B Louder September 2017

don’t be just loud

BLOUDER

BLOUDER

CONTENTS 10 PUBLIC INTEREST 9 A+ Advice for a Successful School Year To make sure your child has a successful school year, consider these smart tips. This advice can help you have a great academic experience from now all the way through spring.

FEATURED

10 Mihir Haryal My inspiration is always the best version of me I want to be. I don’t believe in role models, but in staying motivated by trying to become the best version of yourself in whatever resources you have while maintaining your inner peace.

ON THE COVER MODEL: KHAN JUNAID SAFDAR Twenty five years old, Khan Junaid Safdar is an actor born and raised in Kashmir. He did his schooling from Pathankot, Punjab. He studied Bachelors of Business Management in Bangalore.

LIFESTYLE

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14 Inspirational Tips For Autumn Outdoor Entertaining Fall weather can change drastically throughout a day. Encourage guests to dress in layers so that attire for daylight fun can transition into

warmer wear for evening hours.

CLICK OUT LOUDER 16 The Little But Really Useful Guide to Creativity It’s easier than ever to be creative, to create, to

We Hear You! Write to us at bloudermagazine@gmail.com

BLOUDER

CONTENTS imagine and make what’s imagined become reality.

House TO Home

17 Rahul Joshi Photography is not just an appeal but a personality to him .

Original, handcrafted décor brings an artisanal elegance to today's modern kitchen.

30Artisanal Elegance for Curated Design in the Kitchen

20 Passionate Photographer: Dhananjai 31 5 Fabulous Deck Fix-ups Madaan Are you tired of having a deck you're no longer “I believe when you combine creativity with phoproud to show off? You're not alone. tography, you will get a masterpiece.”

32 Living Simply: The Ultimate Guide to Conquering Your Clutter Clutter can be a lot of visual distraction and mental stress.

BLOUDER FITNESS 36 Yashvir Sorout "Either you can eat delicious or look delicious"

24

40 Baseball Legend Steps Up to the Plate to Raise Awareness of Fatal Lung Disease

42 59 I Capture Me A poem by Anjali Sharma.

60 Old Soldier Diaries: Memoirs of The Men of Honor Soldiers are the people who experience all kinds of emotions, suffer pains and all types of ups and downs.

24 Be Young Always With Glowing Skin Healthy and glowing skin makes the important aspect of one's personality.

All-Star centerfielder Bernie Williams is taking on a new role as an advocate for idio-pathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) awareness in honor of his dad Bernabé who lost his life to this rare and 63 Scared fatal lung disease.

A poem by ESS

BHEALTHIER

BLOUDER EXCLUSIVES

BEAUTY

26 Healing Vegetables

42 Khan Junaid Safdar

64 Cracking Into Computers “Cyber Threat”, the two words which have now become a serious problem for the corporate sector. The past few months have been nightmare to many companies.

When we pay attention towards balanced diet Quick Takes With Him. then we find that the solution is in foods.

Vegetables are the most important component of a 46 Multitalented Dawnae Lundquist balanced diet.

I am most proud of the way I've kept a grasp on 65 My Mom Is My Love my dreams and aspirations, all the while holding 28 Healthy Habits Of Drinking Water A poem by Rajat Mohanta. onto my passion for art and performance.

Water is not only thirst-quenching but has many health benefits for your body and vital organs.

STYLE OUT LOUDER

50 Creative Entrepreneur Kaushal Vishukumar Kaushal Vishukumar is a creative entrepreneur who entered into fashion industry at very young age. Right from the start, it was apparent that he is a fashion maven.

BLOUDER LITERARY

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58 Be Louder A poem by Anjali Sharma.

46

VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE ARTICLES ARE OF THE AUTHORS/SUBJECTS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THE EDITORS OR PUBLISHERS. WHILE THE EDITORS DO THEIR UTMOST TO VERIFY INFORMATION PUBLISHED, THEY DO NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS ABSOLUTE ACCURACY. BLOUDER TAKES NO RESPONSIVITY FOR UNSOLICITED PHOTOGRAPHS OR MATERIAL. IN MATTERS WHICH MAY BE SUB JUDICE, BLOUDER TAKES NO LEGAL STAND. BLOUDER CAN NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR PRODUCTS, PRODUCT INFORMATION, PICTURES, ILLUSTRATIONS, ETC.

EDITOR’S LETTER Write to us

bloudermagazine@gmail.com

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Every Second Counts, Enjoy It.

Last week I turned twenty one. I’m really excited. There are many benefits of being twenty one like I can legally apply for a marriage license and can apply to adopt a child. Now for me it’s legal to purchase, carry and consume alcohol. I can apply for the regular driver’s license and hit casino and gamble. In short now I can do whatever I desire as long as it is legal and I’m decent. I’m hoping my parents would also treat me like a real adult now.

I believe it’s time to recognize that many of us have some special abilities to do things like I can annoy people, some can sing very well and others can cook delicious food but no matter how hard you work, it is incomplete until you make it your own by putting your full efforts on it and making it as personal as it can be because it’s your life and you have to enjoy every single second of it.

Well, it’s the second issue of B LOUDER. We want it to be entertaining and informative, but above all useful. I am honored to be entrusted with a magazine that is not only focusing on entertaining people but also focusing on development of individuals. Inside you’ll get to know more about people who are not afraid to take risks because they want to make their mark on the world.

We hope you enjoy the second issue of B LOUDER as much as we did bringing it to you and do let us know if there are any suggestions or other topics you’d like to see covered in the future.

Mihir Haryal

Photography By Dhananjai Madaan

JASKARAN S. DHILLON EDITOR Instagram: @jaskaransdhillon

Yashvir Sorout

SECRETS

BY RAHUL CHOUDHARY BHARDWAJ & JASKARAN S. DHILLON

Serious Evidences that Can Reflect Effectively the Truth of Someone’s Sins

PUBLIC INTEREST

A+ Advice for a Successful School Year

(BPT) - The first days of school are filled with excitement and pangs of anxiety, but it doesn't take long for high school and college students to fall into a routine. Adjusting to the new reality of school can be difficult, but it's the steps students take now that determine their success throughout the school year.

To make sure your child has a successful school year, consider these smart tips. This advice can help you have a great academic experience from now all the way through spring.

1. Eat and sleep well every day Healthy habits allow the body and mind to be prepared to learn each day. Teenagers (14-17) should get eight to 10 hours each night and young adults (18-25) should get seven to nine hours of sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation. On top of adequate rest, make sure to eat wholesome meals starting with a daily breakfast to ensure a hungry stomach is never a distraction in class.

2. Choose the right technology Advanced classes require note taking, research and more, making a trustworthy laptop a

student essential. Stay on budget with the portable LG gram notebook available in 13-, 14 - and 15-inch options. With 15 hours of battery on a full charge, students can leave the charger at home, making this Ultrabook the perfect fit for students on the go. Featuring Intel's 7th generation i5 processor and plenty of storage, it's extremely versatile. You can change the display from "Reader mode" to "Movie mode," which offers versatility for students who plan to use the device for a variety of content.

3. Don't let backpacks weigh you down High school and college students too often are buzzing through campus with incredibly heavy backpacks. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that a backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child's body weight. Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Select light technology when possible, like the LG gram, the lightest laptop available in its class at just over 2 pounds.

4. Learn smart study habits How students study influences how well they do in school. Procrastination and last-minute cramming is not effective. The more your child can adopt smart study habits, the better he or

she will do in class, plus stress levels will likely decrease. Set times each day to study, preferably not too late at night. Create a quiet, comfortable space free from distractions. If possible, turn the smartphone off or leave it in another room.

5. Reach out for help and available resources An underutilized resource at high schools and colleges across the country is teacher assistance outside class time. Most professors (and even teacher assistants at colleges) have office hours each week where they help students. If students are struggling or just want to reiterate the material, this is the right opportunity. Swing by the office in person, shoot them an email or set up a video meeting. They are there to help.

6. Strike a balance There are a lot of demands put on young adults these days. Work, extracurricular activities, classes, study time, exercising, socializing, family time and more make for busy days and nights. It's important to find a balance and set priorities to avoid burnout. Parents can assist children in determining how much they can handle by having an open and honest discussion. Make adjustments as necessary for a happy, healthy school year.

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FEATURED

MR. PUNE 2016 MIHIR HARYAL

“MY INSPIRATION IS ALWAYS THE BEST VERSION OF ME I WANT TO BE.”

FEATURED Did you always want to be in the modeling profession? When was the first time you realized you wanted to take it up as a career?

Honestly I never thought to take this up professionally. In fact I even stayed away from Fashion Shows in College, but soon after College, my mother enrolled me for the contest of May King at RSI Pune. It’s a very prestigious title in the Army Families and winning that against guys who I considered a lot better looking than myself was a major confidence boost. I haven’t looked back since.

Did Mr. Pune just happen to you along the way – or were you preparing to take part in the pageant from much before?

After winning May King in 2015, I had become complacent about Modelling and focusing on an alternate career in brand management in the corporate. I was on a personal mission to get back on track both physically and mentally, and just when I got back in shape, Mr. Pune happened.

What is your inspiration in life and what keeps you motivated?

My inspiration is always the best version of me I want to be. I don’t believe in role models, but in staying motivated by trying to become the best version of yourself in whatever resources you have while maintaining your inner peace.

What it takes to be a Mr. Pune. What are the challenges involved?

Apart from the other things, confidence and maintaining a good body is of utmost importance. I wouldn’t call these a challenge but rather an awakening, which comes when it is genuinely needed.

How has winning the Mr. Pune pageant affected your modeling career?

People recognize me even I haven’t met them, and my Facebook profile is still flooded with friend requests from strangers. It gets very easy to network with people when you have a Mr. Pune title under your belt.

How has the glamour industry changed you as a person?

If anything it makes me understand the importance of remaining a good person, who maintains core human decency no matter how tough it gets.

Name three brands that you would love to pose for and why?

Abercrombie and Fitch, Calvin Klein and Rocky S.

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The aforementioned brands signify excellence in the fashion industry and it would be a dream come true to be associated with them.

What is the most interesting aspect of being a model?

That life gives you a more interesting leverage to make a definitive impact to the world.

What assignment or project are you involved in currently?

I just finished shooting for a psycho-thriller short film, titled “Vimoh”.

Were you always interested in Fashion?

If a modern man tells you that he’s not taking any efforts to look good in clothing or appearance, he’s lying.

What is your next target?

To utilize my skill set in a way that I can impact the society for good.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

That I think too deeply. It’s both a strength and a weakness.

What is a cause you would stand for?

Primary education, basic sanitation, ill health, child marriages, domestic violence, and the list goes on. There’s so much wrong around us that it’s unjust to pick one cause. I’d rather be a man who’s unaccepting of any unfortunate disparity.

Who is your secret crush?

Let that person stay in Mumbai as a secret.

Where is home for you and why?

