blogger tips blogging blogging trends facebook twitter tips how to post tweets to facebook fan page

Now we all know how to link our FB profile pages to our Twitter accounts and vice versa.  There are built-in apps for FB and Twitter that allow us to do this which does make life easier.  I found Tweetdeck to be a life saver when it came to publishing my company tweets to the company profile page on FB.  But the thing is, most of the above apps are for ‘profile’ pages !

I’ve spent the last few days trying various methods of integrating my tweets to my Facebook fan page but it’s been a futile effort ! The most I managed was to use Involver or Selective Tweets to publish to my FB Fan page however the drawback was that :

• Tweets were also getting published to my personal profile
• I had to use specific #fb hash tags which can be a pain to do
• I had to manually ‘publish’ the Tweets from the Tweets tab on the fan page

Today– I found the perfect solution thanks to my Twitter friend @spinsterlicious – who suggested that I use ‘HootSuite’.  Now seriously – how is it that this never once came up in any of the searches ! (and hence the reason for this post)

5 Steps To Posting Tweets to FB Fan Page

1.  Go to HootSuite.com

2.  Register and activate an account

3.  Add a Social Network

a) Your Twitter profile

b) Your Facebook account

• note at this point it will show your FB profile page and ask you to ‘allow’ access and permissions to Hootsuite
• click ‘allow’
• Log onto your FB account from the pop-up browser

4.  Once you see your FB account listed; you will also see all the ‘pages’ you subscribe to and also those that you are an ‘admin’ of.

• I’ve logged onto my company FB profile and can see the ‘page’ that I am admin off as shown below.
• Select the FB page that you want to link your tweets to by clicking the ‘+’ sign; which will then open as a new tab within the HootSuite application
• Start posting and scheduling tweets that you want to share on your FB Blog Page without worrying about all your personal tweets going on to your profile or the fan page !

5.  Add a Stream.

• Basically you will see a few tabs in the window which will show your Twitter profile, FB profile and FB fan page
• Adding a stream means connecting your FB fan page with your Twitter profile
• Select your Twitter Profile and the ‘type of stream’ you want i.e. all the tweets; or just the @mentions or only what you send out (I selected only ‘sent tweets’ for my company account)

And voila ! you are done ! I couldn’t believe how simple it was to publish tweets to just on my FB fan page ! All the other instructions I had seen were way too complex !

Have you got any other ways to publish your tweets directly to your FB fan pages ? Have you used HootSuite before ? If you did try out these instructions, do let me know your feedback :)

blogger tips blogging blogging how to tips blogging trends how to create a facebook page

Do you use FaceBook Pages ? I’m not talking about ‘Groups’ but ‘Pages’.  I do and I actually have created a few FB Pages for various clients and my own company AKA : A Klass Apart BUT I’ve always wondered how to go about making a FB page for my blog.

I’ve always known it was simple, but I realized that unless you did your homework on this, most people are not able to find / select a ‘blog’ or ‘website’ feature when creating pages.

I’ve put together 5 simple steps that outline how to create your new FB page for your blog.

1. Log in to Facebook.

• To create a page, you must have a personal account. If you don’t have your own account, go to the Facebook home page and sign up.

2. Go to Create New Facebook Page

• From the category options, chose “Brand, Product, or Organization”
• Scroll down on the drop down menu and choose “Website”.
• On the next section, enter the name of your page. I just used the name of my blog. Click “Create Page”.

3.  Customize Your Page

• Add an image from your desktop that best represents your blog
• Start filling in all the relevant sections with the info that you want to share with your audiences
• Set up your blog RSS feed to show your new posts in Facebook.  You can do this by ‘editing’ the ‘Notes’ section and using your blog URL or the RSS feed link that exists on your blog.

(I would offer to give more step-by-step methods in doing the above but with the constant FB changes, its better left simpler)

4.  Become a Fan of your own Page (very important – if you don’t do it, why would anyone else ?)

5.  Pimp your new FB Blog Fan Page to Cyberspace. 

• Tweet it !
• Tumble it !
• Update your FB profile to let your friends know you have a Blog (unless of course you don’t want them to know)
• Blog about it so your readers can become your fan on FaceBook
• and watch your fans grow !

There you have it – 5 easy steps on creating your very own FaceBook page for your blog.  I’ve just set mine, ‘Dazed Reflections of a Diva’ up today – so do go check it out whenever you have a chance.

For More Tips and For Visual Step-by-Step Guides check out:

1. How to create a FaceBook Page for your Blog by StandoutBlogger
2. How to create Facebook Page for your Blog by QuickOnlineTips
3. How to promote your blog with Facebook pages

100+ blog posts 200 blog posts blogger friends bloggerville blogging blogging thought process blogging trends

I’m smiling to myself as I write this and with good reason too … This very post that you are reading is my ….

