How to go OOTY from bangalore

The shortest route to Ooty is to first go to Mysore (You can take a train, less than 3 hrs..134 km)

From mysore take one of the sight seeing cabs to Ooty and ask them to drop you in ooty. That is because these cabs take you through a route where bigm buses can not go. By doing this you save 1.5 hrs. The cab will take about 2.5 hrs from Mysore.

If you are hell bent to taking a train, you have to first go to Coimbatore, there is a morning train that reaches C'tore around 1'O Clock afternoon. From C'tore you have to take a train to Metupalayam, about an hour... From Metupalayam, you have a hill train to Ooty. It is a lovely ride. So three trains in all and more than double the time needed by the Mysore route...Even if you do not reach Ooty by train, my recommendation is to take a ride on the hill train for the sheer sights that it offers you...

Refer here

Skincare for this hot, hot summer !

Your skin is your shield against the environment. When excessive temperatures threaten to overheat your body, your skin protects the delicate inner organs and maintains a steady body temperature. However, in the process it bears the brunt of the heat and gets sunburned, tanned, wrinkled, blemished or damaged.

Hygiene: Half of summer-related skin infections would not occur if people maintained proper hygiene.

Sun protection : Second to moisturiser, sunscreens are the most ubiquitously used skincare product -- and also the most incorrectly used! Each brand contains different ingredients -- some are UBA-blocking agents, some for UVB, some are chemical sunblocks and others (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are physical sunblocks ie they form an opaque barrier against the penetration of UV rays.

Antioxidants (the internal sun protectors): Oxidative damage by ultraviolet radiation can be mitigated by adequate intake of antioxidants

Moisturisers : Sweating makes us forget just how much we need moisturisers. Heat saps moisture from the skin, leaving it dry and rough.

Click here to read more

6 simple tips to a better SOP

A well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP) is an essential ingredient to any application process. Here are 6 simple tips to make your SOP more effective.

Plan
Take time to sketch out an entire outline before beginning to put down sentences. The outline will assist in picking good content as well as developing a good flow of thought for the essay.

Begin well
Universities go through hundreds of SOPs routinely. Opening your SOP well is extremely important to capture the attention of the reviewer. The beginning is where you can establish your uniqueness. Use quotations, short anecdotes even couplets to spark the reader's interest in you.

Keep it simple
Your SOP is not the place to show off your vocabulary. Flowery phrases and long winding Proustian prose are sure turn-offs. Use simple words and short sentences to convey your ideas. Simplicity does not mean discounting passion. The SOP is fundamentally supposed to reflect your sense of purpose.

Divide the essay into short paragraphs each encapsulating an idea. If you do the planning properly, it will be easy to connect each paragraph to the next so that the flow is never broken. If you like to discuss disconnected topics, then subheadings can be used. Basically, having a structure with head, body and end is a must.

Be honest
Sincerity can easily delight the experienced eye of the reviewer. By the same token, deliberate lies and fraudulent claims are much more easily spotted that imagined by the writer. It is your personality that needs to be etched through those lines. So stick to your own thoughts and life experiences and be judged fairly.

Avoid cliches
Avoiding cliches is the easiest way to establish your uniqueness. Dime-a-dozen sample SOPs are available all over the place. Closely imitating them leads to dozens of SOPs appearing to be carbon copies of each other packed with "power phrases", "catchy verbs" and "must have adjectives".

Revise
The SOP should evolve into its final form over a period of time passing through multiple rewrites. Use the revisions to trim each sentence, paragraph and idea. All unnecessary words should be avoided. The SOP should be clear and concise, smart and simple and all the great writers of the world agree that such a product demands several patient hours of editing.

Source:Rediff

Online Shopping Security - Points

Shopping on the Internet can be economical and convenient. Shopping on the Internet is no less safe than shopping in a store or by mail. To help ensure that your online shopping experience is a safe one:

* Know who you’re dealing with. Confirm the online seller’s physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems.
* Know exactly what you’re buying. Read the seller’s description of the product closely, especially the fine print.
* Know what it will cost. Factor shipping and handling — along with your needs and budget — into the total cost of the order.
* Pay by credit or charge card, for maximum consumer protections.
* Check out the terms of the deal, like refund policies and delivery dates.
* Print and save records of your online transactions.

Click here to know more

5 bad food habits office-goers must change

If you, like so many of us, are so caught up with work that you have little time to watch what you eat, it's time to take a breather before your lifestyle takes its toll on your health.

Here are five bad habits which you must avoid to salvage your health.

1. Skipping breakfast
2. Drinking too much tea/coffee
3. Not drinking enough water
4. Eating at odd hours
5. Weekend binging

Source -Rediff

Strategies to improve your grammar

Grammar is a section of linguistics that deals with the form and structure of words (morphology) and how they fit in best in a sentence (syntax). The study of grammar divulges how a language works or functions. Here are a few points that can help you with your grammar:

Speak in English

In India, a majority of people first come across grammar as a second language, in a school curriculum. This kind of grammar is called normative, or prescriptive grammar. It defines the role of various parts of speech and tells us what is the norm or 'correct' usage.