Coming from a proud legacy of being an Army brat, we have shifted many houses. So home to me is any place you an unwind in.

Name five things you can’t live without.

Air, potable water, required calories of food, my mother’s support and thought provoking work.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

My friend Kiran and I were coming back from a Music festival, a few miles ahead of Pune and it got really late at night. Our bus which was supposed to ferry us back had some issues, so we had to look for an alternate way back. I approached the first car we saw for a lift and it was being driven by a man accompanied with 2 girls. Naturally, considering the time of night, they weren’t very friendly at first and the long drive began to get awkward. Suddenly one girl who hadn’t

spoken till then asked me if we had met before.

As it turned out, she saw me winning the title of Mr. Pune, the day I was winning it.

Suddenly they wanted to know everything about me and my friend, and even ensured that they dropped us at the doorstep of our houses.

It was one of those celebrities like moments which still crack us up. Of course, my friend still teases me with it.

If you can change one thing about the modelling industry, what would it be?

I’d have to know it more to answer this question.

What advice would you give to someone who is planning to start modeling?

Start feeling good about yourself and the rest will follow.

Where can people find you online?

I’m active on all social media platforms, they’ll just have to search for my name.

LIFESTYLE

INSPIRATIONAL TIPS FOR AUTUMN OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

(BPT) - The days are shorter, the temperatures are cooler and kids are back in school. You've said goodbye to summer socials, but that doesn't mean it's time to put away your apron and stow the patio furniture. Autumn is one of the best times of the year for outdoor entertaining, and with a few smart tips you'll fall in love with hosting fall gatherings.

Extend the fun feeling of summer entertaining into the autumn months by taking a few simple steps to create a memorable experience.

Switch up Dishes: The cool dishes of summer should be swapped with savory recipes that feature hearty ingredients. A roast or slow-cooker meal is the perfect option. Visit the farmers market and feature local fresh harvest foods. In addition to standard drinks like water and soda, offer a signature warm beverage, such as spicy hot apple cider.

Enjoy the Night: Autumn evenings are spectacular, with cool temperatures and star-studded skies. Serve dinner al fresco and then ask guests to stay to gather around the bonfire to roast marshmallows and make s'mores. Add an element of entertainment and guests will enjoy themselves all night.

Make Movie Magic: To really wow guests, host an outdoor movie experience day or night.

The LG ProBeam smart TV laser projector has an HD picture of up to 120 inches with impressive visibility, sharp contrast and rich blacks, even when there is abundant ambient

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light. Plus, with the award-winning webOS Smart TV platform, you can stream your favorite services just like on a smart TV, creating a seamless viewing (and hosting) experience.

the bonfire, help guests stay warm by setting out a variety of throw blankets and outdoor pillows. Nothing encourages guests to cozy up and stay longer than a big blanket, a fun flick and a mug of something warm.

Fall weather can change drastically throughout a day. Encourage guests to dress in layers so that attire for daylight fun can transition into warmer wear for evening hours.

Set up Superior Sound: Whether you're setting the mood with some music or enhancing the movie-viewing experience, a high-quality speaker makes entertaining easy. The LG LOUDR FH6 is a 600W Bluetooth speaker system that can fill your room (or backyard) with booming audio. Plus, with the Karaoke Creator feature, you can suppress the vocal frequencies of any song to turn it into a karaoke track, which is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Mind the Weather: Fall weather can change drastically throughout a day. Encourage guests to dress in layers so that attire for daylight fun can transition into warmer wear for evening hours. What's more, keep a couple extra jackets on hand just in case people forget and need a light coat.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Whether you're watching a movie, star gazing or sitting around

Light the Night: Cloudy days or early evening hours don't have to ruin your good time. Add a soft glow and an element of safety by adding string lights to railings and pathways. For kids attending the party, bracelet and necklace glow lights are always a big hit. For bonfire and movie spaces, add a basket of flashlights guests can use as needed.

Perfect Parting Gifts: If you decide to offer favors when guests depart, embrace the fall feeling and consider goodies they can savor later while reminiscing about your party. Mini apple or pumpkin pies are cute and creative.

Caramel apples are a tasty autumn delight. A container featuring a variety of tea will keep them warm all season long.

Once you try autumn entertaining it might become your favorite time of year to host friends and family. With these tips, everyone is guaranteed to have a splendid time.

The Little But Really Useful Guide to Creativity

By Leo Babauta

I

t’s easier than ever to be creative, to create, to imagine and make what’s imagined become reality.

It’s also tougher than ever, with distractions surrounding us in ways never before imagined.

No matter what kind of creative type you are — writer, painter, musician, marketer, blogger, photographer, designer, parent, business owner — you are likely always looking for inspirations, for ways to let loose your creative genius.

And while there are millions of creativity tips on the Internet, I thought I’d share the ones I’ve found most useful — the ones that I’ve tried and tested and found to be right.

Here they are, in no order at all: 1. Play.

2. Don’t consume and create at the same time —separate the processes.

3. Shut out the outside world.

4.Reflect on your life and work daily.

5. Look for inspiration all around you, in the

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smallest places.

people.

6. Start small.

20. Read wildly different things. Especially stuff you disagree with.

7. Just get it out, no matter how crappy that first draft.

21. Get lots of rest. Overwork kills creativity.

8. Don’t try for perfect. Just get it out there, asap, and get feedback.

22. Don’t force it. Relax, play, it will start to flow.

9. Constantly make it better.

23. Allow your mind to wander. Allow distractions, when you’re looking for inspiration.

10. Ignore the naysayers.

11. But let criticism help you grow.

24. Then shut them off when you’re going to create.

12. Teach and you’ll learn.

25. Do it when you’re excited.

13. Shake things up, see things in new ways.

26. When you’re not, find something else to be excited about.

14. Apply things in other fields to your field, in ways not done before.

15. Drink ridiculous amounts of coffee.

16. Write all ideas down immediately.

17. Turn your work into play.

18. Play with kids.

19. Get out, move, see new things, talk to new

27. Don’t be afraid to be stupid and silly.

28. Small ideas are good. You don’t need to change the world — just change one thing.

29. When something is killing your creativity, kill it.

30. Stop reading creativity advice, clear away everything, and just create.

RAHUL JOSHI Photography is not just an appeal but a personality to him

Rahul Joshi, 19, a young man with a curious passion about the things he love. Photography is not just an appeal but a personality to him.

Originally from Chirawa ,Rajasthan but raised up among one of the seven sisters state Assam. He has a special corner for nature photography. Being a photography enthusiast he loves to click and pose for it. His photography describes his aesthetic, outgoing, resolute yet genial contemplating persona. His photography inspires to everybody but mostly to his beloved half Anjali who writes for his clicks.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAHUL JOSHI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAHUL JOSHI

click out LOUDER Dhananjai Madaan

Instagram: explorerdjphotoworld

PASSIONATE PHOTOGRAPHER:

DHANANJAI MADAAN Born and raised in Ferozepur, Dhananjai Madaan is studying Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication in D.A.V. College, Jalandhar. He is a teenage who is strongly passionate about photography. He defines photography as his life. “I want people to remember me not by my name or face but by my work, by my creativity.”

Photographically, 18 years old Dhananjai Madaan was initially influenced by his uncle, who has a studio in Fazilka. From childhood, he started capturing every small moment of his life for fun. One day he realized he can make a career out of taking photographs. In his school life, he was always appreciated for his creative ideas. “I believe when you combine creativity with photography, you will get a masterpiece.”

Dhananjai Madaan is an incredibly talented photographer who is relaxed, friendly and funny. He has a knack for capturing the special moments. His balance of talent, creative expression, professionalism and positive attitude make him an absolute delight photographer. He manages to capture a world full of sights, sounds & movement in one click. Dhananjai is armed with a sensitive approach, a great sense of composition and the ability to recognize the subtleties of color, texture, and lighting.

The photographs taken by him are one of the best works I have seen anywhere. It is beautifully composed, conveys an extraordinary sense of motion and energy. “I am always working to make my images better with a unique impact that touches the heart and soul. I’m proud of the work that I put into my photographs and hope that my passion for excellence never dies.”

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Photography By Dhananjai Madaan

Photography By Dhananjai Madaan

Photography By Dhananjai Madaan

Photography By Dhananjai Madaan

Ferozepur

BEAUTY

Be Young Always With Glowing Skin

BY DR. RAJESH KUMAR Today we will get to know about how to maintain most important organ of body, yes you get it right skin is a organ with function to give shape and contour to the body. Healthy and glowing skin makes the important aspect of one's personality.

Most important point is that all this elasticity and firmness along with plump texture of skin is maintained by collagen production and it's maintenance. Collagen is constantly replenished in healthy body. And is dependent on hormone balance also.

Everybody has a desire to get ever-young awesome skin for which we use several chemicals. But we should remember these chemicals may harm the skin. Another important aspect is we most of the time take care of face only, but we are supposed to take care of whole body.

To maintain normal production of collagen we must take plenty of fluids like fruit juices specially rich in vitamin C, oranges, kiwi, citrus fruits.

Now firstly we have to know what skin is and how to maintain it.

Stop smoking and avoid passive smoking as it damages skin. Stay sun safe by using creams with SPF 15 at least.

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Plant products rich in phytoestrogen are good for skin like nuts, soy products and beans.

Use retinol products on physician recommendation only. Any rashes redness or itching should be treated by dermatologist at the earliest.

Avoid high sugar food as it's end product are AGE's (Advanced Glycation End-Products) which damage skin.

Use antioxidants to avoid free radical injuries to skin cells i.e. green tea, spinach, food rich in lutein.

Last but not the least exfoliate the dead cells by massage so new collagen production boosts and skin becomes healthy and glowing.

