears Sanskrit inscriptions that clues the way to Alexander’s secret. She found
the cube in Olympias’ tomb in Pydna. (Olympias was Alexander’s mom btw). Aided
by Kurt Wallace, (who funded her research), she made her way into her
ex-boyfriends heavily guided fort, Vijay who’s currently engaged to a nuclear
physicist, Radha. Doyle brings the ‘it’s complicated’ tension between these
three characters. However, Vijay’s friend Colin always cracks a joke or two, to
lighten up things. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We fly back to India where Imran, an IB official receives an
email from one childhood friend Anwar, asking for immediate help. He traces the
address to a medical institute (which ironically is owned by Wallace), just to
find it in ruins. On further investigations, he finds out human guinea pigs,
being experimented upon in the basement. And guess what? Imran brings in the
C.I.A. into the game. From then on, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a
game of cat and mouse ensues</b>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The
cat being the I.B.- C.I.A nexus, trying to bring down the mouse, ‘The Order’</b>.
People dies, Imran gets bazooka-d (that’s right!) and merciless killers emerge
to bring back the cube from Alice. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Among these merciless killers, Peter and Riley are perhaps
my favorite. Peter is like Imagining Liam Neeson with ‘particular set of
skills’ acquired over a long career of shooting targets down from great
distances with acute proficiency. He’s especially good with moving targets (that
fox may finally have Road Runner killed). Riley is more like a combination of
Christopher Walken’s intimidating look and Danny Trejo’s fascination of killing
people with bare hands. These two are two badass assassins, who always attract
the Godfather-styled scenarios, from which there are never any survivors.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dull moments are virtually invisible when it comes to this
sequel of the Mahabharata Quest. The narration keeps you riveted. Although some
portions of the narrative might be reminiscent of Robert Langdon’s misadventures
from ‘Da Vinci Code’. However, if you cut to the brass-tacks, Alexander’s
Secret is as engrossing as any other books on adventures. In fact, it keeps you
grounded to the core of the quest to the Fountain of Youth. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What I did not like was Doyle’s poor handling of depicting
tension between Alice and Vijay. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel like
throwing a vase at these two, when they share awkward moments. You’d feel like
saying, ‘Come on guys! Just kiss and make-up already!! The world’s at stake!’
Just when you feel that the narrative is losing its pace, Doyle breathes life
into it with completely bizarre events. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t be intimidated by the thickness of The Mahabharata
Quest: Alexander’s Secret. It’s is a solid page-turner that would keep you
entertained throughout. It has the potential to be made into a movie some day.
I imagine Irrfan Khan essaying the role of I.B. officer Imran while Hritik
Roshan is made into the truly Greek God that he is, in the role of Alexander. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh btw, the book is not complete. It’s going to ‘be
continued’ into the next edition. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I enjoyed reading it Mr. Doyle. <img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/360" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /> Release the next book soon!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reviewed by Gaurav Dutta for Dreams and Drama.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This review is a part of the biggest <a href="http://blog.blogadda.com/2011/05/04/indian-bloggers-book-reviews" target="_blank"> Book Review Program </a> for <a href="http://www.blogadda.com/" target="_blank">Indian Bloggers.</a> Participate now to get free books!</span></span></div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-50803154023968808712014-11-04T11:34:00.000+05:302014-11-04T11:38:03.361+05:30Book Review - Ri : Homeland of Uncertainty by Paulami DuttaGupta<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Author: </b>Paulami DuttaGupta</span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>ISBN-13: </b></span>978-8192893730</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Binding:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span">
Paperback</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Publisher:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> Fablery publications</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Number of pages: </b>127</span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Genre:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> Fiction</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Language:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> English</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Price:</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"> Rs.150
(Got a review copy from the author)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMGkEZS0s6c/VFhrBTbA2XI/AAAAAAAADF8/vsjLw8hcf9s/s1600/ri%2Bhomeland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMGkEZS0s6c/VFhrBTbA2XI/AAAAAAAADF8/vsjLw8hcf9s/s1600/ri%2Bhomeland.jpg" height="400" width="236" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">About
the book</span></span></u></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: #7030a0;"></span></span></u></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">About the Book:
Trapped in the limbo between ideology and conscience, Manbha finds
himself part of a terror outfit. An unexpected opportunity, anger,
squalor and disillusionment - followed by armed combat and injury lead
to the soul-searching that form the substance of this moving tale.
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">About
the Author</span></span></u></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: #7030a0;"></span></span></u></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Born in Shillong, many moons ago, with schooling at Loreto Convent, and
an English Honors from St Edmunds College, Paulami started her career
with 'All India Radio Shillong'. She wrote and also gave her voice to a
few shows there. Later, she came down to Kolkata and got a post graduate
degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University. She had
also taken a fancy to learning Spanish, but today confesses that she has
forgotten most of it.
In the past, she has written for 'The Times of India' in the 'Guwahati-
Shillong Plus' edition and also 'The Shillong Times'. Television had
always attracted her and was connected to the Bangla TV industry for
about 6 years. She was associated with ETV- Bangla, Akash Bangla and
Sony Aath in this period.
Having left her day job in 2012, Paulami took up full time writing. Her
first novel 'Pinjar' released in early 2012. She has also contributed to
'Minds@work' anthology and 'Family Matters' international anthology in
2013. Her second novel 'Unplanned Destiny' released in 2014. She is also
the screenplay writer of the National Award winning Khasi film - Ri
Homeland of Uncertainty.
When she is not writing or watching movies, Paulami is either reading
biographies or classic pieces of literature. Cricket, food, cinema,
books and music are an integral part of her life.
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">Gaurav says</span><span style="color: #7030a0;"></span></span></u></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Ri, a Khasi word for ‘homeland’ takes
us to a journey of the heartlands of Meghalaya, Shillong and the
India-Bangladesh borders. Along with the varied geographical locations, this
book takes you inside the minds of freedom fighters and law keepers. Political
scenario, just after thirty years of independence, was much more intense and
gory than it is today. Terrorists were gunning down innocents, who sided with
the law. The police were nabbing down extremists through fake encounters. Between
these two debacles, the northeastern states become unwitting victims. The
civilians are torn between ideologies. They are resenting of the
‘local-outsider’ rift. On the other hand, the media glorifies the continuous
failures of the administration to contain terrorism. What’s interesting is the
drawn parallels between the thought process of the central freedom fighter,
Manbha and the SP of Police, Kyndiah. Both want to fight for their beliefs. The
former knows in his heart that freedom is the only solution to the excesses of
the military. The latter knows that eradicating terrorizing patriots like
Manbha, can truly bring peace.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The novel starts in July at Shillong
with Kyndiah, weary of a pesky journalist trying to get a scoop out of him. As
he steps out from his car to enter the Secretariat’s Office, journalists hound
him for information on a fake encounter. The novel quickly moves on to an
infiltration of India-Bangladesh border and from then on, to the terrorist
camp. Here we read about fellow liberators Steve, George and Kyrmen who plans
to exhibit ‘real fireworks’ on the upcoming Independence Day celebration. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As the plot thickens, we get to learn
about the inner conflicts of Kyndiah. He is conflicted between his work and
family. He has distanced himself from his relatives while he considers his
junior comrades as his own blood. He is troubled by his job. A good night’s
sleep is luxury for him. A social life is a blessing. His inner sanctum of
peace and calmness is completely shattered. He is under pressure by his seniors
to bring atrocities under check. He despises the media and yet he harbors a
strong opinion about Janet, a revered journalist. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Kyndiah’s dilemmas are perfectly
brought in sync with that of Manbha. He is in his 20s who left his home in
search of a higher truth-freedom! What interested me is that he is equally
disillusioned about his fight. Just like Kyndiah, he takes orders of shooting
and bombing from his seniors. He is not sure whether his revolutionary
ideologies have lost their meaning. At first sight, he is resolute, composed
and ruthless. However, on further inspection, he is soft towards his comrades’
inhumanness, meted out to his own Khasi people. He has lofty dreams of bringing
independence to Meghalaya. However, he doubts his own aspirations when
confronted with reasonable arguments by one of his hostages, Emika. The
ultimate showdown between the police and the terrorists is something to look
for in the book. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In true sense, Ri is indeed a
homeland of uncertainty. Every gunshot, bombing and encounter reeks of
corruption and military barbarousness. It evokes among the Khasis, one of
Shakespeare’s famous quote, ‘to be, or not to be’. It means, they want to break
away from the Indian union but not sure whether they’ll survive on their own.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The book is a solid page-turner. Paulami
DuttaGupta recites the incidents as if they are unfolding right before your
eyes. Never would you find a dull moment in the narrative. It will keep you
hooked on to the finale, until you reach the last line and realize the bigger
picture at play. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>BN</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="371">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
mso-bidi-font-family:Vrinda;
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:black;
mso-themecolor:text1;
mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;}
</style>
