Gathering Seashells

gathering seashells

while ocean tide rise and falls

two sisters bicker

                    (Sun)

My Continuation - 

gathering seashells

while ocean tide rise and falls

two sisters bicker

over the colors they choose

one loves red, the other blue

This Tan Renga is shared with Carpe Diem's Tan Renga Challenge Month #XXIV, Sun's ''gathering seashells''.

Life's Like That - Review

To read the full review, click here.

Title: Life's Like That
Author: Prashant V. Shrivastava
Publisher: Blackbuck Publication
Publication Year: 2013
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Fiction
No. of Pages: 224
Price: Rs 150
My Rating: 1/5

A Country For Men - Review

This book tells the ugly truth about India. A girl born in India is considered to be a liability right from her birth, she has to suffer at difference stages of her life from the very people who are supposed to love her, cherish her.

The increasing number of incidents of rapes and other dreadful acts against women had made things worse for them. now they aren't safe even inside their homes. 

The book is the historical, geographical and social view of the hate culture that the women are forced upon. 

About the Author

Rohit Kumar Singh Jadon (RKSJ) has always taken a keen interest in travelling and the questions about life, which are hard to answer. An engineer by profession and a writer by passion; after being in and out of many jobs his passion have taken over his profession and he is now totally driven towards writing. After the success of his first book, A Short Affair Called Life, he has written a much bolder book. This book is all about the injustice the women of this country face every day.

The author clearly states “This book isn't another entertaining story; it’s the ugly and terrifying truth of Our Nation.” So be prepared for hard hitting revelations instead of candy floss romances. Get ready to delve deep into the evils of modern society, and pray for the emergence of a savior who can rescue us from the drugged mentality that has chained the countrymen since time unlimited, ‘cause only a miracle can be our messiah, and guide us to the light.

Author Rohit Kumar Singh Jadon, better known as RKSJ, narrates the misdeeds that have been happening in this country against women since years. Rapes, sexual exploitation and violation of women rights have always been a black spot in our nation. We feel proud to call ourselves Indians, but the reality lowers that pride. How can we call ourselves as citizens of a progressive nation if we cannot take care of our women?

RKSJ highlights the incidents that have shamed the beautiful culture of our country that we often boast of. While we pray to Goddesses, we harm the women who are supposed to be reflections of those Goddesses. Contrasting, but true. The so-called ideologies of providing equal opportunities to women are fake, ‘cause safety also comes directly under the list of opportunities. If the women do not feel safe in their own nation, their motherland, where will they go?

And think of it, we still refer India as our MOTHERland – again, a sharp contrast to the actual plights of mothers and sisters and daughters and all girls and women in this country.

What could be the reason for the increased rate of crime against women? RKSJ points one of the reason to be the patriarchal mind-set of the society. He says that since women are also pursuing jobs and making a career of their own, men often feel threatened and to showcase their own power, they perform such dastardly acts.

Why can’t we all live in peace?

Though there are several men who are good, the country is still an unsafe place for women due to some who ruin the image of the society. The number of rape cases in the country has seen an exponential rise in the last few years, and the numbers keep increasing. The Government has made several bold talks, and planned to implement measures that would probably curb this evil, but unfortunately, most of them are still in the planning stages, and the ones that have been executed, have failed to really come up with positive results. Crimes are still happening, and in larger numbers.

What should we do then? Where are the loopholes? Perhaps it’s in the way the criminals were brought up in this society. Perhaps, there are flaws in the current system that fail to curb the animal instincts of these men. Perhaps, a better education system, or perhaps …

This book is an eye – opener. We can be proud of India winning the World Cup, but we should be equally ashamed of the atrocities carried out to women in this nation. Perhaps, it’s time to weave miracles, and believe in the power of good, to eradicate this evil from the society.

Title: A Country for Men

Author: Rohit Kumar Singh Jadon (RKSJ)

Publisher: Blackbuck Publication

Publication Year: 2013

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Non - Fiction

No. of Pages: 150

Price: Rs 130

My Rating: 4/5

A Healthy Kid, A Healthy Nation

My eyes closed, my lips tight

And yet I know, you love me right

Enclosed in your care, I live and grow

As I remember moments, not so long ago.

A cry anew, loud and shrill,

Welcoming the world, and its thrill,

Oh, these joys of colors and light,

Learning the rules of day and night.

I grow by your side,

Enjoying the ride,

Living the days,

You teach me the ways.

And then comes the horror,

Immunization terror,

Scared of the expected pain,

My little mind goes insane.

But you hold my hands tight,

“Do not fear, it will be all right.”

True to your words, it didn't hurt,

The thought of crying evaporated in mirth.

Polio drops, BCG,

Pentaxim and Hepatitis B,

Measles, influenza and pox,

Vaccination packages in the box.

Am I now fit to walk the world?

Can I now fight the stones that are hurled?

The deeds are still half complete,

The protective layer isn't yet deep.