HEALING VEGETABLES

By Khushboo Shimran and Ravi Kumar

I

t has been seen that people are using

Beans and other leguminous vegetables: In

Beetroot: Beetroot is the richest source of iron,

expensive resources for healthy living.

these vegetables, there are plenty of proteins,

vitamins, and minerals. It contains folate,

Ex.- gym, diet plan, nutrient

fibers and iron, vitamin B, vitamin C,

manganese, magnesium, phosphorus,

supplements, etc., even then they are not

magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc

potassium, zinc, copper, thiamine, riboflavin,

fit and free from diseases. Actually when we

antioxidants are also present. The presence of

vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid, choline, betaine,

pay attention towards balanced diet then we

soluble fiber helps in reducing the risk of

etc. It is very useful in controlling high blood

find that the solution is in foods. Vegetables are

coronary heart disease. These also decreases

pressure. It decreases the risk of obesity,

the most important component of a balanced

the risk of diabetes and other important

diabetes, heart disease and mortality. It is also

diet. These are called as protective foods as

elements protect from intestinal cancer. In

good for skin and constipation. Drinking water

they supply vitamins, minerals, proteins, etc.

these vegetables, calories are very less,

boiled with beetroot or its juice destroy a

for normal functioning of the human metabolic

therefore, help in reducing obesity. Green and

pimple, acne, head spot, etc. its juice also does

process. These are good sources of roughages

yellow beans contain vitamin K which keeps

best in curing jaundice and hepatitis. The juice

that promote digestion and prevent

contains nitrate that reduces blood pressure and

constipation. Vegetables containing calcium,

benefit to heart disease patient also. It improves

magnesium, and potassium are the most

oxygenation to the brain and slows the

important base needed for neutralizing the acid

progression of dementia in older adults. The

produced in the body. These address the root

versatile nutrient choline in beetroot helps in

causes of micronutrient malnutrition and cost

proper sleep, muscle movement, learning, and

effective in dealing the micronutrient

memory.

deficiency diseases. Thus, including the proper Capsicum: Capsicum is rich in vitamin A,

amount of vegetables in our diet have the significant contribution to healthy living. For

bones healthy. The folate of black bean plays an

vitamin E, vitamin B and vitamin C. The

example- these vegetables:

important role in the development of the child

element capsaicin present in it reduces bad

in the womb.

cholesterol. It helps in digestion by increasing

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BHEALTHIER Healing Vegetables

stomach secretions. It has the ability to reduce

Cabbage: Cabbage is rich in vitamin A, vitamin

triglyceride level in the body and hence helpful

E, vitamin B and vitamin C. It has fewer

in enhancing metabolism. The sulfur protects

calories. The chemical substances present in it

Cauliflower: Cauliflower is known for vitamin

from the different type of cancer. It is good

promote cell growth. It has antioxidant

C and magnesium which have antioxidant

sources for healthy eye, hair, and skin. The

properties and serves as enemies of night

properties. It has different phytonutrient. All

vegetable prevents from cellular damage and

blindness and cancer. Red cabbage is full of

these nutrients protect us from heart disease,

damage to blood vessels and nerves. Capsicum

vitamin K and anthocyanins that help in mental

infection and all types of cancer. It has omega-3

is also a stimulant herb, thus helps to relieve

function and concentration. The natural red

fatty acid and vitamin K. It helps against

gastrointestinal problems like stomach ulcers,

pigments of red cabbage i.e. betalains lower

arthritis, diabetes, ulcer, and obesity. The

diarrhea, and dyspepsia and even reduces

blood sugars levels and boost insulin

phytonutrient glucosinolate present in it is good

excessive flatulence.

production. These nutrients also prevent nerve

for the liver and protects from poisonous

damage, improving defense against Alzheimer's

substances and toxicity. Glucorefenin kills

Broccoli: Iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, protein,

disease and dementia. The high amount of

bacteria that cause stomach cancer and ulcer. It

carbohydrates, and phytochemicals altogether in

vitamin C and sulfur in cabbage removes toxins.

has no cholesterol and saturated fats so it helps

broccoli is most useful for good health. It helps

colorectal cancer.

in weight loss.

in reducing the levels of blood sugar. It

Carrot: Vitamin A and beta-carotene present in

eliminates blood loss and protects from aging.

this vegetable are best for eyes. Beta-carotene

Colocasia leaves: These are rich sources of

Consuming broccoli improves bone health by

protects from cell aging. It is good for diabetics

micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, complex

improving calcium absorption and reducing

and is capable of reducing the levels of blood

carbohydrates. It contains the high amount of

urinary excretion of calcium. Eating broccoli is

sugar. Carrot has antioxidant properties that are

carotene, helps in maintaining clear vision and

crucial for the daily excretion of toxins through

good for hair, nail and healthy skin. It purifies

resistance of the body to common infections. It

the bile and stool. Broccoli even has significant

blood and keeps gums and teeth healthy. Raw or

plays an important role in anemia. It is essential

amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are

boil carrot paste works as antiseptic. Regular

for multiplication and maturation of red cells. It

well-known as an anti-inflammatory. It is also

consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol

maintains homocysteine levels in the blood

enriched with carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin,

levels; therefore it is good to consume carrots,

thereby decreases the risk for heart disease.

beta-carotene and other power packed

in order to prevent heart-related problems.

Including this in our diet reduces chronic

antioxidants.

Carrot reduces constipation and protects colon

constipation and hemorrhoids.

and stomach from the serious illness, including 27 BLOUDER

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BHEALTHIER

HEALTHY HABITS OF DRINKING WATER

BY RAHUL CHOUDHARY BHARDWAJ

C

hanging one’s lifestyle habits can often prove to be a challenge. Many of you are by now very aware of the importance of drinking water and the positive effects it has on you.

Water plays an important role in your life. Just like a plant will wilt without water in just a day, so will your body. Water is not only thirst-quenching but has many health benefits for your body and vital organs. Some of them are: 1) Prevents dehydration 2) Regulates body temperature 3) Carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells 4) Provides moisture to the skin and other tissues 5) Helps prevent constipation 6) Cushions joints 7) Helps strengthen muscles 8) And, what's more, it contains no calories, fat or cholesterol, and is low in sodium!

How much water is enough?

While you probably know the health benefits of drinking plenty of water, an average healthy adult needs to consume at least 8 glasses of water on a daily basis and this quantity should be increased during the summer and when exercising. If your water consumption is lower than recommended, here's what you can do to drink more: Tips for drinking more water Have a glass of water each morning. Before going for a cup of tea or coffee, drink a glass of water as soon as you get up every day. Try to make this a daily habit. At first, pouring water down your throat each morning may feel difficult, especially if you're not used to drinking early in the morning; Add slices of lemon, lime or orange to your water for a hint of flavor if you do not like to drink plain water. However, after a few days you should 28 BLOUDER

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get used to drinking water early in the morning.

Carry a water bottle. Oftentimes, people forget to drink water simply because of a lack of access. If you don't have water near you during work or school, you may neglect to drink it. Try carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day. Keep it at your desk at work or place it in the book bag you take to class.

Stop at drinking fountains whenever you can. Try to make a point of taking the opportunity to drink water whenever you can.

If you see a water fountain, stop and take a sip.

Even if you're not feeling thirsty, make a point of stopping at a fountain to drink. These small sips of water will add up, resulting in an increased fluid take throughout the day.

Consider sports drinks. If you exercise heavily throughout the day, you may benefit from sports drinks. Sports drinks not only help replace fluids; they also replenish things like sodium, potassium, and electrolytes. In an exhilarating workout, these substances are often drained from your body. If you exercise intensely, consider having a sports drink after a workout.

Prefer water over everything. Instead of a soft drink or soda, reach for bottled water in the store. Drink regular water instead of carbonated beverages at parties. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water; stay hydrated all day long.

Avoid certain beverages. If you want to stay hydrated, certain beverages should be avoided.

Certain fluids promote dehydration and should not be a part of a healthy diet. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, teas, and colas, promote dehydration. You should avoid such drinks in general, can cause dehydration.

You should drink these beverages in moderation. You should also drink water while drinking alcohol, tea, or coffee to help counteract the effects of these liquids. Fruit juices are often heavy on carbohydrates and not enough sodium. Try cutting them with 50% water first to help hydrate you.

Learn the signs of dehydration. Dehydration can cause serious medical problems. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of dehydration, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Signs of dehydration include Fatigue, Lack of appetite, Red skin, Light-headedness, Dry cough, Dark urine.

Watch urine color. A good way to assess if you're getting enough water is looking at your urine color. Clear or pale yellow urine indicates you're consuming a healthy amount of water. Darker yellow urine indicates you need to up your fluid intake.

Water is the largest single component of the human body as it accounts for approximately 60% of an adult's total body weight. It is an essential element for all body tissues. Water serves in several key functions in the human body as a: 1) Vital nutrient for the life of every cell. It plays an essential role in maintaining the structure of the biological tissues. Also, various biological reactions in the body cells and organs depend strongly on water 2) Reactant in the body’s biochemical reactions and solvent for minerals, vitamins, amino acids, glucose and many other molecules. So, it is necessary for the body’s biochemical reactions to take place i.e. the breakdown of food to absorbable forms (nutrients).

3) Carrier for distributing nutrients and other essential elements to the various organs in the body and removing waste products and toxins mainly through urine and feces.

4) Your health and well-being depends on keeping your body temperature within a very narrow range. The large proportion of water in the body plays the role of a heat buffer. For example, evaporation of water from the skin cools the body (sweat).

5) The brain, eyes and spinal cord are among the body's sensitive structures that depend on a protective water layer. Moreover, the fetus's entire development literally takes place in a water medium. Also, water present in the saliva and digestive system helps move food from the mouth to the intestines. Lubricant that helps the smooth movement of bone joints.

6) Water is life! You need it for most of your body's physiological processes. You also need it to hydrate your body and skin, so don't forget to drink at least 8 glasses of water on a daily basis, and even more in the hot weather.

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Artisanal Elegance for Curated Design in the Kitchen (BPT) - Original, handcrafted dĂŠcor brings an artisanal elegance to today's modern kitchen.

Designers and homeowners alike are incorporating more one-of-a-kind pieces that bring an individualized artisanship to the heart of the home. These unique fittings and fixtures adapt to multiple style preferences, from modern and contemporary urban design to rustic elegance. When it comes to the kitchen space, handmade furniture and accessories coupled with exposed natural materials infuse a sense of artistry for unmatched style.

Authentic Elegance Handcrafted materials make for eye-catching pieces in the kitchen. An island created from reclaimed wood transforms a functional aspect of the room into a beautiful piece of art.

Live-edge countertops invigorate the wood grain and serve as a centerpiece for entertaining. A hammered copper sink paired with rich gold accessories doubles as a stunning complement to earth tones. Extend wood elements throughout the entire space with exposed beams and open shelving for a unified look.

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Refined Fittings Deemed the jewel of the kitchen, the faucet serves as a focal point that brings all elements of the space together. The Litze Kitchen Collection by Brizo is inspired by the revival of the arts and crafts movement to meld artisan style with clean and contemporary sensibility.

Every design element - from the three distinct

Hand-painted accessories serve as beautiful statements in the kitchen with each piece containing a story as unique as the individual who created it. Whether decorated with bold colors or a muted palette, hand-painted accessories create striking displays of authenticity and originality. Use these pieces to adorn open shelves or feature them as table

A hammered copper sink paired with rich gold accessories doubles as a stunning complement to earth tones. spout configurations to the unique handle options - makes this collection feel at home in both modern, minimal environments and urban, industrial spaces. The Brilliance Luxe Gold and split Matte Black/Brilliance Luxe Gold finishes effortlessly bring luxury and style, while knurling details add textured appeal to any artisanal kitchen design.

Curated Accents

centerpieces to further accentuate a curated artisanal design.

Custom Hardware Custom drawer pulls and handles make a powerful statement in kitchen design. While seemingly small, these pieces unite all elements in the room's aesthetic. Handles wrapped in leather bring both textural and visual appeal, while hand-carved wooden pulls cater to rustic elements when paired with exposed brick or mineral gray countertops.

