In India women groups complain bitterly about themedia and say that it ignores them, 'commodifies' them, and does notmirror their problems, aspirations and achievements, said NGO Population First, Program Director, Dr A L Sharada.
Dr Sharada said this at a three day workshop held at Lonavala on''Gender and Media'' where she spoke about 'The change over the lasthalf century in reporting on women and gender issues by Indian newspapers' and 'Gender Budgeting for Women.
She added, ''Biases are often unconscious. If not exposed andaddressed they become part of a work culture and a way of life. Theyunfairly impinge on a section of society and cloud the correctpicture. To break a bias, one needs to be first conscious of it.''Speaking on 'Reporting crime on women' an activist Lalitha Dhara said,''15 cases of rape and sexual violence were reported in 2000-01 upfrom just one case in the 1970's, when newspapers were shy of evenmentioning the word 'rape' but couched it in phrases like ''outraginga woman's modesty'' or ''assault''.'
'With the entry of women in journalism the crime phraseology has changed.
However many of the reported rape stories are still foundwanting in the manner in which they are written. Only a couple of themwere reported in a sensitive balanced way.'' Speaking on 'Gender Budgeting for Women' Lalitha Dhara said, ''
The annual budget of 2005-06 etched in a structural change that went largely and sadlyunreported.' ' For the first time as many as 18 Union Ministries wereasked to do a gender disaggregated analysis so that they are able toprovide a reliable and studied indicator of how their programmesimpact gender.
Described as welcome by some and a hasty patchwork byothers the fact remains that it marked the arrival of 'gender budgeting' in India.
As the Finance Minister himself acknowledged in his budget speech tha this step for gender budgeting was only the beginning. ''Hon. members will be happy to note I have included in the budget documents a seperate statement highlighting gender sensitivities of the budgetary allocations under 10 demands for grants.
The total amount in budget estimates 2005-06 according to the statement is just above Rs 10,000 crore.''Although this is another first in budget making in India it is only a beginning and in course of time all departments will be required to present gender budgets as well as make benefit-incidence analysis.''
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Friday, July 06, 2007
TV ratings to be reviewed
TV ratings in India are to be reviewed as the Ministry says the current system of measuring television programs popularity is not accurate
In a move that could impact the Rs 8,000 crore television advertising revenue and the process of measuring popularity of television programming, the information and broadcasting ministry plans to end the monopoly environment in measuring of television rating points (TRPs).
I&B minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said, "The current scenario of measuring TRPs does not reflect real growth of channels and is not a true representative of what audiences are watching. We want to end the monopoly of one company."
He said existing standards would have to be reviewed, including sample size and a more transparent system of functioning will be put in place. The matter is likely to be taken up in an inter-ministerial meeting next week.
Popularity of television programming is measured in TRPs that is collated through 'peoplemeters' set up in a sample number of television homes. At present, broadcasters, advertisers and media planners subscribe to TRPs generated on weekly basis by TAM Media Research. Another agency, aMap provides ratings on an overnight basis.
In a move that could impact the Rs 8,000 crore television advertising revenue and the process of measuring popularity of television programming, the information and broadcasting ministry plans to end the monopoly environment in measuring of television rating points (TRPs).
I&B minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said, "The current scenario of measuring TRPs does not reflect real growth of channels and is not a true representative of what audiences are watching. We want to end the monopoly of one company."
He said existing standards would have to be reviewed, including sample size and a more transparent system of functioning will be put in place. The matter is likely to be taken up in an inter-ministerial meeting next week.
Popularity of television programming is measured in TRPs that is collated through 'peoplemeters' set up in a sample number of television homes. At present, broadcasters, advertisers and media planners subscribe to TRPs generated on weekly basis by TAM Media Research. Another agency, aMap provides ratings on an overnight basis.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
A South Indian Student's first day at school in the USA
Somethin for today........
It was the first day of school and a new student named Chandrasekhar Subramaniam entered the fourth grade. The teacher said, "Let's begin by reviewing some American History.
Who said "Give me Liberty, or give me Death"?
She saw a sea of blank faces, except for Chandrasekhar, who had his hand up: "Patrick Henry, 1775" he said.
