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ADMIN

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Blog Entries posted by ADMIN

  2. ADMIN
    People across the country are celebrating India's 71st Republic Day and so is Gaana in its own musical way. 'Vande Mataram' is not just a song, it's an emotion that binds millions of people together in a thread. So there can't be a better way to pay tribute to the country's musical roots and diversity, than by reimagining the song that holds a special place in our hearts. With their campaign, 'Discover India on Gaana', the music streaming app in its first-ever attempt, tries to bring every Indian closer to their roots and give them a chance to rediscover the country and the vibrant mix of musical ethnicities it offers.Β 

    The app has curated 50+ playlists according to destinations so that the music lovers can enjoy popular native melodies from a particular region, along with rich media cards that feature trivia about the tune's origin, popular genres and artists. Gaana CEO, Prashan Agarwal said, "In a world more divided than ever, as the largest music app, we felt it is upon us to revive our collective sense of camaraderie. Music is one of the few strains of humanity that has the sublime power to cut across cultures, faiths, and borders to evoke our shared sense of culture, folklore, and music."

    He further said, "To that effect, we have curated playlists that bring out the flavor of our music and our people as we tip our hats to one of the greatest songs that celebrates our spirit of unity. This Republic Day, we invite every Indian to discover and celebrate the music of our nation - only on Gaana."Β 


    For this campaign, they brought together 9 budding artists from across the states to reinvent 'Vande Mataram'. The artists are Amrita Nayak, Diya Ghosh, Subhechha Mohanty, Simran Sehgal, Aswin Ram, Jishan Ali Thobani, Ashish Patil, Sandesh Motwani, Antareep Hazarika and Illiyana Gogoi; who add their own cultural flavours to pay tribute to the country's diversity, and celebrate the nation's heterogeneity and classical essence. So, what are you waiting for when the chance of listening to culturally rich and indigenous music is just a tap away?Β 

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  3. ADMIN
    As much as we would like to believe and announce that our furry friends are pure bundles of joy and angels, the truth is that sometimes they can be absolute jerks and totally unapologetic about it. Particularly, our feline friends. Living with cats under the same roof is one of the hardest things in the world, and if anyone tells you otherwise, then they've probably never lived with one. On top of it, if your cat has a resting bitch face 24x7, gives you death stares while lurking in some dark corner of the room at 3 in the night, then it's a living nightmare.

    But, turns out no matter how bad you think your pet is, she or he is clearly not a match in front of the 'world's worst cat', who has recently been put up for adoption and her bio is as savage and honest as it can get. Perdita, a 4-year-old foul-tempered cat, has been labelled as the 'world's worst cat' by the people at Mitchell County Animal Rescue in North Carolina and they have their own reasons to do so. They have been taking care of Perdita, ever since she lost her owner. Initially, they thought she was sick, but turns out she's "just a jerk". And Perdita's vet vouches for that. So they decided to post a brutally honest adoption advertisement on their page, because 'honesty is the best policy'.Β 
    Β 
    The advertisement reads, "Perdita, we thought she was sick, turns out sheΓ’s just a jerk" for the world's worst cat who has now become 'world's most loved and famous cat'. The organisation further wrote, "Meet Perdita, not for the faint of heart. LIKES: staring into your soul until you feel as if you may never be cheerful again; the song Cat Scratch Fever, the movie Pet Cemetery (Church is her hero), jump scares (her specialty), lurking in dark corners, being queen of her domicile, fooling shelter staff into thinking she's sick (vet agrees...she's just a jerk)."Β 

    Β 

    They even mentioned her dislikes, "the color pink, kittens (yuk they are so chipper), dogs, children, the Dixie Chicks, Disney movies, Christmas and last but NOT least...HUGS. She's single and ready to be socially awkward with a socially awkward human who understands personal space."Β 

    Β 

    While, they thought it's better to be honest, even if they don't find any new owners, turns out people not only loved the ad but are also eager to take Perdita home. Ever since the ad was posted, Perdita has now become the world's most loved and famous cat and has already received over 115 applications for adoption. Wow! Looks like there's some tough competition for other cats out there, because almost everyone is now bowing down to Queen Perdita.Β 


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  4. ADMIN
    Let's be honest, men are looking for ways to care for their skin. Due to so many hazardous environmental factors, it gets difficult to pay heed to skin issues.Β However, there exists one remedy that's available right in your kitchen that can treat pretty much every skin condition.

    © Istock
    Turmeric is not just a condiment that but if you try to use it for your skin, believe us, it has more to offer than you can even imagine. This humble spice shows some impeccable ways to tackle issues like uneven skin tone or even acne for that matter.