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5 Fabulous Deck Fix-ups (BPT) - Are you tired of having a deck you're no longer proud to show off? You're not alone.

According to the 2017 U.S. Houzz Landscape Trends Study, one of the top reasons motivating homeowners to tackle outdoor projects like deck upgrades is their open-air space is past its prime.

If you're like surveyed respondents and ready to return your fixer-upper to its former glory, the process may seem daunting. Fortunately, a little inspiration is all you need to transform your deck into a backyard beauty. With these fabulous fix-ups, your deck will be re-energized in no time.

1. Refresh your color palette One of the easiest ways to transform a ho-hum deck into a stylish oasis is an updated color palette. Refreshing the look of outdoor accessories and furnishings is a simple and cost -effective solution. MidwestLiving.com says, "Focusing on one or two colors adds a unifying feel to your dĂŠcor. Punchy blue and green furnishings brighten the deck while not distracting from the view." You can even swap out fabrics, accent pillows and cushions as the seasons change to keep your outdoor room looking fresh all year long.

If you're increasing the size of your deck, consider choosing decking in a color that complements your home. It will help ease the visual transition from indoors to out and create a beautiful base for planters and deck furnishings. If you are looking to make a

statement, consider varying the color of deck boards, inserting feature strips or using contrasting railings to frame your outdoor room.

2. Landscape your deck-escape To create a deck-escape that draws guests in, integrate landscaping into your design. Start small by lining your deck with planters, curving flowerbeds and grasses. A punchy mix of seasonal annuals and perennials will help encourage visitors to explore your outdoor living space. Or, go a step further and use today's versatile, moisture-resistant composite decking products to turn your deck into an extension of your garden. With proper installation, the boards can easily curve around trees or flower beds to blend your deck into its natural surroundings.

3. Provide pretty privacy There's no reason to give up style and comfort on your deck just because you want privacy, especially if your neighbors are within close quarters. Trellises, lattices and vertical gardens can screen an exposed view and freshen up your outdoor room. Nature can also act as a beautiful barrier. Slender evergreens like arborvitae can establish a relaxed sense of privacy and create a soft, lush backdrop. You can even add different shade-providing trees near your deck, creating a secluded space with a more intimate feel.

If your outdoor room is limiting the number of guests you can entertain, a new deck addition may be just the right fix. You'll gain extra square feet and valuable space for themed outdoor areas. Try bumping your deck out on one side to make a basic square deck more interesting and gain room for an al fresco dining area or a spa-themed deck nook with a hot tub. With the right decking materials, you can even add a meandering garden path deck or curved getaway encircling a water feature.

"Composite decking with a plastic and wood blend throughout the board like ChoiceDek can be ripped, routed and bent to fit nearly any deck design," says Randy Gottlieb, president of A.E.R.T. "The boards are easier to curve than capped composites and traditional wood planks.

They give homeowners a lot more design flexibility at an affordable price point."

5. Create on-deck destinations To give your outdoor room a lasting edge, create on-deck destination areas that go beyond eating and socializing. Love gardening? Build a vertical garden or use extra deck boards to create planter boxes that allow you to pass on your "green thumb" to your children. If you're a DIYer, use complementary decking to create a corn hole set for birthday parties and gatherings. With a spark of inspiration, the possibilities for reinventing your outdoor space are virtually endless.

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Living Simply: The Ultimate Guide to Conquering Your Clutter

F

or many years, I was a packrat, clinging to possessions like a safety blanket, like trophies, like you might cling to the past. My life was filled with clutter, from my closets to my living room to my countertops to my desk at work.

That changed about a decade ago, when I realized that I simply had too much stuff.

I was owned by my possessions, and they were no longer making me happy. I wanted to conquer my clutter.

And so I did, one heap at a time. I think I saved the closets for last, because they were way too intimidating. But slowly, I made progress, and simplifying my possessions was (and is) an ongoing project.

Today I’m pretty happy with the way I’ve simplified my home (and workspace). I’m pretty minimalist, and while clutter still does accumulate when I’m not vigilant, I tackle it head on every now and then to keep things fairly clutter-free.

By Leo Babauta

First: Why Should You Simplify?

What’s the problem with clutter? Well, nothing, if that’s the way you like things. Everyone lives differently, and I’m not saying the decluttered lifestyle is better than the cluttered one.

However, I’ve found some benefits of decluttering from my decade or so of experience with this issue: Less stressful. Clutter can be a lot of visual distraction and mental stress. It’s basically a bunch of things you have to do (put away clothes, file papers, pay bills, get rid of junk, etc.) that you’re procrastinating on. While you don’t want to think about them, in the back of your mind you know they’re there.

More efficient. I don’t know about you, but I work much better in an uncluttered home or workspace. There aren’t as many distractions, which means I can focus better.

More peaceful. I can really relax in an uncluttered home. It’s just serene.

More attractive. When you’re trying to sell

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your home, real estate agents will tell you that decluttering a home will really increase your odds of selling at a good price. That’s because people think uncluttered homes are more attractive. The same applies to when you have visitors — they will think your house is nicer just because it’s uncluttered.

Saves time. Clutter comes with a time cost — you have to look for things, move things, store things, take things out of storage. Decluttering takes up some time, but in the long run I’ve found it saves a lot of time.

Saves money. Clutter comes with a price tag as well — you need a bigger home and bigger closets and other storage space for all the clutter. Sometimes people buy extra storage space in other facilities to store all their stuff.

Moving is a big hassles too, and costly. Other people will buy or build a shed or other storage structure in their own home.

Frees up space. Less clutter means more space for living and playing and working. A garage is a good example — some people have so much clutter that their car(s) don’t fit in the garage,

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meaning they have to park outside. But declutter your garage and you have room for the car, or maybe a home gym instead.

Fundamental Simplicity Principles Before you tackle your clutter, there are four basic steps to decluttering to keep in mind. Let’s take the example of decluttering a single drawer. These are the fundamental steps: Collect. Take out everything and put it in a pile.

Empty the entire drawer, and pile it all on a counter or a table. Take everything out, down to the last paper clip.

Choose. Pick out only the few things you love and use and that are important to you. Just sort through the pile, picking out the really essential stuff. Be very selective. Put the important stuff you pick out into a separate, smaller pile.

Eliminate. Toss the rest out. You know you’ll never need those manuals again. Don’t be sentimental with this step. Either throw everything into a big trash bag, or find a new home for some of the items if you think someone might have a use for them — donate them to charity or give them to a friend who would love them. And yes, you have to toss out all the chopsticks.

Organize. Put back the essential things, neatly, with space around things. Clean the drawer out first, of course, and put the very small pile of things you chose back in the drawer, grouping like things together and leaving space around the groups. Having space around things makes everything look neater and simpler.

This process is repeated for every drawer, shelf, table top, counter space, floor, closet, or any other area you’re trying to declutter.

10 Ways to Get Started When you first decide to tackle your clutter, things can be overwhelming. Don’t let that intimidate you! Just get started, and tackle one small thing at a time. Don’t worry about the entire mess — focus on one area. Just that one area. It could be a countertop. It could be a drawer. It could be just a little corner of a room.

It doesn’t matter what you choose — just start small.

Here are some different strategies for getting started — choose one and give it a try. If it turns out to be too hard, try another. It doesn’t matter which one you choose — what matters is starting.

Start clearing a starting zone. What you want to do is clear one area. This is your no-clutter zone. It can be a counter, or your kitchen table, or the three-foot perimeter around your couch.

Wherever you start, make a rule: nothing can be placed there that’s not actually in use.

Everything must be put away. Once you have that clutter-free zone, keep it that way! Now, each day, slowly expand your no-clutter zone until it envelopes the whole house!

Unfortunately, the neighbors don’t seem to like it when you try to expand the no-clutter zone to their house, and start hauling away their unused exercise equipment and torn underwear when

they’re not at home. Some people don’t appreciate simplicity, I guess.

Clear off a counter. You want to get your house so that all flat spaces are clear of clutter.

Maybe they have a toaster on them, maybe a decorative candle, but not a lot of clutter. So

always put those things in those spots when you’re done using them. Do this for everything in your home, a few things at a time.

Spend a few minutes visualizing the room.

When I’m decluttering, I like to take a moment to take a look at a room, and think about how I

If you’ve decluttered a bunch of stuff, you might have a “to donate” pile that’s just taking up space in a corner of your room. Take a few minutes to box it up and put it in your trunk. Then tomorrow, drop it off. start with one counter. Clear off everything possible, except maybe one or two essential things. Have a blender you haven’t used since jazzercise was all the rage? Put it in the cupboard! Clear off all papers and all the other junk you’ve been tossing on the counter too.

Pick a shelf. Now that you’ve done a counter, try a shelf. It doesn’t matter what shelf. Could be a shelf in a closet, or on a bookshelf. Don’t tackle the whole bookshelf — just one shelf.

Clear all non-essential things and leave it looking neat and clutter-free.

Schedule a decluttering weekend. Maybe you don’t feel like doing a huge decluttering session right now. But if you take the time to schedule it for later this month, you can clear your schedule, and if you have a family, get them involved too. The more hands pitching in, the better. Get boxes and trash bags ready, and plan a trip to a charity to drop off donated items.

You might not get the entire house decluttered during the weekend, but you’ll probably make great progress.

Pick up 5 things, and find places for them.

These should be things that you actually use, but that you just seem to put anywhere, because they don’t have good places. If you don’t know exactly where things belong, you have to designate a good spot. Take a minute to think it through — where would be a good spot? Then

want it to look. What are the most essential pieces of furniture? What doesn’t belong in the room but has just gravitated there? What is on the floor (hint: only furniture and rugs belong there) and what is on the other flat surfaces?

Once I’ve visualized how the room will look uncluttered, and figured out what is essential, I get rid of the rest.

Put a load in your car for charity. If you’ve decluttered a bunch of stuff, you might have a “to donate” pile that’s just taking up space in a corner of your room. Take a few minutes to box it up and put it in your trunk. Then tomorrow, drop it off.

Pull out some clothes you don’t wear. As you’re getting ready for work, and going through your closet for something to wear, spend a few minutes pulling out ones you haven’t worn in a few months. If they’re seasonal clothes, store them in a box. Get rid of the rest. Do this a little at a time until your closet (and then your drawers) only contains stuff you actually wear.

Clear out your medicine cabinet. If you don’t have one spot for medicines, create one now.

Go through everything for the outdated medicines, the stuff you’ll never use again, the dirty-looking bandages, the creams that you’ve found you’re allergic to, the ointments that never had an effect on your energy or your eye wrinkles. Simplify to the essential.

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to HOME Pull everything out of a drawer. Just take the drawer out and empty it on a table. Then sort the drawer into three piles: 1) stuff that really should go in the drawer; 2) stuff that belongs elsewhere; 3) stuff to get rid of.

Clean the drawer out nice, then put the stuff in the first pile back neatly and orderly. Deal with the other piles immediately!