Yup – that’s right – 200th blog post !! Quite exciting huh ?  Maybe not for you (if you’ve crossed that mark – or even if you haven’t) but it is for me. 

I don’t have anything prolific to say; nor any words of wisdom … what I do want to say will perhaps come out over the next 200 posts (unless something really bad happens to me) .. at least my sporadic reflections have managed to carve a small space in the blogosphere .. and for that I am grateful and thankful. 

If it wasn’t for all of my neighbours in Bloggerville (old and new) - I wouldn’t still be here. 

There are quite a few things I’d like to achieve by the end of the year in terms of the content that goes on to this haven of mine – and for that I need your support and feedback.

Whilst I ponder on how to keep you around for another few hundred posts – feel free to leave me a comment with some feedback about what you think about my sporadic reflections to date; any reflections that you’d like to read about this year; any tips or suggestions to improve your experience (and that will keep you coming back for more)

Seriously, a big shout out to all of you out there reading – thanks for stopping by and letting my sporadic reflections (and me) be a part of your life.

blog awards blogger tips blogging blogging trends experience how to improve google page rank insights interpretations people's perceptions personal opinions rambling random thoughts reasons why blogs suck reasons why my blog is cool significance

… and no I don’t think it sucks =P

It;s 5:01 a.m as I start this post and I’ve had a REALLY long few days .. been working from 10 a.m to 10 p.m as of yesterday on the documentary shoot and some client meetings; rushed home to get ready and head over for an Xmas party at a friends’ apartment by 11 p.m; got back around 4 a.m and I’m still awake !

So now that I’ve filled you in and you can appreciate my state of mind … I was blog hopping around the neighbourhood when I came across a tweet to 10 Reasons Why Your Blog Sucks by Edward Khoo.  The reasons come about pretty obvious when you read them but the perception described comes about in a really harsh manner.  If someone had to feel so angry or disgruntled after reading my blog – I would come away feeling pretty shyte ! I won’t put it all here but will give you a summary instead.

10 Reasons Why Some Blogs Suck =(

1. You use syndicated content. You cut & paste articles from sites across the net onto your blog.  You can, but you shouldn’t. Without unique content your blog is nothing.
2. Your blog is boring.  Write about topics that your reader, not topics that interest you.
3. Your blog revolves around your person. Stop talking about yourself already. Readers don’t know you personally, and couldn’t care less about your ramblings. Tell them Facts or stories, not boring personal stuff
4. Oh no, not your favorite music on auto-play!  Don’t add music to your site. Half the people won’t like it and the other half will find it’s a distraction.
5. You use clip art
6. No search boxes or archives.
7. Bad Grammar, typos, misspelled words, and poor punctuation.
8. Spinning Articles.  You write the same things others do that belong to your niche.
9. Irregular posting.
10. Your blog looks like 12023532989 other blogs.

