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My father loved the hills. He could feel the romance of a hill station. He would have loved to own a little ivy-covered stone cottage on a pine hill. To have walked down its cobbled pathway through the morning mist, sporting a masculine overcoat, the broad brim of his stylish felt hat pulled low over the brow and the gloved hand tight on the polished wooden staff. Headed for work, that afforded meaning and dignity. To have retired in the evenings with a book, to a wooden study, by the fireplace. To have shared his scotch with gentlemen. To have debated on the issues of the world with men of substance. A modest ambition by certain standards, but it was a far cry for the gentle village boy of Daad.
My father was brought up by his grandfather, a devout Sikh, who had settled down to farming after having retired as a Subedar-Major from the Indian-British army. He would sit on his lap learning the hymns and the prayers, which were a part of the old man's daily routine. The grandfather was well regarded by the entire village. He had donated land for the village school. He would make occasional donations to the Gurdwara. He had had the guts to go against the tide and had afforded protection and shelter to the hapless Muslim families of Daad and had saved them from being butchered in the genocide that accompanied the Partition. My dad loved his Grandfather and was by his side till his last breath. He learnt the value of quiet dignity and grace from the man. Though he spent his entire childhood and early youth in the village, yet the village life never really caught his imagination. The typical concerns of his rustic peers, their love for the daily fracas, the highs of 'santra' (cheap country liquor) or the peasant's pride in getting a good harvest, were completely lost on him. He would be ridiculed for ironing his pajamas, for his pretentions at being more cultured than the rest and for the framed picture of Kennedy that was a part of his permanent possessions. He yearned to be away from it all. To a place and a life that had grace and style.
He got himself an education. He studied literature and got a job as a college lecturer. He rued missing out on a more dignified and manly profession but there was optimism in the heart. He successfully wooed a city-bred colleague, beating better placed suitors by his innocent charm and gentle style, got married and settled down at Amritsar. He lived beyond his means as he was convinced that a gentleman must have his dignity and he had no fear of the future. His children had to study in the best of public schools, wear the best of clothes. The couple's twin salaries could barely meet the lavish lifestyle. But it was a happy family. The colleagues found the couple cheerful company, their parties warm and their manner endearing. My dad had settled down to the simple yet tasteful life of a middle class householder.
But the hills were calling him all the time. He studied for a course as a company secretary and landed himself a job in Shimla. The colleagues advised against the career move as the new job would not pay enough to offset the loss of my mother's salary and the benefit of free Government accommodation. But nothing would dissuade him. He felt it was his destiny to live a life of quiet dignity inspired by all the literature that he had read. He landed in Shimla and scouted around for a good house befitting a gentleman's family. Shimla has always been an expensive town. But he was not going to be deterred by rentals. What was the fun of living in a hill station if you did not have an open terrace overlooking a wooded valley? So he settled for a pretty little house which was a part of Good Wood Estate, a mere half hour walk from the ridge. While he was running around getting things ready for his family, we kids were going crazy with anticipation. We would imagine the snow covered slopes and the snowmen. The housemaid, who was a constant companion for the kids, was equally excited at the prospect of living in a fairyland, called Shimla. Finally the D-day dawned and we were all off to Shimla. The maid was to be left behind as we would not be able to afford the luxury of a full time help any longer. It acted as a spoiler and the poor girl was heart-broken, but our excitement made every other thing pale into the background.
It was probably my first train journey and we switched trains at Kalka. The sight of the small blue compartments of the hill train took our breath away. The quaint compartments swayed gently behind the chugging steam engine as we began the ascent. I looked out at the mesmerizing hill views, feeling the pine scented hill breeze. The goats, grazing idyllically, on the slopes along the rail-track. I was six and I fell in love with the hills. On reaching Shimla the porters carried our luggage piled high on the back and we walked through Shimla to our new home.
The scenically located Good Wood Estate consisted of a huge building with separate portions built on terraced slopes that were rented out to different families. It was a small community with lots of kids. We shared a huge open terrace with another family and it overlooked a fascinating valley. A white haired lady lived alone in a tin roofed house down a slope and we kids used to throw pebbles on her roof and scamper for safety before the lady emerged. Her lonely existence and cranky temperament fed our fertile imagination and we half expected her to come after us flying on a broom. Shimla of the mid-70s was everything that a child could wish for. The ponies on the ridge. The toy shops on the mall that fascinated me. The 'Ashiana' restaurant with songs of Kabhi-Kabhi. The book stores that my brother could not resist. The long walks. The snuggling against my Dad to stave off the evening chill as he carried me home from the Mall, while my older siblings trudged along. The picnics under the pines. The view from the fence of the Auckland School. The monkeys. The chanas in paper cones. The skating rink and its loud music. The first raincoats and the duckback shoes. The torrential rains. The sunny afternoons on our terrace. The 25-paisa apples I had as tiffin. The 'Triple Taste' toffee wrappers that we collected and exchanged for albums that were used for pasting the new wrappers! The thorns of bichhu buti. All this and more. Shimla was a fairyland. I was decided that we would never ever leave Shimla and would live there happily ever after. But our luck ran out. My dad's romance with life ended. He realized that being a middle order functionary in a large bureaucratic organization afforded even lesser dignity than being a college professor. And we could no longer afford living at Good Wood on a single salary. The family was under debt and hard economics put an abrupt end to my dad's dreams. We left Shimla without having seen the snow. My dad returned to his earlier job only to realize that he had lost his posting in a decent city and had to join in a rural college. The Government accommodation was lost. The style withered away and so did the optimism and the dreams. He never recovered fully from the shock. I cried for days when we came back from Shimla. I hated my new school. The new town. I never forgot the hill station.
Later, whenever I would visit the hill station with my wife and kids, I would try to recall the first train journey to Shimla, the sounds and sights of childhood, but they were buried far too deep in time. I tried remembering where our house had been. The path we took to the cloud-covered ridge. But it was all too vague in memory. Then a couple of years back, I was deputed to attend a conference at Radisson, a newly built swanky five-star hotel. The Radisson Hotel is a beautiful wooden structure built on several levels. As we broke for tea and came out on the terrace I looked out into the open valley. And the hills beyond. I suddenly had the uncanny feel of having been there before. It was weird as I can count the number of occasions I have visited a Star Five hotel. But the deja vu feel would not go and I asked the manager what area it was. 'It's the Good Wood Estate and it belonged to some lady. There used to be houses here earlier,' informed the manager cheerfully. Here I was 32 years later standing unwittingly at the same spot where I had spent the happiest days of my childhood. I wanted to hug my father and tell him that he may not have had the money but he always had taste. Our Good Wood Estate now housed a 5 Star Hotel. But he's gone long back. He went when I had just about begun to understand him and his romantic view to life. Quietly, without a fuss, like the gentleman he was. Leaving his dreams for a house on the hills buried deep in my heart and soul.
In Defence of Shahrukh Khan
I have always disliked Shahrukh Khan. His films are okay but I just can't stand his interviews and his tongue-in-cheek replies. He is a wee bit too witty, too smart for my liking. And the undisguised adoration with which my wife and daughters watch all his films and TV interviews does not make it any better for him! But he is entitled to have his say, just as all the rest of the 1.25 billion that comprise our nation.
The other day a friend compared Shahrukh's current dilemma with that of the character played by Dev Anand in the film 'Guide'. Where greatness is thrust on a man who gets caught in his own statement. Where his sense of conviction goes on increasing with worsening of odds. Until he meets a grim end and achieves greatness. The reference got me thinking about the famous dialogue towards the end of the same movie, where Dev Anand is refusing to be dissuaded to continue his fast in light of his deteriorating health. On being asked whether he really believes that he can make rainfall happen by his fast-unto-death, he states, "Ab sawaal yeh nahin ki baarish hoti hai ya nahin, ab sawaal yeh hai ki bhagwaan hai yeh nahin" Shahrukh Khan's situation is somewhat similar. "Ab sawaal yeh nahin ki Pakistani players India mein khelte hain ya nahin, ab sawaal yeh hai ki hamare desh mein Rule of Law hai ya nahin?" Can anybody deny him his right of stating his mind? Whether he is right in his opinion or not is beside the point. 'What kept him from bidding for one of the Pakistani players himself if he was indeed so concerned about the entire issue,' was my initial reaction to the situation. My wife promptly jumped to his defence. We love arguing on Shahrukh Khan! But I now realize that had the guy really bid for the players, he would have been labelled a traitor by a wider section of our citizens. Jis desh mein Gandhiji ko koi bewakoof goli maar gaya, wahan Shahrukh Khan kya cheez hai! While opinions are sharply divided on the issue of Pakistan (the apparent blog support to Shahrukh notwithstanding) yet as free thinking citizens of India we must not loose track of our basic ethos. India does not stand for intolerance. No nation of the world became great out of inward thought. If we have to grow and stick together as one, we have to learn to tolerate dissent. Our Constitution allows it. We are all equal in eyes of law and nobody can be denied his freedom of speech. We, the people of India, have to stop the bullies and their fascist agenda.