Healthy living is healthy eating,

Nutrients served, germs retreating,

You cook me food that’s simply the best,

They nourish me complete, and are perfect in taste.

I go out to play, cricket and football,

Outdoor sports help overall,

And a glass of milk when I return,

I grow stronger, and fitter, in turn.

As I pass through the phases of childhood,

By my side you have always stood,

It is your love and care that makes me, me

That’s why I am immune, wouldn't you agree?

You guarded me from evil,

Saved me from devil,

Instilled in me hope and freedom,

Made me the prince of your kingdom.

And that’s all what a child needs,

Toys come and go, but they don’t feed,

Children grow with parents’ love,

Immunity greets you like a pure white dove.

United we stand for a stronger nation,

Kids need care, and all the attention,

Let India be the superpower in this fitness game,

Children of this country will ignite the flame.

Note: All the images are taken from various sources in the Internet. Clicking on the images will redirect to their respective sources.

This is my official entry to An Immune India contest organized by Indiblogger in association with Dabur Chyawanprash.

Homepage of Dabur Chyawanprash: http://www.daburchyawanprash.com/

An.Al – The Origins - Review

There are legends, myths, fables and parables. And the tale of the man with two heads is one of them. When the invitation to play is a dead, mutilated stray dog stuffed inside a gunnysack, you know that the game is going to be dangerous and that the only way to stop the madness is to understand it. And to hope that when the time comes, the knife finds a sweet spot. This is where it all began . . . this is the story of the man with two heads.

About the Author

Athul DeMarco resides in Bangalore. For now. He is a design researcher who is constantly on the move. When he is not travelling, he is seated, in his boxers, writing on his laptop or shouting at the television. He took a break from a cushy job and gave up on a company expense account in 2009. Bored and disillusioned with early morning flights, he remembered what somebody had once mentioned, ‘If you like travelling, writing, and meeting people, and are always trying to figure out what people are thinking, you either become a researcher or you start to live their lives . . .’

And so, he now spends his time writing stories instead of making PowerPoint presentations.

He is delusional when it comes to cricket and believes that Ajit Agarkar is the greatest player of all time. He also believes that Sherlock Holmes truly exists. Athul’s body clock suggests that he is currently residing in Japan. He is unsure of most things, but firmly believes that he is 1/16th of everything.

An.Al – The Origins is his debut novel.

A twisted killer on the run, a corrupt cop eager to buy favors, and a man with two heads playing the detective – what do you call this conglomeration? Simple, you define it as “An.Al – The Origins”.

I did not know what prompted Athul DeMarco to come up with this book until I read his interview that’s posted in the last few pages of this novel, and I was glad he did come out of the tired and cliched formulae that have flooded the bookstores in recent times, and devise a plot so unique, engrossing and spine chilling that you would get drawn deep into its mysteries, unearthing the suspense, and going on the kill with your own set of theories.

“An.Al – The Origins” is not your usual run of the mill story. It’s macabre, violent, gory and scary, and thus it’s unique, enticing you with a flavor you have never tasted before, a delicacy unnamed, yet enjoyable.

The story is a cat and mouse chase story, thought, with lots of differences. Anita is the culprit here, killing people, and feeding on them. Yes, you heard that right. Due to her rather bizarre upbringing, she finds herself alienated from the societal norms, and isolates herself into a world of her own, filled with memories of her dead parents, who instilled in her the characteristics that are as different from human traits as chalk and cheese. However, her crimes do not go unnoticed, and here comes the hero, or rather the heroes, in the frame. Alfie and Andy, conjoined twins, dive deep into the mystery, and using their skills and wits, get to the root of the puzzle.

What’s new with the story you would say. There have been so many tales revolving around killers and criminals, with the super cop or the intelligent detective tracking them down. I agree. However, what really differentiates this book is the treatment of the plot. The language makes you visualize the scenes, and you see the chapters transform into events happening right before your eyes.

Full credit goes to the author, Athul. The progressions are lucid, and well described. There are no significant glitches, and the story flows seamlessly. You wouldn't really like to keep this book down. You fall in love with the characters and their characterizations, both good and evil, and admire the different shades reflected in the story. If you are a book lover, you got to have this in your collection.

However, I was a tad disappointed with the final showdown between the twins and Anita. The author had really raised my anticipations of a mind-blowing climax, but well, it wasn't as big as I thought. Now, let me not get too critical here since to be honest, whatever the writer presented was really good. It’s just that I had expected a bit more going towards the last few chapters of this book.

That wouldn't stop me from reading the next part of the series though, whenever it comes out. I really enjoyed reading it, and I am sure you would too.

Title: An.Al - The Origins

Author: Athul DeMarco

Publisher: Prakash Books India

Imprint: Fingerprint Publishing

Publication Year: 2013

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction

No. of Pages: 264

Price: Rs 250

My Rating: 4/5

These Three Letters

had words been enough

stories wouldn't have strayed

their normal path

looming over uncertainties

defined not by destinations

but three letters -

E - T - C

tales clubbed

and packaged

these three letters

encompass the cosmos

and we live

among

etc

This poem is shared with

• Sunday Scribblings - etc,
• dVerse Poets Pub - Open Link Night,
• Imaginary Garden - Opne Link Monday.