<![endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Reviewed by Gaurav Dutta for Dreams and Drama :)</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Catch my take on the book release event <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://swarnalidreams.blogspot.in/2014/11/meeting-paulami-duttagupta-of-ri.html">here</a></span></b>. </span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-68212944208992804412014-11-02T01:18:00.000+05:302014-11-02T14:15:38.019+05:30Meeting Paulami DuttaGupta of Ri - Homeland of Uncertainty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This Tuesday I got invited to attend the book release of Paulami DuttaGupta's <i>Ri - Homeland of Uncertainty</i> at Abar Baithak Cafe, Kolkata. I had read quite a couple of favourable reviews of the book and was eager to know more about it because the premises of the book are quite unusual and very interesting. What piqued my interest even more was the fact that <i>Ri</i> (meaning '<span style="font-family: inherit;">'</span>my<span style="font-family: inherit;"> land'' or <span style="font-family: inherit;">"my country") </span></span>was originally a screenplay for a Khasi movie which was later rewritten as a n<span style="font-family: inherit;">ovella by Paulami herself.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Unfortunate as it was, I was lost trying to figure the exact address and arrived a little late to find Mr. Badshah Maitra, veteran Tollywood actor, the chief guest delivering the keynote address. Paulami came running to welcome me, despite being so busy, the moment she noticed me entering. I settled down to listen to Mr. Maitra's opinion and views about the book and the subject it discussed.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can watch the video here<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (it is in <span style="font-family: inherit;">Bengali) </span></span>-</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zieq3CnIuAM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mr. Maitra discussed how ignorant most of us are when it comes to the North Eastern states of India. Most of us are aware and concerned about the rest of the country, the floods in Kashmir but only a very few of us are even cognizant of the flood problem in Northeast India. The conflict between the group of extremists and the administration, <span style="font-family: inherit;">h</span>e not<span style="font-family: inherit;">es,</span> is a universal one, which Paulami deftly handles in her book.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SwIKYqS4CQ/VFU064G0KnI/AAAAAAAADFQ/hlqwFGXXmjo/s1600/10155481_956685127694916_1479097786652476032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SwIKYqS4CQ/VFU064G0KnI/AAAAAAAADFQ/hlqwFGXXmjo/s1600/10155481_956685127694916_1479097786652476032_n.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paulami DuttaGupta's father, Retired Professor, Mr. P. R. Dutta said something which had occurred to me before. He mentioned how ill-informed and generally indifferent we are to the Seven Sisters. Most of us know about Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, but people hardly know about freedom fighters from the Northeast like Rani Gaidinliu, Haipou Jadonang or Kiang Nongbah. They too fought for the freedom of their country. Unfortunately, nobody remembers them or their contribution to the freedom struggle. He told us an anecdote about a certain meeting where he was asked by a certain gentleman about the place he was from. He promptly answered "Shillong", a place the former failed to have even heard of. Mr. Dutta added how alarmed he feels when people think of it as a place in Assam (and not Meghalaya where it correctly belongs to). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paulami DuttaG<span style="font-family: inherit;">u</span>pta also spoke about her book and the amount of research that went behind it. She informed us how she wanted to name her book "2004" and later decided against it because that would delimit the scope of the book as <span style="font-family: inherit;">the issues brought forward are</span> not merely about<span style="font-family: inherit;"> one</span> year, they are eternal questions which have been asked over and again. She also noted that her book isn't <span style="font-family: inherit;">an entirely</span> fictional one because the incidents and the issues mentioned are very real and are a part of everyday life for the people of Meghalaya. Paulami <span style="font-family: inherit;">also answered a few queries and questions asked <span style="font-family: inherit;">by the audience who wanted to know more about the bo<span style="font-family: inherit;">ok and its context.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thPspm4AO18/VFU3bQuyrcI/AAAAAAAADFs/HLnSxSn9Ne0/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thPspm4AO18/VFU3bQuyrcI/AAAAAAAADFs/HLnSxSn9Ne0/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The book release event was a really enriching experience where I came to know a lot of new aspects about the North Eastern states of India I myself was ignorant about. Paulami was a lovely host who came and talked to everybody present at the event and thanked them personally which is something I really loved. I couldn't talk much because she was really busy. I'm hoping to catch up with her real soon.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>As it turns out, Paulami happens to be a distant cousin of one of my classmates, Chandreyee!! The world indeed is a small plac<span style="font-family: inherit;">e. </span></span></span><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/360" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">For those of you who are in Goa, you can catch the movie at the 45th International Film Festival, Goa on </span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">24th NOVEMBER, 2014 AT 3:30 pm. VENUE: INOX-II, OLD GMC BUILDING, CAMPAL, PANJIM, GOA</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMJdIg4A8rM/VFU1H-SUA_I/AAAAAAAADFY/gSubxkwg2K4/s1600/1962799_549291745202769_3240849413831757031_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMJdIg4A8rM/VFU1H-SUA_I/AAAAAAAADFY/gSubxkwg2K4/s1600/1962799_549291745202769_3240849413831757031_n.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Abar Baithak is this charming cafe near Dhakuria in Kolkata. It makes for a great place to gather with friends for a cup of coffee and chit chat. Do check out the place if you are around, you'll love it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-byFmn75JXFY/VFU14giEoFI/AAAAAAAADFg/SrfcPDeIm98/s1600/Fotor11021048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-byFmn75JXFY/VFU14giEoFI/AAAAAAAADFg/SrfcPDeIm98/s1600/Fotor11021048.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">P.S.- My friend Gaurav Dutta took the book from me before I could read and review it. He has agreed to review the book for us (you see, I don't give books for free, I make people work for it </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/329" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /> <span style="font-family: inherit;">)</span>. Keep watching this space for his take on the book.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Till Then,</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDzU66TXdxg/VFUutocF0LI/AAAAAAAADFA/lrCR4OOeY4k/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDzU66TXdxg/VFUutocF0LI/AAAAAAAADFA/lrCR4OOeY4k/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-22103837926427021962014-10-12T22:10:00.001+05:302014-10-12T22:11:54.601+05:30Website Review : Collegedunia.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The time before admission to a new college is a really stressful and confusing one for both students and parents alike. I remember how thoroughly stressed I was after I finished school. The innumerable options available in terms of subjects and colleges were really bewildering. Both my parents and I had a tough time selecting the colleges and the subjects I wanted to apply for. Infrastructure, fees, timings and a lot of other criteria had to be looked. Finding the perfect college was some challenge!!<br />
The exact same was repeated when my sis had to apply for colleges. I'm pretty sure a lot of others have gone through or will have to go through similar situations.<br />
<br />
Now, what if I told you there was a solution for the problem? Wouldn't that be absolutely wonderful? The answer is<b> <a href="http://collegedunia.com/">Collegedunia.com</a></b> , a website founded by Sahil Chalana who noticed the huge gap in the information that is available and decided to go a step ahead and create a website to cater to all the queries that students and parents looking for colleges may need to get addressed. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-maGVOPbJIC0/VDqi62jM1NI/AAAAAAAADD0/-YYPOBNMhak/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-maGVOPbJIC0/VDqi62jM1NI/AAAAAAAADD0/-YYPOBNMhak/s1600/2.jpg" height="180" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What they say about themselves-</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://collegedunia.com/">Collegedunia.com</a></b> has been created to fulfill a vision of empowering students with knowledge so that they make a wiser decision while choosing their career and alma mater. The website has a repository of more than 20,000 colleges and 6000 courses categorized in different streams like Management, Engineering, Medical, Arts and much more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8MWNInoeG2c/VDqi5c_UnnI/AAAAAAAADDs/V4VnI2WB5x8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8MWNInoeG2c/VDqi5c_UnnI/AAAAAAAADDs/V4VnI2WB5x8/s1600/1.jpg" height="180" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Things I loved - <br />
1) The clean and crisp look of the website.<br />
2) The ratings of the colleges is provided right next to their names along with fee details and the timings.<br />
3) Innumerable filters to narrow down your searches to make things really easy.<br />
4) Detailed description of the colleges including infrastructure, subjects provided, photos, eligibility criteria, course timings and other details provided. <br />
5) There is a section where exams are listed and the upcoming exams under each category are listed which will help students appear for admission tests and check the eligibility criteria for the same.<br />
<br />
Suggestions for improvement-<br />
Since the website is quite new, a lot of colleges have not been documented as yet. Major colleges are the only ones listed and a few others have not been rated as yet. I'm really hoping they add more colleges and cities to their list so that people from all around the country get to benefit from it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-drSDTeuh3pM/VDqi8wUM00I/AAAAAAAADD8/sjAwFqKFTS0/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-drSDTeuh3pM/VDqi8wUM00I/AAAAAAAADD8/sjAwFqKFTS0/s1600/Untitled.jpg" height="180" width="400" /></a></div>
I would give a thumbs up to this website and the thought that went behind the making of it. This is going to be a major help for a lot of students who can get really baffled by the number of options available. Give the website a look and tell us what you think.<br />
<br />
Till next,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVBaqoVBStA/VDqukSosBKI/AAAAAAAADEM/dV1pulMM9aw/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVBaqoVBStA/VDqukSosBKI/AAAAAAAADEM/dV1pulMM9aw/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-21001402089511133582014-10-08T15:54:00.000+05:302014-10-08T15:54:50.194+05:30Pocketful of Sunshine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<a href="http://www.anieshabrahma.blogspot.com/">Aniesha</a> and I were talking on Saturday and we were both cribbing about how busy I've gotten lately and how the mess at her university (she studies at Jadavpur ) wasn't getting any better. We decided to meet and crib some more over breakfast. So, we met this Monday at Park Street's Au Bon Pain (I highly recommend this place if you haven't been there...the quirky decor, super comfy seats and delicious orangeade shouldn't be missed). While the two of us sat there munching on our delicious egg and pesto croissants and yapping at the same time, I spotted these kids running around with a tray.<br />