    Here are some unusual yet effective ways in which turmeric can improve your skin texture:

    1. It Reduces Scars & Wounds © Istock
    Just like a skincare product would show its effect on your skin, turmeric with its anti-inflammatory properties can work quite magically. Turmeric reduces scarring and it can cover up your wounds faster. All you need to do is add a pinch of turmeric with gram flour. Use it on the affected areas. Leave it on for a while and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

    2. No More BreakoutsΒ  © Istock
    It's not just a spice that adds flavour to your food but it is a powerhouse that revives your skin as well. Turmeric is effective even on acne and it helps reduce the chances of breakouts. It helps get rid of excess oil from your skin. Mix turmeric with sandalwood powder and make a paste. Use it on your face and check how your acne shrinks down.

    3. Goodbye Dry Skin © Istock
    Turmeric is a natural exfoliator as it helps in getting rid of dead skin cells faster than you can expect. When you mix one spoon of oatmeal and rose water in it, this exfoliating scrub will leave your skin looking healthy.

    4. A Great Cure For Dark Circles © Istock
    So what happens when you have late night parties or a busy work schedule? Lack of rest can lead to dark circles and if you have faced its ugly wrath, delve in the goodness of turmeric. Mix it with honey and yoghurt and apply it under your eyes. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off.

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  5. ADMIN
    If you are not familiar with the Malayalam language, youΓ’d probably never switch to a football channel with Malayalam commentary, and that would be the logical thing to do.Β 
    Β But once you listen to Shaiju Damodaran go nuclear on the microphone after PortugalΓ’s Cristiano Ronaldo scored on a magical free-kick against Spain during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, logic would go right out of the window and Malayalam commentary is all you would be listening to.
    Cristiano Ronaldo's third (hat-trick) goal against Spain in #FIFAworldcup2018 with Malayalam commentary. ENJOY! pic.twitter.com/JvUYXVLaqO
    Γ’ Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) June 16, 2018 Β Ask the chairman of Mahindra Group,Β Anand Mahindra , he will tell you.Β 
    Ok thatΓ’s it. IΓ’m switching to this channel with commentary in Malayalam. No, I donΓ’t understand the language but I donΓ’t need toΓ’these guys are so pumped up they make the English & Hindi commentators sound tame! pic.twitter.com/yWqApVx6jp
    Γ’ anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) June 16, 2018 Β DamodaranΓ’s career, which started out as a sports journalist with a Kerala newspaper over 20 years ago, has now evolved into an entire cult. Passionate football fans, mostly Malayalis from India and many other parts of the world stopped listening to match commentary in any other language. All they wanted to lend their ears to were his energetic words.Β 
    Β Γ’Whatever I am today, the reason why my commentary goes viral every year is because of all the Malayali sports fans out there. Be it India or Dubai or any other part of the world, it is because of them that my voice has reached out to so many people,Γ’ an excited Shaiju Damodaran tellsΒ MensXP.
    Β Γ’As a professional commentator, I just try to do my job to the best of my abilities and I am extremely fortunate to have so many people loving my work every single day.Γ’
    Β Not every moment of every football match is equally exciting and while the viewers have the option of changing the channel or turn off the television altogether, the commentators canΓ’t afford to let the energy dip. It is their job, essentially, to keep the viewer dialled in. For Damodaran, however, the ability to maintain that level of energy is more natural than making a conscious effort.
    Β Γ’Whenever a goal happens or a player executes a good move, my reaction comes out automatically. That energy comes from within.Β Main yeh jaan bhuj ke nahi kartaΒ (I donΓ’t do this intentionally),Γ’ he says.
    Β The brilliance behind the mic also originates from ShaijuΓ’s hunger to outdo himself during his next assignment. Every match is a new opportunity. A million things can happen during a game that nobody foresaw and he looks at them as points that can change the entire flow of the game.
    Β As the only Malayalam commentator for the Indian Super LeagueΒ in the last six seasons, he has given his voice to more than 330 matches till date. For him, what happened during the last game is the thing of the past. If there is a match today, he will treat it like the greatest assignment he has been a part of, no matter what is at stake.

