Friday, December 20, 2013

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Watch These 8 Awesome Doordarshan Ads I Loved When I Was Little

Posted: 20 Dec 2013 05:30 PM PST

Doordarshan to me is what Pogo and Nick is to my kids. It was my connection to the world of glamour, entertainment and knowledge. Watching a few limited serials, Krishi Darshan and 'Chitrahaar' formed such an important part of our simple lives. The creative houses had just started churning impressive ads, which set our grey cells tingling.

I remember begging my folks to allow me to go watch television at my neighbor's place. Dinner time and gossip was scheduled according to the timings of the limited programs. Watching the same songs every week, with the sprinkle of commercials was such a delight. Some of the ads were so simple in their message and yet so powerful in their impression that they left an unforgettable mark in my head. I can still hum the song and the change in beat, or the unusual last line in it.

Here is a list of ads that caught my fantasy and became my all time favorites-

8. Amul:

This classic 1976 ad had an intriguing quality to it. I am a big fan of Smita Patil and even after the ad went off air, I remembered the mysterious look in her eyes. She looked so convincing in the part and oozed of women power. Since, I was a kid at that time. The last message of women walking in with liters of milk to get empowered to the tune of crores was very fascinating to me.

7. Nescafe Classic:

This ad got me hooked to coffee for life. The music by Ranjit Barot and the beats were so catchy, that it became a classic like the brand. Till today, the ads are based around this basic rhythm. The model with the long unruly hair caught everybody's attention and so did the last shot with the sadhu. In all it was a high quality ad that lived up to its expectations.

6. Bajaj Bulbs:

The 'chota bacha' in the first line was what made me sit up and notice the ad. I liked the way the ad was divided into three stages of life and the jingle was very simple and catchy. The message came across loud and clear. The boy reading his comics under a quilt with the torch was the funniest part in it.

5. Surf:

Now that I think of it, I wonder why I could relate to Lalitaji in the Surf ad. She looked like a stubborn woman whose only purpose in life was to wear white washed clothes. So, if she was dictating that, Surf helped her achieve her goal, who was I to dispute that. She stuck to her guns and ended up selling an expensive washing soap to me.

4. Ek Anek:

This is one of my most favorite Doordarshan ads. It was such a simple message and delivered in such a classy manner. I think I loved the animation and the overall presentation. The voice over's were so honey sweet. The voice of the sister was so lovable that I would follow her like Pied Piper. The sun with the triangular nose and the smiling moon, gave a happy feeling. And the story with the moral was so easy to understand and follow. I will surely show this one to my girls.

3. Digjam:

I belong to that generation of women for whom there was no bigger quotient in being handsome and good looks than, the Shekhar Kapur ( younger version ). He was like the ultimate man and couldn't get better than that. I wonder who saw what he was wearing, suit or shorts till the time it was him on screen. This ad sky rocketed his rankings in the good looks department and to top that he was the man next door. It doesn't get better than that.

2. Bajaj:

This is one of the pioneer ads that had a harmonious combination of every strata of society. Anybody and everybody could relate to it. The word 'buland' caught my attention, and made me see it closely. I like the shot of the old grandmother, the Parsi gentleman cleaning his scooter and the happy people everywhere. But what got imprinted in my mind was the message on the back of the scooter, that set a trend- 'Chunnu Mummu de papa di Gaddi'.

1. Jalebee – Dhara Cooking Oil:

This is one of the cutest and innocent ads made for television. The child artist in this ad has not been forgotten by many like me. His expressions and the genuine outburst made this ad memorable. I still remember 'Ramu Kaka' tempting him to come home to eat hot 'jalebis'. Come to think of it, could have been the jalebi that got stuck in my head.

The post Watch These 8 Awesome Doordarshan Ads I Loved When I Was Little appeared first on TopYaps.