Why My Blog Does NOT Suck

1. I don’t use syndicated content. I swear ! Last time I checked, I hadn’t copy-pasted anything other than my scribbles from my word docs to Live Writer once I got it downloaded.
2. My blog is NOT boring ! At least no one has said so or sent me ‘yawn’ comments.  I like to think I’ve got a variety of topics on hand ranging from Music; some Blogging Tips; Poetry new blog discoveries; and some deep & meaningful reflections as well.
3. My blog revolves around my person.  Why ? Because I am more likely to relate to things that interest me – impact me – and hence better able to convey those thoughts to my readers.
4. I don’t have any music on auto-play.  I have blogged about some of my favourite music and the Magic Of Melodies by using links and video streams but none are on auto play. 
5. I use any and all sorts of videos and images that I feel will enhance my sporadic thoughts and help you relate to whatever it is that I am writing about. And that includes clip art.  I don’t own a personal database of over a billion images representing all walks of the universe.  That’s what the Gods of Google are there for.  However I’ve been lucky enough to capture some real Mumbai Moments as well as some great shots on my camping trip with my own camera so that should count for something !
6. I have a search box on the top right corner of my blog !  I also have a really cool tool-bar (that took me forever to find) at the bottom of this page.  And even if the feature was not available – there’s always the CTRL F feature right there on your keyboard !
7. Did yuo konw taht as long as teh frist and lsat letetrs of a wrod are palced coerrclty tehn you can from the snectnece wihtuot any turolbe.  I got an A in English through my schooling years.  I am quite a stickler for good grammar so not only do I use spell-checks when writing posts – I have also added certain words such as ‘woohoo’ to the dictionary just so that I have less errors during the spell-checks =P  Being a blogger is about being able to express yourself at leisure, or even whilst on the move – and hence small errors every now and then is still acceptable. Aaznmig, huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghhuot slelinpg was ipmorantt!
8. I don’t spin articles – at least not intentionally.  I write about anything and everything (although I probably will never be able to write about ‘everything’) and considering there are over thousands of similar articles and posts across the blogosphere – there are bound to be similarity to my posts as compared to those who write with no fixed agenda.
9. My blog has been around for about 1.5 year and 152 sporadic thoughts old.  There were 28 posts between July ‘08 – Dec ‘08; and as of today excluding this post – 124 posts between Jan ‘09 and Dec ‘09 which is about 10 posts per month and 2-3 posts per week.  I’d like to think that makes a pretty regular blogger.  Ofcourse I could always try to write more .. but I can’t because I really can’t find the time to always be able to make a note of ‘everything’ that could perhaps be the most interesting content one would ever read.  I blog when I can – about whatever it is that I can – because I just ‘can’.
10. Some people actually like my blog and that’s good enough for me. I don’t blog because I’m trying to become an expert in my niche - I don’t even have a niche !  I’ve managed to receive awards from fellow bloggers – and  it was a total dazed blur of awards for me when I got 3 in September.  A few people out there thought my blog worthy of an award in the form of a JPG image which is pretty cool =) In fact one went on to call me an Awesome Girl too :)  My newbie blogger ego got the better of me at the start of the year and I nominated myself for the Bloggers Choice Awards (just for fun) and I’m proud to announce I got 18 votes – out of how many thousands I don’t know – for Best Blog About Stuff !
11. Various Blog Communities have given me some sort of decent ranking – even though I never asked to be ranked.  Don’t most of us belong to various blog communities or have been reading blogs for a while and hence got encouraged to write ?? because that’s how I got into blogging.  Besides the ranking status or Cyber Highway Traffic (as I like to call it) sort of gives one an idea of how other bloggers perceive their blogs.  I am not an expert – I’m not trying to be one – but I’d definitely like to know how I stand in the overall realm of things in blogosphere.
12. Lastly I’m not writing this post because I think my blog is ‘the bomb’ – that’s Bombchells department =) It’s not because I think that my blog is a Bitch Fab blog – that title totally goes to the Fab Bitch herself :) But the main reason that my blog doesn’t suck is because it’s MY blog and it’s all about My Sporadic Reflections =)

blogger tips blogging blogging trends blogs entrecard tips fastest way to drop entrecards

Most of you already know about EntreCard – and if you don’t – it’s basically being termed these days as ‘blogging currency’ and being seen on very popular blog sites.

Entrecard provides a unique way for you to market your blog.  It's purpose is to bring bloggers (and website owners) together through advertising widgets

It took me a while to understand the scenario but it seems to be a good way to advertise on other blogs too.  The sign up process is free and you must create your own Entrecard – which is like your Blog Business Card. 

The card must be 125 x 125 and visually appealing (but have you noticed that not everyone has the same idea about appealing hehe).  Mine looks like this right here … what do you think ?

Once you do this, you can go and check out other blogs via the EC site itself and ‘drop’ your card on other bloggers.  You can also, purchase adverts using the credits you have gained by ‘dropping’ on other blogs.

I’ve only been on EC for a few months and perhaps in the first 2-3 weeks – was a happy dropper but as my work schedule got busier and I got more into blogging, I found that I didn’t always have the time to drop on other EC bloggers.  Of course I kept going over to the blogs I enjoyed but didn’t go out of my way to find new blogs to drop on.

Then again, the purpose of me using EC is not to monetize my blog nor some desire to be the best known blog etc – it was purely (a) an initial testing zone to see if my blog could be popular (we all have egos here !); and (b) another way of finding blogs  that I might like.

Coming back to the topic,  Fastest Way To Drop Entrecards … this is not easy if you are using the Entrecard site.  Sometimes it takes two clicks on an EC widget on blogs before it accepts your drop.

I happened to come across two websites that stated they could help you drop 300 Cards in about 15 minutes ! I thought it was a bit crazy at first, but then decided to check it out last week whilst I was still at home.

The first one I found was over at IAmBuraot and it was pretty cool to be able to visit multiple blogs that I could read and do my EC drops on as well.  I found that the pages opened in multiples of 10 – which did make browsing a bit slow – but I got a chance to check out each blog; and if a blog link wasn’t working – it stated so.

The second one I came across -  just this morning in fact as  I was writing this post – is by VoiceofBragg.  I’m still testing this one out – and it does work.  Although I did notice was that via this widget – the blog pages don’t show up i.e. I can’t read the blogs, nor do I know what type of blogs I am dropping on.  However it is a quick way of dropping cards. 

My Conclusion :

I do enjoy visiting new blogs; and what better way to find new blogs AND have my dose of dropping cards.  I suppose some people are only using these for ‘drops’ and don’t really ‘read’ the blogs … but hey, every newbie wants to figure out how to increase traffic to their blogs right ? In the process if they find a bandwagon of fellow bloggers who actually also enjoy their blogs and reciprocate drops – that’s never a bad thing. 