The Next Steps Once you’ve gotten a start, here are some other steps you can take to keep your momentum going: Tackle one spot at a time. After doing one or two spots in the section above, choose another.

Just do one spot at a time — don’t worry about the rest of the house. Each time you tackle a spot, you’re making another uncluttered space.

Set aside a little time each day to do this, or big chunks if you can find them.

them, file them immediately, or make a note of the action required and put them in an “action” file. Don’t put anything back on the pile, and don’t put them anywhere but in a folder (and no cheating “to be filed” folders!) or in the trash/ recycling bin.

Teach your kids where things belong. This only applies to the parents among us, of course, but if you teach your kids where things go, and start teaching them the habit of putting them there, you’ll go a long way to keeping your house uncluttered. Of course, they won’t learn the habit overnight, so you’ll have to be very very patient with them and just keep teaching them until they’ve got it. And better yet, set the example for them and get into the habit yourself.

Set up some simple folders. Sometimes our papers pile up high because we don’t have good places to put them. Create some simple folders with labels for your major bills and similar paperwork. Put them in one spot. Your system

Designate a spot for incoming papers. Papers often account for a lot of our clutter. This is because we put them in different spots — on the counter, on the table, on our desk, in a drawer, on top of our dresser, in our car. No wonder we can’t find anything! Designate an in-box tray or spot in your home (or at your office, for that matter) and don’t put down papers anywhere but that spot. Got mail? Put it in the inbox. Got school papers? Put it in the inbox. Receipts, warranties, manuals, notices, flyers? In the inbox! This one little change can really transform your paperwork.

Create a “maybe” box. Sometimes when you’re going through a pile of stuff, you know exactly what to keep (the stuff you love and use) and what to trash or donate. But then there’s the stuff you don’t use, but think you might want it or need it someday. You can’t bear to get rid of that stuff! So create a “maybe” box, and put this stuff there. Then store the box somewhere hidden, out of the way. Put a note on your calendar six months from now to look in the box. Then pull it out, six months later, and see if it’s anything you really needed.

Usually, you can just dump the whole box, because you never needed that stuff.

Create a 30-day list. The problem with decluttering is that we can declutter our butts off (don’t actually try that — it’s painful) but it just comes back because we buy more stuff. So fight that tendency by nipping it in the bud: don’t buy the stuff in the first place. Take a minute to create a 30-day list, and every time you want to buy something that’s not absolutely necessary (and no, that new MacBook Air isn’t absolutely necessary), put it on the list with the date it was added to the list. Make a rule never to buy anything (except necessities) unless they’ve been on the list for 30 days. Often you’ll lose the urge to buy the stuff and you’ll save yourself a lot of money and clutter.

Learn to file quickly. Once you’ve created your simple filing system, you just need to learn to use it regularly. Take a handful of papers from your pile, or your inbox, and go through them one at a time, starting from the top paper and working down. Make quick decisions: trash 34 BLOUDER

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doesn’t have to be complete, but keep some extra folders and labels in case you need to quickly create a new file.

Have a conversation with your SO or roommate. Sometimes the problem isn’t just with us, it’s with the person or people we live with. An uncluttered home is the result of a shared philosophy of simplicity of all the people living in the house. If you take a few minutes to explain that you really want to have an uncluttered house, and that you could use their help, you can go a long way to getting to that point. Try to be persuasive and encouraging rather than nagging and negative.

Learn to love the uncluttered look. Once you’ve gotten an area decluttered, you should take the time to enjoy that look. It’s a lovely look. Make that your standard! Learn to hate clutter! Then catch clutter and kill it wherever it crops up.

Keeping It Uncluttered Once you’ve tackled most of your clutter, you want to keep it fairly uncluttered from here on out. And trust me, clutter will come back if you let it. You have to make decluttering a continuous process — not necessarily every day or week, but something that you regularly revisit. More importantly, create systems and habits that will keep the clutter from overwhelming you once again.

Here are some ideas: One in, two out. Make it a rule: for every new

item that comes into your life, you need to remove two. That means gifts, clothes, shoes, books, magazines, anything. It’s great to have a place where you put things you’re going to get rid of … whether to give to other people or to donate to charity or to take to a used book store.

Then you can just grab the stuff on your way out to do errands.

Limited storage. I like this rule because it fits in with my philosophy of self-set limitations: don’t allow yourself to have tons of storage space. The more storage you have, the more stuff you’ll keep. Instead, have limited storage and if stuff doesn’t fit in there, get rid of it. That forces you to make choices. They key is making those choices … if you don’t, you’ll end up with clutter.

Clear floors and flat surfaces. Keep them clear. A room looks so much cleaner if all flat surfaces, from the floor to table tops to countertops, are clear of clutter. Remove everything from these surfaces except perhaps one or two decorative items (don’t clutter with Knick knacks). If you find stuff making its way here, clear it out. Clearing surfaces once a day or every couple days is a good routine.

Designate a home for everything, and be fanatic. When you find stuff on flat surfaces, or draping over a chair, it might be because you don’t have a designated spot for that kind of thing. If you don’t, designate a spot for it immediately. If stuff doesn’t have a home in your home, you need to get rid of it, or it will forever wander around the house. The other problem might be that you have already designated a spot for it, but you’re just not good at putting it away. In that case, take a month to build up the habit of putting things where they belong immediately. It’ll make a huge difference.

Regular decluttering sessions. Put in your calendar. Even the best of us need to declutter regularly. If you’ve decluttered your home, things might be great now, but you’ll need to do clutter maintenance. Put it in your calendar: perhaps once a month, once a week, or once every few months. Experiment to see what interval works for your life.

Reduce your desires for more. If clutter is coming into your life at a rate that’s too great for you to handle, you might need to look at your buying habits. Do you go shopping for clothes or gadgets or shoes or books every week (or more)? Are you always buying stuff online?

If so, is it out of real necessity, or do you just like to buy stuff? It’s important that you take a look at these desires, and see if you can address them. Reducing your desires will go a long way to reducing your need to fight clutter.

Change your habits. Clutter didn’t create itself.

It’s there because you put it there. What habits do you have that created the clutter? There may be many of them, some of them already mentioned above: you buy a lot, you don’t designate a home for things, you don’t put things away, you buy but don’t remove things … you may have other habits that create clutter.

Change those habits, one at a time. Take 30 days and focus on a clutter habit, and see if you can create a new habit that will reduce your clutter.

YASHVIR SOROUT

"Either you can eat delicious or look delicious"

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fitness Yashvir Sorout

Y

ashvir Sorout is a twenty four year old man who did his B. Tech Civil Engineer from Chitkara University, Baddi. He is a government contractor. He defines myself as simple, loving and hard working human being.

What was your low point or turning point?

After my graduation I gained lot of weight and fat and I always wanted a shredded body, so my friend and also my motivation Mr Hazzel Chaudhary gave me the proper guidance. And push me and motivate me throughout the process.

What was your transformation timeline?

My transformation period was like around 7 months from 5th Dec 2016 to July 2017. And I’m improving day by day.

What are the biggest mistakes people make at the gym?

They don't know the proper way and proper posture you can say to hit the particular muscle.

What are the best foods to eat before working out?

I prefer fruits and brown rice before workout and a cup of black coffee.

I prefer cheat meal not cheat day because it will spoil the hard work of the entire week.

How are you currently training, and has your training changed since the completion of your transformation?

Well I always liked Freestyle bar exercises cause it develop your core strength and I do single body part everyday with 15 minutes abs and oblique’s workout on alternate days.

How can you reduce belly fat and flatten your stomach?

Mostly by avoiding junk food, Trans fat items, avoid fried food and spicy food.

What would you recommend for a quick 20 to 30 minute workout?

I take 1.5 hour to complete my workout for a day so doesn’t know any specific exercises for a quick 20 to 30 minute workout.

How long should people rest in between workouts?

At least a person should have eight hours of sleep every day before going to gym.

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INTERVIEW WITH YASHVIR SOROUT How important is nutrition if someone works out consistently?

Nutrition is 70% the meal we take. Our body will show results accordingly.

Is it true that it's good to have a "cheat day" where people can eat whatever they want once a week? Why is this good or bad idea?

I prefer cheat meal not cheat day because it will spoil the hard work of the entire week.

What are some simple things that people can do, in their day to day routine, besides working out, to see results faster?

Well they have to stay focus on their protein and fiber intake and the activities they perform

in a day.

What are the best types of exercises for getting the fastest results in the shortest period of time?

There is no shortcut, you have to be patient.

Is it a good idea to work out with friends or family or does that create a distraction?

It's a good thing because they'll push you to your limits and always motivate you.

If someone needs to quickly lose a few pounds for a special occasion, what's the best way they can do this?

I'll again say be patient with the results and be

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loyal to your body.

How do you stay motivated? What advice would you give to someone who’s having trouble staying on track?

It totally depends on the person and his or her dedication. My Moto is "Either you can eat delicious or look delicious" What are your future plans?

I'm a government contractor. I love my field of work and side by side I like fitness industry also.

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Baseball Legend Steps Up to the Plate to Raise Awareness of Fatal Lung Disease (BPT) - All-Star centerfielder Bernie Williams is taking on a new role as an advocate for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) awareness in honor of his dad Bernabé who lost his life to this rare and fatal lung disease. In this new role, he's teamed up with Boehringer Ingelheim on Breathless(TM) (www.BreathlessIPF.com), a national education campaign that offers hope to those with IPF and their loved ones - and helps them get the information and support they need.

Williams' dad's battle with IPF began in the '90s, at a time when Williams' career with the Yankees was in full swing. Bernabé, who had been in perfect health his whole life up until then, began to experience breathlessness and disruptive coughing fits, and the Williams family became concerned.

"My dad was a role model to me - and my biggest fan. When I was a kid, long before there were any thoughts of me becoming a professional baseball player, we'd go out to the local field and play catch for hours just because I enjoyed it - and it was time for the two of us together," said Williams. "My dad was such an important part of my life. So when he started to have health problems, I became worried - and scared."

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misdiagnoses, Bernabé finally saw a lung specialist, or pulmonologist, who accurately diagnosed him with IPF and explained the fatal nature of the disease - a devastating reality for the entire Williams family. Over the years that Bernabé battled IPF, Williams flew from New York to Puerto Rico to help care for him - even missing an occasional Yankees game to be by his side.

Bernabé's breathlessness eventually progressed to the point where he could barely participate in regular telephone calls with Williams without becoming winded, and everyday tasks like walking up stairs or bending over to pick something up turned into difficult struggles.

Finally, and sadly, in May 2001, Bernabé lost his fight to IPF and passed away at the age of 73.

Bernie Williams teams up with the Breathless (TM) campaign Unfortunately, the Williams family is not alone.