7 Must Have Kitchen Accessories

Posted: 20 Dec 2013 01:30 PM PST

Kitchen accessories are indeed the most essential part of your kitchen design. The quintessential kitchen accessories should always be kept at the top of your mind and should not be added at the end of your kitchen makeover project. For easy and convenient selection of your kitchen accessories, you should always aim to:

  • Place everything within reach
  • Contribute towards a smart and effortless workflow
  • Maintain the tidiness of your kitchen
  • Increases your kitchen customization

When it comes to selecting the kitchen accessories, think about how the accessory that will fit into your kitchen requirements and lifestyle. Based on this are the 7 must have kitchen accessories mentioned below.

7. Toaster Ovens:

If your kitchen is equipped with the spare countertop space then a good convection powered toaster oven is surely going to prove more than luxurious. Toaster ovens offer so much of flexibility over simply reheating the food or just preparing toasts.

7 Must Have Kitchen Accessories

Complete preheating requires not more than five minutes for the oven to bake a range of cookies, cakes, pies and pizzas without heating up the entire kitchen. It also saves upon a lot of your cooking space in the kitchen.

6. Microplane:

A microplane is a must have kitchen accessory for many seasoned chefs. It is impossible for them to think of cooking anything in the absence of these very fine and sharp graters.

7 Must Have Kitchen Accessories

These microplanes offer a great range of versatility to efficiently manage softer things like lemon, ginger and garlic and durably handle tougher nutmeg, Parmesan Cheese and chocolates. An all in one microplane is really what you need as an important kitchen accessory.

5. Pressure Cooker:

Pressure Cookers constitute one vital kitchen accessory. They utilize less energy for cooking and they also cook faster in comparison to other cooking devices.

7 Must Have Kitchen Accessories

Pressure cookers offer a foolproof mechanism for cooking all types of food as the latest pressure cooker designs employ about six valves and vent safety mechanisms that are there to prevent any sort of accidents. Therefore the latest pressure cooker designs offer full security without the threat of explosion anymore.

4. Stand Mixer:

Try beating about four egg whites and you are sure to end up looking like the replica of Popeye. Stand mixers offer you one stop solution for all your mixing needs.

7 Must Have Kitchen Accessories

Not only do they efficiently help you prepare whipped creams and meringues faster, but they are also capable of performing heavy duty blending of cookies, cakes and various other types of dough mixes. Plus the added benefits of various attachments for rolling out pasta, grinding meat and preparing ice creams, all in a single Stand Mixer.

3. Chef's Knife:

Buying a single good knife can work wonders for you as and as such you are not required to purchase an array of knife sets for various cutting purposes. One good knife can virtually help you with all sorts of cutting.

7 Must Have Kitchen Accessories

You can do about 99% of your slicing with one great chef's knife while you can make use of a serrated knife for bread slicing. Go for a knife that can be sharpened to get that perfect edge to make cutting, slicing and chopping much easier.

2. Food Processor:

A good quality food processor can be defined as the kitchen workhouse. It can prove to be an investment that will last for decades.

7 Must Have Kitchen Accessories

It comes with a variety of attachments and blades that can be set in order to let the food processor manage a variety of tasks ranging from chopping of vegetables and fruits to whirring of stale bread into breadcrumbs and it can also help in easy blending of butter into tiny dry ingredients for pie crust.

1. Slow Cooker:

The slow cooker offers such great versatility that makes it fairly easy for you to get your money's worth out of this appliance. You can have your hot bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and come home from work to complete a delicious meal in the evenings.

7 Must Have Kitchen Accessories

Roasts, chili, soups, punch, cakes there are so many slow cooker recipes for everyone at home. The major advantage of slow cooker accessory for your kitchen is that you have variety of food served involving very little preparation time.

The post 7 Must Have Kitchen Accessories appeared first on TopYaps.

7 Creative Ideas To Deal With Unwanted Gifts

Posted: 20 Dec 2013 09:30 AM PST

While presenting someone with a gift, it's the thought that matters right? But this is certainly not the case when at the last minute you simply gift wrap two copies of the Hunger Games Books or those ugly jumpers. Generally, presenters of such gifts hardly waste any time agonizing over their purchase, and the receivers on the other hand will invariably avoid the much conundrum of pretending to adore the gift and then secretly hide the gift and try getting rid of it.