<br />
I pointed to this bunch of three six-or-so year olds who by the appearance looked like they had dressed for Eid. Aniesha giggled and remarked how excited kids get when they find food, a lot of it.<br />
<img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/360" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /> "The poor parents must be going crazy trying to control them". We continued talking when my eyes wandered to another counter where I spotted the three carrying this tray with one Onion and Garlic Bagel on it. I overheard one of them say "Ye wala le le...30 hai (take this one...it costs 30) " and I poked Aniesha saying , "They aren't here with their parents!! <img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/322" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /> ". I could see that she looked really worried and started scanning the place trying to find them. "Oh there they are", she said pointing to the cash counter. We saw the three hand over one ten rupees note each to the guy at the counter who looked really amused. "Bhaiya, 30 huye na? (it is 30 bucks right?) ". What they didn't notice was that the bill was not 30 but 35 rupees with the added tax. The guy at the counter was really kind and nodded his head in affirmative and took the 30 rupees handed to him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvTQ_Vipvsk/VDUPMXeXA_I/AAAAAAAADDU/q5c_ih72jZo/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvTQ_Vipvsk/VDUPMXeXA_I/AAAAAAAADDU/q5c_ih72jZo/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These three then clambered into the seats right behind ours. One of them divided this one bagel into three parts as the other two slathered ketchup all over it. <img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/330" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /> The two of us watched them highly amused as they laughed and nibbled the bread. I nudged Aniesha to go and ask them if we could take a picture of them. And guess what? These three not just said a yes with big grins but one of them smartypants flashed a "V for Victory" when Aniesha clicked the picture.<br />
<br />
Aniesha and I wanted to buy them muffins but they sped the moment they finished their bagel. Kids these days are way smarter, I swear. I'm pretty sure I would have never had the courage to go to a place located on such a busy street all alone!!<br />
<br />
Do you have a similar story to tell? Share it with us in the comments <img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/330" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; vertical-align: middle;" /><br />
<br />
Till next,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jPE9kec7PYI/VDUQUyOvRoI/AAAAAAAADDc/j__xT5_0n_k/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jPE9kec7PYI/VDUQUyOvRoI/AAAAAAAADDc/j__xT5_0n_k/s1600/my%2Bsignature.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-59678437452425311052014-09-23T13:45:00.001+05:302014-09-23T15:51:45.270+05:30Arise, Awake, and Stop not till the Goal is Reached #HOKKOLOROB<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-IN</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>AR-SA</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="371">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;
mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6T0NWvbI3s/VCEI4akPSzI/AAAAAAAADBQ/QfWr6HFqplU/s1600/10343663_10152517124770132_3183117030848441652_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6T0NWvbI3s/VCEI4akPSzI/AAAAAAAADBQ/QfWr6HFqplU/s1600/10343663_10152517124770132_3183117030848441652_n.jpg" height="168" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source- Swami Vivekananda FB page</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It has been a really long time I posted anything here on the blog, something that I was extremely passionate about. I've been extremely busy working day in and out for my Bachelors in Education course, so didn't get the time to blog. But, recently a great number of shocking events happened in my city (or for that matter the entire nation) which made me pull my socks and I decided I just had to write something abut it. I don't know what difference it makes but I needed the few readers I have to know what is happening and come out and join us in the protest if they believe in the cause. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Here is what happened -</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A bunch of hostel students from the prestigious Jadavpur University in Kolkata dragged a girl to the hostel premises and assaulted and molested her on the grounds of indulging in indecent behavior. Her male friend was not spared either and was beaten up too. This happened somewhere around the end of August.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No action was taken when the girl reported the matter to the Vice Chancellor of the university o<span style="font-family: inherit;">r</span> for that matter when she could identify one of the criminals <span style="font-family: inherit;">and <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">registered</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">an</span></span></span> FIR at a nearby Police station. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The students of the university decided that they had to do something to make the authorities recognize the wrong done and bring justice to the girl. The students had 'gherao-ed' (surrounded) the faculty building and were sitting outside with slogans and peacefully protesting. The VC, instead of doing what is right, was supposedly so scared for his life that he decided to call the police in the middle of the night, who blindly brutally lathi (batons) charged the innocent and unarmed students and molested, groped and assaulted the female protestors. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Result - Some 40 students were put into jail, some 25 are admitted in the hospitals (with one of them in coma) and innumerable others suffered grave injuries with broken ribs and bones. (The numbers vary from source to source)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Here is picture from TOI which gives the timeline of what happened on 16-17th of September 2014-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgHDXVsqngU/VCEnz5VljZI/AAAAAAAADB0/vWpEsoUvPsE/s1600/42752200.cms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgHDXVsqngU/VCEnz5VljZI/AAAAAAAADB0/vWpEsoUvPsE/s1600/42752200.cms.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source- www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This picture from NDTV clearly depicts the truth- </span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvdszXQT-wU/VCEmzfbSccI/AAAAAAAADBs/HjAQIQkO_Dc/s1600/Jadavpur_clashes360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvdszXQT-wU/VCEmzfbSccI/AAAAAAAADBs/HjAQIQkO_Dc/s1600/Jadavpur_clashes360.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Source- www.ndtv.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In protest to this heinous act, more than 1,00,000 people came out into the streets in Kolkata, braving the torrential
rain, leaving behind every other important work to voice their concern
and disgust in the form of a peaceful rally and to meet the Governor. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdCIl3CMKNA/VCElMoyGiMI/AAAAAAAADBk/2BprCd9e1jA/s1600/JNgsick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdCIl3CMKNA/VCElMoyGiMI/AAAAAAAADBk/2BprCd9e1jA/s1600/JNgsick.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source- www.youthkiawaaz.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The entire incident got National and International coverage. See it <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Woman-molested-on-campus-35-Jadavpur-University-students-arrested-for-protesting/articleshow/42680958.cms">here</a>, <a href="http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/students-of-kolkata-s-jadavpur-university-meet-governor-demand-ouster-of-vice-chancellor-595303">here</a> and <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-29307120">here</a> . Our protest demands justice for the girl and for those innocent students who were beaten into pulp.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISPkdu0a9eU/VCEiPt_oWSI/AAAAAAAADBc/m-sj2-KvFNU/s1600/10649787_1533385146873526_5568326231705784926_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISPkdu0a9eU/VCEiPt_oWSI/AAAAAAAADBc/m-sj2-KvFNU/s1600/10649787_1533385146873526_5568326231705784926_n.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source - Hokkolorob FB page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is disgusting how irresponsible, monstrous and inhuman our so-called teachers have become. As a would-be teacher I'm ashamed and disgusted. It is appalling how educational institutions which are supposed to provide quality education to the young generation and provide a peaceful and safe haven to them for the same have turned itno battle fields where students are assaulted, molested and cruelly beaten up by those who hold power. Here are a few reactions from people I know which will give you two different perspectives of the issue.</span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="color: blue;"> I have been a student
of Jadavpur University for the last five years, and to me it has always been a
home away from home. My safety and my dignity having always been assured in
this campus, I realized on 28<sup>th</sup> August,2014 and 19<sup>th</sup>
September, 2014 that there are times when one’s home can also be intruded into.
Standing beside my classmates, my friends, my juniors and my college mates who
got beaten up by the same organizations that have promised us respect and
safety for civilians, women and students, I understand that in Bengal and in
India, all these promises are always smothered by these same people. A girl has
been molested, in her own university, and yet the first questions raised are
against her dignity, her integrity. Some even come to think of the entire
situation being something she deserved. In such a land, there can never be any
form of justice. We, as the students of Jadavpur University have always come
across people, who being insecure of themselves, will always speak rot about
the students. But when my friends were beaten up, my juniors were groped, and
my classmates were physically thrown off, I sincerely doubt these people who
call themselves ‘People’. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;">It is not a call to
arms, neither is it a signal for chaos, all this movement is about is that one
girl who deserves justice be allowed that space wherein she can claim her
demand. I, as a student had kept faith in our Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Abhijeet
Chakraborthy regarding the situation, and I along with all of my fellow
students have been brutally let down. All this movement is about is to remove
that person who had promised us our safety, because we have realized that
unless there is no assurance of protection in our very own university, we
cannot trust our ‘elders’ with ourselves. We have always sung our songs in the
face of blows, and we continue to do that.</span> "</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~ Riti from Jadavpur University</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome to the Fascist West Bengal where the fundamental right of
freedom of speech and expression is curbed. So you are EDUCATED? a
FREE-THINKER? an INTELLECTUAL? Can express an UNDAUNTED FRAME OF MIND SANS
any BIAS? Don't worry, you'll be labelled either a MAOIST or a NAXALITE.
