Rameshify

Pic taken during Diwali

// January 30th, 2010 // No Comments » // General

My favorite couple picture

// January 30th, 2010 // No Comments » // General

Gmail Tips & Tricks

// December 14th, 2009 // No Comments » // Tips & Tricks

10 commandments of investing

// November 27th, 2009 // No Comments » // General

INVESTING today is not just about opening a bank fixed deposit or a public provident fund. With the opening up of the market in all ways, with everything being a function of the market, be it jobs, credit, interest rates, inflation, it’s no longer enough to remain in the safe comforts of a bank deposit or government scheme. There are more than 500 financial products to meet your every need and create wealth; the challenge is the pick the right ones. Moneycontrol lays down the ‘10 commandments of investing’ which will help you make that choice.

Commandment 1: You need a goal
To create wealth you need to know why you desire wealth in the first place. Your goal could be:
- Saving up to make the down payment for a home mortgage
- Buying a car
- Saving up for the higher education of children
- Your retirement
Whatever the goal is, once you figure it out there will be a target for you to achieve.
After this, it is as simple as saving your bonus or surplus towards the goal.

Commandment 2: Invest regularly
You need to religiously save money. Set aside a specific amount every month from your salary. If you think you’d not feel compelled to save, you can invest your money in recurring deposits, Systematic Investment Plans (SIP), Monthly Investment Plans (MIP), etc. Here, you have no choice but to write a cheque every month. You can, of course, pick an amount that suits your salary level and your goal.

Commandment 3: Account for inflation
The value of money is actually depreciating with time. Strange as it sounds, it is true. If the rate of inflation is more than the rate of return, the real value of your investment is negative. For example, if you have invested Rs 10,000 in a bank fixed deposit for a period of 3 years at an interest rate of 5.5 per cent, you will be assured of a maturity amount of Rs 11,742. Suppose during this period of 3 years, average inflation was at 6 per cent, the real value of your maturity amount would be Rs 9,859.

Commandment 4: Evaluate your risk profile
You will have different capacity for risk depending on your income and your needs. There is also a different risk tolerance, based on an individual’s psychological make-up. Understand your risk profile and plan your portfolio accordingly.

Commandment 5: Save for emergencies
You can’t have all your money locked-up for the long-term. Remember to set aside some liquid cash to meet emergencies. Be prudent, plan for the worst-case scenarios. This way you are adequately prepared for the bad times. You can do that by keeping funds equivalent to 4-6 months of their monthly household budget in cash and bank savings account. Banks will give little by way of interest, but they offer highest liquidity. You can withdraw this money at any time.

Commandment 6: Buy insurance early
Investing is not only about putting money in financial products. It is also about protecting that money so that you don’t have to make unnecessary withdrawals. Insurance, life and health, can guard against that. The cost of your insurance is linked to your age. That is, the older you grow the higher your premiums. Once you cross 50 years of age, you will also be asked to go for several medical tests that add to your cost. So, be smart and go for an insurance policy at an early age.

Commandment 7: Plan your taxes, but don’t make it the be all
Make the best of your tax saving investments like Public Provident Fund, National Savings Certificate and the like. While it is true that tax saving instruments must not be your only investments, make sure that you don’t end up paying taxes when you could have actually saved them by making fruitful investments. Even investing in a pension policy or an insurance policy can save you tax, but make sure you don’t do that just to save on tax.

Commandment 8: Equities for the long term, debt for the short term
Long-term investing helps you tide over short-term market volatilities, especially in high risk-high return asset classes like equity, something that short-term players invariably lose sleep over. Long-term investing will also keep you from making common mistakes such as timing the market, picking bad stocks, speculating on stocks that are worthless, investing on borrowed money, trying to make a killing in some fad-of-the-day stock, etc.