However, you don't always need to put in so much of effort over such undesirable presents. Mentioned below are 7 creative ideas for you to efficiently deal with unwanted gifts.

7. Charity:

Charity is a super easy way to get rid of any unwanted or undesirable gift items. But make sure your presents are in good condition before you offer them to any charity shops or NGOs and other social welfare organizations. Majority of charity shops readily accept various toys, clothes or any other unwanted gifts, though they may refuse to accept electrical goods.

7 Creative Ideas To Deal With Unwanted Gifts

One quick Google search will help you find out the closest charity shop near and going through their terms & conditions will definitely solve your problem.

6. Return It:

If your wrapped present includes a gift receipt enclosed within, you always have a chance to return your unwanted presents. Go to the respective shop and see if they grant you a refund, store your credits or exchange your gift.

7 Creative Ideas To Deal With Unwanted Gifts

However, before making the exchange, ask the person for a proof of purchase. Remember to keep the present intact in its wrapper or box if you intend to make the exchange. Most retail outlets offer a period of 28 days to return any purchased items.

5. Swapping Party:

One quick and easy solution to deal with unwanted gifts is to swap them with your friends. This can be a convenient option for recycling of clothes too. Gather up your friends over a weekend gift swapping party and believe it or not one girl's trash can be other girl's treasure!

7 Creative Ideas To Deal With Unwanted Gifts

You also have various online swap sites available, which makes it even simpler for you to exchange your unwanted gift items with the products you require. It involves a simple procedure of posting the photos of your objects and swapping it over with the other members on the same site and that's about it!

4. Throw a Yard Sale:

Make your unwanted gifts inspire the cleaner side of you. Get motivated from all those undesirable presents and go forward to clean out your garage, attic, or basement and throw open a yard sale. These sales are perhaps an ideal way to transform unwanted gift items and undesirable bunch of clutter into hard cash.

7 Creative Ideas To Deal With Unwanted Gifts

The only effort you are required to put in is in the form of the sign boards you need to put across in your neighborhood and you'll see how quickly you'll get over with your unwanted gifts plus make money too.

3. Re-gift It:

Some gifts specifically turn out to be useful from the perspective of re-gifting them. Maybe you are not too fond of the recent skull-shaped vase you received, but you might just happen to know a friend with a fairly more eclectic tastes and who will definitely love to receive it from you.

7 Creative Ideas To Deal With Unwanted Gifts

But, make it a point that the person who gave you the gift is not friends with the person you are gifting it to.

2. Auction It Online:

If you unwanted present includes any electronic items or something else of similar value, you might just consider auctioning it online.

7 Creative Ideas To Deal With Unwanted Gifts

Though it may take a bit long for your item to sell, unless the product is in big demand, there are various online sites such as eBay, Amazon Market place and Craigslist that have made it quite easy for you to just create a seller's account and start marketing your gifts.

1. Re-Purpose:

This is a very innovative technique you can apply on your unwanted list of gift items and transform them into completely desirable form.

7 Creative Ideas To Deal With Unwanted Gifts

Supposedly, if you have received a pack of three calendars as your gift then you can simply cut out the beautiful pictures from the calendars and transform them into magnets, greeting cards, gift tags, etc.

The post 7 Creative Ideas To Deal With Unwanted Gifts appeared first on TopYaps.

6 Everyday Activities That Release Endorphins

Posted: 20 Dec 2013 06:30 AM PST

Anything that can trigger the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormones of the brain, can lift our mood. Certain actions, odors and foods often do the job. Interestingly, feelings and experiences such as crying, laughing, excitement, falling in love, eating spicy foods and risky and adventurous activities also cause these chemicals to secrete. The feel endorphins grant is simply awesome and we want that state of natural high to last a little longer every time!

Here are 6 everyday activities that naturally release endorphins:

6. Savoring Chocolates:

All chocolate lovers will find it intriguing to learn that dark chocolate can release endorphins in a natural manner. Dark chocolates are rich in chemicals that our bodies find quite easy to convert into Phenylethylamine (PEA), a chemical that is released in high concentration during falling in love. Also, there are certain other chemicals in dark chocolate that ensure regular secretion of endorphins which prompt bodily pleasure and relieve pain in the body.