As many as 132,000 people are affected by IPF in the U.S., and there are approximately 50,000 new cases diagnosed each year - enough to fill some baseball stadiums. Worse still, since the symptoms of IPF, including breathlessness during activity, a dry and persistent cough and chest discomfort, are similar to more common

diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, the disease is regularly misdiagnosed - sometimes by multiple doctors and for multiple years.

Williams is now on a mission to turn his family's heart-wrenching experience into a chance to help others, and he wants anyone who thinks they may be suffering from IPF to talk to a lung specialist sooner rather than later, so that they may be accurately diagnosed early and prescribed an appropriate treatment regimen.

"IPF is a disease that has touched my life in a very profound and personal way," said Williams.

"When my dad was diagnosed with IPF, we didn't have the information and tools we needed available to us, so now I want to educate and empower others who are affected by this difficult and oftentimes deceiving disease - but I need your help spreading the word."

Williams is encouraging everyone to visit www.BreathlessIPF.com, where there are a number of helpful IPF resources that you can share with your loved ones through social media. A few minutes of your time - and a few simple clicks - may just provide someone with the information they need to take action.

KHAN JUNAID SAFDAR

Quick Takes With KHAN JUNAID SAFDAR How did you get involved in Acting? From where did you get started?

Well it wasn't a part of plan for me at the beginning as it was my mother’s dream to see me on TV. I started acting from my college days.

Describe your best quality as an actor. What are your weak points?

My best qualities are I improve pretty well Feel Characterize well Preparation I learn my script very well My weak points are Negativity Listening What type of role you want to perform the most?

I want to perform lead character, a role which could bring good things to my knowledge and teach me something.

Who is your ideal role model in the acting industry?

Nawaz, Varun and Farhan

What kind of roles have you performed throughout your career? Are you satisfied with them?

I have played lead as well as supporting roles.

Yes I’m satisfied with them.

Recently you worked with EVOQ. How was your experience?

It was amazing. They sell what you want to wear so I respect them for being so much involved in their work.

What projects are you currently working on?

Soon you will know.

Explain the guidelines to become a successful actor?

1 Dedication 2 Hard works 3 Auditions 4 Time management 5 Acting 6. Faith Is it true that you have to change yourself in order to be accepted into the entertainment business?

No, there’s nothing like that. They will accept you for who you really are but will reject you if

you pretend to be something that you are not.

What kind of things should an aspiring actor is involved in to prepare themselves for this field of work?

Acting must be done with dedication and feeling. He should prepare for auditions. Hard work is a key to success.

What were your previous projects?

Himalaya shampoo, GQ shoots, Netflix, Dream 11, International ad cha cha chai, Lee Copper, EVOQ brand shoot and many more.

Is it hard even after you get one job to keep getting roles in other things?

No Who inspires you to be a better human being?

My mother inspires me to be a better human being. I love her.

What is your best childhood memory?

My boarding school days.

If you had a chance for a “do-over” in life, what would you do differently?

I’ll go back to my school days.

If you could only keep six possessions, what would they be?

My mother My childhood My family Arun sir as my principle Trainer Acting What feels like love to you?

Mother's care Are you superstitious or do you have any rules you live by?

There are four rules I live by 1 Make no excuses 2 Dream big if you have strength to get them 3 Make a way to get them 4 Make unbelieve things happen What are your future plans?

I don’t look for future, I want to build it and I know it’ll take time and hard work.

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exclusives Dawnae Lundquist

MULTITALENTED DAWNAE LUNDQUIST Dawnae Lundquist, 18 years old, is a college student in Cheyenne Wyoming. Her whole life has revolved around the outdoors or in nursing homes and hospitals, learning everything she can. She also took an extreme interest in abstract and contrast art at a very young age.

In 2013 she was nominated for Miss Teen of Wyoming, and the Best Author award. She was re-nominated twice for the pageant, but chose not to compete after her first run.

Majority of her junior high school career was spent in medical classes and art rooms. she was constantly designing and creating new pieces. She found her art style after recalling the dark and obscure 'life' she experienced during an epileptic seizure. She started using watercolor, sharpies, colored pencils and black ink to create this 'life'. Her art style later inspired a new concentration which focused on people's emotions displayed through colors.

In high school, she got to hang her art in the hallway right where her favorite teacher's room was after she passed away. It wasn't until her senior year that people really started taking a liking to her style, and began asking her questions and watching her illustrate a new world around them. Her award winning art has always played a huge part in how she tell her story as well... When she wasn't making art or studying human anatomy, she was filming and acting with her media partners. They made many films; three of which brought them to CYSFF, where she was nominated for Best Actress. Their films were nominated for many other awards as well.

Now that she has graduated, she has decided to keep her focus on mainly medical science in college. She still make art on the side, and sell her pieces occasionally. “I look forward to showing the world my pieces.�

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ABSTRACTS BY DAWNAE LUNDQUIST

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exclusives Dawnae Lundquist

In Conversation With DAWNAE LUNDQUIST If you had a chance for a “do-over” in life, what would you do differently?

If I had a chance for a 'do over' in life, I wouldn't change a thing. Everything that I have done has made me into the person I am now; the person many people love and respect. There would be no point. I've obviously lived through it for a reason!

What do you feel most proud of?

I am most proud of the way I've kept a grasp on my dreams and aspirations, all the while holding onto my passion for art and performance. It takes a lot to be in the medical field-- but I know I can get there. And if not, at least I have a back up plan!

What is your favorite music?

My favorite music is Alternative music! You can't go wrong with some Arctic Monkeys or Green Day! If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?

If I could travel anywhere, I would go back to Seattle Washington. It seems crazy, because it's so close to home. But I love everything about it.

The drive there is full of red wood trees and winding roads. And when you get there, you're exposed to gorgeous city lights and of course, the Seattle space needle!

If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?

If I could keep only five of my possessions, I would choose the necklace my mother gave to me for graduation day, at least one hat, my

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sketchbook, the bracelet my grandmother made me, and of course, my phone. Got to keep in touch with people!

What was one of your most defining moments in life?

One of my most defining moments in life was when I was at my lowest point in depression. I felt like I was done; like nobody cared, nobody knew I existed. I felt ignored and unwanted, torn and scared. It took a lot to overcome that feeling. I spent my days struggling to do the simplest things, like getting out of bed and brushing my teeth. Eventually, I realized I wasn't alone. And I surrounded myself with people that loved me for who I was. It inspired me to send a simple message to everyone feeling that way-- get up.

How do you spend your free time?

I spend my free time studying human anatomy text books, sketching out my ideas, and hanging out with my new-born Godson. I also occasionally partake in films written by my close friends; both of which are photographers.

Who inspires you?

I would have to say my aunt inspires me the most. She has conquered breast cancer and is currently conquering bone cancer that has spread to her brain. Though her illness is terminal, she remains humble and strong. You will never see her without a smile on her face.

She is constantly cheering me on; telling me I've got the 'muscles' to get the job done. She has played a big role in my life. I cannot deny that she was one of the many 'rasps and

rifflers' (sculpting tools) that sculpted me into who I am.

What are you most afraid of?

I'm not really afraid of anything too serious.. death is natural.. loss is inescapable... so I would have to say my biggest fear is spiders. I can't stand them. I have no idea why…

What is your strongest personal quality?

My strongest personal quality is forgiveness.

I've had a lot of opportunities to hold grudges, to leave people behind, but I believe everybody I've met is here for a reason. Life is too short to be angry with anyone. It's just not worth it.

What is a skill you'd like to learn and why?

I would like to learn how to use Photoshop. I really feel like this is a necessary and useful skill for my art.

What does a perfect day look like to you?

A 'perfect day' for me would be a day that I am surrounded by every single person I love. That day had mountains of food (because who doesn't like food?) and a game of kickball after a thunderstorm. Everyone is playing. Slipping and sliding around because the grass is still flooded. There is nothing but smiles on every face I come across. It's a simple, yet meaningful day.

How would your friends describe you?

"She's very passionate and enthusiastic. Brave... hilarious. You can't go wrong by being her friend. She has the biggest heart you'll ever come across."

style out LOUDER

Kaushal Vishukumar

CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR KAUSHAL VISHUKUMAR Setting out at a young age has catapulted Kaushal Vishukumar, a fashion designer who hails from th Mysore, Karnataka, India, was born on 29 March 1993. He did his Bachelors in Engineering in Information Science & Technology at The National Institute of Engineering, Mysore. He also attended evening classes at Queens School of Designing. He is now doing his Masters in Design and Media Management at Miami International University of Art & Design, USA. Kaushal Vishukumar is a creative entrepreneur who entered into fashion industry at very young age. Right from the start, it was apparent that he is a fashion maven. He belongs to the generation that is increasingly looking to channel its gifts into business opportunities earlier and earlier.

Let’s have Kaushal in conversation with us.

What sparked your interest in fashion? What made you take fashion more seriously and make a career out of it?

Fashion is always been my interest ever since I started knowing and observing things. To be honest I just don’t want to be known as fashion designer as I have real interests on so many things. I work with other designers too, brands etc... fashion entrepreneur is the right word for me now I guess as I do lot of things in fashion not just as designer I also work as stylist, show director etc. (I’m too young to be focusing only on one thing ha ha….you know I’m young just can’t stick to one, like doing so many things when you feel you are good at it, right?)

Are you self-taught or did you study fashion design?

Well I would say I’m a mixture of both because I did attend even classes at Queens School of Designing in Mysore, Karnataka, India. Also, since I never wanted to assist any one and wanted to learn by myself and do shows independently. I chose to learn things on my own as well because these independent experiences that you would get from it builds you up step by step.

So basically in creative one should chose to be independent to explore things and gain experience from it to eventually be a brand.

What according to you is a favorite part of being a fashion designer?

The best part is that being able to have a vision and then communicating or translating that vision to 50 BLOUDER

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transform in to physical garment.

Passion, Observation, Strong Business Sense, Good Communication. Good eye for Materials, Strong Visualization abilities and the list goes on.

What is Fashion for you?

Fashion for me is comfort, it’s not that what others are wearing or what brands they are wearing. It’s about creating your own persona How has your work evolved since you first to what you are wearing with extreme started? confidence.

Well I’m too young and too soon to be How do you stay up to date regarding answering this question, all I can say is as a fashion? person every year I’m evolving with the Well no, to be honest it basically depends on experiences that I’m going through as an when and what I’m coming up in terms of my individual. collections. But I do follow certain things in my own way.

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

What skills according to you are necessary These are the 2 things which I don’t want for a successful fashion designer? others to know.

style out LOUDER

Kaushal Vishukumar

How would you describe your personal style? Are there any types of clothing that you avoid wearing?

For me, a style is something with you can easily carry off the garment that you are wearing right from normal clothes up till bigger brands with your own confidence. Basically, category of fabric I tend to avoid are fabrics or clothes made up of polyester, rayon, nylon etc..

What questions do you ask yourself before you begin any design project? What information is most important?

Well lot of questions I ask myself before I begin a design project. Firstly, being a young designer who’s not established yet, is all about the budget or the investment like how is it going to happen? Secondly, which group of audience would the design project be targeting?