Check both the sites out and let me hear your feedback on it if you are an EC user.

blogging floods of 2005 heavy rains july 2009 monsoons mumbai monsoons mumbai traffic rambling random thoughts water clogged roads

I just wish I could have taken a picture of the traffic hell I went through last night !!

It started raining (monsoon season here in India) early evening yesterday and by the time I left work there were huge puddles outside and I was drenched before I even got into my car !

The distance from work to home is a maximum of 13 kms … guess what … it took me 2.5 hours to travel that distance yesterday !!! 2.5 hours is not a joke !!! My mate MG and I were in the car – and we literally sat back and put on ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ on the laptop and watched most of the movie !!!

I live in South Mumbai and that’s the kind of traffic I faced going back home … I was feeling even worse for the people leaving town and heading towards the suburbs because there was a stretch of road for about 6 kms that was just chock-a-blocked with stand-still traffic !!! And MG wanted me to turn around to drop him home !!! yeaaaaaaaaaah right !!

And this is just the beginning !! This isn’t even close to the prediction for later this year ! Apparently this year the rains are going to be worse than the floods of 26th July 2005 … the forecast for this year is the highest tides (5.05 meters) that India would have seen in 100 years !   Mumbai's municipal council has admitted that it isn't equipped to handle more than 25 millimeters of rain per hour, coupled with a high tide of more than 4.5 meters (in 2005 it was 4.48 meters)

For those of you that don’t know it, the floods were caused by the eighth heaviest ever recorded 24-hour rainfall figure of 994 mm (39.1 inches) which lashed the metropolis, and intermittently continued for the next day. 644 mm (25.4 inches) was received within the 12-hr period between 8am and 8pm.  Torrential rainfall continued for the next week. (courtesy Wikipedia). 

I wasn’t in the city when this happened – but know of a lot of people who suffered due to the floods !   From the above picture – you can see how the cars were being flooded !

So … as the monsoon continues to pour in Mumbai; people will continue to battle traffic snarls and wade through waterlogged roads and huge potholes !!! And I’m going to drive myself crazy :(

blogging random thoughts readers or comments reflections writing

I came across this question whilst browsing online for some much needed inspiration … I found it over at Jack Be Nimble Avenue and just had to write about it  ..

After a few months of blogging and about 2 months of actively promoting and pushing my blog via Link Referral .. I now have 44 neighbours here in Bloggerville …

Do you guys really come and read what I have to say ? Or do you just sporadically swing by ? I’d like to think that all of my neighbours come and wander by whenever they get a chance – maybe not immediately when they get my feed / alert; but at some point.  I know there are quite a few of you who regularly comment on my thoughts – which I highly appreciate :)  I like to reciprocate and do the same for you … Besides you guys have such interesting things to talk about …

For those who come by – and don’t comment – you guys are Lurkers !! Don’t be grinning out there – my friend over at The Junk Drawer wrote in detail about Lurkers … check it out and let me know if you fit the profile :)

So what do you think is better ? More readers or more comments on your posts ? 

p.s. And NC – you must comment on this post otherwise I shall have to take you off the readers list ! See I mentioned you :P

blogging mumbles perspective rambling random thoughts reflections thoughts writing

I have lots to write about – but don’t know where to start.  Nothing makes much sense to me right now.  My mind is still fuzzy with antibiotics.

I’m also having trouble sleeping the last few days.  I’m a vivid dreamer and also usually a very light sleeper.  The antibiotics that I am taking are really messing with my body clock. 

I didn’t sleep very well last night; and it showed this morning.  I kept hitting the snooze button on my mobile alarm every 15 minutes for almost 1.5 hour today.  I just wanted an hour of peaceful sleep without the constant flow of  weird dreams =(

What I was really trying to do was ‘switch off’ the alarm completely but obviously that wasn’t happening with my face buried in the pillow !  When I finally woke up – I felt like I hadn’t slept the whole night.

I had a really sweet message from NC … “yo woman where the hell are you ?? I wanna see you 2nite” … It is sweet :)  She is missing me :)  At least someone is missing me !  We’ve been seeing a fair amount of each other – and I actually haven’t seen her since Saturday which is kinda weird and doesn’t feel right.   You would think this is a relationship of sorts – which it is – since we are blood related and all but it’s nice to have someone that you can see everyday and not get sick off … minus the emotional or physical connection that you would have with a man !

Does that mean I’m happier in my relationship with my cousin or would I rather want a relationship with a man ?  See the medication is making my mind go fuzzy !!

My boss HA just gave me a little jab on my side as he walked passed me … and I am super ticklish and super sensitive ! so of course yours truly just let out a high pitched shriek and practically jumped off my battered chair !