Blood

crimson hues

when mixed with water

lost and dissolved

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Heights - Blood.

Seven

seven seas

do separate the lovers

but not their love

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Heights - Seven.

Traditional Knowledge, Natural Growth

Want your babies to rock the world? Yeah, that’s something we all wish for – bright, intelligent, healthy kids. No kidding about kids of course.

Parenting is a tough job, and I realized it all the more when my wife shouted on me one bright Sunday morning when I bought a flavored synthetic baby massage oil from the market. I had seen its ad on TV, and owing to the brilliant offer that was on display (buy two, get one free), I instinctively added it to my purchases, only to be mocked by my wife – “What will you know about babies? Pehle tum khud to bade ho jao (You need to grow up first).”

It’s always the right product that makes all the difference. Soon, I was able to differentiate between the best and the rest, in terms of baby products. Fatherhood does teach you lot. The added responsibilities motivate you to learn, and learn, for the benefit of your child, and your family.

Being a father, well, equates to being satisfied, and being happy.

With time, and little assistance from my better half, I learnt about Ayurvedic and natural products that help a baby in his/her growth. Synthetic products are a strict no – no, as they can adversely affect the baby in ways more than one.

Baby massage should be carried out regularly, as it helps the baby in his/her growth, strengthening muscles, increasing blood circulation, and eliminating toxins. The massage starts immediately after birth, and continues for a few years. When a baby is born, a cleansing massage is done using a soft wheat-dough ball, added with almond oil and turmeric. This is performed for the first one week.

When a baby is between one and three weeks old, he/she should be massaged daily with dough ball. Once the baby is one month old, massage with the hand begins, and is carried daily till the baby is 3 months old. During this period, maximum time should be utilized in massaging the spine, back, neck, waist, hands and feet.

The massage can be continued till the baby is 2 -3 years old, depending on his/her overall growth and development.

So that is it. I made it a point to ensure that only the right products are bought for my baby. After all child care is all about giving your baby the natural love, not synthetic.

This is my official entry to Traditional Knowledge, Natural Growth contest organized by Indiblogger in association with Dabur Lal Tail.

Cashkaro.com - Review

So here goes the deal. You buy something, and we will pay you back a certain amount of cash that you have spent. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

And why wouldn't it be? We all love money, and the thought of receiving back a percentage of what we spend is simply unbelievable; but trust me, fantasy can be true at times.

For, when there is Cashkaro.com, the shopping dreams you have nurtured all through can finally come true.

Now comes the big question - why and how would Cashkaro pay you back? Well, here goes the detail:

1) Join Cashkaro.com and create an account. It’s free.

2) Search for the website you want to shop at. Cashkaro has collaboration with over 350+ top websites, and thus you have all the more flexibility to go for the best deals.

3) Cashkaro.com provides discount coupons and cashback. So whatever you decide to buy, you will always have the satisfaction of earning the best deal.

4) After you purchase something from the retailer’s website via its link on Cashkaro, you will get cashback into your account. Once you have Rs 250 in confirmed cashback in your Cashkaro account, you can request payment to your bank account as well.

Pretty cool, yes, and that’s what prompted me to try it out, and to be honest, I wasn't disappointed. 

My Experience

I created my account in Cashkaro and started browsing through the list of discounts and cashbacks that were on offer. I was totally floored by the number of sites that are associated with Cashkaro.com. Trust me, you got to check it to believe it. 

Being a book lover, I browsed through the offers on books. I liked one that was provided on SnapDeal, and clicked on the link and was redirected to the SnapDeal website. I made my purchases as usual, and logged off. Soon I received an email intimation from Cashkaro team stating that I will be receiving cashback for my purchase shortly.

Soon, true to their words, I received cashback in my Cashkaro account. What is more exciting is that I can transfer it to my bank account, thus using it as a real cash.

Wow!

Verdict

Cashkaro won my heart with the brilliant offers they have in store. You can buy anything, everything, and even plan holidays and book travel tickets from your favorite sites online, at the same time availing amazing discounts, offers and cashback. The interface is smooth, and crisp, clearly highlighting the ease by which a user can navigate. Rather, the site has been designed keeping in mind the needs of all kinds of users. There is something for everyone, and that’s the best thing about it.

There are several websites in the market that offer discounts and coupons for online purchases, but what differentiates Cashkaro from the rest is the high professionalism and ethics that is driven by their team. Whenever I had a doubt, there was always someone ready to address my concerns. In fact, I never felt that I was interacting with them online. It was more of a direct communication, with my confusions and doubts being addressed instantly.

Final Words

Go for Cashkaro.com. It should be instantly added to the browser’s favorites’ list of all those netizens who love shopping online. It’s always exciting when you get back cash after making a purchase, isn't it?