Tuesday 19 December 2017

TRAVEL CULTURE THAT WE CAN DO WITHOUT

TRAVEL CULTURE THAT WE CAN DO WITHOUT


Traveling is a great teaching experience. It's a highly enjoyable pursuit, a never-ending string of places and experiences and people whose lives enrich our own. But there are certain aspects of traveling which have become rather annoying. There are trends within the travel industry that tend to bug you after a while, that you really wish would just disappear like Congress’s dearm of winning an election in India or England's Ashes dreams! I hope and pray that this holiday season these travel dips would vanish and never be seen again.

So as 2017 makes its way over the horizon, and we usher in the potential greatness of another 12 months on this beautiful planet, it's worth pausing to consider the most annoying travel trends that are out there, and making a group pledge to get rid of them.

Begpacking
No, I have not coined this term. Many before me have seen this and felt bad, if not outright offended. This insane practice of travelers begging or busking for spare change in developing countries, leaning on the kindness of strangers in order to make their way around the world, has to stop. If you have the money and the luxury of time to travel from a first-world country to a developing nation, then you also have ability to spend a bit longer at home saving enough to pay for the whole thing yourself. Leave the charity to people who actually deserve it.

Selfie culture
A holiday today is no more for sheer enjoyment and experience. It has become a social statement and your ‘selfies’ in front of the Taj Mahal or on that death defying ride in Disneyland, when posted on your timeline in social media brings you a social ‘nirvana’! A holiday should once again go back to what it used to be. What you do on your holidays is really up to you – until, that is, it starts bugging everyone else. Who hasn't stood around at a viewpoint or monument or anything else of interest on their travels and waited interminably as a never-ending queue of wannabe social media stars spends a lifetime lining up the perfect pouty selfie? And we haven't even begun talking about the sticks…

Crowding the baggage carousel
I'm not actually sure if you can call this a trend; given travelers have probably been doing it ever since the first bag ever whirred around a carousel. Still, it bears mentioning. The entire luggage collection process would work a lot better if everyone just took a step back from the carousel and moved forward when they spied their bag. Is that so hard to get your head around?

Drones
I know that drone photos are pretty cool and not yet popular in a big way in India. However, when you're relaxing at a campsite, or on the beach, or anywhere really that's natural and peaceful and beautiful, and your world is suddenly invaded by the whining of some moron's drone as it zips past over and over again, you have every reason to hate these things. Why are western countries, which take privacy much more seriously that we do, and where you have to take an appointment with your own mother for lunch, not having laws against this blatent invasion of privacy?

White saviors
Yes, their intentions are good. However, white travelers who visit developing countries and think they're going to "save" the locals, who post photos of themselves posing with poor people, who perpetuate the stereotype that those in developing countries are hopeless, and those from the West can rescue them despite having no actual skills or experience in sustainable, long-term development strategies, are actually doing more harm than good. If you are really interested join a registered organization and extend help, it will be more than welcomed, but your random attempts will be both misplaced and misused and may even land you in trouble with the authorities.

Charging for Wi-Fi
It's an annoying quirk of the accommodation industry that every Rs. 500 -a-night hostel invariably gives away Wi-Fi access for free, and yet some Rs. 5000 -a-night five-star resorts still think they can get away with charging for internet -sometimes Rs. 300 or even a mind boggling Rs. 500 a night. Wi-Fi might once have seemed like a luxury, but these days it is essential for 24x7 connectivity and should just be a given like the toilet kit and the bath towel.

Bondage animal tourism
Thanks to the animal right activists this mostly seems to have stopped now. However, it's not just photo ops with drugged-up tigers that are the problem. Any tourism experience that involves animals – elephant sanctuaries, zoos, even national parks in some countries – should really be scrutinized closely before you commit to a visit. There are plenty of dodgy operators out there who don't actually have the animals' best interests at heart. In India visitors should choose a National Park for animal experience and not encourage the street show with monkeys and bears.