    Β Β Γ’The force that drives me every day is the realisation that I have to do each game perfectly and a little better than what I did during the previous match.Γ’
    Β Shaiju Damodaran is a busy man. Between 2018 and 2020, the longest duration for which he got to stay at home and spend some quality time with his family was one week. He did commentary during the two seasons of ISL, theΒ Indian Premier LeagueΒ for a Malayalam radio station in Dubai, theΒ FIFA World Cup 2018Β and theΒ ICC World Cup 2019. To fill the gaps in between the major tournaments, he is also working at a regional level both as a commentator but also as a public speaker.
    Β As a human being, nobody can be in that ecstatic state of mind 24x7, 365 days a year. There might be days when we feel a bit low. Sometimes, bad things happen in our lives and sadness takes over. We feel like shutting out the entire world, staying in bed and just not doing anything.
    Β Imagine commentators being in a similar predicament. Think about a match wherein the commentator sounds dull or doesn't speak with the convection required to describe a game-winning goal. Professionals like Damodaran canΓ’t afford to Γ’sound lowΓ’.
    Β Γ’Whenever I am working, I try to keep away from social issues. I stay away from anything that can upset me. I even try my best to not get in a fight with my wife,Γ’ he jokes.Β 
    Β Γ’My wife and my kids deserve a lot of credit behind my successful career. If something happened in my family that they think would upset me, they wonΓ’t tell me on the day I have to do commentary.Γ’Β 
    Β Γ’In the past couple of years, we have had three deaths in our family and they kept the sad news away from me until I came back home after doing commentary so that I donΓ’t get disturbed during the match,Γ’ he says. Γ’It is a big deal, I believe.Γ’
    Β While Damodaran took his career as a commentator to the next level with hard work and endless dedication, he also witnessed the evolution (although, he prefers to call it a revolution) of ISL and how it has helped make club football a big deal in this country.Β 
    Β Γ’If you look at the tradition of club football in India not too long ago, it was struggling to stand on its feet. Why do you think cricket overtook football by such a large margin in India? It was only because of the unavailability of proper broadcasting of club-football games, something the Indian cricket board did exceptionally well,Γ’ he says.
    Β Γ’Football culture in Kerala used to be huge over two and a half decades ago but died down eventually. It was only because of broadcasting club football live that the league brought to the country that that culture got reignited. Things like my commentary are just small parts of this revolution that ISL brought about.Γ’
    Β You can draw resemblance in DamodaranΓ’s way of delivering dialogue with how English commentator Ray Hudson does it, especially when he is describing Barcelona FC star Lionel MessiΓ’s magic on the field. That Hudson is idolised by the Malayali star, and that shouldnΓ’t come as a surprise to you.Β 
    Β His wish has always been to work in the same league as the Premier League and La Liga commentator but he also goes on to clarify that his heart lies with the ISL, the league that made him what he is today. Γ’No matter how big you become in life, loyalty should always be a top priority for you,Γ’ he says.
    Β 
    Β 

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  6. ADMIN
    A couple of days ago, on a casual winter morning, I was scrolling through the endless hole thatΒ YouTubeΒ is and the websiteΓ’s unusual algorithm randomly suggested a video by a channel called 'World Chase Tag'.Β 
    The thumbnail showed a man flying off a scaffolding while chasing another man as the crowd cheered them on. Γ’This looks fun,Γ’ I thought to myself as I tapped on the video to start but what I saw, was far more incredible than what I had imagined!

    Rules:
    Set to take place in a set course also known as Γ’The QuadΓ’, there are two athletes in action at a given time. One is the Chaser, the other the Evader.
    As the names suggest, the Chaser has to chase down the Evader in less than 20 seconds to eliminate him from that round.Β 
    If the Evader manages to stay out of reach for the round, his team gets one point.

    Whichever team manages to earn the most points after a predetermined number of rounds, wins the match.

    The sport requires the athletes to have speed, agility, flexibility and theΒ parkouring skillsΒ ofΒ Arno Dorian Β himself.Β 
    To be able to make quick decisions, use The Quad in the best way possible to increase and maintain the gap between you and the Chaser or to use the structures to take shortcuts while chasing, hot the game turns out to be, is completely dependent upon the two men present at the centre.
    With the on-the-feet commentary and an equally hyped-up crowd supporting either side, this sport, which is essentially a game of tag turned out to be an exciting treat for the eyes and the viewers end up completely awestruck by the level of action the sport presents.

    Β But what I found to be the best part about international Γ’pakdam pakdaiΓ’ was the fraternity it had formed all around the world. While a lot of sports now have athletes abusing and hitting each other in between a match in the name of competitiveness, WCT athletes believed in mutual respect after the 20 seconds were up. You will not find a single round after which the Evader and the Chaser do not embrace each other before they go back to their respective corners.Β 
    Ultimately, thatΓ’s what sports is all about. A lot of aggression on the field followed by companionship.

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  7. ADMIN
    Age and beauty are two concepts that are parallel, however, unfortunately, most people keep trying to bring these two terms on common grounds, which is simply archaic.Β 