Thirdly, what would be the business plan?

These are the few questions, initially I ask myself before working on a new project.

Who is your inspiration?

Internationally, Ralph & Russo, Michael Kors, Armani and the list goes on. Nationally it’s Manish Malhotra.

What was the last project you worked on?

Well in Fashion, it was New Year show at st Radisson on 31 Dec 2016, in Films. It was URVI. Does your approach differ when designing menswear compared to womenswear?

Yes, it does differ in the approach when designing men’s and women’s collection.

Why did you leave India?

Ha ha ha, that’s a good question well I will have to share this, which I guess most of the people go through. As I finished my bachelors it’s always grandmother’s dream of seeing their grandson study masters abroad. So primarily this was my reason to be moving out of India.

How is your work received internationally?

This is really big question and I’m still having my baby steps here as it’s a whole new culture and so much of creativity around makes me work more. It’s a nice place to be in learning different things from different cultures. People are nice here in accepting me and have given opportunity to introduce myself and also direct their shows and allowed to style as well. So I’m on a growing phase here the same way which reminds me back when I started in my hometown. I will continue to follow my passions, work hard, and set my priorities straight. I believe in if you are destined to get it, you will definitely get it.

What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?

Website: www.kaushalvishu.com The different cultures and the people that I’m coming across are really fascinating and I’m trying to visualizing these cultures or their roots to merge in ours and translate them in to clothing.

What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?

It’s not a lesson but what I follow is no matter what happens keep going. Patience is a key of virtue. Never take appreciation seriously nor criticism unless they are coming from the right people who you look up too.

What do you like outside of fashion? Do you have any other talents?

I like sports, reading books and many other things. Well I was National Level Tennis Player, Dancer and also State level Gymnast.

Which social media platform are you most active on?

Facebook and after moving to the U.S started using more of Instagram as well.

What kind of content interests you?

There are so many contents which excite me like, contents which can inspire or which has a story to tell and also have a strong perspective.

What would you like to achieve before the end of the year? What are the projects you currently working on?

Well, there is something coming up which is really in its early stages that I can’t tell right now but if it works out I guess that would be one of my best projects that could happen in these 23 years of my life.

Currently, I’m working here in Miami as show director and also styling the different designers and brands.

What advice would you give to new designers or youngsters?

Well, all I can say is start soon, have passion, set priorities straight, never give up or go against your family in case when they are not supporting what you want to do. Rather prove yourself to them by making them proud. Be responsible for whatever you do. Focus more on your professional career at early age because that’s the best way to fight your struggling period.

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KAUSHAL VISHUKUMAR’S COLLECTION

B BOLD B YOU

B FREE B YOU

Ask Us Anything at bloudermagazine@gmail.com

Be Louder

BY ANJALI SHARMA

To eyes that see, To minds that spree, To hearts that glee, To art that foresee, To desire dream and let emotions free, To be more you, To be more we, Be louder with me, Be louder with me.

I Capture Me

BY ANJALI SHARMA INSTAGRAM HANDLE @anjali_scribed

A piece of time from time I steal, Magnificent moments memories and minds I seal.

The gods and eyes made the magical deal, To let me capture the clandestine zeal, And offer the virgin souls they pending to feel.

The chirping birds and humming birds and bee, My eyes ran wild as I am on my knee.

The nature landscapes natives he and she Also the town trees tales and the concrete valley.

I capture the essence of all I see, In life's secret and what it's meaning might be.

I am a photographer, I capture me, I capture me.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY RAHUL JOSHI

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literary Old Soldier Diaries

Old Soldier Diaries:

Memoirs of The Men of Honor

A

war cannot be fought without soldiers. No matter what type of war it is. In a cyber war the soldiers are all those who are associated with its execution e.g. the hackers, programmers etc.; in a biological war the deadly microorganisms and their dedicated vectors are the soldiers; in a chemical war the delivering agents and their controllers can be called soldiers and in a conventional War of course there are human soldiers and again they are the most vital component of an Army. No matter how much modernization takes place in the militaries there will always be a soldier who will control, monitor and regulate the activities of war.

War is itself a peculiar thing it brings laurels and glory to one side and complete doom, annihilation and disgrace to the other. Human History tells us that in our world clash of opinions are inevitable no matter how advanced our civilization becomes and so is war. But most of you may not agree with me on the fact that in today’s world long-lasting peace has become a myth or a tool to cover up misery and distress. It is my own personal opinion (to which many of you won’t agree and I beg your pardon for that) that without a war no peace can be achieved. Since the Kargil War of 1999 no intrusion of such scale ever took place into our territories or you can take example from our neighborhood. Why not consider WW II which ended in 1945? After this Great War dissolution of League of Nations occurred and in its place rd UNO was established and till this date no 3 World War occurred. Or you can simply peep into the history of our own sub-continent.

Remember the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 after which the General A A K Niazi signed the ‘Instrument of Surrender’ and surrendered himself with 92000 troops. Here also it was the war again which helped liberate the Bangladeshis from the clutches of an oppressive force in 1971. This gave birth to a free nation which is progressing steadily.

But I must confess that they shouldn’t happen very often as it is not us who fight the war. It’s the soldiers who risk their lives for some cause.

And a lot of good men die in wars. So it is wiser

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BY SURAJ KUMAR SINGH to prevent from letting it happen. But when all efforts fail war is the final instrument undoubtedly. So we must try to understand what happens in the life of those who are supposed to fight wars for us. And also sometimes we should try to know about the lives of their family members. Sincere efforts towards this, has been made by well- known authors and ex-servicemen and some fearless journalists.

The first such work I came across was Rtd. Maj. Mukul Deva’s book ‘The Garud Strikes’. This book also covered the accounts of the soldier’s in details who served on the battle field and how they broke the enemy’s back.

Soldiers are the people who experience all kinds of emotions, suffer pains and all types of ups and downs. They learn resilience, tolerance and also realities of life to which most of us remain alien throughout their lives. I feel that it is a duty to bring out the stories & experiences of our soldiers who have tasted blood, who are living or dead exemplary of valour, sacrifice and patriotism and if possible then also of their family members and children as their stories of courage and resilience also cannot be overlooked. As I travel across the lengths and breadths of India to meet and interview them and bring their voices to you, you may come across many who have suffered injustices and some are even forced to live under pathetic conditions. Their life has become a struggle and they are fighting a war for self-respect every day. They are the people who gave a large part of their lives for the service of our nation. But how’s their life after retirement. What happens in their life after getting honorably discharged after successful completion of their service? Is the life same post retirement? Up to what extent life changes after leaving the service?

Their tales (though fully true) if combined together can form a big book of inspiration.

Don’t believe me? Then talk to one and you will find it yourself. That’s why this idea came to my mind to bring their voices to you so that you can at least get an idea of what they feel and what they face as every true story cannot be found on the INTERNET. So I have to make it available for you on it. In fact it’s a humble duty for me. So I am bringing you ‘Old Soldier

Diaries: Memoirs of the Men of Honor’

IN CONVERSATION WITH COLONEL K R SURARAJ (RETIRED), ARTILLERY THIS TIME

Col. K R Suraraj during his days in the Army (awarded OP Vijay Medal, OP Parakram Medal, Special Service Medal, High Altitude Service Medal) Col. Kumar Ramchandra Suraraj of the erstwhile 102 Medium Regiment not a name I came across while going through news or Indian military history text. Actually I met him on many occasions before I rang him to ask for permission for an interview, a typical Fauji who most of the time prefers to keep a smile on his face. The most humble, generous and down to earth type person I have ever known. He has seen all the realities of life and faced difficulties, suffered all the pain and hardships but never reveals it. Actually he never consciously tries to conceal it but probably his grace and jolliness does it for him. When I rang him I was hesitant so I didn’t press him much

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for a face to face interview rather I asked him for a telephonic conversation but he insisted and allowed me a face-to-face conversation at at his current place of residence - Deoghar! The city, also known ‘Babadham’ is home to the famous Lord Shiva temple , one of the 12 Jyotirlings of India, which is a prominent destination for the Hindus especially during the months of ‘Sawan’. A beautiful city with temples and people always ready to help. This is something which delights and invites you. So I was excited and I packed my bag for the day I was supposed to move.

It is hard to find a confirmed railway reservation at the eleventh hour sometimes, but fortunately I got it. The night I boarded my train to Deoghar I imagined what kind of reception I will get from the Colonel on my arrival. But something good happened the next morning! I was aware of the fact that for some reasons he was in Puri with his family and a few minutes before the arrival of my time his train was also scheduled to arrive. In the morning while I was waiting for the station to come surprisingly he rang me and asked me to come to a particular spot near the platform and he also said that he was waiting for me. No doubt he absolutely did this for my own convenience but it made me a little nervous. Yesterday’s nightmare clouded over me again. But I had to affirm to the Colonel so I kept walking towards the spot he asked me to reach. I was looking everywhere for him but I was unable to find him. As I reached exactly at the desired spot I looked again for him but found him nowhere. But then suddenly someone came beside me from behind and held my left hand as I turned my face towards him in awe I discovered it was none other than the Colonel himself. I knew this habit of his. He loves to give surprises. We shook hands and exchanged greetings and moved from there together.

Later that day we met again (this time formally in his office) and the conversation began.

I began with asking about his present organization’s work and his responsibilities in it. He replied that his organization ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) works for the health requirements of the ex-servicemen and their families. ECHS was established in 2003 to look after the health needs of the Veterans (ex-servicemen) as the Military Hospitals are not located everywhere in the country. They are generally found only in Cantonment areas which are not accessible to many ex-servicemen especially those who shift to remote areas post their retirement. Putting some more light on the working of ECHS he informed that there are some private hospitals too, empaneled with ECHS and any registered ECHS beneficiary can avail 'cashless' medical

services from them. Not just this, but for every ex-servicemen receiving treatment there they are held accountable. If any harm is caused to the patient (ECHS beneficiary only) due to carelessness or misconduct during the treatment they are liable to pay compensation equal to the loss sustained by the Veteran or his dependent, and can also lead to the cancellation of empanelment of the hospital with ECHS. This way a public-private co-operation helps the Veteran through the ECHS. Also it works as a primary health centre by providing OPD facilities and distribution of medicines at the polyclinic. His office runs at different levels to

literary Old Soldier Diaries

Moving towards his professional life and personal experience of service I enquired.

“From your personal experience of service what are the main challenges that the Army faces while fighting insurgency and terrorism? And how do they deal with it especially in AFSPA enforced regions?”

Col.KRS: At places like Manipur and Assam the vast tracts of treacherous terrain covered with dense forests make combing and search operations difficult. You cannot scan entire areas. Secondly winning the hearts of local population and garnering their support is a big challenge, to venture into an unknown territory

“My unit is an Artillery unit and in any situation of war the role of an artillery unit is primarily " work efficiently under him as the Officer –inCharge at the Deoghar.

