Pop A Banner Each Time Windows Boots

Pop A Banner Each Time Windows Boots

Pop a banner which can contain any message you want to display just before a user is going to log on.

Go to the key :- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WinLogon
Now create a new string Value in the right pane named 'LegalNoticeCaption' and enter the value that you want to see in the MenuBar.

Now create yet another new string value and name it:
'LegalNoticeText'.
Modify it and insert the message you want to display each time Windows boots.

This can be effectively used to display the company's private policy each time the user logs on to his NT box.

It's '.reg' file would be:
REGEDIT4
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Winlogon] "LegalNoticeCaption"="Caption here."

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KONARK - Chariot of Sun God

KONARK - Chariot of Sun God

The Konarak Sun Temple is located in Konarak in the state of Orissa and is dedicated to the sun god Surya.It is considered one of the great temples of India and was constructed by Raja Narasimha of the Ganga Dynasty in the mid thirteenth century C.E.

Although over time it has decayed, the Indian government has worked to restore it as it is a UNESCO world heritage site and it is now popularly considered one of the seven wonders of India.

Located in the relatively small town of Konarak, the Konarak Sun Temple lies on the coast bordering the Bay of Bengal in the Indian state of Orissa.  Furthermore when the temple was constructed it was within the territory of the Ganga Dynasty, which was an area that contained many Sun Temples. It was also customary for Ganga rulers to place temples far away from their capitals. This is because the temples may have promoted ceremonies that were uncommon among the general populace, such as tantricism. The practice of tantracismwas popular among the sun cult who were very influential in the Sun Temples construction.

Dedicated to the sun god Surya, the temple is meant to represent the horses and the colossal chariot which belong to the sun god. Many aspects of the temple are meant to display various measures of time such as months, days and praharas (the eight time periods of a day). The main complex contains the twenty four great wheels of the chariot which are meant to signify either the twenty four hours of the day or the twenty four fortnights in a year. Each of the wheels is 2.971m in diameter and each contains eight spokes which represent the eight praharas in a day. At both the sides of the main gate there is a team of seven horses pulling the chariot. According to some traditions these horses represent the seven days of the week. Other sources state that the horses represent the seven colours of a sun ray and that sun rays must pass through seven layers (represents by the horses) before it can reach the earth. There are also three standing images of Surya which depict the rising, mid day and setting sun .

The temple grounds contain many more buildings such as an audience, dancing and dining hall. Almost every inch of the temple is covered in intricate carvings of deities, mythology and even depictions of courtly life. The temple is also known for containing erotic sculptures and images throughout, which may be likened to the Sun Cults involvement in its construction.

Built in the thirteenth century C.E., under the rule of Narasimha Deval, the Konarak Sun Temple is now believed to not only have religious significance but military significance as well. Under Narasimha’s rule several Muslim attempts at invading Orissa were defeated and Narasimha eventually went on to launch a successful offensive against Tughan Khan. After this string of victories the prestige and power of Orissa increased significantly and a campaign was underwent to create the greatest temple in India and a memorial. This is reflected in the temples construction as numerous war scenes are depicted, whichis unusual for Indian temples. Tradition says that the temples construction took twelve years and 1200 laborers working day and night. The temple was built almost entirely out of dark stone (chlorite, laterite and khondalite) with little iron, lime plaster or cement. This was due to the fact that stone is seen as everlasting and deteriorates very slowly and the architect’s intention was to create an everlasting temple .

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World Environment Day 2013

World Environment Day 2013

World Environment Day (WED) is observed on June 5 every year and it was on this day in the year 1972 that the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was formed. It is also on the same day, that the General Assembly created the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is now the United Nations’ principal  agency for environmental action. First celebrated in 1973, World Environment Day, also popularly known as Environment Day, is a means to tackle environmental challenges that include climate change,  desertification, global warming, disasters and conflicts, harmful substances, environmental governance, ecosystem management, resource efficiency, etc.

WED is one of the practical channels through which  the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances both individual and political attention and action.

Though WED is celebrated throughout the world, the main event is hosted by a single particular country every year. The annual event has a different theme every time and is celebrated along with an international exposition in the week following WED.

This year, the global host of WED is Mongolia and the theme is "Think. Eat. Save: Reduce Your Foodprint". This year's theme is directed towards raising awareness about the issue of food wastage and loss.

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How to improve your communication skills

How to improve your communication skills

Importance of Communication skills’ covers in detail the basics of different types of communications and their overall importance.

1. Now, communications - the ability to share and exchange ideas and thoughts - consist of a wide range of skills. For example, you cannot be a good communicator just by being a better speaker, or just by being a good listener.