    But just to prove these people wrong, we have certain people in our presenceΒ who are demolishing the notions of connecting age with beauty. Beauty is timeless and there is no age cutoff for someone to look gorgeous.Β 
    Here are 8 stunning Bollywood actresses over the age of 40 who prove that age is just a number:
    1.Β Malaika AroraΒ 
    She is on top of our list for many reasons. Sexy, hot, confident and strong, both physically and mentally, this super-fit mummy is proof that one doesnΓ’t need to bow down to societal perceptions and can do whatever they want.Β 
    Malaika simply refuses to age, and we don't hear anyone complaining.
    View this post on InstagramÒ¨Ò¨A post shared by (@malaikaaroraofficial)
    View this post on Instagram#filmfareglamourandstyleawards ... #mua @divyachablani15 #hair @alpakhimani #gown @atelierzuhra #styledby @tanghavri #assistant @namdeepak #agency @vandafashionagency #photographer @mohitvaru @ektakauroberoiA post shared by (@malaikaaroraofficial)
    2. Karisma KapoorΒ 
    She's probably one of the most natural and beautiful faces that graced Bollywood, ever! Karisma Kapoor makes our heart singΒ Γ’dhadke dil baar baarΓ’Β even today with her effortless beauty.
    View this post on InstagramChilly mumbai evenings Γ° #nofilterA post shared by (@therealkarismakapoor)
    View this post on InstagramÒTis the season to pose by theð Merry Christmas everyone ! ðð¼Ò€ï¸ #aboutlastnightÒ¨ #christmaseveA post shared by (@therealkarismakapoor)
    3. Urmila Matondkar
    The OG bombshell of the '90s not only demolished people with her stuning smile but also bowled them over with her insanely brilliant performances, especially in movies likeΒ Pyaar Tuney Kya Kiya,Β BhootΒ andΒ Ek Hasina Thi. We continue crushing hard on her till date.
    View this post on InstagramðððA post shared by (@urmilamatondkarofficial)
    View this post on InstagramðððA post shared by (@urmilamatondkarofficial)
    4. Shilpa Shetty
    Just one line sums up how we feel for this gorgeous woman and that is,Β Chura Ke Dil Mera, Goriya ChaliΒ . Yeah, you probably just imagined her grooving to that tune in that iconic song right? Us too.
    View this post on InstagramOrange is the new Black! Outfit: @official_rutuneeva Bracelets: @curiocottagejewelry Rings: @caratcrush Styled by: @sanjanabatra Assisted by: @rupangisharma @devakshim Makeup: @ajayshelarmakeupartist Hair: @sheetal_f_khan Photographer: @tejasnerurkarr Managed by: @bethetribe #ootd #fashion #workmode #style #shootmode #gratitude #blessedA post shared by (@theshilpashetty)
    View this post on Instagram50% sweet... 50% sassy... What is life without a healthy balance Γ° . . . . . . #VogueXNykaaFashion #ThePowerList2019 #fashion #outfitoftheday #glamour #sassy #sweet #balanceA post shared by (@theshilpashetty)
    5.Β Aishwarya Rai
    There is a reason why she is known as the Γ’most beautiful woman in the worldΓ’ and no one can question that. She continues to inspire women across the globe with her work and her charm.Β 
    Men, irrespective of their age, still carry Aish in their hearts as the ultimate beauty.
    View this post on InstagramÒ¨ðDolceVitaððA post shared by (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb)
    View this post on InstagramÒ±ðLongines Family wishing All Seasons Greetings with all our love always Ò¨ðÒ¨A post shared by (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb)
    6.Β Β Β Β Β TabuΒ 
    If one would allow us to give this beauty a name, weΓ’d name her Γ’TabeautifulΓ’, because that is what she is. Effortless and timeless.
    View this post on Instagram@idivaofficial @tillabyaratrikdevvarman @divyakdsouza ðº @rahuljhangianiA post shared by (@tabutiful)
    View this post on Instagramà€²à€¾à€²à€¸à€¾.A post shared by (@tabutiful)
    7.Β Β Β Β Β Sushmita Sen
    This Γ’Miss UniverseΓ’ continues to be one of the most fierce women in the world who basically proves that women run the world and is the best example of what a real beauty with brains means.
    View this post on InstagramShallow donÒt work for me, gimme depth any day Ҁï¸ðð The fear of drowning pales in comparison to the power of emerging!!ð #reflections #depth #mystery #stillness #thoughts #selftime #selfietime ððÒ€ï¸ I love you guys!!!A post shared by (@sushmitasen47)
    View this post on InstagramStand your ground, let the tempest change its course!! ððWhat a shot @toranjkayvon this will remain one of my most favourite pictures ever!!ðҀï¸ð styled by @pyumishra makeup & hair @danielcbauer ð #sharing #newcampaign #brand #happenstance My kinda sexy!!!ðÒ€ï¸ I love you guys, hereÒs looking at youðð»A post shared by (@sushmitasen47)
    8. Raveena TandonΒ 
    In the '90s, she left the jaws of both men and women on the floor with her raw and sultry persona and till date, she oozes the same attitude and charisma.Β 
    Besides her timeless beauty, her dance moves are iconic even now, so much so, that even Badhshah sings about it in his popular dance numberΒ Chull.
    View this post on InstagramStunnerrrrr gorgeoussss elegant ðððð€ð€ð€ð€ð€ð€sexyyyyyy ð£ð£ð£ðΒ₯Γ°Β₯Γ°Β₯Γ°Β₯Γ°Β₯ #raveenatandon#rashathadani#queenraveenatandon#raveena#mastmastgirl#tiptipbarsapaani#akhiyonsegolimare#diva#bollywood#queen . . #follow Γ° @queenraveenatandon #follow Γ° @queenraveenatandon . . #shahrukhkhan#salmankhan#akshaykumar#ranveersingh#kartikaryan#kajol#deepikapadukone#sunnydeol#sunilshetty#priyankachopra#katrinakaif#jahnvikapoor#kareenakapoor#anushkasharma#shilpashetty#karismakapoor#madhuridixit#twinklekhanna#saraalikhanA post shared by (@queenraveenatandon)
    View this post on InstagramThrowback ҀҀҀ #raveenatandon#rashathadani#queenraveenatandon#raveena#mastmastgirl#akhiyonsegolimare#diva#bollywood#queen . . #follow ð @queenraveenatandon #follow ð @queenraveenatandon . . #shahrukhkhan#salmankhan#akshaykumar#ranveersingh#kartikaryan#kajol#deepikapadukone#sunnydeol#sunilshetty#priyankachopra#katrinakaif#jahnvikapoor#kareenakapoor#anushkasharma#shilpashetty#karismakapoor#madhuridixit#twinklekhanna#saraalikhanA post shared by (@queenraveenatandon)