I recount an episode at the time of the 1992 Assembly Elections in Punjab. The writ of the Sikh militants ran large. The Government was attempting to restore the democratic process in Punjab and the radicals were hell-bent on opposing it. There would be shootouts and killings everyday. Not a soul could be seen on the roads after sunset. There was little hope of peace returning to the troubled State. The police patrols and army convoys were seen with equal distrust and trepidation as the gun-totting militants by the Sikh peasantry. The elections seemed to be doomed to fail. Posters had been put up in Punjab villages warning the villagers against venturing out for voting on the election day. Nobody doubted the ruthlessness of the militants and not a single voter turned up in many of the rural polling booths. I was twenty two and had never voted. My dad had been put on election duty by the Government and we were worried to death about his safety. My family had settled down at my ancestral village about a decade back. My dad had constructed a new house on the outskirts of the village and it was a lonely existence in those terrible times. Not a soul resided within kilometres of our home. The dreadful tales of massacre of innocent people by the militants and the 'disappearances' after police action would keep us awake at nights. The dog's bark at night or the sound of a vehicle stopping by our gate would send a chill down the spine. We were a family of clean-shaven Sikhs and 'they' could come for us any day.
It was afternoon on the polling day. Not a single voter had cast his vote in our village. I stood with my mother on our terrace looking at the army convoys and the police patrols move menacingly up and down on the road going to the city. I remarked that the Government was really trying hard to make the Elections successful. 'What's the use if not a single voter has the himmat (guts) to vote?' was her reply. Now, I am a timid man. I have never played cricket as I am scared of the cricket ball. I rarely got into fist fights as a child. I have been afraid of dogs and rats all my life. But I have always hated being bullied. And at that moment the painful truth struck home that I was not refraining from voting because I was convinced of the radical Sikh viewpoint. I was not voting because I was scared of the bullies and what they could do to me if they found out that I had dared to defy their diktat. So in that moment of truth I decided 'to be a man' and go ahead and vote. My mother was horrified to learn what she had inadvertently done and pleaded with me to reconsider. But the die had been cast and I started for the Government school where the polling booth was located. It was a two kilometer walk from the house and the mean looking Punjab Policemen in plain clothes, the so-called 'Cats' moving in unmarked vehicles crossed me twice, scaring the shit out of me. As I neared the village I could feel the inquisitive eyes of the village folk sitting on the terraces looking at me with disbelief. I was sweating with fear for I felt that I was being marked for the inevitable retribution that would follow later in the evening. The polling duty staff were even more shocked than the villagers to see me appear at the school gate. They had not been expecting anybody to turn up so they had not bothered to get their polling material ready. It meant an extra half hour at the booth and it did not help my queasy stomach. I finally cast my vote and could not help feeling triumphant as I headed back home. I had defied the bullies and nothing would undo that. My mother refused to speak to me or even register my act of bravado! That evening the militants shot some of the hapless voters at night in an adjoining district. My dad returned home safely from his election duty and we waited for that deathly call by the militants. The terror in those days was complete and our lonesome house on the village outskirts was an easy target. But they never came. The Sikh peasantry had had enough of being bullied by the militants and the police alike and the 1992 elections proved to be a turning point.
I feel that its a day of reckoning for the Mumbaikars. Are they going to allow themselves to be bullied by a handful of thugs or are they made up of stronger stuff? 'Ab sawaal ye nahin ki Shahrukh ki picture chalti hai ya nahin, ab sawal ye hai ki mumbaikars darteh hai ya nahin?'
Daad Diary
I feel that the memories of the bygone days are largely defined in one's mind by episodes having special emotive significance. When one reflects on one's past the everyday and the mundane generally pale into the background. One can remember only the emotive milestones. The ugliness of the times gradually fades away in the bottomless depths of mind and only the sweet and the fragrant remains.
I had turned eleven when we landed, bag and baggage, at our ancestral house in Daad, my parental village. The family had moved from Chandigarh on exhausting its stamina and finances after a series of abortive attempts by my Dad for finding a vocation true to his heart. He had finally given up and had decided to be discontented with his job for the rest of his years. The grandfather felt cramped by our urban lifestyle and our exaggerated sensibilities on issues of hygiene and he made no attempt to disguise his discomfort. The house had been built by my great grandfather around the time of the First World War. The front gate was an unpretentious iron sheet that swiveled on hinges fixed into the outer wall. It opened by the side of the foul and stagnant waters of an apology for a village pond. It was a virtual cesspool, into which the dirty water from the adjoining houses got drained. A narrow pathway ran alongside the pond that was later lined with Eucalyptus trees planted by my father to make the entrance slightly more cheerful and to screen off the ugly site and the smell. A much bigger haveli style wooden gate opened on one side into a congested and squalid village street into which opened the houses of our not so distantly related clansmen. Their abysmal levels of hygiene and profane language made that side of the house out-of-bounds for us. Papa would be horrified at any attempt on our part to socialize with the ill-bred village louts! The house itself consisted of a series of rooms arranged unimaginatively in a single column like railway compartments. The rooms had been added at different times over a period of 50 years and had little commonality by way of design or build quality. Towards the end of the serially arranged bedrooms was a small courtyard with a kitchen and a storeroom at the far end. An open to sky staircase led to the terrace and a solitary room on the first floor. The dank storeroom dated back to the early 20th century, was sans any windows and had a dark, melancholy, stale, decaying feel to it. It was probably the earliest part of the construction and it housed the junk collected over three generations besides the huge iron drums used for storing the wheat kept aside for domestic consumption. My great-grand father had offered refuge to some Muslim families at the time of Partition and they had hidden in this room while their brethren got massacred in the madness. As a child, I always had an irrational fear that the room was haunted.My grandmother suffered from a mood disorder and her manic swings scared the wits out of me. I somehow connected them to the dark brooding room that I dared not to venture into. The wheat drums attracted an abundance of rats and this did not help the situation. The rats would invade the adjoining kitchen at night and my mom would get the entire kitchen utensils washed in the morning undeterred by the glare of my Grandfather and the loud protests by my granny. I was afraid of the rats like any eleven year old city-bred kid. My sister who was four years older to me would get hysterical on spotting one!
I have always believed in burning the midnight oil. Even as a kid I was a master at procrastination and invariably would be saddled with the entire syllabus on the examination eve. I would try to achieve the impossible and study in a day what actually needed a month. My frantic efforts to cover the lost ground would time and again prove inadequate and it would be midnight before I had finished even half the quota of syllabus. I would then demand to be woken up at four in the morning as I could not hear the sound of the alarm clock ring over my exhausted sleep. As it was a regular feature, and as I apparently refused to learn, my mom eventually refused to undertake the task of waking me up with a glass of tea at unearthly hours. All her earlier advice to me for studying on time had been ignored by me term after term. My Dad slept even more soundly than I and he had enough on his plate without him being asked to take on such ridiculous responsibilities. I was after all a student of class four. My brother was three years elder to me and the idea of studying for any kind of exam was completely incomprehensible to him! That left only my sister. She was, however, the soundest sleeper of us all. I would not let her take the chance with the alarm clock, so she would be coerced into reading a novel till four-in-the-morning, forcing herself to keep awake until it was time to wake up her spoilt kid brother! But that was not the end of the ordeal. I just could not wake up without my cup of bed tea. Now 'Didi' was an imaginative teenager who imagined supernatural spirits prowling around in the dark court yard and inside the menacing storeroom. Even more petrifying was the sight of the well fed rats that she would have to confront in that ghostly kitchen in the dead of night. She would invoke the benevolence of all the Gods and the holy spirits that she actually did not believe in and would somehow brace herself and enter the kitchen. And she would emerge triumphant from her silent, lonely battle with the cup of tea for her brother. All this for a not-so-grateful brother who would promptly forget the good turn once the exams were over!
But I never did forget. These are those happy moments that are etched in my consciousness forever. Moments that define my childhood for me.
Leadership in Crisis Situations
The leader is especially needed by the organisation in times of crisis, when the laid down, time tested drills fail to deliver or become irrelevant. The organisation is groping in the dark for alternative solutions and strategies. All eyes are on the leader. What is it that an organisation wants from its leader in such times of crisis?