Or how about being rendered the exclusive treatment of brutalization,
molestation and then imprisonment? </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> The students of Jadavpur University protested against the molestation of a girl at the institut<span class="text_exposed_show">ion.
The output? They get brutalized mercilessly and are dragged behind the
bars. AN ISSUE AS SIMPLE and NOBLE as this. Where on earth are the
topics of alcohol consumption and weed emerging on the scenario? And
the procession of the COUNTER "protest" today led by the ruling power...
What was it for? MORALITY is DEAD for THESE PEOPLE and so are their
humanitarian attributes. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> Thanks goodness, T.S. Eliot that you're dead...because after witnessing this even you would have fallen short of words!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> WE ARE STUDENTS.<br /> WE ARE THE COMMONERS.<br /> WE CAN'T BE FOOLED.</span>"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~Shreya from Calcutta University</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is Mohaloya today, Maa Durga has left her heavenly abode and come over to visit us earthlings. The ten days following are a celebration of the struggle and the victory of the good, the righteous and the brave over what is wrong, corrupt and evil. There is no better time to stand up and raise your voice against the wrong you see around you. No voice is small. Shout out loud and make it heard.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSzEjXVq_dc/VCEHjtz4lGI/AAAAAAAADBI/dYLkB1FIdts/s1600/10672380_1533297680215606_1799125120895398465_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSzEjXVq_dc/VCEHjtz4lGI/AAAAAAAADBI/dYLkB1FIdts/s1600/10672380_1533297680215606_1799125120895398465_n.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source- Hokkolorob FB page</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Join the movement here - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hokkolorob2013/photos/pb.1531623310383043.-2207520000.1411450310./1533297680215606/?type=1&theater">The Hokkolorob Facebook page</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sign here - <a href="http://www.change.org/p/mamta-bannerjee-remove-ju-vc-and-registrar-now-home-minister-apologize-and-impartial-and-fair-enquiry-into-the-incidents">Change.org petition</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> #HOKKOLOROB</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read Aniesha's take on the issue <a href="http://anieshabrahma.blogspot.sg/2014/09/musings-ex-student-talks-about.html">here</a>.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shubho Mohaloya , everyone !!</span></span></div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-31926173353889330282014-09-15T13:43:00.001+05:302014-09-15T13:44:10.137+05:30The Poetry Corner: Romantic Exorcism <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="_4-u3 _5cla" style="border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-top-style: none; padding: 16px;">
<div class="_5k3v _5k3w clearfix" style="margin-top: 16px; word-wrap: break-word; zoom: 1;">
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLmrxq1kwjCpRr3Ae66bcgdCInNpZgfEbEzPsRsr5cgezQeZugDpYDdcI05cYQ1e5usLZ54FdLG94Cec6_AoIj4Mv9YKcjShGXL1O8c5KilFjhPBXi_G_G0h1hwqo8xwLMgCTB4NUXxI/s1600/images+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLmrxq1kwjCpRr3Ae66bcgdCInNpZgfEbEzPsRsr5cgezQeZugDpYDdcI05cYQ1e5usLZ54FdLG94Cec6_AoIj4Mv9YKcjShGXL1O8c5KilFjhPBXi_G_G0h1hwqo8xwLMgCTB4NUXxI/s1600/images+(3).jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #141823; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Romantic Exorcism</u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">Wallowing here at the edge of worlds, </b></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #990000;">
<b><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: inherit;">The nonchalance is disturbed by a burst of light at the cloud splattered horizon. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">The eyes seek a moment of recognition in this Godforsaken land, </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">but the vicinity remains devoid of life as it’s just a stray comet, </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">which has probably lost his way. </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">As the last vestiges of light dissipate from the retinas, </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">They resume their quest in the obscurity. </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your romantic exorcism has peeled the soul off me. </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">And I am all alone on my voyage across the seas of Charon. </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hoping to be reunited with my soul. </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stuck here at the brink of life and death, </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">The lapping of waves against my oars provides an imaginary solace. </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reminds me of mortal music. </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time has somehow lost its relevance here or maybe it has ceased to exist. </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">All I can do is wonder what my soul is going through, </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here in this unfathomable oblivion. </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you released it from your captivity? </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or are you still condemning it to your love? </span></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="_5clc" style="line-height: 12.2880001068115px; padding: 0px 12px 12px;">
<div id="u_jsonp_19_3">
<form action="https://www.facebook.com/ajax/ufi/modify.php" class="live_421658223323_316526391751760 commentable_item autoexpand_mode" data-ft="{"tn":"]"}" data-live="{"seq":"421658223323_16458362"}" id="u_jsonp_19_0" method="post" rel="async" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="clearfix" style="zoom: 1;">
<div class="_4bl7 _4bl8" style="float: right; min-height: 1px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="_mq0" id="u_jsonp_19_4">
<div data-reactid=".m0">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="_4bl9" style="overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="_5pcp _5vsi" style="margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">
<span data-reactid=".m2"><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 12.2880001068115px;"><i><span style="color: red;">~Suryea Krishna</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="_5pcp _5vsi" style="margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">
<span data-reactid=".m2"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="_5pcp _5vsi" style="margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">
<span data-reactid=".m2"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="_5pcp _5vsi" style="margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">
<span data-reactid=".m2"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;"><b>Note: Charon here refers to the hypothetical sea on Pluto's moon. However, the poem on the whole is inspired from the Greek myth of the ferryman of Hades who carries the souls of the dead across the rivers which divide the worlds of the living and the dead. </b></span></span></div>
<div class="_5pcp _5vsi" style="margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">
<span data-reactid=".m2"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="_5pcp _5vsi" style="margin-top: 10px;">
<span data-reactid=".m2"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: red;">This was a guest post by our friend Suryea. You can read his other poem on our blog </span><a href="http://swarnalidreams.blogspot.in/2014/07/the-poetry-corner-haunted-heart.html"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a><span style="color: red;">. We value your feedback so your comments are welcome. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead. May you all blessed be! :)</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="_5pcp _5vsi" style="margin-top: 10px;">
<span data-reactid=".m2"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="_5pcp _5vsi" style="margin-top: 10px;">
<b><span style="color: red;">PS- The picture has been taken from Google Images.</span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</form>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Arpita Mahapatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07777587589595613661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-47153419387439487412014-09-02T12:10:00.000+05:302014-09-02T12:10:06.113+05:30Birthday Wishes for a Flawless Friend!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwpQ632r5RE4QQwkMi_cpTDI9C5gSQhTrBDW1PLApp7shTFN69gI8RU35UyEN6boG0Eh-Bnhz_o1rGT815P2f_D1zcXbkpdqhAk7qIcT0_xY-wQHOvmt_oDPoFxdDxW_G5xoFPMra4NU/s1600/altAkwT-HkDnc9q1DMVxpVxSTeARFIr-Ph0YXbbFr2FTMwb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwpQ632r5RE4QQwkMi_cpTDI9C5gSQhTrBDW1PLApp7shTFN69gI8RU35UyEN6boG0Eh-Bnhz_o1rGT815P2f_D1zcXbkpdqhAk7qIcT0_xY-wQHOvmt_oDPoFxdDxW_G5xoFPMra4NU/s1600/altAkwT-HkDnc9q1DMVxpVxSTeARFIr-Ph0YXbbFr2FTMwb.jpg" height="320" width="276" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b>Dearest Geet,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b>Every year, this day brings me reasons to celebrate the presence of a fabulous person in my life- someone who has been a charming friend, a caring sister, an inspiration and a partner-in-mischief. For the past 7 years, you have made me smile and laugh for countless reasons. I could never thank you enough for being so unbelievably patient with me, for hearing me rant day and night, for unfailingly giving me the very best response that I could ask for. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b>Thanks for taking time out for me, no matter where you might be busy- home, college, the university or the work place. I was apprehensive we would drift apart over the years but our conversations are just as engaging, our affection mutual and the fun we have is greater than ever. I love it that we share a common interest in, and love for, the same books, movies, music and TV shows which supplies us with never ending topics of discussion. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b>I am delighted that you still lend me an ear when I have to talk about the most random and trivial things, to the kind of stuff that shakes me up so bad I don't know what to do. It means a lot to me that you care to ask, and have something to say, about everything that goes on in my life. You make me feel like you dote on me and that's the nicest feeling in the world. :-)</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b>I hope I have managed to be at least half as good a friend to you as you have been to me. I promise you that I will forever be your friend, be there when you need to talk, and discuss Harry Potter with you until our hair turns grey and we color it auburn. Or I don't know what you'd prefer. See? There's still so much to know about each other. :P Here's a sign that we will never run out of things to talk of! :D ;-)</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: red;">Wishing you the very best birthday you have had so far! May God bless you with the greatest version of anything you could ask for. Hope your year ahead will be extraordinary and delightful. :)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b>A BIG hug to you!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b>Love,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b>Arpita</b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b>PS- No, I didn't make this collage, Suryea did. I am as happily clueless as ever. But I chose the pictures so I get half the credit. </b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6nqW3DiZDU/UMgb_yHfamI/AAAAAAAABmE/xRP4nXCE5YI/s320/arpitanew.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Arpita Mahapatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07777587589595613661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-80726041022060119272014-07-24T00:06:00.002+05:302014-07-24T14:01:14.170+05:30Spa review - The Four Fountains De-Stress Spa, Kolkata<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Sayantini from <a href="http://pinkspeachesandmore.blogspot.in/">Cherry on Top</a> asked me on Facebook sometime back if I was game for reviewing a spa here in the city, I was a little skeptic about issues like hygiene and privacy. But considering how badly I needed De-stressing from my crazy schedule, studying B.Ed and giving my Masters exams all at once, I said a yes after she assured me I would love it. I received an invite soon after to visit one of the <a href="http://www.thefourfountainsspa.in/spa-massage-in-kolkata">Four Fountains De-Stress Spas</a> here in Kolkata. I decided upon the Shakespeare Sarani (Theatre Road) branch and visited it for a one hour massage session to help my tense muscles and nerves relax. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3Aa1zRDxC4/U8_yfQQEnKI/AAAAAAAAC_U/p1p-Ardc1os/s1600/Fotor0723230526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3Aa1zRDxC4/U8_yfQQEnKI/AAAAAAAAC_U/p1p-Ardc1os/s1600/Fotor0723230526.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I decided to visit the spa after my college hours on a Friday. It was a particularly tiring day when I reached the spa all tired and slouching from the weight of my bag. As I opened the doors to enter, a fresh wave of lemongrass scent hit my nostrils. My first opinion once I entered was how pretty and extremely cozy the place was even though it was quite tiny. The place was almost soundproof which was a major relief because this branch is located on a very busy street where cars and buses keep honking away like crazy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The receptionist was extremely sweet as she welcomed me and asked me to
settle down and catch my breath before she asked me anything. I was
asked to sit on a couch which had massage beads for the back rest.