Asking “How did you get into the Army?

Where did you receive motivation from?” He simply replied with a smile. Since he had to join the Army he joined it. He didn’t get success in making it through the NDA entrance examination, so he chose to pursue graduation first. He was pursing his Master’s in Geography when he tasted success during his III semester.

In mid-1981 he was commissioned from the Indian Military Academy, and joined as a 'Gunner Officer' with 102 Medium Regiment.

As the name of the Military Academy popped out of his mouth I couldn’t resist myself from asking a significant question but on a lighter note.

I asked him that if there exists a kind of inferiority feeling among those cadets who enter the Academy through CDSE when they train together with those cadets who come from NDA after three years of rigorous training in every aspect. Very calmly he replied to this. He said that there exists a feeling of inferiority among those cadets but with time they catch up and the gap fades since they are put to work together as a team. Teamwork, trust between team mates and mutual respect are the core of the training imparted to the cadets. He also informed that for those cadets who come from NDA the training period is shorter in the Academy than those who enter through CDSE. “So it’s a kind of reward for undergoing three years of rigorous training while at the NDA?” I interjected. “Yeah you can say that!” The Colonel said.

when you are completely unaware of it. Third, maintaining informers is also essential to gather intelligence in hostile zones. Also there is a problem of language which makes it difficult to directly engage with the local people. But the locals also feel awkward due to our alien presence, since initially we are like “Square pegs in round holes". To annul these differences the Army personnel meet the locals regularly, attend their festivals and other ceremonies whenever they are invited. Even when they don’t understand their languages and have very minimal idea of their culture, they persist and thus convince the locals that the Faujis are friends. The life of informers is also difficult as they face threat to their lives. They usually confine themselves into such positions that they can only peep out through holes in the walls to keep vigil.

“Okay, now, as you have served at the Indo-Myanmar border. From your personal experience can you tell for my readers how life at the frontline is?” He made an expression which indicated that he is trying to repress laughter. I then realized how a man of steel will feel on getting pricked by a safety pin and then being asked if he felt any pain. Perhaps the Colonel might be feeling the same at that moment. But he still didn’t make a fun of me and replied even to my stupid question “Yeah it’s pretty tough.” The smile didn’t go and he continued “Communication and Transport facilities are poor there. Most of the places are non-motorable so you have to reach there only on foot.” He also shared an instance of humor from one of his memories. Once a chap was posted on the same place of the Indo-Myanmar border the Colonel was serving. Since he was

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new to the place one day he asked Colonel “Where do you find NET (referring to INTERNET services) here?" The Colonel replied to him, “My friend the only ‘Net’ you will get here is the ‘Mosquito Net’”. So was the lack of communication services at that time.

However he said that things are changing now and these facilities are steadily getting better there.

Col.K R Suraraj (on the right side of the picture) with our correspondent Suraj Kumar Singh.

Not wasting much time I fired another one.

“What was the role of your unit in the Kargil War?” He said, “My unit is an Artillery unit and in any situation of war the role of an artillery unit is primarily "Battlefield Domination" to assist the advancing infantry or armored columns. He further explained, “Suppose there is a bunker at the top of a hill and the enemy is entrenched inside it with an LMG (Light Machine Gun) in such a scenario even a single LMG can mow down a fully armed company of soldiers mounting an attack on that particular feature. In that case Artillery’s job is to either hit the enemy or else keep pounding so heavily that the enemy doesn’t get a chance to even pop their head out of their entrenchments so that the Infantry can fearlessly

SKS: Surrounded by men & machine, weapons & equipments in your previous profession how do you feel here sitting on a chair and working in an office away from all the action?

Col.KRS: Well things change with time and it is wiser to accept these changes. Everything cannot be the same forever. And for me it’s less a change and more like a transition. I still work for the men I used to serve with. I find that I am still surrounded by them and I feel glad that I am serving them.

Lastly I asked Colonel if there is a message he wants to give to the youth. He gave me a mature reply which I only expect from mature and sensible people like him. You cannot expect such a reply from a politician or some other person. He said that he can’t! “I am not even in a position to do that.” However he agreed to express his observation of the society. He said that while standing in a queue if one gets frustrated and breaks the queue then a few others follow. Now watching them others too try to break the queue. This goes on and ultimately there is a chaos and no one’s purpose is served due to it. There is a kind of ‘sheep mentality’ ( Bhed Chal )which most people follow. When it comes to doing something good or benefitting someone, then also we think that let others do it first then I will follow. For betterment of our society we need to leave behind this sheep mentality and adopt "act first" policy letting others follow. Don’t try to focus on the caste, creed, community, religion, race or gender of the person looking for help. The impression of the uniform is such that if a lady is being chased by some goons or being harassed by someone then out of all the persons around her she would come to a Fauji first to

“My friend the only ‘Net’ you will get here is the ‘Mosquito Net’” charge upon the enemy with the threat of getting hit by the enemy minimized. As soon as the heavy pounding stops, the troops advance without wasting any time. The guns are kept a few kms behind the battle front and are manned by crew. A Forward Observation Officer (FOC) remains with the advancing column at the front and he provides the gun crew with the co-ordinates of the enemy positions and the gun crew fires the rounds and strike with precision.

He also appreciated the performance of the well -known Bofors gun. The technology used in the gun is such that attacks could be made with higher accuracy and the firing mechanism is such that the projectile after being fired from this gun leaves a trail with which its trajectory could be tracked and the next attack could be made with even more deadly precision.

ask for help because she knows that it doesn’t matter to a Fauji if you are a male or a female, Hindu or a Muslim, high-caste or low-caste.

Rising above all these distinctions he will help you. This is the kind of impression every citizen should make about herself/himself.

On this I concluded the interview and thanked Colonel for giving me his valuable time. As I came out of his office he accompanied me to the gate I saw the name plate of his office on which ECHS’s motto was written “WE SERVE THOSE WHO SERVED THE NATION” - a fitting badge for the humble Veteran soldier.

Scared

BY ESS

I don’t like lies But I’m lying for years I want to tell you And everyone everything Who I really am How I really feel But I am scared Scared of this world Scared of losing you Scared of being me Please hold me tight I want you to be with me Because I’m scared of being me

BLOUDER

literary Book Probably, the one reason we get compromised might be that Hackers are genius, but the other sure reason of getting hacked is “Lack of Cyber Knowledge”. I personally believe that we are importing the latest technology from whole world but we are not importing the know-how and required proficiency to use these gadgets safely. There is a high need that general internet user should know about what he is doing and what action on web will lead him to where.

“Cracking Into Computer”, is the innovative compilation, divided into four sections. One part dedicated completely to Cyber security.

Get to know how malware enters into your system, so that next time you are well aware about how to protect your system form Ransomware, learn how to identify the spoofed e-mails and much more. The best part is that everything has been elaborated in easy language which the non-techy person can easily understand.

Cracking Into Computers

BY PRIYANSHU GOYAL

“Cyber Threat”, the two words which have now become a serious problem for the corporate sector. The past few months have been nightmare to many companies. Ransomware’s affected many big global giants’ business operations within seconds. First Wannacry was released which was said to designed from the leaked scripts stolen from NSA, and then Petya came into the picture which was the improved version. Many individuals and companies ended 64 BLOUDER

september 2017

up paying the ransom amount.

Technology is evolving continuously and our life is getting more and more digitalized by the innovative IOT (Internet of Things) devices.

But, are we capable of handling these gizmos?

We need to understand that as and fast we are diving deep into the technology to make our life easier; there is a high need to maintain cyber security as well.

Cracking Into Computers will be your defence as well as your sword against cyber threats. It is one of the first books of its kind to provide such a diversity in one compilation. If your job requires you to interact with computers, then this book is for you. It doesn't matter you are a tech geek or a Doctor, a Lawyer or a Chartered Accountant or in any other profession, cyber security is important for all because it's about protecting yourself on the internet or protecting your online information, which includes everything from your personal e-mails to login credential of your bank account. Also, this book contains some tricks and tutorials which will help you in increasing your efficiency at work and will enhance your operating knowledge which will give you an edge over others. This book is different because it explains everything in the non-technical language and from the base level. Exhaustive use of images in the book will help you to understand tutorials in an easy way. In this book you get to know: About various types of amazing malware like Ransomware, Scareware etc. and how to defend against them, About hacking techniques used by hackers and how to protect yourself from being hacked, About various browsers and windows tutorials aimed at increasing your knowledge and efficiency, Also, find some other interesting stuff like how to revive old internet, surf web by e-mail etc. along with exclusive Knowledge Section prepared at the end of the book.

You can visit www.tech.knowledgetroop.com for the latest updates and get the link to our YouTube channel to checkout interesting videos.

My Mom Is My Love

By Rajat Mohanta Instagram: @the_crumpled_papers My mom is my love.

My mom is my home.

I can achieve everything I want, was what she always told me.

But I never saw her face, she wouldn't let me.

It's not right she would say.

I didn't knew why.

There was this man I didn't like.

Who visited our home, every week without fail Dragging my mom into the room, locking the door from inside.

Wondering who he was What he might do to my mom?

Were the questions, I was afraid of.

Maybe he is my father, I once thought.

So I asked my mom, a big no is what she said.

Today was the day, that man would come home.

I was sitting there, with thought floating in my mind.

Maybe I was curious, maybe I was concerned.

I asked my mom once, what is the room about.

She wouldn't tell me. It's not right she would say.

Of course I knew it's not right.

The door only stopped me from seeing what's inside.

But I could hear everything just right How she would cry, How she would Scream in pain.

I didn't know why.

But a part of me knew it wasn't right.

What was I supposed to do.

How do I fight this man Being a 13-year-old girl, was not serving me right.

I couldn't take the screams anymore. It was killing me.

I tried to push open the door.

I tried to pick locking the door with my clip. Like I watched on TV.

I tried once twice thrice, I kept on trying.

But It didn't work.

Was she hurt? Was she bleeding?

Why is the dustbin filled with cotton bloats covered in blood was all my mind was thinking.

I could see her Sitting down on the sofa, crying.

Vomiting in kitchen.

Screaming like she was regretting it.

The door was open, I rushed in.

Now I knew, I knew why it's not right The room filled With belts, ropes, bottles There was the man, who hurt my mom Laughing like a monster, With lust in his eyes I didn't know what my mom did All I knew, it's not right All I knew, my mom should be happy I couldn't stand her crying I couldn't let her being hurt The week passed and the man came again Dragging my mom into the room, locking the door from inside.

I was angry but I sat there, In the wooden chair, reading my comic book Listening her cry again, I just couldn't let my mom scream.

I had to make it right, I had to make the man scream.

I knocked the door hard again and again Until the door flung open, with blood on the floor And she sat there, crying in her own misery Maybe it was a mistake Maybe it was for good I killed the man Who made my mother cry I stabbed the man with knife, until he stopped breathing