Saying you've "done" somewhere
I have visited Kerala six times but I still yearn to go back. I have stayed in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney for years but these places change every time I go back! You haven't "done" anywhere! You haven't "done" Asia. You haven't "done" Europe. No one has! Not even the people who live there. You could go back to the same continent, the same country, the same city over and over again for the rest of your life and still find new things, meet new people, and have new experiences. Nowhere, and nothing, is ever "done". That is the beauty of traveling!

Tourists behaving badly
Here's the rub, travelers. There are a lot of us out there. Many more than there ever have been. And the industry is only going to grow. If we want this thing to be a success, if we want to keep visiting popular cities and staying in apartments in the trendy suburbs and eating at local cafes and drinking at local bars and sharing in other people's lives for just a few days at a time, we have to behave ourselves. We have to treat other cities and other countries as our own. We have to be kind; we have to be respectful. If we do that, we all get to travel safely and happily for a lot longer.
Every country has its own culture, its own traditions and its own religious inclinations and we have to respect them. Certain places would demand head scarves, long skirts, removing footwears, silence, no photography and we will have to abide by these rules. If places of worship of one religion is out of bounds for the rest of us, then there is no point in arguing about whose religion is more open!

Complaining about all of the tourists
If you're in a place that's filled with tourists ... Surprise, you're one of them. Venice was far more crowded last Christmas than it was ten years ago…..why complain about it? Enjoy the variety of fanfare, food and music which the city has to offer because of its new immigrants. Anf honestly, is your own home town not a much crowded place that what it was a decade back?

Slum tourism

At their best, tours of slums and favelas and shantytowns will be run by residents, and will provide an accurate and respectful snapshot of local life to travelers who will be able to learn from the experience and contribute a little cash to the community. At their worst, however – and I encounter more frequently – these tours are pure poverty porn, like visiting some sort of zoo where you take photos of all the poor people and then leave, having contributed nothing. Do your research thoroughly before you get involved in something like this. My experience in Andaman with the Jaroa tribe was not very good.

Staring at your phone while walking
Commuters and pedestrians in all forms, around the world are doing this. People walk while staring at their phones. To be fair, this isn't just travelers, but if travelers are doing this they are depriving themselves of all the magic the place they are visiting has to offer. They're playing games on the phone. They're reading books. They're flicking through music. They're also really slow walkers, and they bump into other people constantly and are a walking talking traffic hazard. Locals hate them.


So, though travel is not easy and inexpensive, though it is not hassle free, though we have to deal with airport security, ash clouds, changing money, passports and visas, lost luggage, and even thinking about all that’s involved is enough to cause stress we travel bugs will continue to plan our holidays away from home. Today I just tried to share with you how we can make travel even more enjoyable.

Saturday 16 December 2017

HOW CAN I CHANGE YOUR MIND?





Is it possible to change somebody else’s mind? Whether it is in the political arena or at our work place or even at our homes, we regularly come across individuals with whom we do not see eye to eye on multiple issues, who think differently, perform differently and opine differently. Is it possible to change their opinions? In America the Republicans and the Democrats are both patriotic Americans but, on issues more than one, they are as different as chalk and cheese. In India the BJP mocks the secular credentials of the Congress and blames them of appeasing minorities and pamper a particular political dynasty and the Congress in turn labels BJP as Hindu nationalists and anti minority. So with such a huge chiasm in between can there be a common ground where saner minds can meet, discuss and march ahead? This will require a very special art, the art of persuasion.

We are not programmed robots. Each one of us has the ability to think in an advanced and different way from earth’s other living creatures, and that is what makes our world a place full of creativity and progress. However, the intellectual openness we have causes each of us to have different opinions, which inevitably leads to misunderstandings and disagreements between people. This situation often leads to the development of arguments and conflicts in a variety of areas, whether it is strategies to rule our nations or for actions at work or planning a family vacation with a spouse.

Of course, each of us should try to see the other side's logic, but if you are confident in your position, you should not try to aggressively convince the other side by yelling like our parliamentarians do. Instead, you should learn how to become the type of person who knows how to explain their thoughts in a way that you’ll get the other side to see the full picture and understand you.