Commandment 9: Asset alloaction
Devise a professionally counselled and well-managed asset allocation portfolio. That way you can reduce your risk without necessarily having to reduce your returns. To get the maximum benefit of reducing your risk through diversification spread your portfolio across different assets. Different assets should ideally span across different asset classes such as fixed income, equity, real estate, gold as well as different investment options within these asset classes e.g. within equity shares your exposure should be to companies in different sectors; or within fixed income investments it could be partly government risk and partly corporate risk.

Commandment 10: Seek professional help
If you don’t have what it takes to analyse stocks or research mutual funds, seek professional help. If your health seeks a doctor, your money should seek a professional advisor.

via moneycontrol.com

A Story

// November 23rd, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Life

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each
name.

Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.

It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual..

On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling.. “Really?” she heard whispered. “I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!” and, “I didn’t know others liked me so
much,” were most of the comments..

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn’t matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy
with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in Viet Nam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so
mature.

The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin.

As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. “Were you Mark’s math teacher?” he asked. She nodded: “yes.” Then he said: “Mark talked about you a lot.”

After the funeral, most of Mark’s former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark’s mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.

“We want to show you something,” his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket.. “They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it.”

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times..
The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark’s classmates had said about him.

“Thank you so much for doing that,” Mark’s mother said. “As you can see, Mark treasured it.”

All of Mark’s former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, “I still have my list. It’s in the top drawer of my desk at home.”
Chuck’s wife said, “Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.”

“I have mine too,” Marilyn said. “It’s in my diary.”

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. “I carry this with me at all times,” Vicki said and without batting an eyelash,
she continued: “I think we all saved our lists.”

Birth Number Test

// November 23rd, 2009 // 1 Comment » // General

Your birth date describes who we are, what we are good at and what our inborn abilities are. It also points to what we have to learn and the challenges we are facing. To figure out your Birth Number, add all the numbers in the birth date together, like in the example, until there is only one digit.

A Birth Number does not prevent you from being anything you want to be, it will just color your choice differently and give you a little insight.

Example : March 20, 1950

3 + 20 + 1950 = 1973 = 1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20 = 2 + 0 = 2

2 is the Birth Number to read for the birth date in the example.

# 1 – THE ORIGINATOR

1 ’s are originals. Coming up with new ideas and executing them is natural. Having things their own way is another trait that gets them as being stubborn and arrogant. 1’s are extremely honest and do well to learn some diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitely helpful for them. Lesson to learn: Others’ ideas might be just as good or better and to stay open minded.

Famous 1’s : Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, Carol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, Raquel Welch, Samuel L. Jackson

#2 – THE PEACEMAKER

2’s are the born diplomats. They are aware of others’ needs and moods and often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very intuitive they don’t like to be alone. Friendship and companionship is very important and can lead them to be successful in life, but on the other hand they’d rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship. Being naturally shy they should learn to boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely and seize the moment and not put things off.

Famous 2’s : President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoopee Goldberg, Thomas Edison, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Orlando Bloom, David Beckham

# 3 – THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

3’s are idealists. They are very creative, social, charming, romantic, and easygoing. They start many things, but don’t always see them through. They like others to be happy and go to great lengths to achieve it. They are very popular and idealistic. They should learn to see the world from a more realistic point of view.
Famous 3’s: Alan Alda, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby, Melanie Griffith, Salvador Dali, Jodi Foster, LL Cool J

# 4 – THE CONSERVATIVE

4’s are sensible and traditional. They like order and routine. They only act when they fully understand what they are expected to do. They like getting their hands dirty and working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn and persistent. They should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to themselves.

Famous 4’s : Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, Oprah Winfrey

# 5 – THE NONCONFORMIST

5’s are the explorers. Their natural curiosity, risk taking, and enthusiasm often land them in hot water. They need diversity, and don’t like to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is their school and they see a learning possibility in every situation. The questions never stop. They are well advised to look before they take action and make sure they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions.

