Blog has become a buzz word that can be seen everywhere on the internet. Like a ubiquitous identity, it has become a part of our lives and our internet friendly work environment. It is highly improbable that you open a page and do not notice the word- ‘blog’ written anywhere.

Rather than discussing how a blog can promote and affect a business let us find out what exactly it is and what has been its journey so far (but briefly).

Meaning or definition: According to Wikipedia a blog is a “Website or part of a website supposed to be updated with new content from time to time. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video.”

The above definition might work in the exam paper but I would rather call a Blog as a means to communicate and share personal perceptions about the world and to the world. It is a collective voice of opinions and ideologies that does not restrict or hinder anyone. Generally web users find the highlight of a Blog with ‘Knowledge’ but another important facet that make it a rage is its aspect of ‘Interactive-ness’. Blogs empower people to leave comments and send each other messages via widgets on the blogs which distinguishes it from other stagnant websites.

Origin:

The first term was ‘Weblog’, coined by Jorn Barger in 1997 which was further shortened as ‘Blog’ by Peter Merholz. Before becoming what a modern Blog is today, it passed through various versions of digital communities and Internet forum software. Initially, blogs were updated manually but as time passed various tools allowed posting of Web articles in a reverse chronological order.

Popularity:

Blogging gained momentum in the year 1999 and onwards as five major blog tools were launched.

• Open Diary in October 1998 which started the ‘Comment’ feature in the blog entries.
• LiveJournal in March 1999
• Diaryland in September 1999 that allowed the users to write more on a personal diary format.
• Pitas.com in July 1999 that facilitated maintaining a news page on a Website.

• Blogger.com in August 1999 that included a variety of options to the Bloggers to write.

What followed was a fusion reaction as every industry whether political, religious or commercial started using Blogs to outreach the masses. As per the latest records there were over 156 million public blogs operational in February 2011.

Many of my friends often ask me to be in love as soon as possible. It sounds like some last ritual that has to be performed before doomsday. Although I have all respect for all those who are in love, right now! What I have learnt from my experience (till now) is that everything in this human life is transitory. Nothing seems to be a permanent epitaph on the human tenure in the blue planet. However, when it comes to be in love with someone, for me it does not adhere to the boundaries of human relationships. It is about the respect and admiration that has developed itself over the last few years and has become a hardcore necessity for my survival. Please stop having any other train of thoughts, pull the chain, sit back and relax. What I am talking about here is my first and last love of my life – films. I won’t deny that I enjoyed films from my childhood, but the level of maturity is what makes all the difference.

If you are having the typical image of a fat guy sitting on a couch, munching popcorn while he gets himself glued on the television – time for some reality check!!! I do not love eating while watching movies…till something good comes up. Watching movies altogether is a different experience; no other pleasure can match its magic. What I wanted to talk about here today is about a movie which is considered to be the pioneer in few cinematic techniques often used by the modern filmmakers of the film fraternity of the world. This particular movie inspired major cinematic sequences which are still used to add various colors of pathos, suspense, torture and other war-like situations. Well, if you watch the sequence even today, you won’t just stop praising the filmmaker in being able to craft such wonderful sequences with such precision during those times.

What is Montage Filmmaking?

The theory of ‘Montage filmmaking’ acquired a new meaning in Soviet filmmaking culture. For most of the Soviet filmmakers, ‘Soviet montage theory’ was used as a crucial tool to render a final design to a film. Most of the Soviet filmmakers used ‘montage’ as a tool to symbolize a completely new idea by colliding two different concepts. This was what Sergei Eisenstein, a veteran Russian filmmaker, vouched as the ideal montage technique to be used in films. Previously, montage was considered to be another name of editing. However, it was Sergei Eisenstein who changed the entire concept of ‘montage’ and is still being used by the filmmakers of the present era.

Sergei Eisenstein’s Contribution

Sergei Eisenstein’s classic work “Battleship Potemkin” earned him accolades for unique filmmaking techniques which he used in the film. The film was based on the 1905 Russian mutiny which took place in the Russian battleship Potemkin. The Russian sailors in the ship rebelled against the Czarist officers in the ship. With respect to the strike that was taking place in Russia, the entire Battleship Potemkin crew was unified with the rebellion attitude. After the crew is served with meat infested with maggots, the rebellion is sparked off. Gregory Vakulinchuk, one of the crew members stands in front of the Czar marines ready to shoot the crew members. However, Vakulinchuk’s request is not being paid heed to and is killed by the marines. Thereafter the rebellion starts taking its actual shape. This rebellion had its repercussions in the country also which led to the famous ‘Odessa sequence’ in the film. The ‘Odessa Sequence’ has been used by a number of filmmakers in order to give their films an extra edge of thrill, suspense and pathos.