Have you ever wondered why is it so difficult to get others to accept our opinion? I am of the opinion that even if your argument sounds convincing, the moment you try to prove that the other person's argument is wrong, you’re forcing them to change their mind by embarrassing them and making them admit they are wrong, something which not everyone can easily do. So though the Congress was unquestionably corrupt and inefficient, if the present dispensation keeps on harping on that how can they make them change their mind?

The ideas we raise during discussions may be very good, but because we lack persuasion skills we may not be able to convey them in a way that will get others to agree with us. Most of us lack this ability, and as a result, many discussions can turn into arguments in a matter of minutes. When this happens, we and the person in front of us become defensive. We try to take shortcuts to prove that the other's opinion is wrong, and at the same time to show that we are right. What results is a slanging match, something we see in almost every parliamentary session.

Correcting mistakes almost always leads to failure in the attempt at persuasion. There is a boomerang effect or backfire effect - trying to correct another person's mental error only increases the ambiguity about the truth in his/her head. When someone's deepest convictions are challenged by contradictory evidence, their beliefs actually get stronger. In other words, trying to change one's mind by presenting his/her own mental error is useless. People who are "corrected" in their opinion more forcefully reject ideas that come from beliefs that are different from their own.

So how do we convince people and make them see our point of view? In the 17th century, French philosopher Blaise Pascal said the trick to persuading others is simple; the most effective way to change someone’s mind before disagreeing with them is by pointing out the ways they are right. In his famous article "On the Art of Persuasion", which he wrote even before the field of psychology was invented, Pascal offered 2 simple steps: 
1. Recognize the validity of the person's point of view.
2. Lead the person opposite us to discover the other side of his argument.
These steps are based on the fact that each person's opinion has value, so we must first identify the validity of the point of view we oppose and admit that there is some truth in it. We then have to reveal the other side of the argument in a gradual manner, which is to show the person opposite us the facts that were ignored in their argument. Such an approach will not offend the other by dismissing their opinion outright because it will show them another side of their argument. So no one will be disappointed. It makes the person in front of you realize that they have not seen the full picture, instead of emphasizing their wrong judgment.

Let me now take you back to the debate on Goods & Services Tax. The government was banging its head against a brick wall of opposition till it did not give credit of initiating this vital financial bill to the Congress, take them on board, assured them that their reservations were genuine and will be looked into and agreed to  a whole lot of concessions. The persuasion attempts usually work better if the other person understands the reasons for their change of mind than if we were to impose it. By initially describing areas of agreement with the opposition, the communicators of the government looked more reasonable and likable individuals, thereby increasing their persuasiveness. By pointing out the ways in which the opposition was right, the government’s interlocutors enhanced their own position and credibility. A good debate which is low on rhetoric high on mutual acceptance and one that generates less heat and more light can , in the long run, change the other person’s opinion.

Whether it is at home or at work, people whose opinion you want to change respond more favourably to suggestions instead of commands. This approach to resolving disagreements can also help you hide your intentions in order to persuade, so you must pay attention to your tone of voice. You have to play the role of a guide rather than a commander, that is, you have to guide the other person to the thought you want to create in their head instead of commanding them to accept it. Pascal also argued ‘people are generally better persuaded by the reasons which they have themselves discovered than by those which have come into the mind of others.’ So the trick of persuasion is to make someone discover our point of view themselves, may be with a little bit of guidance but certainly not by an order or command.

In the age of social media telling a story is perhaps the best way of persuasion. People can often be more easily persuaded by hearing stories than just facts that prove the story they believe is not true and offer them an alternate story. The falsehood is a story and here again rather than ripping that story apart it works better to simply replace the false story with the true one that people can hold onto.  For a while, it will probably feel like your arguments are falling on deaf ears. Because beliefs are driven by coherence, people will maintain the strength of their initial beliefs for quite a while. The more information that people get that supports an alternative story, though, the more likely it is that the initial web of beliefs will collapse and be replaced by a new, no less coherent network.


A successful persuasion attempt won’t be achieved only by raising an argument of some validity. To prevent others from becoming defensive during a discussion, one should use a technique that encourages collaboration rather than trying to satisfy only oneself. We should not pre-empt the ideas of the person in front of us, but if we see an error in their way of thinking, we should bring it up and change their mind wisely so that they themselves discover the value in our argument.  This is the only way to avoid unnecessary conflicts whether at home or in office or in parliament.

