2nd ManipalBlog Short Story and Poetry Competition: Illuminati 2012 (India)

Monday, May 7, 2012

Deadline: 1 June 2012

After Illuminati 2011 received a good response,with 90 poems and 19 short stories,we announce the second edition of the ManipalBlog annual short story and poetry contest – Illuminati 2012.

We encourage student writers in India to explore and celebrate their talents by sending in their new, untried work. Writers may try their hand in both the categories: Short Story and Poetry.

MANIPALBLOG ANNUAL SHORT STORY AND POETRY COMPETITION: ILLUMINATI 2012

Illuminati 2012: the 2nd ManipalBlog Annual short story and poetry contest

Entries will be accepted between 12:00 AM , 1st May 2012 and 12:00 AM 1st June 2012. The entries will be published online at Manipalblog.com, on 1st June 2012 and one month will be given for our readers to appreciate and vote for them. Results will be announced on 15th August 2012 !

1. Eligibility:

• The contest is open to all student residents in India.
• Only original, unpublished, fictional short stories of 1500 words or less and written in English without profanity are eligible.
• Multiple entries in each category are allowed.
• Each article must contain solely the entrant’s original ideas and language. Your submission of the article and entry form is your guarantee that you are the sole author and copyright holder of the article.
• Entrants under the age of 18 may enter only with the permission of their parent or guardian.
• Administrators, Editors and Family members of ManipalBlog.com are not eligible to enter.

2. Restrictions: Entries may not be submitted for publication or published elsewhere (either digitally or in print). Incomplete or illegible entries and entries that do not meet the Eligibility standards in these official rules may be disqualified.

3. Short story requirements

• Be between 1000 to 2000 words.
• Be on the topic or theme provided.
• Be written in the English language.
• Be wholly the original work of the entrant, written solely by the entrant.
• Not be copied from any other source.
• Not have been previously broadcast or otherwise distributed or disseminated in any media or format.
• Not be in the public domain.
• Not be in violation of or in conflict with the trademark, copyright, rights of privacy, rights of publicity or any other rights, of any kind or nature, of any other person or entity.
• Not include any language or other content that is inappropriate, offensive, pornographic, or otherwise unfit for dissemination or broadcast, as determined by ManipalBlog.com in its sole discretion.
• Meet the deadline.

4. Poetry requirements

• No single poem should exceed 60 lines.
• Both metered and free verse qualify, as well as prose poems that are so designated by the poet are accepted.
• Be on the topic or theme provided.
• Be written in the English language.
• Be wholly the original work of the entrant, written solely by the entrant.
• Not be copied from any other source.
• Not have been previously broadcast or otherwise distributed or disseminated in any media or format.
• Not be in the public domain.
• Not be in violation of or in conflict with the trademark, copyright, rights of privacy, rights of publicity or any other rights, of any kind or nature, of any other person or entity.
• Not include any language or other content that is inappropriate, offensive, pornographic, or otherwise unfit for dissemination or broadcast, as determined by ManipalBlog.com in its sole discretion.
• Meet the deadline.

Entries not satisfying these criteria in any respect will be disqualified. If ManipalBlog.com, in its sole discretion, has reason to believe that any entry contains any material that may infringe or violate any law or any rights of a third party, or that the use or broadcast of such entry in the manner described herein may infringe or violate any law or any rights of a third party, ManipalBlog.com may immediately disqualify such entry

5. How to Enter: There is NO FEE to enter this contest. Follow these steps to enter:

• Complete the contest entry form here, and attach the word/.txt document and click on the submit form button.
• The entries must be received by 11:59pm on May 31st, 2012. The link will be inactive thereafter.
• By submitting a story entry, the entrant grants to ManipalBlog.com:
• The right to edit the Story for grammar, spelling and punctuation; and
• A non-exclusive, assignable, perpetual, license to produce, publish, distribute, transmit, exhibit, exploit, and license the Story and any portions thereof in any format (collectively “distribute” or “distribution,” as applicable) by any and all means, uses and media, whether audio, print, audiovisual or otherwise, now or hereafter known, throughout the universe in all languages without financial compensation.
• Incomplete or illegible entries may be disqualified.