2. And, if the exchange is not in your mother tongue (the first language) - such as some one from India in USA - it takes some extra efforts to be good at this. Here are some of the main areas to consider for improving your communications skills:

3. Know what you are talking about: A communications or an exchange of ideas or the conversation is hollow and empty if it has no substance. Knowledge of the topic of discussion helps with a meaningful discourse. And, if it is just a friendly ‘chat about nothing’ - the small talk - that can also be improved, just read on!

4. Be a good listener: Listening is the first and foremost part of the communication. It helps with understanding the topic of discussion (‘Know what you are talking about’ ). A good listener also earns the respect of the speaker and is always in-tune with the discussion.

5. Improve verbal communications: Along with listening skills, equally important is the ability to deliver the message - the talking part. A good command of the language, a good vocabulary and ability to effectively speak are the desired attributes for being good at verbal communication. Those with mother-tongue (the first language) is different than the communication language often struggle in this sector.

6. Make a small talk: Small talk matters. Small talk is the art of chitchat - talking about ‘nothing’. The small talk warms up the conversation; it can set up the mood of the discussion.

7. Make a good first impression:  The first impression plays a big role in setting up the tone of the conversation.

8. Body Language:The Body language, combined with small talk sits the mood and tone of the conversation. Smiling, confident hand gestures, good eye-contact (not staring)….help with making a friendly and effective discussion. In some culture -like in India - the body distance is much less; people are more touchy and feely. However, same may not apply everywhere. In most western countries, people like their pace and they like to keep a bit distance during the communication. You can also practice body language in front of a mirror -practice what you want others to see in your body language.

9. Read and write:Written communications are very important in business and work environment. Email and texting has become a key part of day-to-day life. To improve written communication skills for business or work, practice reading and writing. Double-check your writing; re-write if needed and check for spelling errors etc. For the informal written communications - e.g. emailing and texting with friends and family, - just go with the flow; use the format of informal chat.

10. Witty, current and meaningful: Dry and very formal communication is often not that effective. Given the occasion, be witty and meaningful in your comments. Add some humor if the occasion demands lightening up the mood. Also, don’t sound outdated in your written or verbal communications; be current and up-to-date. The art of small talk can also help in this area.

11. Feedback: To improve these communication skills, pay attention to the feedback from others - the listeners, friends, colleagues. It could be direct verbal feedback - comments or suggestions, - or written feedback in a formal settings. The indirect feedback may includes facial expression or body language of the listeners. Adjust the communication - enhance or tone down etc. - based on the feedback.

12. Practice, practice and practice: Yes, practice as much as possible. You can certainly improve your communication skills by making a conscious effort to practice the steps above. It always feels good when you connect with others, when they understand you and know what you are talking about!

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How Can I Eliminate Stress from My Life?

How Can I Eliminate Stress from My Life?

As we have seen, positive stress adds anticipation and excitement to life, and we all thrive under a certain amount of stress. Deadlines, competitions, confrontations, and even our frustrations and sorrows add depth and enrichment to our lives. Our goal is not to eliminate stress but to learn how to manage it and how to use it to help us. Insufficient stress acts as a depressant and may leave us feeling bored or dejected; on the other hand, excessive stress may leave us feeling "tied up in knots." What we need to do is find the optimal level of stress which will individually motivate but not overwhelm each of us.

How Can I Tell What is Optimal Stress for Me?
There is no single level of stress that is optimal for all people. We are all individual creatures with unique requirements. As such, what is distressing to one may be a joy to another. And even when we agree that a particular event is distressing, we are likely to differ in our physiological and psychological responses to it.

The person who loves to arbitrate disputes and moves from job site to job site would be stressed in a job which was stable and routine, whereas the person who thrives under stable conditions would very likely be stressed on a job where duties were highly varied. Also, our personal stress requirements and the amount which we can tolerate before we become distressed changes with our ages.

It has been found that most illness is related to unrelieved stress. If you are experiencing stress symptoms, you have gone beyond your optimal stress level; you need to reduce the stress in your life and/or improve your ability to manage it.

How Can I Manage Stress Better?
Identifying unrelieved stress and being aware of its effect on our lives is not sufficient for reducing its harmful effects. Just as there are many sources of stress, there are many possibilities for its management. However, all require work toward change: changing the source of stress and/or changing your reaction to it. How do you proceed?

1. Become aware of your stressors and your emotional and physical reactions.
Notice your distress. Don't ignore it. Don't gloss over your problems.
Determine what events distress you. What are you telling yourself about meaning of these events?
Determine how your body responds to the stress. Do you become nervous or physically upset? If so, in what specific ways?