Responsibility: the leader has to step-in and own up to complete responsibility . Responsibility for the current problem as well as the potential problems posed by the uncertain future. In times of crisis, decision making becomes a problem.Somebody has to take the call, to decide upon a strategy and own up to the possibility of failure. The leader has to inspire the feel good sentiment, 'ab yeh aa gaya hai, sabh sambhaal lega'. You have to just do what he says!
Confidence: crisis situations require optimism. Stop the panic. Just about everything, the worst of disasters have a precedent. It has happened before to somebody, and it shall surely happen again. Most often the aftermath is anyway not as bad as one initially fears.
No fault finding, save it for another day if at all. The subordinate who has caused the crisis is often only too painfully aware of his culpability, and shall never forget the boss who gets him out of it
without rubbing it in. A positive solution oriented approach lifts up the morale immediately.
Ask for solutions. You ll be surprised as to how often the crisis ridden subordinates already have the solution but are too afraid to propose the same for fear of failure. They just need someone to cover their risk for them.
Be true to your word, if your attempt at crisis resolution flops don't back track. Own up to the failure as you had promised. You may have failed today but you will live to fight another day.
Goodbye to Formula based Policing
When I joined the police service I was required to call-on the police top brass and introduce myself to the organisation that was to be my bread and butter in the decades to follow. The ceremonial call-on included a five-minute chit chat over the ritualistic cup of tea. The senior colleagues would invariably give some words of advice as to how one could become a successful police officer. Each officer, especially the stalwarts, had his own 'pet formula' for tackling policing issues and problems. The formula was supposed to see you through most if not all ticklish issues and keep you out of harms' way.
'Crack-down on petty crimes to scare away the bigger criminals', was one such formula. Thus one was advised to crack the whip on bootlegers, gamblers and pimps so as to create a general scare in the ranks of criminals who were then expected to flee the area of the 'tough police chief'.
'Kick Ass – the district can afford only one badmash, and I am it. ' Let all and sundry live in your terror- kuchh galat kiya nahin aur yeh humein kha jayega. People are so afraid of being chewed up by the goonda-in-uniform that they forget all notions of committing crime. Thrashing of the goons in public view, use of maximum force at the time of arrest including shootouts, occasional lathi charge are all included in the formula. Rules and procedures are for the babus and the timid and have no use in this man's job.
'Manage the Media' and everything shall be fine. Nobody shall read your crime reports or your crime statistics. The police top brass anyway administers through media reports. The media should portray you as the saviour of peace and the founder of 'Ram-Rajya'. Have frequent press conferences followed by high tea. Give stories with colourful pictures to media like chit-chat sessions with Resident Welfare Associations, launch functions of 'Senior Citizen Schemes', 'Neighbourhood Watch Schemes' and what have you, flagging off ceremony of 'Run against Drugs' etc etc.
'Manage your Boss'. In police only your boss matters. Do as he says and you shall be fine. Others would advise- Manage your Super Boss. The political masters should be pleased and nothing else matters.
'Follow-the-Law by the Letter if not the Spirit'. Don't take unnecessary risks under mistaken notions of being a dispenser of justice. Follow the rules. If it leads to increased crime rate, don't bother. Let the law makers change the law and empower you further if they are bothered about curbing crime. If you exceed your laid down powers in combatting crime and there is trouble, nobody shall bail you out. So remember that you are a simple cog-in-the-wheel cop and no super cop, whatever that may be.
Unfortunately, the increasing complexity of the society and the resultant challenges for policing no longer afford one the luxury of sticking to any one formula/ secret-of-success. Thus, the cop creating terror in the badmash element is caught publicly thrashing goondas on tape in a so-called sting-operation. He spends the rest of his career filing replies to the myriad commissions and the Courts. The Stickler for rules is transferred out for non-performance and is ridiculed for being a sissy. The media manager's peace is suddenly rocked by some hard-core sensational crime and he gets his goose-cooked by the top brass and his media friends alike. One blindly follows one's boss only to realize that when trouble starts he is going to be the first one to pull you up for not showing sufficient initiative. Thus, no formula works across situations. Today, one has to be a little of everything, as per situation. Sometimes tough, taking risks. Sometimes cautious and even downright timid in tricky situations. Following orders but always covering your back. Media friendly, to a point. In fact, most hapless field officers seeking directions in crisis situations are routinely instructed by their seniors to take action 'as per situation'!!
Rationale for Direct Recruitment
In the Indian Police setup there are a whole set of expectations regarding professional conduct and capabilities from officers joining the Indian Police Service through direct recruitment. Thus the direct recruits are subjected to much more exacting standards while being judged by their senior colleagues and by society in general. The direct recruits enter the police organization at a relatively higher level in the hierarchy with little professional knowledge or experience as compared to their counterparts who have risen from the ranks. Yet, a directly recruited officer is expected to offset this lack of experience by 4 other key attributes:
1) An unfailing commitment to truth. An unassailable reputation for professional honesty.
2) Greater enthusiasm and drive to achieve organizational goals. A young direct recruit is typically expected to be 'all fired-up' for action.
3) The direct recruit is expected to take the organisation away from the beaten path by introducing new systems and technologies. He is expected to be open to change and fresh ideas that hold the promise of imparting a quantum jump to the level of performance of the organization.
4) A greater commitment to national goals and freedom from the prejudices of caste, community and region.
The Devta Theory
As a kid I used to love reading 'Commando' Comics that had World War II stories about brave men and cowards. About soldiers and Generals. I remember a quote in one of the stories on fighter pilots. It went something like this," There are good fighter pilots and old fighter pilots. There are no good old fighter pilots." Today, as the working environment within the police department grows grim and chances of a smooth (read, non-catastrophic) career graph grow bleak, I'm often reminded of this million dollar quote. The police officer's job is today one of the most complex and stressful ones imaginable, where the best of intentions and back breaking labour may not be sufficient for keep oneself out of trouble. Often serious trouble.
The modern day Indian citizens, at least those belonging to its burgeoning middle-class, are extremely conscious of their rights. They seem to have taken the 'The Great Indian Success Story,' sold to it so successfully by the media, for real. They feel that we Indians have achieved the standards of the western world as we carry the same mobile phones or drive the same cars or watch the same soap opera. The blinkered vision does not see the dirty underbelly with which the police has to cope to keep the social order from collapsing. A country on the boil, torn by caste and religion like never before. The millions of unemployed, restive youth. The ugly slums depicted in the film, 'The Slumdog Millionaire', sans the happy endings. The highway robbers, the merciless kidnappers, the petty thieves, the thugs, the murderers and all the other brands of law breakers who lurk around every corner. All the elements that periodically rock the peace and quiet of our civic society.
The vociferous citizen today demands quick and complete solution to all his problems, completely unmindful of the ground realities. The better educated and well aware amongst them even seek to educate you on the contemporary policing practices of the developed world! The self-respecting police officers struggle to deliver in the face of constraints imposed by the system. The inertia of a poorly educated and poorly recruited force . The constraints imposed by adoption of liberal detention practices aping the developments in the West. The constant glare of media that seeks to sensationalize each minor development. Often, reputations carefully nurtured and cherished by honest, hardworking men are mindlessly destroyed at the hands of teenaged reporters in a hurry to make the 'Burkha Dutt Grade'. The Courts and the myriad commissions and self-proclaimed social activists are there to conduct the postmortem of each professional decision and investigation, often drawing wisdom imparted by hindsight. The police officer unfortunately, does not usually have the luxury of time. Decisions have to be taken even when complete information is not available as even a bad decision is better than no decision.
The new entrants to the department, the young blood, are today, facing a crisis of confidence. The confidence to take a call whenever a situation demands to the best of one's intentions and abilities. The apprehension of problems that can possibly arise from each course of action is causing a paralysis in decision making. Nobody seems to want to command anymore, lest he be blamed for the problems that may arise from the decisions that he took. And what are the kind of decisions that a police officer has to take? The decision to open fire on a violent mob. The decision to aggressively stop a suspicious vehicle and risk an accident. The decision to withstand adverse media publicity and take a principled stand to reject trial by media and to be ruled by evidence. The decision to tread into the dangerous gray areas of law and procedures in the interest of justice.