6. Judging and Awards

• Like last year, we will be having prizes in the popular choice and critics choice categories for both short stories and poetry.
• The popular choice awards will be based on the traffic, Facebook ‘Likes’ and Tweets the short story/ poem generates between 1st June 2012 and 1st July 2012.
• Critics choice awards will be based on the scoring by our judging Panel. The judging panel may include: teaching professionals, librarians, children’s author, illustrators, and editors. Judging will begin on June 2, 2010 and the winners will be announced on or about August 15th, 2010 at the website www.manipalblog.com . The decisions of the judges are final and binding.
• Certificates will be given away to all the participants via mail or in person if they live in Manipal/Mangalore.
• Cash prizes for first place , second place , and third place will be offered in each of the categories (short stories and poetry).
• 5 entries in each category will receive online gift vouchers.
• There will be separate awards for popular and critics choice winners.
• The prizes in each category will be announced on 2nd June 2012. (Last year the total prize money was Rs. 10000/-and this year it will be much more than that!)
• Prizes will be awarded in Cash (If based in Manipal/Mangalore) or via Bank transfer only! We will not be mailing cheques or Demand Drafts to the winners.
• ManipalBlog.com reserves the right to refuse to award prizes in any category if the entries are considered to be of insufficient merit.

Entries that do not follow all of these instructions will be disqualified.

THE TOPICS AND THEMES for the Annual ManipalBlog Short Story & Poetry competition: Illuminati 2012 are as follows:

Short Story Topics:

• The first day of college, a love note, and I suddenly saw a light at a distance…
• A young student, corruption in the college, joins politics to save country
• The Tablet, 21/12, Technology saves humanity from the Mayans.

Poetry Themes:

• The girl at the fair
• Wonderland
• The sweet taste of Revenge

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For inquiries: mail to contests@manipalblog.com with Illuminati 2012 as the subject line

For submissions: visit www.manipalblog.com/illuminati2012

Website: http://manipalblog.com

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You Know How To Talk To A Girl?

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

As all of us knows, women are different from men. But let’s say that all we are the same, just for one second. Now is your turn to make that girl never forget you. From those first times, that look of her eyes, her smile, all of her…and you just want to know her better. But you don’t know how to talk with her. Don’t worry, is simple…

You can impress any girl by the way you talk with her. The way you introduce yourself has a good or bad impact on a girl. Is important to introduce yourself in a casual manner, without trying to impress her. You can say, “Hi, I am…., and is a pleasure to meet you!’’ Girls loves natural and simples words, but at the same time to be different and intresting; ,,You know that I see something beautiful in your eyes?’’ And most important look in her eyes while you talk with her. If you want to ,,catch’’ this girl you should listen all that she say, wait till she finish talking. You will see that she will be surprise when you will start talking after her. Don’t ask more that you need to know. It will be time for that after! Keep your eyes on her eyes, try to make a nice joke. Tell her that you like her smile and she will smile without to realise that. You can ask a girl simple and general questions if you want to know her. Ask her about hobbies, what she likes or dislikes. She will be surprise when you will tell that you like almost the same things. The sense of humor should be your ,,trump’’ . Don’t ask her boring question, be different! Don’t complinet her about the way she looks, this can turn off her mood and maybe she don’t understand your good intention. Don’t talk with her like you know her for a life. Tease with her, play a game of mystery, but at the same time be natural. Don’t try to be a ,,bad boy’’.