Also the door handles at this place are specially designed to massage
the pressure points on your palms every time you hold them. Pretty
clever I must say!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xx3nhJ4zvzg/U8_0eitfXXI/AAAAAAAAC_g/uSenpKw7FaI/s1600/Fotor0723231336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xx3nhJ4zvzg/U8_0eitfXXI/AAAAAAAAC_g/uSenpKw7FaI/s1600/Fotor0723231336.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The
receptionist arrived with a glass of orange squash in a few minutes and
handed me the brochure so that I could go through the different services
available. The in-house doctor present asked me a few questions regarding
my health and if I had any pain or ache anywhere. I had been
having a pretty persistent ache in my back and legs for quite a while to which she
suggested I take a de-stressing service. I selected the Swedish Massage
with Wintergreen oil, which has pain relieving properties. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I was
introduced to my masseuse, Anne who escorted me to my separate massage
room. This particular quote on the wall caught my attention the moment I
entered the room. It said-</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"</b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: red;">Worry is like a rocking chair. Although it keeps you occupied, it doesn't get you anywhere.</span></i></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>"</b></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Anne
handed me disposable clothing to change into after my shower
before she could begin with the session. I was also given a disposable
sheet to wrap myself in. Bonus points for hygiene. I was provided a
jewelry box and a locker to safely keep my belongings away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p20TLk-N1Ig/U8_09XeHpNI/AAAAAAAAC_w/gwT9iOGan_E/s1600/Fotor0723231550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p20TLk-N1Ig/U8_09XeHpNI/AAAAAAAAC_w/gwT9iOGan_E/s1600/Fotor0723231550.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The room was very dimly lit with very few tiny lamps glowing. An oil burner was the only source of light in the room once the session started. This in particular was really soothing as you could see the slow flickering of the lamp and the shadows moving on the walls as you got your massage. A soft music of fountains and birds chirping was slowly playing, eliminating other disturbing noises from outside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The massage was incredibly relaxing as I could feel my nerves and
muscles slowly ease from their previously tense state. After the one
hour session , Anne left me to take a shower again and get dressed. What I particularly liked was that my privacy was taken well care of as my masseuse covered the rest of my body with a sheet while she worked on a particular area.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BApC4_1v9YM/U8_07s5TgAI/AAAAAAAAC_o/qWZVVYpirxk/s1600/Fotor072323090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BApC4_1v9YM/U8_07s5TgAI/AAAAAAAAC_o/qWZVVYpirxk/s1600/Fotor072323090.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After I was dressed, I was provided a glass of water and a cup of green tea. The resident doctor asked me how I liked the session and gave me a sample of a cream that she instructed me to apply on my forehead and on the sole of my feet to have better sleep. I'm totally loving how the cream/ointment smells!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The only two issues I had were the continuous creaking sounds of the doors being opened and closed and this one particular crazy lamp which decided to go on and off on its own will. Apart from these, I had a really nice experience. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Do I recommend Four Fountains Spa ? Hell yes!! I had a great time as I was promised. It is not just the service they provide but what I liked the most were how they took care of the tiny details to make the clients feel at complete ease from the moment they enter the premises. Also, a look at the price charts will reveal how extremely affordable these services are. I highly recommend you drop in at any of their branches if you need some "me-time" to de-stress and unwind. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
You can log in to the official website of <a href="http://www.thefourfountainsspa.in/">Four Fountains De-Stress Spa</a> to find your nearest spa and go through their services that you find best suitable for your needs. The Four Fountains Spa has over 20 of its branches in <i><b>Kolkat</b><b>a</b></i>,<i><b> Delhi</b></i>,<i><b> Gurgaon</b></i>,<i><b> Mumbai</b></i>,<i><b> Pune</b></i>, and <i><b>Bangalore</b></i> offering multiple services ranging from <i><b>De-Stressing</b></i>, <i><b>De-toxification</b></i>, <i><b>Immunity</b></i> and <b><i>Beauty</i></b> as per every client's needs.These spas offer discounts on different services if you visit on weekdays or collaborate with your company. Special privileges and prices for Gold and Happy hour members.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Are there any other spas you visited and liked? Do let me know!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Till Next,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH3TEIAOGkQ/U9AAjsXrULI/AAAAAAAADAA/97PJV3p5E-A/s1600/my+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH3TEIAOGkQ/U9AAjsXrULI/AAAAAAAADAA/97PJV3p5E-A/s1600/my+signature.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com107tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-10235718847256196072014-07-15T22:21:00.000+05:302014-07-16T08:35:44.634+05:30The Poetry Corner: Haunted Heart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;"><b>Hello, beautiful world! It's Arpita this side and no, I am not posting anything I wrote myself. I know, again. *Le sigh! This is a poem written by our friend Suryea, who was kind enough to let us share it on our blog. He has also contributed a book review to Dreams and Drama and you can take a look at it <a href="http://www.swarnalidreams.blogspot.in/2014/06/book-review-greatest-works-of-kahlil.html#comment-form">here</a>. We hope you'll like this creative piece and that you will share your feedback by leaving a comment!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i><u>Haunted Heart</u></i></b></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-3mOKCFSnlww4FqyAPuIgtfxlCvtlC74NicUCIk6nHpSCUaVa5YrkkOX6E_OtLKY7rAkpudbBnGeQmMT1LcYT0N2_CUmRYWZeyNP5mdYlT6B8oFaILLfavUZNffE-lIjjwQPRX_cUoQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-3mOKCFSnlww4FqyAPuIgtfxlCvtlC74NicUCIk6nHpSCUaVa5YrkkOX6E_OtLKY7rAkpudbBnGeQmMT1LcYT0N2_CUmRYWZeyNP5mdYlT6B8oFaILLfavUZNffE-lIjjwQPRX_cUoQ/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Let me guide you through my
haunted heart. </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Welcome to the universe of broken dreams & shattered
emotions, </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Which cause innumerable quakes in this lava-land. </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Quakes which brought
deep ravines & cuts in the heart, breaking it into many pieces. </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Heartbreak
has slaughtered Love in this haunted heart.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Let me show you around my
haunted heart. </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Welcome to the world of eternal sadness & loneliness, Which
cause many a volcanic eruptions in this ash-land....</b></span></span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Volcanoes which spew sorrow in
all directions across this heart. </b></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sorrow has savaged Happiness in this haunted
heart.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This luckless land, love &
happiness have alienated, </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>And have left behind a dark void which is free from
all feelings, </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>And only an everlasting oblivion prevails over this heart. </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">G</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">hastly ghosts have started rushing in to fill this emptiness, </span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><b>They now frolic
in this haunted heart.</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><b>These ghostly apparitions speak
of strange memories & thoughts in their whispers. </b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><b>Whispers which
rekindle the eerie silence pervading over this heart... </b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>The shadows of these
ghosts are the first pleasant manifestation on this haunted heart.</i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The ghosts have unlocked iron
chains & have unleashed ferocious beasts, </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>From hidden caverns inside the
depths of this heart. </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>With these ghosts & beasts running unchecked across
the heart, </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>An unreal security & safety has developed in this haunted heart<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The ghosts & beasts are
spawning more of their kind. </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>In the absence of Love & Happiness they are
overrunning the whole heart. </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This heart has recast itself into a new
unbreakable shell of black darkness, </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>And has opened up to
weird vistas of haunting. Hope you enjoy your stay in my haunted heart.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><b>~ Suryea</b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Arpita Mahapatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07777587589595613661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-73461880793971453542014-06-21T21:20:00.000+05:302014-06-21T21:28:49.891+05:30Website Review : Zoutons.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Like most other girls I love shopping. The smell of new shoes, clothes and books - who doesn't love that!! But being a student and shopping are two things which don't exactly go hand in hand. Being a student almost equates to being perpetually broke, you just cannot buy all that you want. E-retail websites are a boon for everyone, especially students which provide awe-worthy sales round the year so that we don't just get to buy all sorts of stuff at one place without having to move an inch from our homes but also get them at amazingly cheap prices.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZ-fyQmXLRQ/U6WKDJVoSYI/AAAAAAAAC9c/wCrVU5kjtx0/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZ-fyQmXLRQ/U6WKDJVoSYI/AAAAAAAAC9c/wCrVU5kjtx0/s1600/Untitled.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