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  8. ADMIN
    When Vietjet Air first invited me to Vietnam in December last year, aboard their first flight from Delhi, two very distinct images flashed across my mind. One was of course from Diane NguyenΓ’s amusing homecoming trip to Hanoi in Season 5 of Bojack Horseman, and second, much more contrastingly, was the gruesome 1972 Γ’Napalm GirlΓ’ from the Vietnam War. Voted as one of the most influential photos of all time, the latter, an iconic war image, shows a nine-year-old girl running unclothed towards the camera, as a bomb burned down her village, then her clothes and then almost half of her skin.
    View this post on Instagram#Vietjet is the first airline to bring you direct flights from New Delhi to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In just 4 hours, you can start exploring the fine concoction that is Vietnam! Log on to www.vietjetair.com to book your flights today. . . . . #vietjet #vietjetair #vietnam #vietnamtourism #flights #bestdeals #travel #travelphotography #travelgram #instatravel #travelogue #travelling #instatravelling #vacay #vacation #vacationmode #explore #tourism #travelphotography #welltravelled #flight #flightcrew #friendlystaff #directflight #vietnamese #vietnamesefood #hanoi #hanoivietnam #hochiminhcity #hochiminhA post shared by (@vietjetindia)
    And despite a preset itinerary, I set out to trace their footsteps in my rather bastardly, touristy ways, only to discover something completely unexpected ultimately. FYI neither was I going through a divorce like Diane, nor was my country burning like the Napalm GirlΓ’s (or at least thatΓ’s what I thought while taking off on December 12, 2019).
    Before we begin, a few quick pointers for the curious:
    You need a passport with minimum six months validity, with at least two blank pagesEasiest way to get a visa and avoid queues is to apply for visa on arrival online. Upload documents and get the visa within 3-5 working daysIdeal way to travel from Delhi is via a Vietjet flight (https://www.vietjetair.com/Sites/Web/en-US/NewsDetail/news/4109/vietjet-is-a-pioneer-in-launching-2-direct-flights-from-vietnam-to-new-delhi-india) to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. We all know how insane the sale prices were, but otherwise also you can get tickets for under Rs 12,000-15,000 if you plan well(The process isnΓ’t too tedious; mine was completed by the organisers, so jokeΓ’s on you, JK)Β 
    Part 1Coming back to the trip, it kicked off from an airport lounge at DelhiΓ’s Terminal 3 (again arranged by the organisers) with a bunch of fellow journalists and bloggers. The flight to Hanoi took off on time and upon landing early morning, the immigration process was hassle-free as well. We set off on a local sightseeing tour immediately after breakfast, most amazingly in our own bus. We even got our personal tour guide, a 50-something gentleman who was extremely fatherly to say the least.Β 
    Quick Vietnam socio-geography lesson before we begin: The country is made of three parts primarily Γ’ north, central and south. After many years of conflict, the communists finally seemed to rule the entire state before a proxy war started between Russian (pro-communist) and American (pro-capitalist) allied forces, who supported North and South respectively. And although the war ended with a communist victory in 1975, cultural and political differences still exist between the people from both sides. We are in the North right now.
    First stop: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.Β ItΓ’s literally got the embalmed body of Ho Chi. Who is Ho Chi? Popularly referred to as Uncle Ho, heΓ’s the Mahatma Gandhi equivalent of Vietnam. He led the independence movement from 1941 onward, defeating the French Union at the Battle of Γ„iÑ»n BiΓƒΒͺn PhÑ»§ in 1954, and ending the First Indochina War. Wish we could preserve GandhiΓ’s body, but we also wish that he was not murdered like he was. (Note: DonΓ’t wear short shorts, tank tops or anything non-sanskari)Β 
    Next stop: The Temple of Literature.Essentially, this near 1000-year old edifice was once a college for the royals and other members of the imperial society. Fun fact: The temples of this variety that are dedicated to Confucius, the Chinese philosopher who advocated personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity, are called Confucian temples.
    © MensXP/Alshaar
    From my little understanding of Vietnam till this point (mostly from conversations with the tour guide and locals), it sure appears that a part of Confucius has stayed with them. It remains a communist regime, one of the handful that have survived in the 21st Century. Yet, it is one of the leading economies in South East Asia. Its infrastructure is at least a decade ahead of India and even its manufacturing sector is set to hit targets better. As a society, there is more gender equality in Vietnam and compulsory education policy is quantitatively eight years ahead of India. Moreover, English is their first foreign language and Mandarin is also fashionable. All in all, you would have a better standard of living doing what youΓ’re doing in India right now.Β 