Ask her about passion, what colours she likes, what kind of music listen, what she like most when she watch a favorite movie. Girls likes when talk with a romantic men…all of us dream of Prince Charming with or without white horse…Girls likes to feel the passion and at the same time to be hunted. That’s our mystery, we are like an angel outside but a little devil inside. You will feel this passion in every girls eyes….hope you still look in her eyes when you ask her about all of this! Every time she want to know something about you, be yourself, natural, but tell it with passion, not just simple words…

After a while you will notice that she have a natural big smile on her face, she talk with you about all her dreams, her wishes, hopes, about life, hobbies, music, books... . That’s happened because you didn’t tried to come uninvited in her world…

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How to Overcome Language Barriers in the Workplace in Just Four Steps

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Language barriers can’t be avoided in a world where people journey from one place to another looking for greener pastures. However, we all know that occupational health and safety management systems and materials are written and carried out in English, which is the universal business language. Your foreign workers also need English skills to communicate with other staff members and customers on a daily basis. You too can become a pioneer in your industry and be perceived as a better corporate citizen and as a caring employer when you follow the strategies to eliminate language barriers below.

Step 1: Retain the Services of a Professional Translator

You will need to have a professional translation of your manuals and other employment literature done if you frequently hire migrant workers. This is especially needed for the orientation process, where new workers will need to become familiar with your procedures, especially safety regulations. Since it’s likely that the translator will also be translating HR forms and other sensitive documents, ensure that all parties sign a confidentiality agreement.

Step 2: Partner with Bilingual Resources Group to Offer an English as a Second Language Class

This is especially useful if you have a number of workers that need to learn English. All it takes is for you to provide a safe environment for learning – in some cases the State of Louisiana will even reimburse the cost of providing the training. Until your workers become proficient in English, encourage your managers and supervisors to be patient: your employee may already be self-conscious or may have a feeling of inadequacy because of his or her inability to express himself or herself clearly or completely.

Step 3: Encourage Managers and Supervisors to Become Bilingual

Managers can learn to converse directly with Spanish-speakers in as few as twenty training hours. Language skills instruction from the experts at Bilingual Resources Center can build communication bridges that enable foreign-born employees to rise to their full potential. This targeted training benefits not only foreign employees, but also customers who may have limited or absent English skills.

Step 4: Maintain an Open Environment Conducive to Learning

Even after your foreign workers take English classes and your supervisors and managers have become bilingual, there will still be some barriers, especially when it comes to idioms and nuances of the language. A good solution is to provide an environment in which workers will feel comfortable asking questions if they do not understand you. After all, wouldn’t you like to know about the workers’ lack of understanding right away, instead of waiting until an error has been made?

Always remember that your foreign workers need your support. These are hard workers, and you can help bring out their full potential by making the commitment to bridge the communications gap.

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How to Keep a Long Distance Relationship

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Being in a relationship itself entails a lot of hardwork and commitment, also maintaining a long distance relationship is even harder. Not everyone is lucky and only a few make it until the end. I can say that I'm one of the lucky few who is able to survive a relationship that involves being thousand miles away from my special someone.

The very first thing that you and your partner have to talk about is how committed you are even if you have to be away from each other for a period of time. A relationship will never survive if one is half-hearted or not committed enough. At the very onset of your long distance relationship, make sure you ask the important questions to make sure you are both clear on certain parameters. If the relationship is serious, you can ask if your partner is willing to relocate. How often will you see each other in a year? How will you communicate? Are you willing to wait? These are just some of the questions you have to settle before you go on.

When maintaining a long distance relationship, it is imperative that you keep a regular communication no matter what your time difference is. Since you won't be seeing each other, it is important to establish and maintain an emotional connection. You don't have to spend 6 hours talking to your partner but at least tell him how your day went. Tell each other about your little triumphs and misfortunes. There are so many ways to communicate, you can call or text each other on your mobile phones or use free VoIP or instant messaging applications. Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk and Skype are all wonderful applications that you can use. Use web cams so you can see each other.

Write love letters and send small gifts for no reason. You don't need to wait for your anniversary before you send your partner a little something! Another important thing when maintaining a long distance relationship is telling each other "I Love You" all the time. Don't miss any chance of telling that someone how much you care about him or her and how much he or she means to you. Make the other person feel that you are thinking about him or her all the time and distance won't change how you feel about each other.