The Well Known ‘Odessa Sequence’

The ‘Odessa Sequence’ in the film is the much talked about sequence which reflects the mastery of Sergei Eisenstein. Here, a group of Czar Soldiers open fire on the people who had gathered to protest against the murder of their beloved Vakulinchuk in Battleship Potemkin. Few shots used in the sequence are considered to be classic themselves as they paved the way of experimenting with various camera techniques. Shots of a baby falling down through the staircase, mayhem all over, a kid getting shot and then being overrun by people, bloodshed all over – all these were used with such mastery that even today, the film seems to be a new experience for all of us. Sergei Eisenstein made the film as a propagandist film, as he himself was a communist. A number of sequences in the film have been used where communism has been portrayed as the savior of the entire human civilization.

Though World Cinema has come a long way from its clichéd concepts of revolutionary and war films, but people like Sergei Eisenstein and their works will continue to inspire newer experiments in the field of filmmaking. For all those who want to get infected with the bug of filmmaking, watching “Battleship Potemkin” is no less than ‘baptizing’ yourself.

There are a few occasions in your life when you scream and say “Thank God, it’s over!” I know there might be several interpretations to this feeling. However, what I intend to say here is about my experience of writing a book about a country which has been in the news for all kinds of negative reasons. Don’t worry, I am not going to add my parental attitude towards the country and thereby serve it you in this write-up, but I just wanted to share my moments while I was writing this book. Before you read through, just remember this – client feedback is yet to be received and so, I keep my fingers crossed!!!

Yes, I won’t deny that I was a bit relieved after completing the book; partly for the completion of such an arduous task and partly for being able to complete it on the tentative date. However, there is another reason for my relief – I wrote something about a country which seems to be in an absolute state of despair and the level of socio-political and socio-economic complications are of magnanimous magnitude in the region. Being able to put them in a judicious manner was the toughest task for me while ‘creating’ the book.

Before I started the book, one of senior colleagues reminded me of the nightmare that I was about to experience. From whatever I was told, I can just remember one thing – structure. What I rounded off after listening to the requirements was culminating on this one unique factor. It was not about an article, I was compiling a ‘BOOK’ (I hate to say that all the time). I did have the freedom of compiling all the important factors that would make the book significant and knowledgeable enough for the readers.

Many of you may be wondering about my excessively exaggerated apprehensive attitude that I had developed even before writing?! This is because, you just can’t write bogus for these guys –

• Development and financial agencies (For example – World Bank, IMF, UN etc.)
• Social and Political leaders – people who can ensure the growth of the region.
• Large corporate & MNCs
• Potential Investors – especially global private financial players.
• Research Bodies and organizations.
• NGOs & Civil societies

Now you know the reason behind my extra-conscious attitude!

Piling up of information does not help. One needs to find out the appropriate content to fit in to the requirements. Also, it is important to remember that you are not publishing the book on your own. So, for me it was again like walking on thin ice. At the first instance, I was asked to inculcate neutral attitude while writing the book. I know it’s not a big deal, but as far as typical Indian psychology is concerned, when it comes to Pakistan, we always remain on our toes to unleash the patriotic devil inside us (irrespective of the fact that petrol prices in Pakistan are considerably low)! However, I had no choice.

When the first section of the book was sent for client’s review, the feedback was quite surprising. Now, I was asked to be a little harsh on Pakistan. Well, you ask for it and you have it! That won’t be a problem at all. There was a time when I was really worried about the project. I was just wondering about the date when I would finish the job. I would specially like to thank my senior colleagues to have banked upon me for this crucial project. It was only because of their confidence and encouragement that I was able to complete my work, thankfully on time without any kind of hasty hiccups. (Though the final feedback is awaited…..) Finally, all of my friends-cum-colleagues of the ITALICS team who always supported me while I was on the project.

Knowing about your personality traits is always interesting. Let’s find out about the zodiac signs that make up “Italics.”

Aries

Independent, intelligent and energetic is the perfect set of adjectives that define an Aries woman. She enjoys being at top of her game and is naturally a super achiever. With all unique characteristics and elegance she still remains a child at heart.

Capricorn

Defining a Capricorn woman is a big task. No matter how slow she starts, but she will soon reach at the top without compromising on her responsibilities towards friends and family. She will look calm and composed with social elegance in her, but never try to tease her or you may become victim of her mood swings.