    Some might struggle with the food though.Β 
    We had a big lunch at a famous chicken restaurant downtown following the temple visit. And of course, mister tour guide ensured all local culinary delights are spread out on the table. This included heaps of chicken, prawns, shrimps and boiled fish. Vietnamese sauces are not as spicy as their Thai rivals, but youΓ’ll love the cuisine if youΓ’re fond of seafood.Β 
    © MensXP/Alshaar
    But the coffee is universally loved.

    WeΓ’re talking about OG Vietnamese coffee; not the coffee + condensed milk pudding that you get in India in the name of Vietnamese coffee. My coffee baptising happened at Café Giang (the founders of egg coffee in 1946), post an hour-long cycle ride around Hoan Kiem Lake & The Old Quarter, where I shared a cigarette with my driver. In sign language, he told me that you can find the stronger stuff in the market too. Not that I necessarily indulged.
    The coffee, just like all traditional coffee shops in Vietnam, is made with egg.Β 
    Yes, egg. The main ingredients of the egg coffee are espresso, condensed milk, a little sugar, butter, cheese and egg yolk, resembling a tiramisu in taste. Everything but the coffee is whisked into a creamy foam in a beater (originally in a small cup and by a bamboo whisk), before being poured over the coffee. You get two versions Γ’ the hot and the cold Γ’ and of course I tried both.Β 
    After all, how much coffee is too much coffee?Β 
    DonΓ’t listen to me, these two cups were enough. It was a stupid idea, but there was a seat reserved for me at the world-famous Lang Toi human circus in the cityΓ’s opera house. And despite my coffee rush, I was obliged to attend.Β 
    © MensXP/Alshaar
    Blame it on the caffeine, but the acrobatics and gymnastics, the stories of the village, the portrayal of innocent love, of seasons, of women, of men, of children, are scintillating, often leaving the jaw dropped, more often the heart stopped . After the 70-minute show, the group of 20-odd even escorts you out of the auditorium with music originating from the clapping of bamboo sticks.Β 

    The night ended with another wholesome local meal, at Grandma Restaurant, before we ventured out to explore the nightlife at the Hanoi Night Market, very close to the Old Quarter. The streets are lined with tiny bars and pubs. A beer can costs around Rs 60-70 and Hanoi is a must-try. There are local breweries in other parts of the city too, but I was at my touristy max and wonΓ’t have much to offer to the discerning taste buds.Β 
    © MensXP/Alshaar
    Back at the hotel though, my not-so-touristy instincts took me back to the Diane place. I somewhat managed to relive her experience, squeezing so much into one day, and still felt the same kind of cultural emptiness that she experiences, despite being here for some kind of enlightenment or higher gain.Β 

    Part 2But the trip would then take me to exactly where she went next: Ha Long Bay, and marked a completely new dawn.
    © MensXP/Alshaar
    Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, around 180km east of Hanoi. The bus took around four hours to reach the boarding point of the ferry, which then carried us inside the waters of this astounding archipelago of around 2,000 limestone karsts and isles that come in various shapes and sizes.Β 

    The limestone in this bay has undergone 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. And in the land where even prehistoric humans might have existed, we paid them a fitting tribute by getting drunk. The ferry had a variety of wonderful prawns and fishes on offer as we drank the afternoon away.Β 
    © MensXP/Alshaar
    At the farthest end of the waters, marked by the Luon Cave, was a dock that hosted activities like kayaking and snorkelling. IΓ’m not a swimmer but the beer helped conquer the nerves and we saw the sun go down from kayaking in this gorgeously vestigial part of the South China Sea.