Coupons websites make things even better for us. Who doesn't love getting things a little cheaper than what the tag says? What if you could get an additional discount on the already slashed price? <a href="http://zoutons.com/"><b><span style="color: red;">Zoutons.com</span></b></a> is a new website I found where you can find innumerable deals and coupons for almost every website you can think of. Once you register and subscribe for their mails, you get updates on great deals and offers that you just can't resist<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZtc_uWDJdA/U6WYkH0M4rI/AAAAAAAAC9w/4DsOTZq1bN0/s1600/ffvgdf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZtc_uWDJdA/U6WYkH0M4rI/AAAAAAAAC9w/4DsOTZq1bN0/s1600/ffvgdf.jpg" height="383" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">categories of deals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the best things about this website is how easy navigating it is. Any layman can access the website without any difficulty. The website has uncountable coupons for all sorts of websites like Myntra.com, Flipkart.com, Zovi.com, Snapdeal.com, Prettysecrets.com, Jabong.com, Ebay.in, Amazon.in and plenty others.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztc2IU0xJBg/U6WYkstdpnI/AAAAAAAAC-A/t7kDQyHYtrY/s1600/most+popular+stores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztc2IU0xJBg/U6WYkstdpnI/AAAAAAAAC-A/t7kDQyHYtrY/s1600/most+popular+stores.jpg" height="377" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Myntra.com is one of my most favourite stores online when it comes to buying clothes, shoes and accessories. This store not just has an amazing collection to offer but also gives superb discounts all the time. If you like Myntra.com as much as I do, you can click here to directly go to the <a href="http://zoutons.com/stores/Myntra/"><b><span style="color: red;">Myntra coupons</span></b></a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_W1B49lWIrM/U6Wnh5rbZNI/AAAAAAAAC-o/nzkX3h0P-zE/s1600/myntra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_W1B49lWIrM/U6Wnh5rbZNI/AAAAAAAAC-o/nzkX3h0P-zE/s1600/myntra.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are separate tabs on the top which list coupons and deals according to sections like "Top Categories", "Top Stores", "Top Brands", and "Top Banks" which make searching for your code extremely easy and saves a lot of time. You can alternatively use the search bar to specify the exact website or category you want instead of using the tabs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixE6wB-RmqY/U6WleTQkz3I/AAAAAAAAC-c/2JWwrMHfVko/s1600/kjbdsj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixE6wB-RmqY/U6WleTQkz3I/AAAAAAAAC-c/2JWwrMHfVko/s1600/kjbdsj.jpg" height="363" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One great tab on <a href="http://zoutons.com/"><b><span style="color: red;">Zoutons.com</span></b></a> is the Top Banks section which has a huge list of banks and cards like HDFC, Kotak Mahindra, HSBC, Maestro, Visa, ING Vysya and others which provides bank/card specific deals on different websites.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3rMTq-hyL-A/U6Wn16eiqcI/AAAAAAAAC-w/eLg2KIu50AA/s1600/kjbdsj+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3rMTq-hyL-A/U6Wn16eiqcI/AAAAAAAAC-w/eLg2KIu50AA/s1600/kjbdsj+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="350" /></a></div>
<br />
Another interesting feature is the Add Coupon section where one can add interesting deals that you have come across online.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">How to get a deal or use a coupon?</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Using the website is super simple. All you have to do is search for the website or category you are searching for deals in. Once you locate the deal/coupon you require, click on the button which says "Click to Activate Deal" or "Click here to see code". A pop up box will appear which will instruct on how to proceed next.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kx-72njNF34/U6WkJvGwOqI/AAAAAAAAC-U/4VUP6uLhe5w/s1600/deals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kx-72njNF34/U6WkJvGwOqI/AAAAAAAAC-U/4VUP6uLhe5w/s1600/deals.jpg" height="352" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
All you have to do next is copy the code provided and paste it in the coupon/voucher code box during check out as you normally do and your discount is added!! There is a small box right beside each deal where the success rate of each coupon is rated. Every user is suggested to rate a coupon/ deal after using it for the benefit of the other users. Also a small section below shows when the deal was successfully used last to check how active it is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHMhRspkKLo/U6WYlhEe0zI/AAAAAAAAC-E/azrzMDexfU8/s1600/pop+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHMhRspkKLo/U6WYlhEe0zI/AAAAAAAAC-E/azrzMDexfU8/s1600/pop+up.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pop up tab with instructions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Best features-</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Easily navigable layout.</li>
<li>Coupons for innumerable sites.</li>
<li>Separate tabs for specific categories.</li>
<li>Extra tab for bank/card specific deals.</li>
<li>Success rate of each coupon specified.</li>
</ul>
<br />
If you love getting great deals and discounts while shopping online, this website is a must visit.<br />
<br />
Till Next,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0K85YpPuoaA/U6Wp7B9Qd8I/AAAAAAAAC-8/Ez1jA1DHlu0/s1600/my+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0K85YpPuoaA/U6Wp7B9Qd8I/AAAAAAAAC-8/Ez1jA1DHlu0/s1600/my+signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-7764489757216443102014-06-19T20:30:00.000+05:302014-06-19T20:30:00.050+05:30Book Review: Silver is for Secrets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSz6S-zHRb6KrOE0DybizBjntmVkvGh278OX37ClwioseUhFZaJS6J9SzcnoQ8H5ovZevFbxMWJYYLR7W3IPPPkNn0qFCVOxDpOXGEKEIYgY3vqUDBve8ikwfEN5jEZnsfP96_N4I0mQ/s1600/WP_20140223_017%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfqXc8Ef4DLSaDfDfXh1UkU8CD4yi1iXnIA7rRcTo0t5mtJM9y3KRwyXX1yXVxrECKgqrj1cvx7VeHBa9NWrEhEzeN5-FagTqzbPEg551moyvBlRNG8UOERdNLVPNmpiN5rO9bE2I4CQ/s1600/silver-is-for-secrets.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfqXc8Ef4DLSaDfDfXh1UkU8CD4yi1iXnIA7rRcTo0t5mtJM9y3KRwyXX1yXVxrECKgqrj1cvx7VeHBa9NWrEhEzeN5-FagTqzbPEg551moyvBlRNG8UOERdNLVPNmpiN5rO9bE2I4CQ/s1600/silver-is-for-secrets.jpeg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: lime;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">"Keeping secrets doesn't bring people together; it only pulls them apart."</span></i></b></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: red;">1st Published: </b>2005</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: red;"><b>1st JAICO Impression:</b> </span>2013</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Number of Pages:</b> </span>277</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<b style="color: red;">Price: </b>Rs. 199/- (This was a review copy sent by the publishers.)<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>ISBN:</b> </span>978-81-8495-423-4</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><b>About the Author:<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span></span>Laurie Faria Stolarz is an American author of young adult fiction novels, best known for her Blue is for Nightmares series. Her works, which feature teenage protagonists, blend elements found in mystery and romance novels.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: red;">Synopsis: </b><br />
<br />
School is over, and now Stacey, her boyfriend Jacob, and their friends have rented a beach cottage for the summer. But then Stacey has nightmares warning of forthcoming death- predicting the cruel death of Clara, a mysterious girl with a secret.<br />
<div>
<br />
And now Jacob, the only one who understands Stacey's magic, is keeping secrets, too. Is Jacob betraying Stacey's trust or protecting her from revenge and tragedy?</div>
<b style="color: red;"><br /></b>
<b style="color: red;">Excerpt:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">"So maybe I'll see you around later," she says.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">I nod and extend my hand to hers for a shake. And that's when I know. When I feel it. It's like my skin has iced over inside her palm. Like a million tiny ice-needles have just splintered into my veins. </span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Clara is going to die.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Arpita Says:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
A book with a title that seems interesting, and a synopsis that would certainly pique your curiosity, "Silver is for Secrets" can raise your expectations. Whether it meets those expectations, however, is another matter. The story is the sort which definitely draws you in- it's the kind of plot that one would wish to watch on a screen, too. It has a protagonist with a special 'gift', as well as a heroic figure who is full of intrigue, and flesh and bone supporting characters who manage to chalk out a place for themselves instead of getting sidelined as I had expected they would be. Even though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone novel.<br />
<br />
The plot is centered around Clara, a girl that these friends come across while on holiday. Stacey is certain that Clara is in danger and she is determined to help save her- even if it could spell danger not only for herself but also for her friends. The action of the novel is driven by the attempt to figure out who could want to harm Clara and how to stop them. But the twist is, Stacey has had dreams in which Clara seems to threaten <i>her. </i>Apparently, the girl has got secrets which no one should find out because if they do, she will make Stacey pay.<br />