Famous 5’s: Abraham Lincoln, Charlotte Bronte, Jessica Walter, Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Midler, Helen Keller, Mark Hamil, Colin Farrell, Scott Speedman

# 6 – THE ROMANTIC

6’s are idealistic and need to feel useful to be happy. A strong family connection is important to them. Their actions influence their decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help. They are very loyal and make great teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously. 6’s should learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot.
Famous 6’s: Albert Einstein, Jane Seymour, John Denver, Meryl Streep, Christopher Columbus, Goldie Hawn, Salma Hayek

#7 – THE INTELLECTUAL

7’s are the searchers. Always probing for hidden information, they find it difficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don’t sway their decisions. Questioning everything in life, they don’t like to be questioned themselves. They’re never off to a fast start, and their motto is slow and steady wins the race. They come across as philosophers and being very knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners. They are technically inclined and make great researchers uncovering information. They like secrets. They live in their own world and should learn what is acceptable and what not in the world at large.
Famous 7’s: William Shakespeare, Lucille Ball, Joan Baez, Princess Diana, Johnny Depp, Shah Rukh Khan

# 8 – THE BIG SHOT

8’s are the problem solvers. They are professional, blunt and to the point, have good judgment and are decisive. They have grand plans and like to live the good life. They take charge of people. They view people objectively. They let you know in no uncertain terms that they are the boss. They should learn to exude their decisions on their own needs rather than on what others want.

Famous 8’s: Edgar Cayce, Barbra Streisand, George Harrison, Jane Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, Nostrodamus, Jack Davenport, Michelle Rodriguez

#9 – THE PERFORMER
9’s are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them. They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have tremendous luck, but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation.
Famous 9’s: Albert Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, Elvis Presley, Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean!)

Unconditional Love

// November 23rd, 2009 // No Comments » // Life

A story is told about a soldier who was finally coming home after having fought in Vietnam. He called his parents from San Francisco.
“Mom and Dad, I’m coming home, but I’ve a favor to ask. I have a friend I’d like to bring home with me.”

“Sure,” they replied, “we’d love to meet him.”

“There’s something you should know the son continued, “he was hurt pretty badly in the fighting. He stepped on a land mind and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, son. Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live.”

“No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live with us.”

“Son,” said the father, “you don’t know what you’re asking. Someone with such a handicap would be a terrible burden on us. We have our own lives to live, and we can’t let something like this interfere with our lives. I think you should just come home and forget about this guy. He’ll find a way to live on his own.”

At that point, the son hung up the phone. The parents heard nothing more from him. A few days later, however, they received a call from the San Francisco police. Their son had died after falling from a building, they were told. The police believed it was suicide. The grief-stricken parents flew to San Francisco and were taken to the city morgue to identify the body of their son. They recognized him, but to their horror they also discovered something they didn’t know, their son had only one arm and one leg.

Leads of Life

// November 23rd, 2009 // No Comments » // Life

1. Never laugh at anyone’s dreams.
2. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
3. Once in a while, invite the person behind you in the queue to go ahead of you.
4. Buy ladders, extension cords and garden hoses longer than you think you’ll need.
5. Ask anyone giving directions to repeat them at least twice.
6. Rehearse a joke before telling it.
7. Accept a breath mint if someone offers you one.
8. Over-estimate travel time by fifteen minutes.
9. Someone will always be looking at you as an example of how to behave. Don’t let him/her down.
10. Give people more than they expect, and do it cheerfully.”Don’t be so concerned with your rights that you forget your manners.
11. Don’t dismiss a good idea simply because you don’t like the source.
12. Put the strap around your neck before looking through binoculars.
13. Trust in God, but lock your car.
14. Pray. There is immeasurable power in it.
15. Brush your teeth before putting on your tie.
16. Never ask your barber if you need a haircut.
17. Never say anything uncomplimentary about your wife or children in the presence of others.
18. When you say “I am sorry” look the person in the eye.
19. No matter how old you get, hug and kiss your mother.
20. Phone home if you are going to be more than 20 minutes late.
21. Remember that everyone is influenced by kindness.
22. Never be the first to break a family tradition( as far as possible).
23. Do your homework and know your facts, but remember its passion that persuades.
24. When someone asks you a question you don’t want to answer, smile and say, “why do you want to know?
25. Be friendly to the janitor as you are to the chairman of the board.
26. Be bold. Providence loves boldness and will assist you in ways you wouldn’t imagine.
27. Never take anybody for granted and never let anybody take you for granted.
28. Never marry a woman you love. Marry the woman who loves you.
29. Never say NO to life.
30. When it comes to worrying or painting a picture, know when to stop.
31. Remember that no time spent with your children is ever wasted.
32. Hold your child’s hand every chance you get. The time will come when he or she won’t let you.