Oh I’ve moved offices … from a really sexy power office with ergonomical chairs to this cramped up office where 4 of us are sitting per long desk without even having enough room to move around !!  And I used to have my own private cubby hole ! This is so not fair ! I think these new chairs are the reason for a lot of back pain for me …

I’m meeting a few people tonight – TS – after work in fact which should be in about 45 minutes … He’s a banker; tall, quite cute, and a brilliant sense of humour … then I have to meet my other cousin NM, and then go and do ‘kriya’ with NC who feels that I need to ‘clear the air balloon in my head’ and I must allow her to ‘poke at it’ …

I think I have mentioned on another post somewhere that NC should come on and be a guest writer on my blog … She’s hillarious … Can the neighbours give her a round of applause so that she might be encouraged to share her with and humour with us all ?? Go NC go NC Gohhhh !!

It’s 6 p.m now and I should be getting off work in another 30 minutes or so … I’m supposed to call TS when I’m done – he’s gone home for a nap (lives close by to my office; oh and incidentally works in the same building as me too but currently working out of another office which is much closer to my house !) …

blogging blogs reflections thoughts weather writing

Can you believe that ? We’re already on 1st June ! That’s 6 months into the year 2009 … before you know – it’s going to be Christmas and New Year all over again …

It somehow feels as if time is just flying by these days … In September it will be 2 years that I have been in India … June 30th 2007 was when I came down to Mumbai for a very close girlfriends’ birthday; and she’s the main culprit behind getting me to move here … Wow … 2 years … 24 months .. that’s a long time  !

The monsoons are going to start in India soon … apparently July 24th is looking at a repeat of the floods that took place a few years ago … forecasts predict 24th July to have the highest tides in over 100 years !! jeez ! I better stay indoors … and I live right by the sea !!

The last 6 months have flown by … maybe it’s not so bad after all … the year will end soon and perhaps by then I’ll know what I want to do and where I want to be … There’s a lot going on in my mind; so many questions that need answering …. I hope I find those answers soon …

Until then … Happy 1st June to you all !! How’s the weather on your side of the globe ?

blogging blogs lyrics music music for the soul rhythm savage garden writing

This is one of the few songs that I know the lyrics off– or atleast most of the lyrics.

It’s amazing how there is a perfect song that can aptly describe how one is feeling at a particular moment in time.

I don’t know if I am in love – and if I am – who I am in love with ??  Perhaps the idea of being in love is appealing. 

I think I’ve reached a point in my life where I want to spend my time with someone who ‘means’ something to me; someone who I can’t imagine being without; someone who can make the impossible seem possible when I am with him.

The words of this song are so simple and yet have such depth and meaning behind it.  It would make my heart melt if someone had to dedicate this to me =)  It’s okay to wish isn’t it =P

The keyboard background is quite basic – just a set of various chords; the simple bass beats on the drums; there is the electric guitar somewhere in there too that makes its appearances … Its the simplicity behind the track that makes it so special.

I’m sure most of you have heard this song; even if you have or haven’t, do take a few minutes just to hear and read the lyrics (I found a version on YouTube that has the track with lyrics) … I can guarantee that once you read the words, it’ll leave a smile on your face. 

For those of you with significant others, I guess you can relate to this.  For those singletons out in the neighbourhood, our soul mate is out somewhere waiting to cross paths with us =) 

 

 

blogging blogs nature ocean breeze perception rambling random reflections sea thoughts water writing

Note:  I wrote this post on 28th May but only managed to upload it this morning

I am sitting on my maternal grandparents terrace which overlooks the sea face .. their house is located in an area aptly named Worli Sea Face …

I love chilling out on this terrace … it’s huge !! In terms of space – at least 75 people could hang out here with a full blown bar hehe but I am side tracking …

I’ve been sitting here for the past 2 hours and just enjoying the sounds of the sea; hearing the waves crashing against the rocky shoreline; and feeling the light breeze against my skin.

I managed to take a few pictures … what do you think ?

Isn’t the view just stunning ??  Whenever I am here – I feel like I am not in Bombay.  It’s as if I am away from the dirt and grime of an over populated city and have been transported elsewhere. 

It’s just really nice to be out here … I am a nature lover and have always loved the water … If the sea was cleaner and not so dirty – I would have enjoyed taking a dip in the water … but alas you don’t always get what you want …

The time has flown by – and I’ve not coughed too much; even had a light  dinner out here – a traditional dish which can only be perfected at my grandmothers’ house – so a source of comfort for me =)

Check this photograph out … I basically had to lie down flat on the terrace and angle the camera upwards so as to be able to capture the palm tree, clouds and the moon.  Of course the moon was more crescent and since I’m not using a professional camera it looks like it is more full than crescent – but I still think it’s a really cool picture :)

Maybe I needed this ‘breath of fresh air’ to get out of my sick-mode … I’ve been ill so many days now – that I feel that I have forgotten what it is like to be outside .. since I’m not really allowed to go out and walk around etc.  Damn ! I should have come here sooner !

blogging blogs ocean poems poetry thoughts water writing

The waves come close

kissing rocky shorelines

Soothing sounds of water

echoing all around

 

The whispering breeze

titillates your senses

until you surrender yourself

to their magical words

 

Like a breath of fresh air

caressing your skin

playing with your hair

stroking your face

 

Inhale the fragrance

of the salty waters

and allow yourself to be

lifted by the breeze

 

Inhale. Experience. Enjoy

actions blogging blogs charity donations free health care good cause good deeds human nature insights karma mammograms reflections thoughts

Over the past few weeks I have come across some websites which support good causes – primarily addressing the Hunger issues faced by many people across the globe.