Very good.....she said
Who said "Government of the People, by the People, for the People, shall not perish from the Earth?"
Again, no response except from Chandrasekhar. "Abraham Lincoln, 1863" said Chandrasekhar.
The teacher snapped at the class, "Class, you should be ashamed. Chandrasekhar, who is new to our country, knows more about its history than you do."
She heard a loud whisper: "F*ck the Indians,"
"Who said that?" she demanded. Candrasekhar put his hand up. "General Custer, 1862."
At that point, a student in the back said, "I'm gonna puke."
The teacher glares around and asks "All right.... Now, who said that?"
Again, Chandrasekhar says, "George Bush to the Japanese Prime Minister,1991."
Now furious, another student yells, "Oh yeah? S*ck this!"
Chandrasekhar jumps out of his chair waving his hand and shouts to the teacher,
"Bill Clinton, to Monica Lewinsky, 1997!"
Now with almost a mob hysteria someone said "You little Sh*t. If you say anything else, I'll kill you."
Chandrashekhar frantically yells at the top of his voice, "Gary Condit to Chandra Levy, 2001."
The teacher fainted...........
And as the class gathered around the teacher on the floor, someone said,
"Oh shit, we're f*cked!" and..........
Chandrasekhar said quietly, "George Bush, Iraq, 2005.......
It was the first day of school and a new student named Chandrasekhar Subramaniam entered the fourth grade. The teacher said, "Let's begin by reviewing some American History.
Who said "Give me Liberty, or give me Death"?
She saw a sea of blank faces, except for Chandrasekhar, who had his hand up: "Patrick Henry, 1775" he said.
Very good.....she said
Who said "Government of the People, by the People, for the People, shall not perish from the Earth?"
Again, no response except from Chandrasekhar. "Abraham Lincoln, 1863" said Chandrasekhar.
The teacher snapped at the class, "Class, you should be ashamed. Chandrasekhar, who is new to our country, knows more about its history than you do."
She heard a loud whisper: "F*ck the Indians,"
"Who said that?" she demanded. Candrasekhar put his hand up. "General Custer, 1862."
At that point, a student in the back said, "I'm gonna puke."
The teacher glares around and asks "All right.... Now, who said that?"
Again, Chandrasekhar says, "George Bush to the Japanese Prime Minister,1991."
Now furious, another student yells, "Oh yeah? S*ck this!"
Chandrasekhar jumps out of his chair waving his hand and shouts to the teacher,
"Bill Clinton, to Monica Lewinsky, 1997!"
Now with almost a mob hysteria someone said "You little Sh*t. If you say anything else, I'll kill you."
Chandrashekhar frantically yells at the top of his voice, "Gary Condit to Chandra Levy, 2001."
The teacher fainted...........
And as the class gathered around the teacher on the floor, someone said,
"Oh shit, we're f*cked!" and..........
Chandrasekhar said quietly, "George Bush, Iraq, 2005.......
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
17 ways to tackle energy zappers
People complain of being tired most of the time.
Most of us chalk it up to having too much to do and not enough time to do it in, especially during extra-busy periods.
But often the true culprits are our everyday habits: what we eat, how we sleep, and how we cope emotionally. Listed below are some basic recharging changes that can help you tackle most, if not all of the energy stealers.
Energize Your Diet
Have breakfast... even if you don't feel hungry. You'll be a lot perkier:
Eat every three to four hours. Having three smallish meals and two snacks throughout the day can keep your blood sugar and energy levels stable all day long. A few meal ideas: a low-fat yogurt parfait with berries and a couple of tablespoons of whole-grain granola; salmon over mixed greens with whole-grain crackers; and beef tenderloin with a baked sweet potato and asparagus. Fill up on more fiber... the daily recommended suggestions: a bowl of raisin bran (5 grams of fiber per cup); black beans and cheese wrapped in a multigrain tortilla (beans have 7.5 grams per 1/2 cup; one tortilla has 5 grams); air-popped popcorn (3.6 grams per 3 cups); an apple with the skin (3.3 grams); and whole-wheat spaghetti (6.3 grams per cup). Fuel your body with omega-3s...found in fatty fish (such as tuna and salmon), walnuts, and canola oil, these essential fatty acids play a role in keeping you mentally alert. Stay hydrated always. You should be going every two to four hours to the loo and your urine should be clear or pale yellow in color. Tip: Besides drinking more, you can also consume foods that naturally contain water, such as yogurt, broccoli, carrots, and juicy fruits, like watermelons, oranges, and grapefruits. Also watch caffeine intake after noon. Typically, consuming a moderate amount of caffeine — 200 to 300 mg, the amount found in two to three cups of coffee — can make you more energetic and alert. But when caffeine is consumed in large quantities — or anytime in the afternoon or evening — the quality of your sleep that night can take a nosedive, leaving you with heavy eyelids the next day.