2. Recognize what you can change
Can you change your stressors by avoiding or eliminating them completely?
Can you reduce their intensity (manage them over a period of time instead of on a daily or weekly basis)?
Can you shorten your exposure to stress (take a break, leave the physical premises)?
Can you devote the time and energy necessary to making a change (goal setting, time management techniques, and delayed gratification strategies may be helpful here)?

3. Reduce the intensity of your emotional reactions to stress
The stress reaction is triggered by your perception of danger...physical danger and/or emotional danger. Are you viewing your stressors in exaggerated terms and/or taking a difficult situation and making it a disaster?
Are you expecting to please everyone?
Are you overreacting and viewing things as absolutely critical and urgent? Do you feel you must always prevail in every situation?
Work at adopting more moderate views; try to see the stress as something you can cope with rather than something that overpowers you.
Try to temper your excess emotions. Put the situation in perspective. Do not labor on the negative aspects and the "what if's."

4. Learn to moderate your physical reactions to stress
Slow, deep breathing will bring your heart rate and respiration back to normal.
Relaxation techniques can reduce muscle tension. Electronic biofeedback can help you gain voluntary control over such things as muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Medications, when prescribed by a physician, can help in the short term in moderating your physical reactions. However, they alone are not the answer. Learning to moderate these reactions on your own is a preferable long-term solution.

5. Build your physical reserves
Exercise for cardiovascular fitness three to four times a week (moderate, prolonged rhythmic exercise is best, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or jogging).
Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals.
Maintain your ideal weight.
Avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine, and other stimulants.
Mix leisure with work. Take breaks and get away when you can.
Get enough sleep. Be as consistent with your sleep schedule as possible.

6. Maintain your emotional reserves
Develop some mutually supportive friendships/relationships.
Pursue realistic goals which are meaningful to you, rather than goals others have for you that you do not share.
Expect some frustrations, failures, and sorrows.
Always be kind and gentle with yourself -- be a friend to yourself.

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21 Topics for Small Talk Conversation for all occasions

21 Topics for Small Talk Conversation for all occasions

Small talk - a conversation or chit chat without any specific topic - is a necessity in any social or professional environment. In fact, making small talk is the lesser of an evil when you compare it to an awkward and drawn out silence. But, what would you talk about - during small talk.

Here are some of the most common topics to start a conversation, or keep it going:

1. Hello/Hi: A simple hello is good way to start any small talk.

2. Introduction: If meeting for the first time, make sure to introduce yourself. It shows your interest in the meeting, and puts a name to the face.

3. Situation and surroundings: Talk about the surroundings or the venue: ‘Nice place, huh!’ or ‘I like this cafe!’

4. Weather talk: This is all time classic, may be a bit too much used. However, a talk about weather always gets the conversation going.

5. How was your day? : If the meeting is in the late day or in the evening, talk about how your day was, there is always something to share: ‘how is your day going so far?’

6. So what are you up to today/tonight? : Ask about short term plans for the day, or the night or the next day. This is always good way to keep the discussion going.

7. Talk about traffic: ‘How was the traffic on your way over?’ or ‘how did you get here?’

8. Give compliments: ‘Nice dress’ or Nice car’ or ‘Nice house’…say something nice. It makes the other side feel at ease and warms up the conversation.

9. How is school/work: The school or work topics are always good; people love to complain about work or school.

10, Sports: It is not only guys’ things anymore, women enjoy the sports equally. The trick is to find out -‘So, what kind of sports do you watch/play?’

11. Current news: Talk about current topics in the news - Swine flu, Tiger Woods, Health Care or any other current topics that your company may be interested in.

12. Family talk: If appropriate, e.g. among family friends, talk about your parents, kids, family vacation etc. Family friends can always have tons to chit-chat about.

13. Mutual friends: Talk about mutual friends, or friends of friends. Be positive, saying bad stuff behind someone’s back reflects poorly on you.

14. Drinks and Food: If you are invited over for a party, or if meeting someone over a drink or a meal, you can always talk about the food or the drinks being served,

15. Music, TV, movies comments: ‘Have you watched any movie lately?’ Or ‘Did you watch the Late Night Show last night?’ and so on…

16. Discuss hobbies: Talk about your hobbies, find out what your company likes to do in the free time. Exchange ideas on any common interests you share.

17. Talk about environment: It is the new fashion - a new trend, to be environment friendly. You can always talk about new initiatives or ideas about saving environment.

18. Travel talk: Talk about travel or vacation or a trip. ‘Any plans to go out-of-town this year?’

19. Share a funny anecdote or a joke: If appropriate for the occasion and if you feel comfortable, share some funny story or a joke to lighten up the mood.