The scientists and dietitians, however, suggest that PEA content in dark chocolates is too low to have any direct effect on our body, and that it is due to serotonin, the chemical released because of the pleasurable feeling of eating something tasty, that we feel good.

6 Everyday Activities That Release Endorphins

5. Laughing Heartedly:

That's already a well-known fact that collapsing into jovial laughter keeps any kind tension and ailments at bay. Various practical evidences prove that laughter functions as inner jogging and helps decrease stress hormones, lower blood pressure and improve immune system by increasing the level of cells that fight any type of infection.

More importantly, regular laughing accelerates the production of endorphins that work as natural painkillers and give a genuine sense of wellbeing. Giggling keeps us energetic throughout the day, helps us have a better perspective and common problems of regular life seem to vanish over time!

6 Everyday Activities That Release Endorphins

4. Routine Gyming:

Nothing can be as big a stress-buster as exercises and it is true that group exercise always has something distinct and advantageous to it. Joining a health club can be a great idea, for when in group, we tend to workout with all our honesty and shared efforts have been found to boost endorphin levels in the body.

When exercising regularly on daily basis, you'll notice increased levels of beta-endorphins in blood that can heighten mood. Routine practice of cardiovascular workouts such as cycling, running and swimming is one of the most effective ways to boost the release of endorphins in the body.

6 Everyday Activities That Release Endorphins

3. Sniffing Some Vanilla:

Certain aromas have been found to surprisingly stimulate the release of our brain's feel-good chemicals to sooth our minds. The amazing scent of vanilla is a tested remedy against anxiety that is caused by depression in most of the cases. You can boost endorphin levels in your body by mixing vanilla essential oil in your bathwater and lighting vanilla-scented candles around you when studying or having meals.

You can also inhale the scent of lavender oil to reduce depression and cure insomnia. Another effective way is to disperse lavender oil in the air or apply it on your temples before sleeping during nights.

6 Everyday Activities That Release Endorphins

2. Having Acupuncture:

Another effective way many physicians recommend to increase the production of endorphins is the ancient technique of acupuncture which, in fact, serves the purpose in the best manner possible. The technique uses needles to gently pierce the skin which in response relaxes our nervous system to ease the pain.

During the procedure, the needles are placed on specific body parts and gently moved after regular intervals of time in order to heighten the effect and promote the production of endorphin. In most cases, patients expecting positive results showed profound improvements compared to skeptical ones.

6 Everyday Activities That Release Endorphins

1. Having Sex:

Since our bodies are naturally programmed to respond greatly to the emotion of sex (doubtless the strongest of all emotions!), we feel completely relaxed after enjoying the natural high that comes along with the nature's greatest relaxant. Even though one's desire may go inert because of anxiety and stress, nothing beats lovemaking when it comes to endorphin production!

It is only during intercourse that we feel wholly light-headed and the body produces the highest amounts of Phenylethylamine (PEA), the chemical that heightens the mood the same way as amphetamines. And orgasm is the very point where our bodies explode into the most extreme physical contractions that eventually lead to the release of various hormones and substances in the brain. The most important chemicals of these elements are, of course, beta-endorphins, the real feel-good factor that functions as a painkiller and offers us lasting warmth and relaxation.

6 Everyday Activities That Release Endorphins

The post 6 Everyday Activities That Release Endorphins appeared first on TopYaps.

These 5 Indian Women Did Something Very Gutsy, For The 1st Time

Posted: 20 Dec 2013 02:30 AM PST

Famous and formidable, no matter how weak the Indian woman is projected, she still bears the torch of many lives, inspiring courage, dignity and purpose among people who surround her.

She's taken countless first steps that women from most developed parts of the world wouldn't dare to.

From climbing Mount Everest, to conquering the space, and from crossing the English Channel to braving a solo voyage across the African continent to study tribal life, Indian women have deceived their own potentials to come out in winning colors.