So what does one do? Quit? As a plain speaking boss put it somewhat crudely, 'You are not obliged to continue in this job if its so tough!' But I subscribe to a happier view. One need not quit or be fearful. One should enjoy every moment of this wonderful and God sent opportunity to do good and dispense justice. One should take each decision inspired by the confidence of bona fide intentions. Its not that things won't go wrong. For a while, at least. Or may be for a wee bit longer than that. But things will be okay in the end. For somewhere in this big bad world is a man who is watching you and your work. He may have made different choices in his own life and career but he still respects those made by a clear and honest heart. He may be a senior colleague, a judge, a politician, a media man or an activist. But when you have your back to the wall he will appear as sure as the Devtas of Hindu mythology and bail you out. Sometimes quite literally! Believe it or not, this is a well established and widely endorsed belief in the department and has been aptly christened as the 'Devta Theory'.
Me and my religion
I was born in a liberal Sikh family of clean shaven Sardars. My earliest associations of my religion all date back to the childhood memories of having sat by the side of my father in the Gurdwara. I used to be on the look out for cues as to when to bow and when to fold hands for the ardaas. I would, however, pitch in with unabashed gusto when the congregation would vociferously affirm their faith with 'Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh'. Another distinct memory is that of studying at the eleventh hour for the school exams with the octogenarian village Granthi's soporific, early morning drone, from the distant Gurdwara mike, for company. These childhood memories apart, I would have consciously and sub-consciously picked up values from my community but I never gave the issue any thought.
Today, when I am the father of two inquisitive daughters I am forced to give it some serious thought. What does being a Sikh mean to me? What are the core values that I would like my children to imbibe? After much thought, I have reached a tentative list.
A Sikh is a lover of freedom. Freedom to pursue happiness. The Gurus struggled all their lives for the freedom to pursue a religion of their own choice. They struggled essentially on behalf of the larger community of different faiths.
A lover of freedom has to be a liberal man. Freedom for oneself and freedom for everybody else. Sikhism is thus the very anti-thesis of Fascism. Sikhs are egalitarian in thought.
A Sikh is a lover of justice and truth. In his pursuit of justice he is never daunted by the odds. A Sikh thrives in situations where the odds are pitted against him. He is the champion of the weak and the powerless and is always ready to take up a public cause in the interest of justice.
The 'Iron Frame' redefined
What is a nation? The physical boundaries and the people living within them? or is it an idea? I feel its a philosophy, a way of life. A consensus on what life is all about and what is it that we live and collectively strive for? The 'Independent India's' philosophy or way of life is enshrined in its Constitution. In its essence the Indian philosophy states that its citizens are all born equal. Each of us deserves happiness in life. There should be justice for all. A few good men were given the leadership position by history and they gave this conglomeration of sub-cultures and this ancient civilization it's modern new philosophy. A philosophy which was futuristic and inspired by optimism about the destiny of his young nation. Initially the multitude followed its leaders as it was driven by the freshness of an independent nation that was experimenting with new ideas. But the new order of things failed to deliver at a pace that could satisfy the impatient millions. The people then decided to blame the underlying philosophy of the new order. The age old attitudes, prejudices and way of life now staged a comeback. But even this resurgence was limited as the new liberal philosophy had gained root to a certain extent and had its own set adherents. The battle is raging on. It has seen the centuries old bureaucratic 'iron-frame' crumble under pressure from the democratic polity. But the Constitution and its philosophy have found new champions. The young soldiers who have had the benefit of a liberal education and today seek to replace some of the attitudes that are thousands of years old.The shining new India that wants to make its place in the league of modern nations where all their citizens are free to pursue happiness. The battle is being fought in the hearts and minds of the people. The liberal versus the fascist. The tolerant versus the brute. All the believers of the new faith must display patience and perseverance in this struggle. They must remember to lead by example and have faith in the philosophy they expect others to follow. These champions of the Constitution are the new 'Iron Frame' of Independent India that holds it multitude together.
The Bureaucratic Stereotypes
I have completed over a decade of working in the Government. Over this period I have had the opportunity of closely observing the personalities and working styles of my colleagues and my seniors. I could not help noticing some basic stereotypes that characterize the overall approach to work of most bureaucrats. I hope this tongue-in-cheek exposition does not find its way to the men who inspired it!
The Jolly Good Fellow: I am in this job to lead a good life. I take great care of my comfort and that of my family and friends and indeed anybody who can exchange favours with me. Everybody loves me for my wit and my disarming smile. I am the life of all official meetings and parties as I make all 'serious' professional issues look so hilarious. The key to my success is my own little network. You must know a man in every key location. I don't get bogged down by formal hierarchy. I speak directly to the man-on-the-spot. I am highly focused. The job has to be done at all costs as it is not mere work, it is personal. And don't be fooled by the general good humour. I can get very vicious if you try to get in my way as I go about making life easy for myself and my gang. But I am sure we can all get along as 'brother officers' maximizing our clout by working together.
The Angry Crusader: When I joined the service I embarked on a lonely crusade. I am dead honest and I hate to compromise with my iron clad values. There is no middle path or gray area for me. It's always an either or situation. Either you are honest or you are dishonest. Nobody can match my standards. I can't stand most of my hypocritical colleagues. And I don't shirk from telling them so to their face. I lock horns with my superiors, my colleagues and my subordinates, for all of them are just as corrupt. I am very competent, only the corrupt did not let me have an opportunity to prove the same. Nobody notices my steadfast honesty or the great contribution I have made to the system. So I don't waste any opportunity to tell the world about it. It's a rotten system but I will go down fighting.
The King: I am not a lowly cog-in-the-wheel. I am a lord and this appointment is my fiefdom. I am here to rule. I am not bound by petty procedures as I go about demanding and dispensing favours. I am sure everybody loves to listen to my exploits. My wonderful ideas. My grand plans. But don't be taken in by the style and flair. I can be caught prostrating in front of the powers that be. But then that is the name of the game! L*** above and kick below!!
The Don: We are all born to live a good life. It's a mean world where dog eats dog and man eats man. But I write my own destiny. I have figured out all the rules of the game and I wield tremendous power through my own little caucus. I can't stand the so-called honest people who are either hypocrites or are cowards or just plain dumb. I have powerful friends who know that they can count upon me. I can take you under my wing if you promise me your unquestioned allegiance. I don't bother myself with harming anyone unless he comes in the way of my plans.
The Viper: I am the mean guy. I cheat, loot and lie all the time. I am a hypocrite and can give lengthy expositions on honesty, socialism and development. Everybody seems to have figured me out but I don't care. Nobody messes with me as I am cold blooded and dangerous.
The Sahib Log: I am an officer and a gentleman. I have excellent taste and impeccable manners. I dress up perfectly and my diction is perfect. I am witty in a restrained manner. My office ends at 4.30 pm after which I must have my session of golf and refined socialising. I try very hard not to be patronising and generally maintain a polite distance from the world that has not had the benefit of a cultured and polished existence. It's not important as to what you do in life, so long as it is done with style and finesse.
The Escapist: I am a cog-in-the-wheel. The system is too big for an individual to make a difference. I would be honest and productive if the system were to allow me to be so. See how good the systems in the West are? What can anybody do but be a part of this rotten system and make the most of it.
The Realist: I must teach you a golden rule to happiness. Your job is not the most important thing in your life. It only provides the means for your sustenance. Pursue other personal goals and interests in life. Become a health freak. Learn to paint. Take interest in your garden or your children's education. Make your golf your obsession. Know the stock market. Do an honest day's job and don't carry your office to your home. The system shall remain what it always has been and don't let it bother your health or happiness.
The Mouse: This is a big bad world and one can't be too careful. 'They' will fix you at the first opportunity. It's safest to follow all rules and laws to the last letter even if it doesn't get you or the system anywhere. It doesn't pay to have too much initiative. One never knows when one's extra enthusiasm will land him in trouble. Honesty is the best policy because it's too dangerous to do anything else. But if honesty means getting into a confrontation with the powers that be, I try and pass on the buck to some foolhardy colleague of mine. I never get caught in a difficult situation. At worst, one can always report sick. My colleagues may think I'm yellow, but at the end of the day they will realize the wisdom of my timid ways.
The Survivor: I am a practical man. It's good to be honest but within acceptable limits. One has to be a part of the system in order to change it for the better. I am competent and hardworking. I know when to take a stand and when to avoid a confrontation. I mean well. I am not a hypocrite and am upfront about my pragmatic approach.
The Mule: I am a loyal follower. I place complete trust in the wisdom and power of my superiors. I do whatever I am asked to do with great diligence. I have no use for attitudes or notions about right or wrong, as they only complicate life. I have always followed the orders of my boss and have steered away from trouble. My boss can always rely on me for my complete knowledge of Government rules, procedures, notifications and circulars.