What’s so special about iPhone 3GS

// November 10th, 2009 // No Comments » // Gadgets, iPhone

iPhone 3GS is the most awaited Phone of the year. it has a cool new features under the hood.

The list of features goes like this:

1. Good news for all those who is complaining about iPhone being unresponsive at times, the new iPhone 3GS has better and faster processor, which makes it a snap to launch applications, better browsing experience over wifi, games load faster and exit faster without making the iPhone unresponsive.
2. It has a good improvement with respect to battery life.
   • Talktime: 12 hours on 2G, 5 hours on 3G.
   • Standby: 300 hours.
   • Internet use: 5 hours on 3G, 9 hours on WiFi.
   • Audio Playback: 30 hours.
   • Video Playback: 10 hours.
3. It has got voice control. It lets you control iPhone using voice control, you no more have to dig your pocket for your iPhone 3GS to control music or to make calls. With voice control you can tell phone to call a number in your contacts by speaking into the microphone.
4. A whole lot of accessibility features.
   • text-to-speech voice over: lets the phone read text for you, from now on you can hear e-books for a change.
   • Zooming: lets you zoom the phone screen.
5. It has got Compass. it shows you which direction if you are heading in case you are stuck in amazon jungles.
6. Camera is best thing that has happened to iPhone 3GS next only to faster processor.
   • It’s a 3 Mega Pixel camera with Autofocus.
   • Tap to focus. It lets you record videos, edit them and send as MMS.

type music hearts cloud and other cool symbols using iphone or ipod keyboard

// November 10th, 2009 // No Comments » // Gadgets, iPhone, iPod

Here are the steps to follow, which enables you to enter special characters like stars, clouds, rain, sun music symbols on iphone, ipod touch

How to enable special symbols:

1. Click Settings


Click on Settings

2. Select General


Choose General from Settings Menu

3. Select International


Select International from General Page

4. Select Keyboards


Select Keyboards from International Menu

5. Select Japanese


Select Japanese from Keyboards Page

6. Enable Kana Keyboard


Enable Kana Keyboard

Procedure to type special numbers

1. Click World icon at the bottom of the keyboard until japanese Keyboard comes up


Click on world until japanese keyboard comes up

2. Click on ABC twice (until you see numbers 1,2,3… with special symbols just below them)


Click ABC twice to show numbers with special symbols just below them

3. After clicking ABC twice the screen looks like this


View of Keyboard screen with special symbols

4. Click and hold on any button with desired symbol, for example click and hold 1 (it has music, star and arrow symbols) to get symbols around


Click and Hold any digit to get desired corresponding symbols

5. Drag and release your finger over one of those symbols


Drag and Release your finger over one of desired symbol

6. Wait for 2 seconds
   A small menu pops up near the character you just typed, click on the small blue arrow to the extreme right of the popup menu


A small menu pop up near the typed character with some symbols and blue arrow to the extreme right

7. Here you’ll find a whole bunch of symbols to serve you including but not limited to clouds, love, music, sun, star, brackets, dots and triple dots, not equal etc


A whole lot of symbols to let you express your feelings better