<br />
There are moments when one feels as if the author is winding the reader up. It seems like there could be nothing wrong with Clara except perhaps an attitude problem and a flirting disorder. She hardly seems the type to keep deep, dark secrets. She is certainly not the stereotypical mysterious stranger with a brooding look and alluring persona. She is bubbly and surprisingly shallow which doesn't seem to fit in with the image she creates for herself in Stacey's nightmares about her. <br />
<br />
There is, however, a formidable character who features in the novel and makes up for the lack of mystery in Clara's case. A certain photographer who lives in one of the beach houses nearby makes an appearance and becomes a cause for genuine concern. This character could have added a very interesting angle to the plot but he is poorly sketched and therefore fails to live up to the reader's expectations. While one cannot say that the basic issue underlining the story is frivolous, the photographer could have given the story more depth and made it a matter of serious discussion.<br />
<br />
What was disappointing about the book is the way the author has dragged the plot- this book could have been even shorter had it not been for a number of sub-plots which are hardly relevant and only seem to be there to fill pages. Moreover, one can notice that there is a lack of sympathy towards most of the characters. The end might trigger some emotion in the reader, but the rest of the time one feels exasperated with each and every character at some point or the other. Jacob's stubbornness leaves one completely annoyed especially when it becomes obvious that his secrecy is what leads to disaster even if his intentions were noble. His habit of biting his lip is reminiscent of Bella from Meyer's "Twilight" series and it does not help the reader like him any better. Nevertheless, Stacey and Jacob are characteristically 'good' people, with magic that they apparently inherited from their ancestors. Both try to use their gift to save lives, as is evident from their attempt to protect Clara and the characters' frequent mention of incidents that occurred in the past.<br />
<br />
Amber comes across as the most entertaining character in the story. Her sense of humor, which might border on the crude at times, is a source of comic relief and sure is superior to that of PJ, whose name seems quite symbolic of his Pathetic Jokes. Chad and Drea seem genuine and caring but with flaws which make them seem quite realistic even if they hardly make an impression on the reader. Clara happens to be the most frustrating individual one could come across. A hopeless flirt who feigns innocence whenever she is caught red handed while creating problems for other characters, she rarely gains sympathy as a victim.<br />
<br />
The plot has several twists and turns, some of which can leave you surprised. Ghosts of the past seem reluctant to let go of Stacey while there already seems to be a premonition of danger in her path ahead. The end, no doubt, was unpredictable, even if the revelation of the culprit's identity was actually not so surprising. The book concludes on an unexpectedly melancholic note.<br />
<br />
It's the kind of novella you can read on a journey to kill time. Otherwise, you may skip this one.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Rating: </b></span>2/5<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6nqW3DiZDU/UMgb_yHfamI/AAAAAAAABmE/xRP4nXCE5YI/s1600/arpitanew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6nqW3DiZDU/UMgb_yHfamI/AAAAAAAABmE/xRP4nXCE5YI/s320/arpitanew.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
Arpita Mahapatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07777587589595613661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-32147801706971120122014-06-15T20:10:00.000+05:302014-06-15T20:10:14.992+05:30Website Review- Elaborestore.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Did I ever tell you that I have a special love for scarves and stoles? I absolutely love how versatile they are and how easily that can make or break an outfit. A bright colored scarf or stole can instantly jazz up an otherwise plain outfit. There are innumerable ways you can wear your scarf or stole. If you are like me who doesn't like having anything wrapped around her neck for too long, you can turn your beloved scarf into a très chic bandana or make a bow with it and attach it to your handbag. If you are the artsy kind, you can always do more fun stuff like make a DIY camera strap out of your scarf!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWigquvVGBs/U5rvz4jQD_I/AAAAAAAAC7s/umwVelzVaUM/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWigquvVGBs/U5rvz4jQD_I/AAAAAAAAC7s/umwVelzVaUM/s1600/0.jpg" height="188" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, when the people at <b><a href="http://elaborestore.com/">Elaborestore.com</a></b> asked me to review their website, I was more than delighted to check what they had in store. And gladly for me, they did not disappoint at all. Elaborestrore.com is your one stop solution for stoles, scarves and shawls with a huge collection of designs, prints and colors to suit every sensibility and all the pieces are very reasonably priced to suit every pocket.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxzY5zsEbCs/U5ryYtvN8ZI/AAAAAAAAC74/pz2dt2UlBKw/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxzY5zsEbCs/U5ryYtvN8ZI/AAAAAAAAC74/pz2dt2UlBKw/s1600/1.jpg" height="212" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I received a pretty floral printed 100% modal stole which is super soft. What I loved most about the stole is that it does not irritate my skin even after wearing it for a long time. Modal fabric is almost like cotton but only better because it is color fast and pills (formation of bubbles) much lesser than cotton. Here is how the stole I received looked on the website-<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfEwFHPwYdQ/U5rybpUCIpI/AAAAAAAAC8E/9CNL_wOtHl8/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfEwFHPwYdQ/U5rybpUCIpI/AAAAAAAAC8E/9CNL_wOtHl8/s1600/3.jpg" height="192" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://elaborestore.com/india/women-1/elabore-red-floral-border-stole.html?___SID=U">Link</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A comparison between the one I got and the picture on the website-<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9e5eJrTYY0/U52tRCu93CI/AAAAAAAAC9A/kpnqTu6e0dk/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9e5eJrTYY0/U52tRCu93CI/AAAAAAAAC9A/kpnqTu6e0dk/s1600/index.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty much identical, don't you think so?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The highlights of the website- <br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> <b>Free shipping on all orders (including international ones)</b>.</li>
<li>Product <b>delivery guarantee in a week</b> (I got mine in 2 days).</li>
<li>A <b>discount coupon of INR 250</b> for your first purchase when you sign up which can be redeemed for a purchase of INR 1000 or more.</li>
<li> A <b>huge collection</b> of scarves, stoles and shawls in every color possible <b>for both men and women.</b></li>
<li><b>Free gift wrapping</b> on request.</li>
<li>The <b>picture shown on the website is true to the actual product</b> you receive. <b>Detailed descriptions</b> of the product is provided.</li>
<li>You can <b>use coupons</b> from their coupon partners like CouponRani.com, CouponDekho.in, Couponation.in and others to get more discounts on the already discounted prices. </li>
</ul>
Do you like scarves? If you do, make sure you check out the vast collection at <span style="color: red;"><b><a href="http://elaborestore.com/">Elaborestore.com</a></b></span><br />
<br />
Till next,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtKZDscFP4c/U52t1_CTbDI/AAAAAAAAC9I/rrfifKRCcGQ/s1600/my+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtKZDscFP4c/U52t1_CTbDI/AAAAAAAAC9I/rrfifKRCcGQ/s1600/my+signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-89975663520599731382014-06-13T22:11:00.001+05:302014-06-13T22:14:44.161+05:30Passing on some love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been a really long time I passed on an award to a fellow blogger. Arpita and I had already done too many of these tags and awards posts and they were getting pretty repetitive, so we thought of not doing them anymore. But, this time I just had to give the Versatile Blogger award to an amazing blogger and one of my very favourite people on this planet, Aniesha. Why you ask? Because she totally deserves it. Aniesha is currently pursuing her M.Phil degree in Comparative Literature. She has already published a book, <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://swarnalidreams.blogspot.in/2012/11/book-review-secret-proposal-by-aniesha.html">The Secret Proposal</a> </span>and has already signed the contract for her second. She can literally conjure a story/poem out of the most mundane conversations and incidents!! She is also an amazing cook, makes really cute doodles and stuffed toys.To top it all, she is an amazing person and one of the kindest people I know.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGpVIfI2TP4/U5sn3z0x01I/AAAAAAAAC8Y/tbcaSwJt4Go/s1600/Fotor0613213455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGpVIfI2TP4/U5sn3z0x01I/AAAAAAAAC8Y/tbcaSwJt4Go/s1600/Fotor0613213455.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, I decided it was time to pass on some love and this award to show my appreciation and admiration for the amazingly talented person she is. She blogs at <span style="color: red;"><b><a href="http://anieshabrahma.blogspot.in/">Aniesha's Musings</a></b></span>. Do check it out, you won't be disappointed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6oM0vQUiv78/U5spXtl_DyI/AAAAAAAAC8o/oUswh-WJoQM/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6oM0vQUiv78/U5spXtl_DyI/AAAAAAAAC8o/oUswh-WJoQM/s1600/images.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Aniesha, you are required to do a post and tell us 10 things about you we don't know as yet.<br />
<br />