    Part 3Following another big local meal and a late night of beer drinking, we flew Vietjet to Ho Chi Minh (formerly known as Saigon) the next afternoon (of course, we got another tour bus and a rather puffed-up tour guide). This now is South Vietnam, where a large chunk of action happened during the Vietnam War. But again, the packed itinerary meant our tired souls needed a quieter evening, in order to resume the hardcore sightseeing on the final day in the city.Β 
    But a dramatic turn of events later I was hooked to my Twitter feed, reading up on the police brutalities that took place in the Jamia Millia Islamia campus that day. The conversation about selective targeting of Muslims was now peaking, days after the Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed in the Parliament as an Act. As most people know by now, it allows all non-Muslims from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to seek citizenship in India, and when clubbed with the National Register of Citizens (NRC), has invoked fears of Muslims being put in detention camps, like it happened in Assam in 2019.Β 
    Night transitioned to day, and I was now in the Vietnam War Museum. The news from India kept developing. Protests were aplenty and the Γ’apoliticalΓ’ on my feed had also begun participating. The right-wing of course had hardened further.Β 
    © MensXP/Alshaar
    Inside the four-storey museum was an account of the gruesome consequences of the Vietnam War. It told tales of the generations of people affected by bio-chemical weapons, the massacres committed by the American army on innocent Vietnamese villagers, and most remarkably, in the middle of a series of tear jerking pictures was the Napalm Girl. It represents the lowest of human actions and the most inhuman nature of their ramifications. And as details of police brutalities emerged from the Jamia violence, the metaphor could not be clearer.Β 

    Our last and final stop on the trip was at the Cu Chi tunnels. The now restored forests spurted out thousands of arms and artillery at the time of being vetted post war. Another metaphor?Β 


    The tunnels, used by anti-America soldiers as hiding spots during combat, emerged as symbols of resistance and the battle for liberation. They also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the fighters in their resistance to American forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort, according to my tour guide. With this as the last conversation and a heavy heart from all the violence in India, we headed back to the airport and landed in India via the second direct Vietjet flight route.Β 
    I was supposed to write this travelogue immediately after, but the protests kept me occupied, psychologically, when not physically. Despite being there, I couldnΓ’t help being apologetic about my privilege.Β 
    Just like Cu Chi though, Shaheen Bagh emerged as IndiaΓ’s biggest hotspot of resistance. And just like the strong women soldiers of Cu Chi, whose videos are proudly screened for visitors, the women of Delhi have spearheaded IndiaΓ’s battle for true democracy.
    At the end of the dimly lit tunnel that India traversing right now, the protestors represent a rare glimmer. Of the many lessons that can be learnt from Vietnam, one is that there is no winner in a war. And the second, in very Bojack Horseman-esque manner is: Γ’It gets easier. Every day, it gets a little easier. But you gotta do it every day Γ’ thatΓ’s the hard part.Γ’ The fight to regain IndiaΓ’s original fabric is going to be long, and more strength to the ones showing up every day.

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  9. ADMIN
    In an ideal scenario, we would like to get ready for an office party at home. But that perfect scenario is hardly ever realistic. This is because most office parties are organised right after work and someplace near work so that work does not get compromised. In such a situation, especially if you don't have time to get ready for an office party, here's what you can do to get ready in no time and with literally zero effort.

    1. Wash Your Face
    © Getty Images
    You can also carry a travel-sized perfume that you can spritz right before you step out. You just need to remember your pulse points: the wrist, the neck. These will make sure that the perfume stays on for a longer duration.

    7. Add-In A Pair Of Sneakers

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  10. ADMIN
    Have you ever noticed how your perfumes never seem to last for more two-three hours and then it fades away quickly? While sometimes, it might be a soft scent, most of the time, it's how and where we apply the perfume. So, here's a guide to help you understand where you should be applying the perfume and make it last for hours so you smell really, really good 24/7.
    1. Spray It On Your ClothesDonΓ’t just stick to spritzing scent over your body, instead spritz it all over the clothes too. Clothing fibres are able to hold in scents for a very long time, sometimes it sticks even after washing the fabric.


    2. Don't Walk Into The ScentSome people spray perfume into the air and then walk through it because it is believed that this way the scent lasts longer. That's a myth. YouΓ’ll be wasting the product and the scent will evaporate quickly. A direct spritz on to the bare skin is enough for it to last.