The Loafer: What's the big shit all about? Who has the time or energy to bother about this or that? Just remember to collect your pay cheque on time and anything else that this shitty job has to offer. Don't bother yourself about all this muck about promotions or ACRs and what have you. Once you are in the Government no son-of-a-b**** can do anything to a shit-pot like me. So carry on partner!


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text:
HoopsHype Danilo Gallinari rumors
At the moment, Gallinari has "no idea" when he will return to the court as he recovers from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The Italian forward is limited to rehabbing in the weight room from the injury he sustained in April. He said that while he does occasionally shoot free throws, he hasn't really been able to run the floor. ESPN.com
Last season while Brian Shaw was still a member of the Indiana Pacers coaching staff, he sat and talked with sidelined Bulls star Derrick Rose about his ACL injury on a trip to Chicago. Essentially, Shaw's words were a cautionary tale. Come back too soon, Shaw warned, and you might end up like an old teammate of his – Penny Hardaway. "He was a great player, tore his knee up, came back to early and never was the same player ever again," Shaw said. "I did have that conversation with Derrick Rose one time when we played Chicago. I told him about the story with Penny. He's at the point now obviously in his mind, he's ready." Denver Post
But is there something Gallo can learn from Rose and how he handled his situation? "I'm sure there is," Shaw said. "One thing is that, you know when you're ready better than anybody else. The doctors can prognosticate, and they can set a date. But if in your mind and physically you don't feel like you're there, it can affect you." Denver Post
Danilo Gallinari missed Eurobasket 2013 in Slovenia due to a knee injury. Il Gallo had played the QR last summer with Italian National Team. The Denver Nuggets forward in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport said that he will play with Italy next summer if healthy. Recovery from knee injury. I'm very happy with how things are going even if the path is still long. It 'been a summer of hard work. Eight hours a day. You see the ball just in picture and the time never passes. But I can see the results of the hard work and according to the doctors I should be ready for the end of November. Sportando
There remains no timetable for the return of Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari to game action, but his rehabilitation is going well, according to his agent Lee Melchionni. "Rehab is progressing well," Melchionni said. "He's doing well. Everything he's been asked to do, he's done." Denver Post
It is believed that revision was pushed to December, but Melchionni refrained from putting a date on Gallinari's return. Gallinari, however, will report on time to Nuggets training camp, which begins on Oct. 1, and continue his rehab. "We don't have a set date for when Danilo is ready to return," Melchionni said. "When he gets cleared by doctors, I think we will cross that bridge when it comes, but we don't have a specific date or month or timetable in our heads right now. It's more just him being 100 percent healthy, ready to go and feeling comfortable going out there and getting back on the court." Denver Post
Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari could return by December as opposed to February, a league source told The Denver Post. Gallinari, who underwent knee surgery at the end of the season, had been projected by the Nuggets to miss half of the 2013-14 season. But Gallo posted a video on his official Facebook page Friday in Italian, and in the video Gallo said his left ACL wasn't torn and his recovery time will be "completely different" than previously reported, according to the Italian journalist Davide Chinellato. He is a writer for Italian La Gazzetta dello Sport and translated Gallo's video and posted the quotes on Twitter). Denver Post
I received a statement from The Steadman Clinic in Vail, where Gallo had the knee surgery: "Danilo Gallinari had an arthroscopic procedure to promote healing of his ACL tear, which was found to be partially torn at the time of surgery. Dr. Steadman has performed over 2,000 of these procedures. We are hopeful that Danilo will return to basketball sooner than if he had a complete ACL reconstruction." Denver Post
Karl was "pushing" for a new deal, a source said Thursday—"in his mind, not unreasonable. He felt he needed to have it. The uncertainty of Andre Iguodala, the uncertainty of when Gallo (forward Danilo Gallinari) would be back (from his ACL tear, suffered late last season). He felt like after 10 years of proving himself as a coach, he deserved it. They just didn't feel that." NBA.com
Danilo Gallinari says he will undergo surgery to repair the ACL on his left knee next week and is hoping to be back on the court for the Denver Nuggets around February. Oklahoman
Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (left knee surgery) was originally thought to be ready to play Jan. 1, but Gallinari confirmed by text Thursday that he might not return until later in January or maybe even February. While Gallinari underwent surgery on his meniscus four weeks ago, he had a slight delay in his rehab and won't have surgery on his torn anterior cruciate ligament for another two weeks, he said during a talk show on 102.3 ESPN. Denver Post
Danilo Gallinari said that in three weeks he will have his second knee surgery. Il Gallo underwent surgery for the first time on April 29 after he torn his ACL on April 4. "In three weeks I will have my second procedure. Since the first surgery. Ever since the surgery, everything is going great. I will work a lot next summer but I will be stronger than before" said Gallinari to SkySport. Sportando
Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari is recovering from arthroscopic surgery to repair meniscus damage in his left knee. The procedure was performed Monday at the Steadman Clinic in Vail. After a short-term rehabilitation, a date will be scheduled for Gallinari to undergo surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. NBA.com
Danilo Gallinari underwent successfull knee surgery in Vail to repair a torn meniscus. Il Gallo will have later another surgery to repair the torn ACL. "I will start physioterapy tomorrow" said Il Gallo to Gazzetta.it. Sportando
Any rumor missing? E-mail us at email@example.com.


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The Lumberman event is going into it's 6th year, with it being the 2nd year with the half ironman distance for this event. Cadillac is an extremely athletic community with plenty of resources and amenities which an event and it's athletes like this require. Plenty of lodging and camping choices, a plethora of shopping choices for the entire family and restaurants with every choice of food and flavor available. The course is just as perfect with a shallow Cadillac lake swim, or kayak/paddle. A bike course that will take you on a quick 3 mile jaunt to get outside of town and then smooth lightly travelled rolling country roads await for an out and back ride. Then the run is special, for the half and Olympic distance athletes as it is a simple loop around the lake which is 6.5 miles. Sprint athletes will just zip down to the state park and return. All of this right downtown, in the city park right across the street from the high school. Kayak and stand up paddle boarders come on out, a 4 miler awaits with your choice of bike and run.
Ryan Rau Michigan's Top Professional Triathlete with a 70.3 pr. of 4:00 hrs. will be doing a Triathlon clinic on Saturday from 1:00 - 3:00 free to all registered athletes. Following the clinic there will be a light lunch with a question and answer session with Ryan during lunch. Then following that you can pick up your race packets.
Coach Tony and Rebecca from Tri Again Fitness will also be conduction at Transition 101 clinic from 12:00 - 1:00 going over the most neglected piece of multi-sport and you willl be saving seconds in your first event. They will be available during the Q n A session as well.
Sunday June 28, 2015, 7:45
Cadillac Michigan
At the High School across from the lake
Half IM - 1.2mi. swim, 56mi. bike, 13.1mi. run
Olympic - 1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run
Sprint - 500m swim, 20k bike, 5krun
Half IM Aquabike - 1.2mi. swim, 56mi. bike
Olympic Aquabike - 1500m swim, 40k bike
Sprint Aquabike - 500m swim, 20k bike
2 Mile Sprint Kayak or Stand up Paddle board. 20K bike, 5k run
2014 Overall Winners
Female Half IM: 5:49:07 Sara Williams
Male Half IM: 4:47:17 Adam Bowden
Female Olympic: 2:34:06 Amy Peters
Male Olympic: 2:17:30 Eric Fernando
Female Sprint: 1:05:59 Darby Middlebrook
Male Sprint: 1:00:51 Matt West
Female KayaTri: 1:58:23 Stacey Farneth
Male KayaTri: 1:17:21 Daniel Novak
Parking for the event will be in the high school parking lot only! Do not park on side streets. Follow parking signs when you arrive at the high school.
A custom event shirt, custom finishers medal, custom latex swim cap, sponsor supplied samples, professional chip timing with results available online, awards to top three in each age group, a great sponsor supplied raffle and awards ceremony following the last finisher. And a great post race meal.
Keep in mind USAT sanctioned events have the USAT age up rule. Your age on race day is the same as how old you will be on December 31st of that year.
Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women Overall in each event, excluded from their agegroup
Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women within each of the following agegroups
19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Top 3 Clydesdales in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Clydesdale = Male 200lbs or more)
Top 3 Athenas in Olympic and Sprint Triathlons 39 and under and 40+ categories (Athena = Females 150lbs or more)
Masters are awarded to the 1st place Male and 1st Place Female who is 40+ within the Olympic/Long Course and Half distance Triathlons and excluded from agegroup
Awards for the sprint and olympic distance will be given out after the last olympic athlete has crossed the finish line, around noon. Under NO circumstances will half awards be given out early, or individually before the awards ceremony. If you must depart for the awards ceremony you may opt to pay a shipping and processing fee and have the award mailed to you. Please see the link above and under the forms page. You MUST send the form within 2 weeks following the event with a check or money order, one fee per award in order to receive your award. Please understand we have NO control over the US postal service.