Till next,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu9huZDzer8/U5spl1CmxJI/AAAAAAAAC8w/5cX3sv3TUT8/s1600/Photo0843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu9huZDzer8/U5spl1CmxJI/AAAAAAAAC8w/5cX3sv3TUT8/s1600/Photo0843.jpg" height="162" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
P.S.- My signature (the one above) was made by Aniesha, isn't it super cute? </div>
Swarnalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07838907845653317492noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173258965900235079.post-75789211971802199222014-06-04T16:58:00.000+05:302014-06-04T17:13:10.527+05:30Book Review: The Greatest Works of Kahlil Gibran<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WSVTM5SHBtFjUhXfb0KvSLo-Y3bUO4X5u-g_VzjRecHEgTdJSvUes9vpzEu9dwNB2L3AvoLPg0mjFBUQ_SCNfJr3Dy2K02xsEWHzGFsjHkFi6tumURMLbwH3kU7wZJRXUSXiG-eHn4w/s1600/WP_20131225_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WSVTM5SHBtFjUhXfb0KvSLo-Y3bUO4X5u-g_VzjRecHEgTdJSvUes9vpzEu9dwNB2L3AvoLPg0mjFBUQ_SCNfJr3Dy2K02xsEWHzGFsjHkFi6tumURMLbwH3kU7wZJRXUSXiG-eHn4w/s1600/WP_20131225_004.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><b>FIRST JAICO IMPRESSION:</b> </span>1991</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">THIRTY-FIRST JAICO IMPRESSION:</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 2013</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<o:p></o:p></span>
<br />
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: red;">ISBN:</span></b><span style="color: red;"> </span>81-7224-134-8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><b>GENRE:</b></span>
Philosophy/Parable/Poetry/<wbr></wbr>Novel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><b>PRICE:</b></span> Rs. 299/- </span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(review copy from the publishers.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</b> </span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Khalil
Gibran (January 6, 1883 – April 10, 1931) was a Lebanese artist, poet, and
writer. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Born in the town
of Bsharri in the north of modern Lebanon, as a young man he
immigrated with his family to the United States, where he studied art and began
his literary career, writing in both English and Arabic. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the Arab
world, Gibran is regarded as a literary and political rebel. His romantic style
was at the heart of a renaissance in modern Arabic literature,
especially prose poetry, breaking away from the classical school. In
Lebanon, he is still celebrated as a literary hero.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He is chiefly known in the
English-speaking world for his 1923 book The Prophet, an early example
of inspirational fiction. The book sold well despite a cool critical reception,
gaining popularity in the 1930s and again especially in the 1960s
counterculture. Gibran is the third best-selling poet of all time, after
Shakespeare and Laozi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>What you might have not known
about the author: Due to a mistake at a school in the United States, he was
registered as Kahlil Gibran, the spelling he used thenceforth.</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>SYNOPSIS: </b></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Greatest works
of Kahlil Gibran by Jaico Books is an omnibus collection of 12 books
including The Prophet, The Wanderer, Sand and Foam, The Madman, The Forerunner,
The Earth Gods, Nymphs of the Valley, Tears and Laughter, Between Night &
Morn, Secrets of the Heart, Spirits Rebellious, and The Broken Wings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Prophet is a book of
26 prose poetry philosophical essays. The prophet, Almustafa, has
lived in the foreign city of Orphalese for 12 years and is about to board a
ship which will carry him home. He is stopped by a group of people, with whom
he discusses topics such as life and the human condition. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The book is
divided into chapters dealing with love, marriage, children, giving, eating and
drinking, work, joy and sorrow, houses, clothes, buying and selling, crime and
punishment, laws, freedom, reason and passion, pain, self-knowledge, teaching,
friendship, talking, time, good and evil, prayer, pleasure, beauty, religion,
and death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Wanderer, The Forerunner,
Tears and Laughter, The Madman, Between Night and Morn, The Secrets of the
hearts, are collections of assorted poetry prose parables with philosophic or
at times even spiritual undertones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sand and Foam is a collection
of Poems and Sayings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Earth Gods is a beautiful
composition from the point of view of three Earth Gods who study what goes on
Earth and keep discussing their observations and issues. One of them wants to
get rid of his immortality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nymphs of the valley, Spirits
Rebellious, and The Broken Wings are a collection of fictional short story
parables.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><b>EXCERPTS:</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"We wanderers, ever
seeking the lonelier way, begin no day where we have ended another day; and no
sunrise finds us where sunset left us. Even while the earth sleeps we travel.
We are the seeds of the tenacious plant, and it is in our ripeness and our
fullness of heart that we are given to the wind and are
scattered." ~ The Prophet<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Half of what I say is
meaningless, but I say it so that the other half may reach you." ~ Sand and
Foam<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"The bad omen of one is
the good omen of another." ~ The Lion's Daughter, The Forerunner<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Substantial things deaden
a without suffering; love awakens him with enlivening pains." ~ A
Poet's Voice: Part 1, Tears and Laughter<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Alas! Sleeplessness has
weakened me! But I am a lover, and the truth of love is strong. I may be weary,
but I shall never die." ~ Song of a Wave, Tears and Laughter<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"I am sweeter than a
violet's sigh; I am more violent than a raging tempest." ~ Song of Love,
Tears and Laughter<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Yea, in your own soul your
Redeemer lies asleep, And in sleep sees what your waking eye does not see." ~ The
Earth Gods<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"This tide of ever
remembering and forgetting; This ever sowing destinies and reaping but hopes;
This changeless lifting of self from dust to mist, Only to long for dust, and
to fall down with longing unto dust, And still with greater longing to seek the
mist again." The Earth Gods<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Favorite lines:</b></span><span style="color: lime;"> </span><b><span style="color: lime;">"My
daughter, we ourselves are the infinately small and the infinately great; and
we are the path between the two." ~ The Path, The Wanderer</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Interesting Fact:</b></span> The opening
lines of "The Prophet" plays heavily on the "immortal"
quatrains (Century IV, Q30-Q31) of the largely discredited works of French
"seer" Nostradamus. Interestingly, Gibran's full name is Gibran
Khalil Gibran and to which the "number of the beast" 666 of
the Book of Revelation (which is itself regarded by Biblical scholars
as a dubious work) could easily have been ascribed by Gibran as referring to
himself. These unfortunate coincidences most likely inspired Gibran's opening
lines of "The Prophet".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><b>SURYEA SPEAKS:</b></span> </span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first thing
that one notices when one first begins reading this book is a sense of
familiarity. This sense of deja vu might be due to certain commonalities
between Gibran's philosophy and our own spiritual experiences. Since he
believed in the unity of all religion and even had strong connections with the
Bahai'i faith, people of most religions would enjoy his writings. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"The
Prophet" for example is an impressive compendium of different aspects of life.
Often quite practical, often the metaphysical; there is no doubt that Gibran's
words manage to transport you to a different magical realm and ultimately makes
up to be an interesting read. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unlike Aesop the Gibran parable
is hardly moralistic. It leans more on bleak irony and naturalism. Though they
both rely heavily on personification. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll cite a few examples here:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Themes like: <b>"A rich man
locked inside his iron safe, perishing from hunger amid heaps of gold."<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="color: lime;">Imagery like: "Look at the
Darkness, giving birth to the Sun."</span></b><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The comparison between the
materialistic and the sincere (which is considered Godlike) is central to
Gibran's writings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The thing I liked the most
about the poems and sayings collected under "Sand and Foam", was the artwork
between the lines. Not to mention, the author's very own illustrations that
have been used in this edition. The cover page artwork is also up to the mark.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The only issue that I had with
this copy is that the page numbers were not in proper sync with a master
"contents" table. The books were mentioned in an index but they had
their own separate "page numbers" independent of a common "table
of contents".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All in all, this is surely a
collector's item. It is also the kind of volume that everyone should have at
their homes. Happy reading!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Reviewed by Suryea for Dreams and Drama)</span></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Arpita Mahapatrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07777587589595613661noreply@blogger.com10