    3. Don't Forget The Ears © Getty Images
    While this might sound funny, the truth is that it actually works. Oilier skin holds the scent better, and the top of your ears is a good place to place the scent as they tend to stay a little oilier than your earlobes.
    4. DonΓ’t Store Your Fragrances In Your BathroomWhile instinctively the bathroom is a good place to store the scent, unfortunately, heat, light, and humidity break down the perfume and lessen the quality and intensity of the fragrance. Instead, store your perfume bottles in a cool, dry place, like in your closet and away from windows.Β 

    5. Target Pulse Points When Spraying Perfume © Getty Images
    To make the fragrance last longer, you need to spritz on your pulse points. Pulse points are warm areas that help diffuse the fragrance across. Your pulse points on your body include:
    Your wristsInside your elbowsOn your neckBelow your midriffBehind your knees6. Rub Vaseline Or Unscented Lotion On FirstRub Vaseline or an unscented lotion on your pulse points before spraying your perfume to make the scent last longer. The formula in these will hold the fragrance to your skin longer than if you were to spray it onto dry skin.

    7. Familiarise Yourself With Common Fragrance Terms © Getty Images
    HereΓ’s a breakdown of fragrance terms, so you know what youΓ’re buying and what scent it'll give you over a period of time:

    Top Notes: The first scent you smell right after spraying the perfume, which fades quickly.Middle/Heart Notes: The scent that develops a while after the top note fades.Base Note: This is the heaviest scent that lingers the longest of the lot.
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  11. ADMIN
    If you're aΒ Game of ThronesΒ fan and are still bitter about how things ended in the final season, there's a 'Stark' ray of hope for you guys. Yes, it's been a while since the series ended but taking personal offence on how one of the best Tele series ended is absolutely fair, we think.

    A petition was doing the rounds after the season ended to remake the series but this piece of information we're about to give you has nothing to do with the petition, per se. In an interview with a German newspaper calledΒ Welt, the author of the books George RR Martin said that the television ending isn't the full story and that he is yet to give a befitting ending to it. How's that to lift your weekend blues?Β 
    Martin shed light on how he would like to finish his two books in the series he's been writing since the 1970s-Β The Winds of WinterΒ andΒ A Dream of SpringΒ and eventually give the series the true ending it deserves. Well, we're actually glad Martin is finally finishing his long-lasting project as well.
    © HBO
    "People know an endingΓ’but notΒ theΒ ending. The makers of the TV show had overtaken me, which I didn't expect."Β Martin surprisingly revealed.

    Although to our disappointment he didn't reveal how the series would eventually end, but he did say season eight wasΒ Γ’not completely faithful,Γ’Β and we absolutely agree!
    Season eight was a bit rushed with the character arcs that took years to develop only to miserably fail at delivering their real stories and eventual ends. In fact, inΒ a post on his blog after theΒ Game of ThronesΒ finale aired, Martin wrote about his intentions to conclude character journeys that the show wasnΓ’t able to address.
    ÒI am working in a very different medium than David and Dan, never forget. They had six hours for this final season. I expect these last two books of mine will fill 3000 manuscript pages between them before IÒm doneÒ¦ and if more pages and chapters and scenes are needed, IÒll add them. And of course, the butterfly effect will be at work as well; those of you who follow this Not A Blog will know that IÒve been talking about that since season one. There are characters who never made it onto the screen at all, and others who died in the show but still live in the booksÒ¦ so if nothing else, the readers will learn what happened to Jeyne Poole, Lady Stoneheart, Penny and her pig, Skahaz Shavepate, Arianne Martell, Darkstar, Victarion Greyjoy, Ser Garlan the Gallant, Aegon VI, and a myriad of other characters both great and small that viewers of the show never had the chance to meet. And yes, there will be unicornsÒ¦ of a sortÒ¦Ò
    © Twitter
    Working on the books and finishing them without the pressure of the television series airing at the same time might actually be a big relief for a writer and he can focus more on the real plot lines and the eventual twists each character goes through in the story. According to him, the show completely outpaced him and as he struggled to work through the oppressive nature and pressure of writing these books when the show was in the making.

    "Every day I sat down to write and even if I had a good day - and a good day for me is three or four pages - I'd feel terrible because I'd be thinking: 'My God, I have to finish the book. I've only written four pages when I should have written 40. But having the show finish is freeing because I'm at my own pace now. I have good days and I have bad days and the stress is far less, although it's still there."Β Martin said.
    © Twitter
    While you will definitely get to read the books, Martin has confirmed that the long-awaitedΒ Game of ThronesΒ movies is not in the pipeline anymore and you can thankΒ HBOΒ for that.

    "At this point in time, it wouldnΓ’t be for me to decide, because HBO controls the film rights for Game of Thrones. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss actually wanted to end the saga after the seventh season with three big moviesΓ’Β¦ The executives said, 'We produce TV shows, we are not in the cinema business"Β Β Martin added.
    © Twitter
    So, there you go. Finally, a closure to all the die-hardΒ GoTΒ fans who probably have unanswered questions, which in all probability, will be answered in Martin's upcoming books, finally!

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