Whilst browsing online today – I came across an Univited Writer who I think would be a great addition to our amazing neighbourhood in Bloggerville; and she is also a Cyber Supporter for Good Causes.

What is a Cyber Supporter and how do you join the club is probably what you are thinking right about now …. I am aware that not all of us have the free time or funds to continuously support good causes such as ‘Feed a Hungry Child’; ‘Adopt a Dolphin’; or even donate clothes … but all of us have access to Internet (otherwise we wouldn’t be out here in Bloggerville), and all of us have the ability to point our mouse on a ‘CLICK’ button.

Here are some great websites that you can visit and show your support for humanity, animals and the rain forests too – all with the simple click or tap of your finger.

Free Rice is not only a website that supports a good cause – it also helps us improve our general knowledge skills with multiple choice game broken into various subject areas. As with Uninvited Writer, I also enjoy the Vocabulary game and have reached level 30 and have been able to donate (today) 500 grains of rice to feed the hungry.

I have added various banners to my blog page to show my support of these causes, which include :

• The Hunger Site where every click gives 1.1 cups of food to feed the hungry;
• The Breast Cancer Site site which allows women to avail of a Free Mammogram;
• The Rainforest Site which aids in protecting endangered habitats – so a must visit for any nature lovers out there;
• The Animal Rescue Site where every click counts towards giving free food and care for animals that have been abused or abandoned;
• The Child Health Site where your click allows sponsors to provide free health care for those children in need; and
• The Literacy Site which provides free books for children so that they can learn to read and write just like you and me – a click from us and we can help a child attain literacy.

As my fellow neighbours in Bloggerville– I’m sure you understand the value of what we could achieve if we all showed support – together – for such good causes. Granted – it won’t necessarily make an immediate impact but if you also spread the word, somewhere out there a child, a woman, an animal and perhaps even endangered species will be sending us blessings for our support.

Have you shown your Cyber Support today ??

advertisements adverts air new zealand blogging blogs nothing to hide perceptions rambling random reflections

 

My friend AM had posted this link up on his FaceBook and I thought it was a pretty cool advert.   I really like the way the producer has made the advert – there’s nothing obscene about it AND doesn’t look like there is anything to hide either =)

 

 

Living in India at the moment also means being subjected to some really bad advertisements on telly – which sometimes are so pointless – it makes you wonder what the brand managers and producers were thinking when they thought of the concept of the advert !!

Considering that there are some amazing creative geniuses in this country – their talent doesn’t always come out to the public – and when it does – it’s to a very select audience.  The majority of TV adverts are made for the masses and very few are actually made for the classes. 

 

If a similar sort of advert was done for the Indian audiences – that would just become the next big headline and cause for scandal !! Lord only knows how many lawsuits might follow !!

 

I will be hunting for some examples to show you guys and will put this together for another post.

blogging blogs feelings life love perceptions reflections relationships serendipity thoughts universe writing

Do you know what the word Serendipity means ?  It’s such a sweet sounding word right ?  It means – a fortunate accident.  Dictionary.com describes it as an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.   Wikipedia states Serendipity is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely.

 

I was flicking channels earlier today and came across the movie Serendipity – which is a movie that I’ve always been fascinated by.  I watched it – after quite a few years; and it mad me smile back to a few incidents over the past few months; and made me very glad for my actions of last night.

 

Quite a few months back – I met SK – and it was an entirely random encounter.  We had met online; got talking online; eventually graduated to text messages and then finally on the phone.  We had not ‘met’ each other as yet.  So we met.  We had planned to go for a long drive and just chat.  Driving anywhere in Bombay can become a long drive – but we were being adventurous – let’s go somewhere else.

 

I basically drove almost 100 km outside of the city limits with a complete and utter stranger who I did not know anything about aside from what he had told me online and on texts etc.   I even lay flat down on the curve of an uphill road risking being run over by cars that could be driving around.

 

The reason I tell you about SK is because he introduced me to the concept of metaphysics.  You have probably heard the term – but may not know about it  - I was pretty clueless about the subject myself.   SK has now started a Blog which I would definitely recommend checking out when you get a chance.