City of Cadillac, Cadillac police department, County EMS and sheriff, Cadillac CVB, Cadillac High School,
Hammer Nutrition, Rudy Project, THETRISHOP, FINIS USA, Pepsi Co, USAT
Support Crews
Cadillac High School Cross Country & Track Teams


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New Delhi: In a bid to falsify the police version, another accused in 1996 Lajpat Nagar blast case Tuesday told a Delhi court that he was picked up from Nepal almost a
week before being shown as arrested.
"Accused Mirza Nissar Hussain was actually picked up
from a place in Nepal on June 9, 1996. However, the police
wrongly claimed that they arrested him on June 16 from a hotel
at Mussorrie," defence counsel Khalil A Ansari told District
and Sessions Judge S P Garg.
The counsel disputed the date and the place of arrest
of Hussain, saying "he has been framed and the recoveries of
explosives and other incriminating objects have been planted
on him."
Neither any witness from Mussorrie has been examined
nor the records of the "so-called" hotel have been produced by
the prosecution, he said.=
Earlier, accused Naushad had disputed the date of his
Naushad was picked up on May 28, 1996, but the police
claimed he was arrested from New Delhi Railway station on
June 14, minutes before he was to board a Gorakhpur-bound
train," the defence counsel had said.
Advancing of final arguments in the 13-year-old case
remained inconclusive and would continue tomorrow.
The prosecutor, however, said there was sufficient
evidence against the 10 accused for convicting them for their
roles in the blast that had rocked a busy market here on the
evening of May 21, 1996, killing 13 people.
Bureau Report


text:
Types of Windows |
A Window's Childhood |
After creating the main window, you can use it as a parent for other windows. To specify that a window is a child of another window, when creating it with either the CreateWindow() or the CreateWindowEx() function, pass the handle of the parent as the hWndParent argument. Here is an example: // Create a window CreateWindowEx(0, WndClassName, CaptionOrText, ChildStyle, Left, Top, Width, Height, hWndParent, NULL, hInstance, NULL); If a window is a child of another window, to get a handle to its parent, you can call the GetParent() function. Its syntax is: HWND GetParent(HWND hWnd); The hWnd argument is a handle to the child window whose parent you want to find out. Alternatively, you can also use the GetWindowLong() function, passing the second argument as GWL_HWNDPARENT, to get a handle to the parent of a window. |
The Borders of a Window |
To distinguish a particular window from the other objects on a screen, a window can be defined by surrounding borders on the left, the top, the right, and the bottom. One of the effects the user may want to control on a window is its size. For example, the user may want to narrow, enlarge, shrink, or heighten a window. To do this, a user would position the mouse on one of the borders, click and drag in the desired direction. This action is referred to as resizing a window. For the user to be able to change the size of a window, the window must have a special type of border referred to as a thick frame. To provide this border, apply or add the WS_THICKFRAME style: CreateWindow(ClsName, WndName, WS_VISIBLE | WS_SYSMENU | WS_MINIMIZEBOX | WS_MAXIMIZEBOX | WS_THICKFRAME); Because many windows will need this functionality, a special style can combine them and it is called WS_OVERLAPPEDWINDOW. Therefore, you can create a resizable window as follows: CreateWindow(ClsName, WndName, WS_OVERLAPPEDWINDOW, |
Window's Location and Size |
The location of a window is defined by the distance from the left border of the monitor to the window's left border and its distance from the top border of the monitor to its own top border. The size of a window is its width and its height. These can be illustrated for a main window frame as follows: For a Win32 application, the original distance from the left border of the monitor is passed as the x argument to the CreateWindow() or the CreateWindowEx() function. The distance from top is specified using the y argument. The x and y arguments define the location of the window. The distance from the left border of the monitor to the right border of the window is specified as the nWidth argument. The distance from the top border of the monitor to the lower border of the window is specified with the nHeight value. If you cannot make up your mind for these four values, you can use the CW_USEDEFAULT (when-Creating-the-Window-USE-the-DEFAULT-value) constant for either one or all four arguments. In such a case, the compiler would select a value for the argument. Here is an example: INT WINAPI WinMain(HINSTANCE hInstance, HINSTANCE hPrevInstance, LPSTR lpCmdLine, int nCmdShow) { WNDCLASSEX WndClsEx; . . . RegisterClassEx(&WndClsEx); HWND hWnd = CreateWindow(ClsName, WndName, WS_OVERLAPPEDWINDOW, CW_USEDEFAULT, CW_USEDEFAULT, CW_USEDEFAULT, CW_USEDEFAULT, return 0; } |
Displaying the Window |
Once a window has been created and if this was done successfully, you can display it to the user. This is done by calling the ShowWindow() function. Its syntax is: BOOL ShowWindow(HWND hWnd, int nCmdShow); The hWnd argument is a handle to the window that you want to display. It could be the window returned by the CreateWindow() or the CreateWindowEx() function. The nCmdShow specifies how the window must be displayed. Its possible values are:
To show its presence on the screen, the window must be painted. This can be done by calling the UpdateWindow() function. Its syntax is: BOOL UpdateWindow(HWND hWnd); This function simply wants to know what window needs to be painted. This window is specified by its handle. Here is an example: INT WINAPI WinMain(HINSTANCE hInstance, HINSTANCE hPrevInstance, LPSTR lpCmdLine, int nCmdShow) { WNDCLASSEX WndClsEx; . . . RegisterClassEx(&WndClsEx); HWND hWnd = CreateWindow(ClsName, WndName, WS_OVERLAPPEDWINDOW, CW_USEDEFAULT, CW_USEDEFAULT, CW_USEDEFAULT, CW_USEDEFAULT, NULL, NULL, hInstance, NULL); if( !hWnd ) // If the window was not created, return 0; // stop the application ShowWindow(hWnd, SW_SHOWNORMAL); UpdateWindow(hWnd); return 0; } |
The Multiple Document Interface (MDI) |
Introduction |
A multiple document is the type of application that uses a main, external window that acts as a frame and hosts other, floating window that act as its children. This concept allows the user to open more than one document at a time in an application, making it possible to switch from one document to another without closing the application. |
MDI Application Creation |
You start an MDI like the types of applications we have created so far. One of the primary differences is that the window procedure must return the DefFrameProc() function. Its syntax is: LRESULT DefFrameProc(HWND hWnd, HWND hWndMDIClient, UINT uMsg, WPARAM wParam, LPARAM lParam); |
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NFL Insider Adam Caplan and Damien Woody explain why it is not likely that the Vikings will trade RB Adrian Peterson and discuss Peterson's options heading into Minnesota's offseason activities.
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms. Learn more.


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Marketplace » Business Investing
There are 335 resources in the Business Investing category.
(most popular first)
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Record Label Business Plan 2.0 + Music And Entertainment Contracts!
Start Your Own Successful Music Company And Get Funding From Investors With A Professional Record Label Business Plan Template. Free Bonus Offers Included Such As The Musicians Upload Directory + A Big Music And Entertainment Business Contracts Package
Start Your Own Profitable Photography Business
Everything You Need To Know To Set Up A Successful And Profitable Business Is Detailed In This E-book, Written By A Highly Successful Professional Photographer From Personal Experience In Business. Easy To Follow Step By Step Guide To Success.
20 Ways To Market Your Photography Business
Inspirational E-book Teaches You How To Turbo-charge Your Photography Profits... Even In A Lousy Economy Like Ours. Awesome Conversion Rate... 75% Commission.
The Ima Music Business Academy V2
Recurring Monthly Commissions, Never Ending! Make $ As Long As They Stay Signed Up! Low Price So Converts Highly! The Internet's Best Online Music Business Course, Ideal For Musicians & People Wanting To Learn The Music Business.
Sports Photo Success - Start A Successful Photography Business
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Photography Business Quick Steps
Provides A Monthly Tutorial On Quickly Starting, Maintaining And Expanding, Inexpensive Modes Of Photography Business For Struggling Photographers. Includes Many Valuable Free Photography Bonuses Each Month.
How To Build Your Acting Business Without A Day Job!
Urgent Information For Talented, Wonderful, Explosive, Powerful Actors, Artists And Performers: Destroy The Starving Artist And Create A Successful Acting Business That Even Your Parents Are Proud Of Day Jobs Are For Suckers, Not Actors.