And do note, with the 5 names mentioned below, we've only just scratched the surface. Take a look.

5. Indira Gandhi: 1st and the Only Indian Woman Who Created a New Country!

Recently, conferred with the highest Bangladesh Award – The Bangladesh Swadhinata Sammanona for her outstanding contributions to Bangladesh war of Independence, Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was instrumental in getting the forlorn country its rightful freedom.

She moved mountains to help East Pakistan earn fight against the apathy of the Hindu-Muslim discord (Urdu-Bengali Discord), heavy taxation from seat of the ruling Government in Pakistan, and freed the country from many other hardships and exploitative conduct of the Government.

Despite facing numerous challenges from within and outside India, she stood by the cause. From within her own political circles, she faced major pressure from West Bengal supporters for an immediate attack, which the country was not prepared for.

Another major challenge came from the international community, where as a result of cold war between Russia and US had complicated much. China weighted the situation against the Soviets, and so formed allies with US and Pakistan.

These 5 Indian Women Did Something Very Gutsy, For The 1st Time

4. Kiran Bedi: First Indian Woman IPS Officer

Born on June 9, 1949 in Amritsar, Kiran Bedi went ahead to become the first woman IPS officer of the country in 1972. One of the faces behind modern India, she served many roles, including that of narcotics officer, anti-terrorists specialist and also administrator.

Among her most noticeable achievements is the role she played in introducing prison reforms. She became Inspector General of Police in 1994 and reshaped the largest prison in the world – The Tihar Jail in Delhi. There she addressed several issues pertaining to corruption, human rights abuse, and sanitation and nutrition problems. She was also instrumental in implementing drug treatment and new literacy programs.

Kiran Bedi was the first woman to be appointed as the United Nations Civilian Police Adviser. As an ardent social reformist, she translated her concerns into efforts by establishing two NGOs – Navjoyti and India Vision Foundation for providing vocational training and counseling to women and drug rehabilitation for prisoners.

These 5 Indian Women Did Something Very Gutsy, For The 1st Time

3. Bachhendri Pal: First Indian Woman atop the Highest Mountain

Born in 1954 in Nakuri Village in Gharwal, Uttrakhand, Bachhendri Pal, a mountain girl became the first ever Indian Women to conquer the highest summit in the world, Mount Everest in 1984.

Bachhendri was chosen as the only female for the fourth Indian expedition scheduled to Mount Everest. Despite an avalanche burying the troop under a thick cover of snow, Bachendri and other who escaped the disaster with minor injuries, continued with their voyage, and on May 23 around 1 p.m. they reached the summit.

Post the Everest Climb, Bacchendri Pal led a team of Indo-Nepalese Woman's Everest Expedition in 1993. In 1994, she joined a team of rafters for "The Great Indian Women's Rafting Voyage."

She was also part of the "The First Women Trans-Himalayan Expedition in 1997." It was a group of 8 women, who conquered the highest point in the country at Siachen Glacier (20,100 ft.) by covering 4500 km and crossing over 40 high mountain passes.

These 5 Indian Women Did Something Very Gutsy, For The 1st Time

2. Meher Moos: 1st Indian Woman in Antarctica

Meher Moos, the first Indian Woman in Antarctica, is famously known as "India's Intrepid Traveler." Her travelling career started with Air India in 1995, when she joined the airlines as an Air Hostess. She retired in the 2002, and is presently serving as International Travel Consultant to Thomas Cook.

She crossed the Arctic Circle in 1972. There she visited 3 Laplands of Scandinavia. It was in 1976, when she voyaged right up to the Antarctica on the "Lindblad Explorer," sailing from Cape Town to Cape Horn. There she visited isolated Antarctic Scientific and Meteorological bases set in the backdrop of glacial mountains.

Her deep interest in anthropology took her to over 150 countries around the world. She also embarked on a solo trip for 5 months to explore 35 countries in Africa – discovering the forbidden interiors, marching right across the Sahara and Timbactou and Tuaregs to learn the ways of the Pygmies.