Read and practise

The more you read, the better you get with your vocabulary. It improves grammar too. If possible, read aloud. Functional grammar deals with the way in which words and word order are used in social perspectives to get the message across. However, if you have a sudden dislike towards heavy grammar books, try the 'parrot method.'

Source:Rediff

CAT: A 15-day preparation plan

With CAT 2006 just a fortnight away, candidates are probably on tenterhooks. If you are taking the examp, try and stay calm.

For those attempting CAT

Reading Comprehension
The only way to prepare for this is to develop a good reading habit, which includes topics, subjects, or articles you dislike or are uninterested in. You need to read material you don't usually read because the examiners are not going to set passages according to your likes and dislikes.

Verbal Ability

This section can be completed in far less time than, say, a problem-solving section, because the exercises here are not time-consuming. You either know the correct answer at first glance or you don't know it at all. This is where you can achieve highest accuracy in the least amount of time.

Source:Rediff

Distance learning finance courses

What: The Indian Institute of Finance, Delhi, invites applications for admission to its distance learning programmes for working executives, for session beginning in November 2006 and May 2007.

Programme list

~ One-year, Post-graduate Programme in Basic Business Finance

~ Two-year, Post-graduate Programme in Management of Business Finance

~ Three-year, Post-graduate Diploma in Business Finance

Are you elgible?

~ You must be a graduate in any discipline from a recognised university or institution.

~ You must have a minimum overall aggregate of 60 percent.

~ You must have at least three years of work experience.

Important dates

~ For session beginning in November 2006, please send in your completed application form before October 20.

~ For session beginning in May 2007, please send in your completed application form before April 20, 2007.

How to apply

~ Please download the application form by visiting http://www.iif.edu/.

~ You may also obtain the prospectus and application form on payment of Rs 1,000 by demand draft drawn in favour of the Indian Institute of Finance payable at Delhi

Click here for more information

Firefox 2.0 & IE 7 gets one-click subscription

Firefox 2.0 users rejoice! Viewing an RSS-capable page that you want to subscribe to? Just click on the big orange RSS button in your Firefox toolbar. You'll be automatically subscribed to it as a Bloglines feed.

Now, whenever you view a RSS-capable page on Microsoft Internet Explorer 7, you can subscribe to it in Bloglines with a single click.

All you need is the new Bloglines Browser Plug-in.

Source:Bloglines

Interested in international business?

What: The University of Lucknow, invites applications for admission to its various MBA programmes.

Programme list

~ The department of business administration offers the following programmes:

* Master of Business Administration
* MBA (E-Business)

~ The Institute of Management Sciences offers the following programmes:

* MBA (Corporate Management)
* MBA (Finance and Control)
* MBA (HR and IR)
* MBA (International Business)
* MBA (Marketing Economics)
* MBA (Tourism)
* Master of Management Sciences

Are you eligible?

~ You must be a graduate with a minimum overall aggregate of 50 percent.

~ You could be a final year student awaiting your result.

Selection method

~ You will be shortlisted on the basis of your performance in CAT.

~ Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the group discussion followed by a personal interview.

Important dates

~ Issue of application forms by post ends: November 6.

~ Please send in your completed application form before November 30.

How to apply

~ Obtain the application form from the Cashier's office, University of Lucknow, on payment of Rs 700 by cash or demand draft in favour of the Finance Officer, University of Lucknow, payable at Lucknow.

~ Or, by sending a request, along with a demand draft of Rs 750, in favour the Finance Officer, University of Lucknow, payable at Lucknow.

~ Or, download the form by visiting http://www.lkouniv.ac.in/.

Address
Director MBA Admissions 2007-2008
Department of Business Administration
University of Lucknow
Lucknow -- 226 007

Phone: (0522) 2740246

e-mail: lumba@lkouniv.ac.in
Web site: http://www.lkouniv.ac.in/

Crack your forgotten Excel passwords.

You password your Excel spreadsheets to keep others out, but sometimes they keep you out, too. This Excel add-in lets you crack your own forgotten password and regain access to your Excel data. This tiny program places "Unprotect workbook" and "Unprotect sheet" into your Excel menu.

Want to be a commercial pilot?

What: Mittal's Aviation Academy invites applications for admission to its 14 week intensive training course in Ground Studies for Pilot CPL Examination as conducted by DGCA in Mumbai.

Details

~ The programme is as per the DGCA syllabus for commercial pilot license.

~ The faculty comprises a team of highly experienced defense and civil aviation cockpit crew, having 15000 to 20000 flying hours over 35 to 40 years of experience on propeller and jet transport aeroplanes of Indian Air Force and International airlines.