Start A Kids Sports Photography Business
This E-guide And Accompanying One-hour Audio Gives The Real Deal About What It Takes To Start A Home-based Kids Sports Photography Business. Great For Hockey Moms Who Love To Get All The Shots!
Starting A Photo Business Ideas Resource
Ideas For Photo Businesses Anyone Can Use! Resource Ebook And Membership Site For Not Just One, But Any Photography Specialty! How To Choose The Right Niche, Info On Available Specialities, Choosing Camera Equipment, Marketing, And More!
N Provis Academy: It's An Artist's Business
It's An Artist's Business: Artist Nathanael Provis Shares How He Made Over $100,000 In His First Year As A Full-time Artist - A Book Filled With Tips On How To Achieve Great Artistic Success. Downloadable Ebook.


text:
The spooky lounge, its year-round Christmas decorations temporarily masked, was bursting with forks in brains, hands in jars, and fluttering bats just crying out for Ozzy Osbourne. And who was that inside? Why, it was people! And they were dancing between the tables to Kool & the Gang's "Celebration" (which I thought had been outlawed after Sept. 11, but I'm glad to see I was wrong)! And they were dressed up as scary werewolves and pretty angels and a guy in a milk carton, his face where the "missing" picture would be and his nutritional information promising 100 percent love and tenderness and real cream! Serving size? Look and see! And people were drinking! And talking to one another! Even after you didn't want them to anymore! And there was a fog machine! And people! And drinks!
Thank the good Lord—or Satan—but you can cancel that subscription to Riviera.
Next week: we party hard at the annual physicists convention!
Thank the Girl: email@example.com.


text:
, ph. 492-2741). The documentation of this facility as it is used with the GFC catalog is now available.
Questionnaires created using this method will normally be printed on the next business day. If you have concerns about the status of your online requisition, please contact the TSQS Staff (ph. 492-2741).
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text:
K-Tribe thumps Keys, 11-1
Published in Sports on August 25, 2005 1:57 PM
KINSTON -- A night after Frederick manager Bien Figueroa did his talking in the newspaper, the Kinston Indians did their talking on the field. Figueroa, who after Tuesday night's game said, "I know they (Kinston) don't have a good bullpen...Please log in to see full story.
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- Edenton beats Post 11 to even series


text:
Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5 Billion
Hope it stays reliable.
I sincerely hope that unlike my MSN MESSENGER, with MS acquriing Skype, it doesn't start failing as well.
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- Anywhere In The UK
- Location: Anywhere in the UK
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A Digbeth diamond, the Irish Centre Birmingham has been relaunched following an extensive refurbishment project under the new owners Westbourne Leisure. Phases one and two are now complete with The Connaught Bar as the most notable addition, a pub that provides for all in a stylish, friendly and vibrant atmosphere.
The Connaught Bar is a superb venue for live music, sports, comedy, culture and socialising. Food is served each day from 9am to 8pm, and the bar is open until 2am at the weekend. All major sporting events are shown live on the bars 50 inch plasmas or Big Screen. Music takes the form of cover and tribute bands, across the weekend with traditional Irish sessions during the week, all musicians are welcome.
3 upcoming events at Irish Club:
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Customisable, flexible tour date widget… Super quick set-up, get the code here: event listings on your web siteVenue Facts
Venue: Birmingham Irish Centre
14-20 High Street
Deritend (Digbeth)
Website: irishcentrebirmingham.co.uk/index.php/home
Phone: 0121 622 2314
→ Snow Hill 17 min walk
→ Bordesley 8 min walk
→ Moor Street 8 min walk
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What size does this ring come in?
In the first few months of owning this ring, I lost a diamond. Since I had the protection plan warranty I was given a replacement ring within 30 days.
De Couer Sterling Silver 3/8 ct TDW Blue and white Criss-Cross Diamond Cocktail Ring (H-I, I2)
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Forever intertwined like your hearts, two rows of amazingly round white diamonds cross around marquise of enhanced blue diamonds. This ring is so appropriately named for your love and features brilliant white diamonds.Side stones
- Diamonds 110
- Diamond cut: Round
- Diamond weight: 1/4 carat
- Color: H-I
- Clarity: I2
- Setting: Prong
- Diamonds 68
- Diamond cut: Round
- Diamond weight: 1/6 carat
- Color: Blue
- Clarity: I2
- Setting: Pave
- Metal: Sterling silver
- Finish: High polish
- Style: Diamond Fashion Ring
- Weight: 3.80 grams
- Ring setting: 19 mm wide x 20 mm long
- Band: 1.50 mm wide
Diamond total weight: 2/5* carat TW
All weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information. T.W. (total weight) is approximate. 2/5 carat T.W. may be 0.35 to 0.44 carat. Treatment code N (white diamond) and H and I (blue diamond). See Treatment Guide for further information.
Click here for ring sizing guide
This ring cannot be resized.
Features | |
Metal | Sterling Silver |
Stone | Diamond |
Diamond Color | Blue H-I White |
Total Diamond Weight | Up to .5 Carats |
Ring Style | Colored Diamond Fashion Heart Pave |
Diamond Cut | Heart Marquise Round |
Gemstone Color | Blue Silver White |
Stone Shape | Heart Marquise Round |
Band Width | 1-2 mm |
Birthstone Month | April |
Clarity | I1-I2 |
Jewelry Setting | Prong |
Metal Color | White |
Dimensions | See details |
Materials | Silver and Diamond |
Model Number | RF8004B1 |
Product Reviews
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Get the Protection Plan! In the first few months of owning this ring, I lost a diamond. Since I had the protection plan warranty I was given a replacement ring within 30 days.
Read Moreakldjkflsj Apr 24, 2013 - Helpful 0
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Beautiful I had to return mine for the next size larger but other than that simple beautiful.
Read Moremrskatrina45 Jun 28, 2012 - Helpful 0
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this ring is awsome I was very pleased with this ring . I was also very happy when I had to exchange it when I lost a diamond within a week of receiving the ring the employees were very helpful and very quick on replacing it . I will tell everyone how awesome overstock is. Thank u for a pleasant experience
Read Morekaylaraymakena3 Jun 9, 2012 - Helpful 0
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Wish it was a little brighter When I bought this ring I thought it was going to be a little brighter than it was. The diamonds are a little dark, but then again it does say J-H quality. After washing the ring a few times in soap and water the diamonds sparkle a little more so that's not too bad. The ring is a little bigger than the size indicated, so order a size smaller.
Read Moretdmzqm Apr 14, 2012 - Helpful 0
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Questions & Answers
Shopping Guides
Top 5 Reasons to Choose Silver Jewelry for Men
Silver has long been known as the most affordable precious metal, which makes it a fantastic investment. Silver jewelry for men will update your wardrobe with a lot of shine and sparkle. Men's sterling silver jewelry is eye-catching, and silver jewelry is available in so many different varieties. You can buy silver jewelry rings with intricate tribal designs, men's jewelry chains made of sterling silver links and sterling silver jewelry earrings with diamond solitaires. Your wardrobe will quickly be infused with trendy sparkle when you buy silver jewelry for men. Men's silver jewelry has many benefits for your collection. Consider these reasons to choose men's sterling silver jewelry when you are shopping for accessories.
Sterling Silver Rings Fact Sheet
From extravagant gemstone cocktail rings to simple, classic wedding bands, sterling silver rings are beautiful and go with everything. Shiny sterling silver is versatile, durable and soft enough to be engraved or molded into a variety of ring designs. Sterling silver rings are popular for their neutral nature and incredible value. Sterling silver is one of the top metals preferred for jewelry and is a great choice when shopping for men's and women's accessories. Sterling silver engagement rings and wedding bands are available in many varieties. Add a sterling silver ring to your jewelry collection or give sterling silver jewelry as a gift.
What to Wear with a Cubic Zirconia Cocktail Ring
Right now one of the trendiest pieces of jewelry is the cocktail ring. Cubic zirconia cocktail rings allow women to indulge in extravagant rings without emptying their bank accounts. Cubic zirconia rings are available in a range of styles and each is very durable. High-quality cubic zirconia cocktail rings can be found in every price range. You can choose from cubic zirconia rings with sparkling clear stones or colorful gems set in sterling silver, white gold, yellow gold or gold-plated silver. Now that you are aware of the many stylish options available in cubic zirconia jewelry, use these tips to fashionably pair cocktail rings with the clothing and jewelry you already own.
Gemstone Jewelry Buying Guide
Gemstone jewelry both accessorizes our fashion choices and lets us show off a little. Although the accessories can be casual, like a birthstone ring worn every day, or extravagant, like a ruby and diamond necklace saved for special occasions, sterling silver and gold are still the preferred metals for gemstone jewelry, making each piece a small luxury.