Thursday 7 December 2017

Vicks VapoRub – time tested and people’s choice






Vicks VapoRub has been around for over a century, and it can now be found in many households across the globe and is undoubtedly the most commonly sold over the counter medicine. Lunsford Richardson developed the formula way back in 1894 when he created a salve for his children, after travelling to France.This Salve, with its combination of menthol, camphor, and other ingredients, which include oils of eucalyptus and nutmeg, cools and soothes at the same time. Individually, these ingredients have specific uses such as pain relief, itch reduction, increasing circulation, acne fighting and anti-fungal. Therefore, with all these combined properties, it's not surprising that it can be used as more than just a decongestant.

A Vicks VapoRub advertizement
dating back to 1922
Richardson-Vicks was sold to Procter & Gamble in 1985 and is now known as Vicks. VapoRub is also currently manufactured and packaged in India and Mexico. In German-speaking countries (the exception of Switzerland) it is sold under the name Wick VapoRub. VapoRub continues to be Vicks's flagship product internationally, and the Vicks brand name is often used synonymously with the VapoRub product. My love affair with this product was initiated by my mother but later on in our Industrial Chemistry class in Colvin Taluqdars’ College in Lucknow, when my charismatic Chemistry teacher Mr. Shamiulla taught me how to make this product, I was absolutely hooked on ti it!


In India, Vicks VapoRub is made by Procter & Gamble (P&G). The formulation is almost the same as the one stated above. P&G states Vicks Vaporub to be an Ayurvedic Medicine, which is indicated on the package.
The ingredients (per 100 g of product) are stated as follows:
Ingredient
English
Amount
Pudinah ke phool
2.82 g
Karpoor
5.25 g
Ajowan ke phool
0.10 g
Tarpin ka tel
5.57 ml
Nilgiri tel
1.49 ml
Jatiphal tel
0.54 ml

Like me, many Indian children have been brought up by mothers who would double up as family doctors too and for them medicines like Vicks, Amritanjan, Ajwain ka arak, and Nux Vomica or Brionia would cure nine out of ten problems.  You probably have this very useful medical ointment Vicks sitting at home right now in one of your cabinets. So let us take a look at some of the unique and clever ways that Vicks can be used in everyday life.

1. Decongest Chest 
The most common use of Vicks is to decongest your chest and throat area. When applied to the upper chest, it provides excellent relief of cough and congestion symptoms. 

2. Headaches
VapoRub can be inhaled with hot steam. Since VapoRub ointment is an oil-based medication, it should not be used under or inside the nose or inside the mouth, and it should not be swallowed. Any oil-based product can get into the lungs if used improperly. If you're suffering from a sinus headache, inhaling the vapors can help open your clogged airways to relieve the pressure. All you have to do is rub a small bit of Vicks under your nose. If you're suffering from a non-sinus headache, try rubbing a small amount of Vicks onto your temples - this is supposed to relieve the pressure you can feel from your headache. The mentholated scent will release pressure in your head and instantly relieve pain.

3. Humidify Your Sleep
Vicks VapoRub can be used in special types of humidifiers and vaporizers. Ensure your humidifier has an aromatherapy compartment before using. The humidifier will circulate Vicks throughout the air and keep you breathing easy all night long.

4. Nail Fungus
Many of the compounds that make up Vicks VapoRub are anti-fungal and, as a result, it can prevent the growth of fungus on your nails. Rub VapoRub on your toenails if you suspect you have a fungus. Within days, the nail will turn dark—this means the Vicks is killing the fungus. As your toenail grows out, the dark part will grow off and you will have fungus-free feet. Keep applying the ointment over a period of two weeks to fully cleanse nail beds of any remaining bacteria.

5. Itch and Sting/Bite Relief
Mothers and grandmas across the globe have been using Vicks to stop itching and pain from outdoor encounters for many years. Simply rub it into the affected area and let those magical ingredients do their thing. If you get bitten by a tick, apply Vicks immediately. The strong odor might help get the critter to release itself and stop bugging you.