These 5 Indian Women Did Something Very Gutsy, For The 1st Time

1. Kalpana Chawla: First Indian Woman in Space

Born on July 1, 1961, Kalpana Chawala became the first Indian woman in space. Before immigrating to the United States, she obtained a degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College. She then earned a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado in 1988. The same year she started working at NASA'a Ames Research Center.

Having been selected as an Astronaut Candidate in 1994, she got her first chance to fly to the space in 1997, aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-87.

Her second voyage to the space came in the year 2000, when she served as a mission specialist on the STS-107. Unfortunately, the mission met a tragic end. When returning back to the earth on February 1, 2003, a briefcase size piece of the insulation broke off, which caused hot gas streaming into the shuttle and lead to its breakdown over Taxes.

These 5 Indian Women Did Something Very Gutsy, For The 1st Time

The post These 5 Indian Women Did Something Very Gutsy, For The 1st Time appeared first on TopYaps.

5 Famous Music Festivals In Delhi

Posted: 19 Dec 2013 10:30 PM PST

Music washes away the dust of life; it's an expression for every emotion, be it desire, compassion, love, longing or just wishing and dreaming. It can convey everything that can be felt and thought off in the most melodious way. It's the universal language that knows no boundaries, no enemies, and no cultures. It just adds to live and makes the pulses beat.

We all love to see bands plugging out live and loud. We all like making those groovy moves to the beats of live bands. Music fests offer amazing experience to hear out our favourite artists and bands play live. They offer a podium to connect and listen to new and old at the same time. On music fests platter, there is something for everyone's taste and mood.

Listed below are famous music festivals in Delhi.

5. Seven Asian Bands Festival:

This festival goes beyond boundary lines and fences; it gets the best from the sub-continent all on one stage. Is folk music you take? Rock? Traditional? Electronic? or Regional? Name the genre and yes there will be a band or artist presenting it live. Bands from across seven countries including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri-Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, and Korea and very own home country India all come together to perform at the stadium.

The gala event is organised by Ministry Of External Affairs and SEHER.

It is a three day long mega festival. Each day, at least five bands perform. Along with the famous bands, there is also an opportunity to hear some underground bands as well.

5 Famous Music Festivals In Delhi

4. Delhi International Jazz Festival:

This festival has everything that a Jazz lover could ask for. It is organized by Indian Council for Culture Relations (ICCR).

The festival has bands flying in from across the European continent from Poland to Switzerland, Columbia to Israel and across Russia to Africa. Yes it's purely an international treat of Jazz.

Performance in open, live music and lush green grass, it's thee 'wow' moment for every music lover.

5 Famous Music Festivals In Delhi

3. Bacardi NH7 Weekender:

Love dubstep? Love Blues? Love Metal? Love Indie Folk? Love Rock? Love Trance? Love Reggae? This music festival has it all.

It is the most happiest and awaited music festival.

It's a loaded music extravaganza weekend fest. Some of the most famed musicians from across the globe come here to perform.

The fest has 7 stages set. One has the free will to hear any band, any artist one wishes too. And the best part of the fest- Beer is on the rocks here, with no cops to stop and check. It is altogether a different world of music lovers.

5 Famous Music Festivals In Delhi

2. Delhi Classical Music Festival:

It's a five day mega event organised jointly by Delhi Government's Department of Art, Culture and Languages and Punjabi Academy.

The fest has India's most soulful classic musicians enthral audiences. It's an event for those music lovers who enjoy listening to Indian traditional instruments, Jugalbandi and classic vocals.

5 Famous Music Festivals In Delhi

1. Raasrang World Flute Festival:

Flute symbolises love, peace and sound of nature. It holds mythological significance as it is believed that Hindu god Krishna used to play it. To celebrate this instrument which dates back its inception to ancient times, flautist from different parts of the world- Turkey, Germany, Tibet, Brazil and India take part in this event.

It's a three day event organised by New Delhi based Krishna Prerna Charitable Foundation. The venue is generally, Lotus Temple in Delhi.

5 Famous Music Festivals In Delhi

The post 5 Famous Music Festivals In Delhi appeared first on TopYaps.

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