Top 10 Sterling Silver Jewelry Styles
Sterling silver is a fabulous metal for jewelry of all kinds. Sterling silver is a composition of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent metal alloy. Copper is a popular alloy for sterling silver because it makes silver more durable. Sterling silver jewelry allows you to add this precious metal to your jewelry box without breaking the bank. Sterling silver jewelry is shiny and lustrous, making it a jeweler's favorite; plus, sterling silver is malleable enough to be formed into different jewelry designs and has a shade that is neutral and stunning at the same time. Whether you are looking for silver rings, sterling silver charm bracelets or another silver jewelry selection, our top 10 list will inspire you.
History of Sterling Jewelry
A high-school friend of mine was obsessed with sterling silver, and I didn't understand it until I learned that sterling silver jewelry is just amazing for the price. Sterling silver is a precious metal, but it is generally much more affordable than white gold and platinum. Jewelry made of sterling silver is perfect for your collection of fashion accessories, and silver jewelry can also be found in fine jewelry categories, including wedding jewelry. Sterling jewelry will delight you with its fantastic shine and long-lasting wear. Look to our facts about the history of sterling jewelry to learn more about this beautiful metal before shopping.
How to Buy Sterling Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver is made from 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent metal alloy. Common sterling silver metal alloys include copper and nickel. The alloys in sterling silver strengthen the silver and make it strong enough for jewelry production. Sterling silver jewelry is gorgeous, luxurious, valuable and also affordable. Silver jewelry pieces, such as bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings, match almost any color ensemble and skin tone. Buy sterling silver jewelry for your collection and enjoy wearing sterling jewelry every day of the week. Use our tips to choose beautiful silver jewelry for yourself or someone special.
Silver Types Fact Sheet
Silver found in mines is all the same, but pure silver is too soft for many jewelry, flatware and home decor items. Silver is usually combined with an alloy before being crafted into sterling silver jewelry selections, such as silver rings, silver bracelets and a myriad of sterling silver items. As a consumer, learning about the types of silver can help you shop for silver jewelry and other beautiful silver products.
Black Diamonds vs White Diamonds
When shopping for diamond jewelry, you have many stunning options. You may picture traditional white diamonds when you think of a fabulous diamond ring, tennis bracelet or pair of stud earrings, but black diamonds are also luxurious in a variety of fashionable jewelry. Black diamonds are unofficially a part of the colored diamonds category. Colored diamonds, also known as fancy diamonds, are natural diamonds in a range of bright hues. To select the very best diamond jewelry for your collection, consider this comparison of black diamonds and white diamonds.
Make a Statement with Jewelry
Events by O - Make a Statement Make a Statement The light and breezy fashions of summer are the perfect backdrop for distinctive jewelry, such as cocktail rings, dangling earrings, and fringed necklaces. Back to Top Accessorize! Mix, match, and experiment with your jewelry this season. Choose blue and coral gems to wear with pretty sundresses, or mix up black, white, and silver designs. As the weather heats up, statement jewelry becomes the hottest trend. <img src="img/mxc/20150417_ce_statement_jewelry_btm_bnr.jpg"alt="Shop All Fashion Jewelry">
Tips on Storing Pendants
A collection of pendants is at the heart of most women's jewelry collections. A diamond-covered kitten pendant, a heart-shaped gold locket and a birthstone solitaire necklace shouldn't be strewn across your dresser with your sterling silver rings and beaded earrings. Storing your pendants properly is the best way to make sure that you'll wear them, getting the most out of your jewelry investment. Use these jewelry storage tips to keep your pendants and necklaces organized.
FAQs about Sterling Silver
You probably come across sterling silver in your everyday life more often than you think. Sterling silver jewelry is especially popular, and the metal is made into a wide variety of rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, charms, and pendants. It's also used to produce and embellish serving dishes, sculptures, frames, and many other household items. The use of sterling silver was first popularized in the 1800s, and today, sterling silver gifts and jewelry are widely available, as these items are often preferred as a less expensive alternative to gold and other precious metals.
Top 5 Colors in Fancy Diamond Engagement Rings
Fancy diamond engagement rings are trendy, but still unique. These rings feature colored diamonds, and they come in a spectrum of hues. Engagement rings with bright, colorful stones add a splash of color to your daily wardrobe. Fancy diamond engagement rings may feature a stunning, highly-saturated center solitaire or colorful accent diamonds and a white center stone. These diamond engagement rings really speak to a bride's individuality with an important dash of personalization.
Top 5 Diamond Engagement Ring Styles
Getting engaged and planning a wedding will be one of the most memorable experiences in your life. Whether you are choosing an engagement ring for your girlfriend, selecting a ring for yourself or picking diamond engagement jewelry out together as a couple, you'll encounter many ring styles in the process. In addition to choosing between yellow gold, white gold and platinum bands, you will also have to select the diamond shape, ring setting and accent stones of your choice. Take a look our favorite diamond engagement rings to help you find the right one for popping the question.
FAQs about Colored Diamonds
When you are shopping for beautiful jewelry, you will see many pieces featuring colored diamonds. Colored diamonds, also called fancy diamonds, are available in yellow, pink, purple, black, grey, green, blue and orange. Rings, pendants, earrings and tennis bracelets decorated with colored diamonds are very trendy and valuable. If shopping for colored diamond jewelry is new territory for you, then you might be wondering how to select the very best diamond jewelry featuring these bright gems. Use these frequently asked questions to gather information about colored diamond jewelry.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Platinum Ring
Platinum is a metal precious and rare enough to adorn the fingers of women in high society and men with royal blood. When you are shopping for gorgeous jewelry, you can choose between famous gold, rare platinum and affordable sterling silver. Whether you are looking for wedding rings, engagement rings or fashion rings, metal consideration is an important part of the process. Platinum rings are available in a range of regal styles and modern fashions. Our facts about platinum rings will help you decide if platinum jewelry is right for you.
How to Buy Aquamarine Rings
If you dream of the romantic, clear blue sea just as much during the spring and summer as you do when snow is falling from the sky, then you may be interested in adding marine-hued gemstone jewelry to your wardrobe. Aquamarine gems come in gorgeous, sparkling blue shades, and aquamarine jewelry is fabled as the preferred gemstone jewelry of mermaids and sailors. Feel like an ocean creature in a beautiful aquamarine ring, flowing white dress and long, beaded gem necklace. Let us help you buy gemstone jewelry and choose the right aquamarine ring with facts about this fabulous gemstone and our jewelry buying tips.
FAQs about Platinum Jewelry
When shopping for jewelry, you may have no idea what the material differences are between platinum and white gold. Whether you are looking for wedding jewelry to celebrate your romance, designer jewelry to up the ante in your wardrobe or fine jewelry to give as a gift, you will need to choose between platinum and other precious metals. Platinum jewelry offers many benefits over jewelry made of white gold, sterling silver and the industrial metals, but it also has a few drawbacks. Be an educated shopper with our information about platinum jewelry.
Iolite Jewelry Fact Sheet
Iolites are blue or violet crystals resembling sapphires. These beauties are the little-known treasures of the gem world. Iolite is beautiful when set into both formal and casual jewelry, and its affordability makes it available to all jewelry lovers. The most common settings for iolite jewelry are silver and white gold, which complement the violets and blues of the gem. Pretty iolite jewelry may also incorporate other complementary gemstones, including aquamarines, amethysts or topaz. Iolite stones set in gemstone jewelry are a beautiful addition to any outfit.
5 New Trends in Women's Stainless Steel Rings
Stainless steel is very popular in men's rings, but many new women's ring styles are coming out in stainless steel. This metal is easier to care for than sterling silver because it doesn't tarnish, and it is also more affordable than gold, platinum, tungsten, and titanium. These many benefits have trendy women turning to stainless steel rings when they need a bit of extra shine and texture.
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** Most Oversize orders are delivered within 1-4 weeks. Some orders may take 6 weeks to be delivered.


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Leona Lewis will be working with Dallas Austin on her third studio album.
Leona Lewis is currently working on her third album, and apparently she is changing up the formula that's worked for her in the past by adding Dallas Austin to the mix, According to reports from ThatGrapeJuice.com.
Leona has reportedly been working with Ne-Yo, David Guetta and J.R. Rotem for the upcoming album.
We will see if Dallas, who is known for his work with TLC and Blu Cantrell, can create a new sound for Leona that the people can love.
– Ju'lia Samuels
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Leona signs on for 'Glee'
Leona cottons to new campaign
Leona Lewis cancels book tour