6. Nausea 
Mint has always been a popular go-to for people suffering from nausea. To combat nausea, either rub some Vicks under your nose, or create a facial steam to inhale.

7. Achy Breaky Muscles
Vicks relieves sore, overworked muscles. It increases circulation and provides almost instant aid. Use a generous portion and apply it all over the aching area.

8. Bruises
Vicks, thanks to the camphor and menthol present in it, is able to help heal bruises faster. This is because the aforementioned ingredients help increase circulation. Simply rub some ointment onto the bruise to help it heal.

9. Burns
A minor burn can be soothed by using Vicks. This is because the camphor, along with some of the other ingredients present in this ointment, have the ability to heal burns and numb the pain.

9. Paper Cuts and Splinters
To prevent infection and speed up healing time, dab a small amount of Vicks on any small cut or splinter.

10. Reduces stretch marks
Rub some Vicks VapoRub on your stretch marks, and in just 2 weeks you will see that they gradually become less visible.

11. Relieves earache
Put a small cotton ball with Vicks VapoRub in your ear, and leave it there for a few hours until you see your doctor. Remember: although this method does help relieve ear pain, it doesn’t cure the infection itself. So it’s very important that you consult your health professional as soon as possible.

12. Pimple Buster
Got a huge spot on your face that you think everyone is looking at? Dab some Vicks on it to dry it out and make it disappear.

13. Takes good care of your feet
Before going to bed, apply some Vicks to your heels, especially to the cracked and dry areas, and put your socks on. Make sure you’re using old socks because the next day they will have a super strong menthol smell. In the morning, wash your feet with cold water, use a pumice stone to scrub away dead skin, and then apply your regular foot care product. Keep doing so every night, and soon you’ll see some noticeable results.

14. On Your Tootsies
Applying Vicks on your feet provides nighttime cough relief. Generously rub VapoRub all over your feet and cover them with socks. Within moments your cough will subside—in the morning you’ll wake up a new, hacking-free person.

15. Belly fat – helps get rid of it
Mix one tablespoon of crushed tablet camphor, one tablespoon of alcohol, one tablespoon of baking soda, and half a jar of Vicks VapoRub until you get a paste. Before doing your physical exercises, apply this paste to your abdomen or to the area that you plan to work on, and wrap yourself with plastic wrap. When you finish your workout, rinse with plenty of water.
Having the same effect as those expensive slimming creams, such homemade applications, performed 2-3 times a week, can make a real difference.

16. Stop Your Cat from Scratching
Cats are notorious for scratching every hard surface they get their claws on. To prevent Miss Kitty from ruining your doors, walls, and windows, apply a small amount of VapoRub to these areas. Cats detest the smell and will steer clear. Vicks can also be applied to your arms and legs if your kitty is prone to scratching you.

17. Pet Pee Deterrent
If your dog or cat is not yet potty trained, put an open bottle of Vicks on the area he or she likes to mark as their territory. The smell will discourage them from lifting their legs and wetting your rug.

18. Reek-free Racehorses
Professional racers smother VapoRub under the nostrils of racehorses on race day. The strong stench deters the stallions from the alluring odor of the female pony and keeps them focused on the race.

19. Go Away Mosquitoes
Vicks wards off mosquitoes. Apply small dabs of Vicks VapoRub to your skin and clothes and mosquitoes will steer clear. If you do get bitten, apply Vicks to the area and cover it with a Band-Aid to relieve itching.

20. Creaky Doors
If you have a really annoying creaky door, but can't get your hands on some oil or WD40, then try rubbing a bit of Vicks on the creaky hinges.


According to WebMD, there have been a few complications in children when Vicks is used inappropriately. A few children reacted negatively and ended up hospitalized when Vicks was applied directly under the nose. Though this is extremely rare and only happens to those who are sensitive to Vicks, consumers should use caution when applying it to the face or on young children.


Even though its strong stench may cost me a few friendships, I am definitely heading to the nearest drugstore to stock up on this little blue smelly bottle. After all, I never know the next time I’ll have a headache, or am heading to the racetrack or decide to do something about my pot belly.