 

Here’s an excerpt from his blog which really touched something inside of me.  I have been feeling restless and slightly incomplete; in the sense that I have been wanting to do something but haven’t done it – and after reading SK’s blog – I knew I just had to do whatever it was that was on my mind.

 

Whether its praise, love, criticism, money, time, space, power, punishment, sorrow, laughter, care, pain, or pleasure… the more you give the more you will receive..

So indulgence is the best thing to do…

Don’t say No… Just go into it and experience the moment….

It’s just being like a river… Following a direction … keep flowing… you may wander different routes but you will reach the ocean at last (that’s the goal)… but if you go stagnant… there will be dirt settling over you….

A flowing river always depicts strength, beauty, health, and freshness…
So we just need to flow… Never stop… do everything that comes your way… coz if it’s come in your way… It’s for you…

 

Pretty deep huh ?  As I said – these words struck a chord somewhere inside of me; and that in turn has helped me settle the internal volley of words going on inside of my head and I have finally taken my own self-advice.

 

I emailed the man.  I just put my thoughts out on paper (well on gmail) and have sent it across to him via cyber space and told him how I feel and that it would be nice to know how he feels about the situation.   I don’t know if I will hear from him; if he will ever respond; but at least I have done what I had to do and told him.  Now it’s up to life – fate – destiny – karma – whatever you want to call it – to determine the outcome.

 

I sent that email around 4 a.m yesterday; and now I feel like my Facebook status … I am letting myself go to the universal energy flows … wonder what this ride is gonna be like !!

 

The series of events which led me to send that email included having written the email almost 3 weeks ago but never actually sending it out; then reading SK’s blog the night before; finally being able to just send the email out; and to top it off – watching the movie Serendipity today post the email etc. 

 

Here’s a memorable quote from the movie which I feel sums up how I feel about my actions.

 

Life is not merely a series of meaningless accidents or coincidences, but rather, it's a tapestry of events that culminate in an exquisite sublime plan.

blogging blogs cricket life movies rambling reflections Scrubs tv shows writing

Morning all !!

 

It’s 6:00 a.m. in Mumbai and I’m wide awake ….I haven’t gone to bed as yet from last night.  I’m feeling slightly better.  Can’t believe I stayed home on a Friday night … then again in the condition I’m in – what else could I do ??

 

NC has been hanging out with me almost every day since I’ve been unwell … we chill; catch up over random gossip; make our future business plans and tonight – we totally vegetated having my place all to ourselves.

 

For all the cricket lovers out there – and NC is quite the cricket fan (guys – grab this girl now – you won’t find anyone else who might tolerate sports !!) … We watched the 2nd half of the first semi-final round between The Delhi Daredevils and Deccan Chargers of the IPL T20 series taking place in South Africa.   It turned out to be quite a fast paced match which was good for me and very exciting for the crowd watching it live.   I’m not a huge cricket fan – however since the T20 is much shorter than regular cricket and this was a heated match – the highlights are so worth watching ! Especially Adam Gilchrist – wow he can bat !!!

 

Then we debated over which movie to watch … and I won’t even begin to tell you which one we did end up watching .. If I told you – I might never live the teasing down – so I will keep that a secret between NC and myself … but maybe if my meds kick in much later – I will let you know.

 

At about 2 a.m NC decides she has to go home – despite the fact that she quite literally lives 2 minutes away from my place if we had to drive; or about 2 blocks / 400 meters …. So drove her back home in my PJ’s.  For a Friday night – the roads resembled ghost town.  I wonder if something happened last night.

 

Came back home, and nowhere close to being tired (could’ve been the green tea that gave me some energy) – started watching the TV show Scrubs.   Now, I’m down 10 episodes in Season 3 and wishing you all a Very Good Morning !!!

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Nope – I’m not getting married.  Nor do I need wedding advice.  But in my highly medicated and delirious state of mind – I forgot to mention some big news that came to me the other day.

Last Friday as I pulled into my parking spot about a block away from work (this is another blog post altogether); I received an unexpected phone call.  In case you don’t already know; by profession I am an Events & Wedding Planner.  Yes – just like J-Lo in Wedding Planner – and NO – I don’t wear tight skirts that mould my ass or walk around in high heels because that is not even remotely possible if one was a ‘real’ wedding planner !

 

This phone call was from a company called WeddingSutra.com and they have asked me to … hold your breath now .. feel the excitement in the air … and the fanfare music …  consider writing a Wedding Diary style Column for them for the online magazine !!!

How exciting is that ??  I was super chuffed that they even considered me to do this :)   Now I just have to think of superbly witty headlines for my future stories !

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I can’t believe I got the damn FLU ….. AGAIN !!! This is the 2nd time in a space of less than a month. 

When I last mentioned my nasty flu it was on 29th April … I suppose I even know the reasons behind how I got ill the first time around … but this relapse is just not called for .. it’s plain unfair !!