Virgo

She will not talk, she may appear calm and composed, but her mind is always thinking about something or the other. Virgo women are calculative and practical. She will take an action only when everything is well planned in her mind. She loves cleanliness and cannot tolerate lazy behaviour around her.

Taurus

Beware, she is strong and silent. No matter how severe the problem is she will overcome it with her emotional strength. She is brainy, practical, simple and elegant. You will never see a Taurus woman shouting and fighting unless she is pushed too hard.

Gemini

Gemini, the sign of twins, make him dual natured. He is friendly and you will always find him there in any tough situation. He is sensitive and has a sharing attitude that helps him get along with almost everyone.

Pisces

The basic trait that you will notice in a Piscean is going with the flow or against it. He is gifted with a very good memory, so you better not lie to him. He loves to argue and will also come up with sarcastic comments.

To have the upper hand at the workplace every professional must make every effort to inculcate the following skills. Apart from knowledge of your work, these tips help you build a personal brand and sell your ideas to beat cut-throat competition among colleagues.

· The most important thing is to know yourself before you enter the office door. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you go a long way. Your strengths and weaknesses will help you deal with the differentiators in the working environment. Once you are aware of your key strengths it’s time to maximise them. You may be good at everything, but at least be a master of one. This will help you grow as a professional who is confident of his or her work.

· Whenever you come across any difficult situation at the office, make sure you overcome it as soon as possible. Know and manage your problems rather than getting frustrate and affecting your productivity. Communicate your problems with friends, family and colleagues. One mantra that can help you work smoothly is the feedback. Always be open to feedback even if it comes in form of criticism. This will in any case help you in personal branding and growing as a professional at your workplace.

Follow the path of a lifelong learner. Every individual is a learner till he dies and so are you. Learn from your mistakes and try to implement things that you have learned from past experiences to give your best shot. Your hard work and uniqueness will definitely make you stand out among your colleagues.

As I was passing by a movie theatre, I saw a group of guys busying buying tickets to see a certain movie about a sparkling vampire who falls in love. That scene brought tears to my eyes. “Where have all the men gone?” I asked myself. So I went to the nearest book store and wouldn’t you know it. The most popular ones were the book versions of the aforementioned movie. Maybe this is the reason why real men are disappearing. Men can’t find good books to read. So I decided to write this blog to let all the guys what kinds of books deserve to be in their library.

Superhero Comic Books

Superhero comic books are very manly. Sure, many say that that plot and the premise do not make sense. But then you will be missing the whole point. Guys don’t read comics for the story; they read it for the sheer awesomeness. Fly through the air, fight a corny, overpowered bad guy and rescue the girl. That’s all we need. If you still don’t get it, remember that boys never grow up, only their toys get bigger.

Graphic Novels

If you can get hold of a graphic novel about superheroes, you will manage to kill two birds with one stone.

A ‘How to Fix Your Car/House’ Book

A man’s house is his castle and a man’s car is his home away from home. Learn to take care of both of them.

A Cook Book

Before you start stoning me, hear me out. Studies show that women are impressed by a man who is good in the kitchen. Why do you think that some of the best cooks in the world are male?

An Autobiography of a Famous Sportsperson

Worship your idol. Buy it and read it and proudly display your choice of sports to other men.

A Big, Fat Book

Put the biggest, fattest and the brainiest book you can get your hands on right at the front. Why? Because it looks classy, that’s why!

These are all that I can think of at the moment. You if feel that there are more types of books that need to be added to the library, let me know in the comments below. You suggestions well be read, mulled over, and may be added to a future blog post.

If you are finding your job boring and monotonous, it’s time for you to get out of your comfort zone and find ways to keep yourself motivated. It is very natural and every one of us, no matter how great our job is, at some point of time must have gone through the slump. There are a few tips that will help you stay motivated at work.

Setting goals

A realistic but, challenging goal is what will help you stay active and set new standards. Always set a goal at least ten percent higher, compared to what you are achieving at the moment.

You Love your Job, Don’t You?

Remind yourself why you are in this office. List down the best things about your job, your achievements, growth and all other things, sometimes even your boss, that will help you perk up. If you seriously cannot find any good stuff, sad, but it’s time to switch to another job.

Take up New Tasks

If you are bored with the same projects always feel free to talk to your boss and initiate to take up new tasks. But always remember, take up responsibilities that you think you can handle and live up to the expectations. Otherwise you will be inviting problems to your table.

Enhance your Knowledge and Skills

If you think you get stuck to often at certain levels, don’t just accept it. Increase your knowledge and skills and be an asset to your company.