Most of us chalk it up to having too much to do and not enough time to do it in, especially during extra-busy periods.
But often the true culprits are our everyday habits: what we eat, how we sleep, and how we cope emotionally. Listed below are some basic recharging changes that can help you tackle most, if not all of the energy stealers.
Energize Your Diet
Have breakfast... even if you don't feel hungry. You'll be a lot perkier:
Eat every three to four hours. Having three smallish meals and two snacks throughout the day can keep your blood sugar and energy levels stable all day long. A few meal ideas: a low-fat yogurt parfait with berries and a couple of tablespoons of whole-grain granola; salmon over mixed greens with whole-grain crackers; and beef tenderloin with a baked sweet potato and asparagus. Fill up on more fiber... the daily recommended suggestions: a bowl of raisin bran (5 grams of fiber per cup); black beans and cheese wrapped in a multigrain tortilla (beans have 7.5 grams per 1/2 cup; one tortilla has 5 grams); air-popped popcorn (3.6 grams per 3 cups); an apple with the skin (3.3 grams); and whole-wheat spaghetti (6.3 grams per cup). Fuel your body with omega-3s...found in fatty fish (such as tuna and salmon), walnuts, and canola oil, these essential fatty acids play a role in keeping you mentally alert. Stay hydrated always. You should be going every two to four hours to the loo and your urine should be clear or pale yellow in color. Tip: Besides drinking more, you can also consume foods that naturally contain water, such as yogurt, broccoli, carrots, and juicy fruits, like watermelons, oranges, and grapefruits. Also watch caffeine intake after noon. Typically, consuming a moderate amount of caffeine — 200 to 300 mg, the amount found in two to three cups of coffee — can make you more energetic and alert. But when caffeine is consumed in large quantities — or anytime in the afternoon or evening — the quality of your sleep that night can take a nosedive, leaving you with heavy eyelids the next day.
- Splash some water on your face or take a shower when you're feeling burned-out.
- Suit up in a "power" outfit to beat the blahs.
- Vent your feelings.
- Turn on some tunes.
- Let go of grudges.
- Take belly breaths.
- De-clutter a corner.
- Doing some good would also make you feel good
- Cut back on TV and computer time after 8 p.m
- Hide your alarm clock.
- Give your pet his own separate sleeping space.
- Lower the thermostat
- Skip the nightcap.
- Get your exercise.
- If you can't get to sleep within 15 minutes, get out and do something relaxing
- Write down your worries.
And there are many more….but organize the above and most of your stress factors would decide to take a holiday…. Leavin you much more energized until they decide to return….
WebMD Feature from "Redbook" MagazineBy Nancy Rones
Sunday, July 01, 2007
UNESCO offers training module on documentary scripts
UNESCO has released an instructional video that provides basic knowledge and useful advice for those interested in writing for documentaries....[for the Asia and the Pacific regions]
The video, prepared in partnership with the India's Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), educates users on the stages of documentary scriptwriting. The goal is to support local communication by making the knowledge of documentary production more widely available.
The video is available in DVD format.
For more information,
contact creativecontent@unesco.org or visit http://www.unescobk k.org/index. php?id=5965.
Article Courtesy : [ZESTMedia]
The video, prepared in partnership with the India's Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), educates users on the stages of documentary scriptwriting. The goal is to support local communication by making the knowledge of documentary production more widely available.
The video is available in DVD format.
For more information,
contact creativecontent@unesco.org or visit http://www.unescobk k.org/index. php?id=5965.
Article Courtesy : [ZESTMedia]
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