20. Tech Stuff or new Gadgets:Talk about new toys - new cell phones, iPods, iPhones, new computers, new applications, Face-book….All of us have some new gadgets or computer applications that we like and love to talk about.

21. Discuss politics: Not everybody enjoys politics, but if you find the conversation stumble upon a political subject and if that is something you can talk about, nothing wrong with that.

To master the art of small talk or improve upon it, you should also take a look at the article ’30 tips on the art of small talk  it discusses the proper approach to small talk, how to keep the conversation going, and how to end it gracefully. Rather than dreading an occasion, you may actually find yourself enjoying it, if you can master the art of small talk!

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Windows Mango vs Android : Which is the best os for your Smartphone

 Windows Mango vs Android : Which is the best os for your Smartphone

A lot of times I come across people who think a phone is a smartphone only if it is powered by Android. Any one having a WP (windows phone) has supposedly wasted his hard earned money. So is this the case? Before we come to any conclusions let us first understand what an OS on a phone means.

Just like your computer a phone also requires a platform to run. An ecosystem is required on which you can install any application or play your favorite games like Angry birds. What windows(xp,vista, 7 or 8) is to a laptop or pc, Android or Windows(mango is the latest version) are to a smartphone. These are the basic software on which any additional software can run. So the question is why has two different OS when they basically do the same thing?

Well for one having a choice is always good. Just because some prefer chrome over Firefox doesn't mean Firefox shouldn't exist. Every one has a different taste and while Android may suite to some not all may find it similarly pretty or useful. Though Windows and Android basically do the same thing they do it in a totally different way. Some users may find tile system on the windows appealing while others may prefer the customization on Android.


Android

Android has been in the market for quite a while now and Google has made has proved that their little monster is not only here to stay but to dominate. One can find a slew of Android powered phones in the market from various manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, LG, HTC. So what makes Android so special?

Well the number of applications you can find on Google market( the online store where you download your apps from) is one of the major reason for the success of this platform. There are over 400000 apps available on the market( though you probably wouldn't download more than 100-150 of those but still its good to have a choice). One can find apps for anything from getting latest stock updates to monitoring your heart beat(not sure if it gives accurate results).

The problem with Android is fragmentation. Presently there are phones with Gingerbread, Ice cream Sandwich or Froyo available in the market. Every version of the android is named after a dessert. Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) is the latest version available. One can still find phones Gingerbread (Android 2.3, the predecessor to Ice Cream Sandwich on phones). It is all good as long as you get the lastest and greatest version of the software on your phone. But usually the manufacturers drop support after one or two updates and you are left with an older version on your phone that makes it somewhat obsolete.


Windows Phone

Windows is relatively a new comer to the market. The number of devices available with Windows are relatively less as of now but with Nokia joining the bandwagon recently this number is only going to increase in the future. The greatest difference between Android and Windows is the interface. While the Android offers the conventional interface with round icons and widgets, the Metro interface on the Windows uses live tiles as icons.

It is a breeze of fresh air from the conventional system and many may find it appealing. The core idea is to make things simple and provide live feed on the tiles rather than having to open them individually. Social media like facebook and twitter come intergrated out of the box.

Windows has got its own marketplace. Though the number of applications aren't anywhere close to that on Android; Microsoft & Nokia are personally taking care of that. Presently there are around 70000 apps available to choose from and that number is definitely gonna increase in the near future.

Now the big question comes what to choose? Both OSes have their own pros and cons.

Android
Pros

1. Number of applications
2. Customization
3. Internet tethering (sharing) over wifi or usb
4. Removable battery and Sd card support
5. More number of devices available to choose from

Cons

1. Due to a large number of devices available some application may be incompatible on some phones
2. Fragmentation( you can never be sure whether your phone will get the next version of the os or not)
3. Poor battery life


Windows Mango
Pros

1. Facebook and twitter integration
2. More fluid and responsive than Android
3. Multitasking
4. Social gaming on xbox live account
5. Simple user interface

Cons

1. No external sd card support(though windows phones come with 8-16 gb of inbuilt memory)
2. Bluetooth file sharing only with other windows phones
3. No internet tethering (an update to fix this problem promised by Nokia though)
4. File sharing with pc requires Zune

Bottom line being it all depends on your own preference. Both OS have their pros and cons. While there are a lot of sites and a lot of people on the forums over the web who will defend on one OS or another, the truth is both of them are equally good. If you already have an Android tablet or you are looking for an upgrade from your old android phone, Windows mango can provide you with that fresh change. For users who are getting their first smartphone it depends on what you want. Even though windows doesnt support dual core processors, that is because it doesn't need them. It is equally(or probably more) fluid and responsive on a single core as Android on a multicore.

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