Are you eligible?

~ You must have passed class XII with a minimum overall aggregate of 50 in physics, chemistry and mathematics.

~ You could be a final year student awaiting your result.

Selection method

~ Selection will be based on your performance in the personal interview.

Impotant date

~ For the Pilot CPL examination in October, please apply before July 15.

How to apply

~ Obtain the prospectus and application form by writing to mittalandmittal@gmail.com.

~ Or, from the address given below.

Address
Flying Officer M L Mittal (Retd IAF, Air India )
D-51
Hill Road Co-operative Housing Society
Hill Road
Bandra West
Mumbai -- 400 050

Phones: (022) 56051913, 09819437560, 09833418936

Source: Rediff

Interested in biotechnology?

What: Manipal Academy of Higher Education invites applications for its various programmes.

Programme details

* B Sc Biotechnology
* Bachelor of Physical Therapy
* Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
* B Sc Medical Imaging Technology
* B Sc Optometry
* Audiology & Speech Language Pathology
* B Sc Nuclear Medicine Technology
* B Sc Medical Laboratory Technology
* B Sc Respiratory Therapy
* B Sc Accident & Emergency Care
* B Sc Health Information Administration
* BBA Jewellery Design & Management

Are you eligible?

~ For details on eligibility, visit http://admissions.manipal.edu/.

Source:Rediff

Top 12 Laptops

Here are the top 12 Laptops depending on the budget you have.Choose one to suit your budget and your needs.

List of B- Schools in India.

Here is the list of B- Schools in India.

6 tips to make a GREAT presentation

Less is more on a slide show. Too much information on a single slide becomes unreadable, especially when it is projected on a big screen for a large audience," says Delhi-based Ajay Jain, CEO, TCP Media.

1. Present your content in the form of four to five bulleted points per slide; anything more and you end up creating clutter. Using bullets not only makes your slide readable, it also adds to the overall impact of your presentation.

2. Let your bullets be visible. Try to use a font size of 18-24.

3. Don't let each bulleted point be too lengthy. Limit it to six words in one line -- use short sentences.

4. Try to restrict it to six lines in a slide.

5. Contrast the text with the background.

6. To highlight certain important information, present that text in a larger font size.

Need a study loan?

College fees -- two words that can strike terror in the heart of any parent. And if their offspring decides to take a professional course, or decides to get a master's degree, woe betide the fond parents.

The minimum fee at an engineering college is Rs 35,000 (the better ones charge more), while an MBA can cost around Rs 200,000; at a foreign university the same comes with a tag of Rs 15 lakh (Rs 1.5 million) or so.

Yes, this is bad news, but here's worse. Banks are no longer offering study loans with the open-handed generosity of a few years ago, especially to students who plan to study abroad. The reason for this is that the default rate is rising in banks' education loan portfolios. According to a public sector bank official, the problem of default is worse in the case of overseas education, as students change their address without informing the bank.

Even students from prestigious engineering and management institutions default on their payments. And banks find it difficult to track them given the trend of job-hopping and city-hopping.

Click here for More

Top 10 Digital Cameras

Are you looking around for Digital Cameras?
What's a party or holiday without great photographs?

Today, you can capture all the fun using a digital camera. View photographs instantly, then e-mail them to friends immediately!

If you are planning to splurge on one though, do it wisely. Follow our shopping guide for the best buys in the market.

Click here to explore all the Top 10 Digital Cameras

Want to study law?

What: The University of Delhi, Faculty of Law, will conduct entrance tests at Delhi for admission to its LLB and LLM programmes.

Details

LLB

~ Date of examination: June 25

Are you eligible?

~ You must be a graduate/ post-graduate with a minimum overall aggregate of 50 percent from a recognised university.

LLM

~ Date of examination: July 2

Are you eligible?

~ You must hold an LLB degree (three/ five year course) with a minimum overall aggregate of 50 percent from a recognised university.

Note: Candidates appearing/ awaiting results of the qualifying degree examination are also eligible to apply.

How to apply

~ Obtain the prospectus and application form from the admission form counter, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, by paying Rs 100 in cash.

~ Or, by sending a demand draft of Rs150 drawn in favour of the Registrar, University of Delhi, payable at Delhi.

~ Or, download the application form by visiting http://www.du.ac.in/.

Click here to know more

CAT 2006: A six month strategy

The Common Admission Test for admission to the IIMs is just six months away; it will be held on November 19, 2006.

If you are giving CAT this year, it's possible your studies have been derailed due to various controversies and ongoing debates -- reservations at the IIMs, introduction of CAT prelims and 50 percent minimum requirement at the graduation level to qualify for CAT.

Well, it's high time you got back to your books. Follow our six-month strategy to help you plan and prepare better for this all-important exam.

This article will be followed by subsequent articles that focus on each individual area and detail their preparation strategy.

More Here