Do I Need a Mentor?

It is great to have someone who gives you valuable advice and knowledge that helps in improving your work and knowledge. If you think there are people in your office, who are generous enough to help you out, make them your mentors.

Take a Break

No will to work, or simply you cannot put your efforts to bring quality work, trust me, you need a break. Take a small and refreshing break and ensure you come back with more productivity and quality work.

Writers and technology go hand in hand, starting with the pen and paper all the way till the Gutenberg printing press in the middle ages and the typewriter in the 20^th century. Writers who have the latest devices are considered to be the best in the business.

I though I’ll compile a list of the best gadgets for two reasons:-

a) To help my fellow writers be on top of their game

b) To give Santa Clause a hint this Christmas

1. The LiveScribe E-pen

This handy device digitally records what you write. It also has a microphone so that you can record a lecturer or a speaker. This means you can upload audio and actual content to a computer. It’s great for blogging, planning, and general purpose writing.

2. Netbook/Tablet

A netbook lets you write on the go because you never know when creativity may strike next. If you are into style then buy a tablet and connect it to a keyboard to look cool at the café.

3. Smart Phone

You should have this gadget even if you are not a writer. A smart phone isn’t just cool to have. It will let you check your mail, read you blog, etc. Not to mention the fact that it will also let you make phone calls.

4. E-Reader

It is quite obvious that writers are readers. An e-reader will let you read hundreds of books without the need to build and entire library.

5. Stress Button

Writing, like most other jobs, is a bit stressful. The Stress Button comes with a flip top to enable fantasies of blowing the world apart. It also comes with a USB cable which enables a simulated explosion or create a fake excel file in case your boss shows up.

This is a list of the best gadgets I feel are the best. If you know any more gadgets, feel free to let me know in the comments below.

One of the most prominent aspects of India, after Taj mahal would be Bollywood, if I dare say that. Apart from the celebrities visiting continents and working in other foreign films and some serious cinema, what do we really have to boast about? We spend multi crore dollars on our films but somewhere it still doesn’t come through. Well I’m pointing towards animation, cartoon, action, science fiction and horror films. These movies come to fruition after conjoining technology and creativity.

The Bollywood cartoon flicks doesn’t look like actual characters but hand drawn caricatures, horrific ghosts look more like comedy and animated movies doesn’t quite match up the level. I cannot think of a single movie that managed to evoke “Woaaooo” expression in me. Don’t mistake me for a Bollywood hater but I’m not a lover too. Some of the most valued films that I relate my childhood with are unfortunately Hollywood’s. Worth reminiscing would be: Ice Age, Finding Nemo, Up, Happy Feet, Lion King, Home Alone, Jurassic Park, Die Hard, Transformers, MI, Die hard, Inception and many more.

The question lies not in the aspect of creativity, which we already have in ample amounts here, but in the level of technology. We definitely are growing in terms of experimentation and infusing special effects but there’s a long tread ahead if we wish to produce world class cinema. In a globalised era as today, where information is transferred easily why not move beyond traditional cinema to more innovative styles including 3D.

I admit it. I’m a gamer first and a writer second. I first played a video game when I was 4 years old and I got hooked. Fast forward 18 years and I’m still playing video games whenever I get some free time and I will most probably be playing video games till the end.

During my journey through the virtual world, I have come across a couple of great games which I feel will be a great asset to writers and lovers of the English language.

1. Bookworm

There is only one word which can be used to describe this game, addictive. I installed this game on my mobile a couple of months back. I have scored more than 500,000 points and I’m still going strong. The pick up and play aspect of the game makes it a great game for newbies or n00bs as they are referred to in gaming terms.

2. Typing Of the Dead

What are you going to do when there is a zombie outbreak? Grab a gun? No silly, you grab a keyboard. After all, you are a writer, not a fighter. As the horde of zombies approach, quickly type out the words that you see on the screen to defeat them. What better way to speed up your typing than by threatening you with death.

3. Scribblenauts

The object of this game very simple, you have to make the character collect things called ‘starites’. You can do that by any means necessary, you get a keypad that you use to create items out of thin air. You can use a helicopter, a dinosaur or anything. Your imagination is the limit. The only problem is that it is only available for the Nintendo DS. But there are ways you can get it for the PC.

These are just a handful of the games that you can play to improve your skills as a writer. A quick search will turn out more. Although when it comes to me, I personally prefer the latest version of the Call of Duty franchise, or a long drawn game of Age of Empires with some of my friends.