I haven’t been to work since Monday – I’m going crazy at home just suffering from my symptoms.  How on earth am I supposed to function if my body temperature see-saws between 100°-102°F ??

My FaceBook status updates have included :

18th May : had to succumb to the doctors' needle today ... I hate being sick ... makes my brain fuzzy and efficiency levels low =(

19th May :  really can't think much with 102 fever; a nasty cough; super blocked nose; hot & cold flushes; antibiotics galore ... I just want the damn pain to go away !!!

20th May :  2 injections today; 5 different antibiotics for the next few days; aches & pains all over my body; the inability to eat or drink anything; and a complete relapse of the damn viral throat infection ..... could there be anything else wrong with me ??? ... AND it started raining today !!! =(

 

I just don’t understand it !!  As you can see – I’ve gotten from bad to worse – with no signs of improvement.   I haven’t been able to eat anything for the last few days – nothing is staying in my stomach.  Not even liquids.  I must have had my face down the toilet bowl at least 25 odd times in the past 48 hours.  Did I mention I had a blood test yesterday where they took out about 2.5 vials of blood ??

 

I did manage to get some sleep last night though.  Very hot & bothered sleep – but it was sleep nonetheless.  I needed it.  The classic bit is that on Monday night – I took a sleeping tablet that normally would knock one out for about 10-12 hours …. but did that work for me ?? Noooooooo ! I woke up within 2 hours – and then was left with a pounding migraine for another 3 hours – and yes I was back on my  bathroom floor shuffling between the toilet bowl and the wash-basin.

 

So here I am now – 2 vaccines down for the day; had 3 of my 5 antibiotics (will wait till I am about to pass out before taking the other 2); and a strained neck; a hot water back behind my back rested up against a pillow … trying to call out to my neighbours because my throat obviously has no energy ….

Please go get a Flu shot if you haven’t already done so .. there’s a nasty virus in the air and really – I don’t want any one of you to feel even 0.05% as miserable as I am feeling !!

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I’ve been feeling this tune for a few years now … I don’t even remember the first time I heard it but about 2 years ago – for a period of a few weeks – I had to hear this track at least once a day to get my daily fix.

 

Curiosity always gets the better of me and I went to go dig up the video (Thank you God for bringing YouTube into our lives!).  I watched it – and it’s really not what I expected for the kind of track that it is.  Although to be honest – I didn’t really have any sort of expectation of the video.

 

 

I quite like the start of the track … The vibes off the tune just make me want to get lost in the music … I’m normally not one for lyrics – but I like the lyrics on this one.   Perhaps I haven’t paid too much attention to them – however in my mind – the beats combined with the vocals make for a very sexy song !  There’s that sexual innuendo behind the music .. do you feel it too ?

Have you heard this song before ? What do you think about it ?  I can associate this track with some good times =)  There have been special moments in the past; if I’m feeling nostalgic – I might backtrack and reminisce on some memories – but then pull myself together … sometimes that feeling can be too much or too intense.

beats blogging blogs feelings music music for the soul passion rhythm sounds thoughts writing

Was going through my collection of images that I liked and came across this one which I wanted to share with you all.

What do you think about this picture as a whole ? The image and the text ? It really caught my attention. I love the tribal drum; the blurry hands and hint of knee.

I haven’t written about music in a while. I’ve been keeping it to myself almost. Rhythm and beats are quite a part of my daily life. I am not OTT – I don’t even own an iPod; and my last possessed MP3 player is playing a disappearing act with me. I have close to 3464 tracks of music on my laptop which include a huge variety of English, Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi, French, and Spanish songs.

I can’t go about in a moving car without music. When I was younger – the only way I could fall asleep would be if I had the stereo playing something in the back ground. Nowadays - after learning the value of paying my own electricity bills – I no longer do that =(

I’m currently listening to Armin Van Buuren’s – Face to Face (Martin Roth Remix) and it’s a perfect tune for a ‘pick-me-up’ and a great way to start a Monday morning =)

The music starts of slightly loud with a back beat that’s gradually building it’s tempo … there are some very light vocals which blend into the background – and you can still feel that pulsing beat building up … It’s continuous rhythmic flow is almost hypnotising – you could almost forget the additional beats on the track … and that’s just the beginning !

The beats are uplifting, and have a melodic flow through out. Even if you aren’t a house or funky house listening – I’m sure you’d be able to hear this track out at least once. The electric piano comes in around 2:44, leaving behind its single solitary notes, echoing throughout - there is a slow momentous build up – it flows directly into you with every breath inhaled … Close your eyes, and just feel the music, let the beats vibrate through your body, let it reach your soul … Did you just feel the pull against your heart ? Let your blood dance through your veins in tune with the rhythms behind this track … Feel the finale of the track wash through your entire body – leaving behind a tingling sensation ?