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How to Start a Business

Saturday, November 8, 2008

There are still people today wondering how to start a business. That’s exactly why I started a series on starting businesses cheap, and not just any business, I mean businesses that could generate a significant income; 7 figure income if worked right. The best thing is you don’t have to spend a ton of money or any money at all to start a business. Today I’m going to show you how to start a landscaping business with little to no money. Where to begin? That’s the million-dollar question.

Landscaping is big business. A landscaping business can be big money. The best part is you can start a landscaping business for less than $100. That’s right, you’re reading this right. You can start a business in landscaping for less than $100! How can I do that you maybe wondering to yourself as you stare at the words in disbelief? Maybe even calling me a liar about now. But I’m about to show you how to start a business for little or no money.

Landscapers are those guys you see walking around cleaning yards, removing snow, making places look pretty, among other things in any season. And I know you’ve walked through Home Depot, Sears, or any other garden shop and gawked in horror at the prices of equipment these professionals use. But these stores aren’t the only places to find equipment. You can find this equipment at far less if you just visit your local flea markets. The same shovel you’d pay $9 to $25 for at a retail store you can purchase for $1 or a little bit more. The best part is there is no limits to the type of equipment you can find at flea markets to start a landscaping business.

So what do you do now that you found cheap equipment? Time to start a business! It is that simple. With the coming winter you may be in a position to take advantage of snowfall and build a little cash and customer base. The first thing you need to do is to make sure people know about you and what you’re offering. Although most places don’t allow soliciting you can still get the word out about your business. Tell everyone you know that you’re doing snow removal for the winter. I am not kidding. I do mean everyone you know. If you’re in a local church tell the members there too and ask if they could help you by referring people to you. The next thing is a genius idea. That printer you haven’t used in a while, maybe it’s time to fire it up. Create a simple one page sales letter detailing what you do and drop it in mailboxes. That doesn’t sound too hard does it? A couple of pennies spent can make you a few dollars easy.

So what services do you offer with a landscaping business? As a landscaper you can offer snow removal services, planting services, cleanup, yard decoration, and sprucing and pruning just to name a few services. The best part of your new business is that you can operate it without much overhead. You don’t have to go spend any money on renting because your home can be your office. You don’t even have to worry about business zoning because you don’t have to register the business. I would suggest however that you check with your local ordinance to make sure you don’t need any licensing, which varies from location to location.

But those are the simple steps to starting a business in a nutshell. It’s not overly complicated and it’s not rocket science. Starting a cheap business, or if you want to word it as starting a business cheap, that’s up to you. But the premise is the same. Use the cheapest method that gets you going. Let people know about the services you’re going to offer. If you’re buying something tell the store clerk about what you’re doing, you never know. You’re the salesman for your business and you will be doing everything. Learn to sell as much as you will work. Most importantly be determined and never stop, never accept failure, and be ready for setbacks and working through them. Hopefully that answers the question of “how to start a business.” Be on the lookout for more Cheap Business ideas coming soon.

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How to get over a Broken Heart!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Need to know how to get over a broken heart? Surviving the breakup of a relationship isn’t the easiest thing to do sometimes, but eventually your broken heart will heal and you may find you are a better and stronger person.

Talking to a friend or family member you can trust will help you begin the process of healing your heart. It might take longer than you expect to get past the hurt and pain you feel now, but it will happen. Be patient with yourself.

Be good to yourself. Don’t let yourself just sit around feeling blue and sad. Hang out with your friends and let yourself laugh! Laughter can go a long way towards showing you how to get over a broken heart.

Once you start feeling better, let yourself take a look at the relationship to see where things went wrong. What could you have done differently or better? If you see room for improvement in your behavior, begin to make those changes. This will help you in future relationships.

If you are having trouble figuring out how to get over a broken heart, you aren’t alone. Everybody does. You need to decide that you are not only going to survive this, you are going to come out of it and thrive! Setting some goals to achieve and then focus on achieving them.


The break up of a relationship will only be as devastating as you let it be. Think of it as a new beginning, one that you can build a strong foundation on for the future. I hope these few simple tips will help you see how to get over a broken heart.

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How To Relieve The Pain Of A Sore Back

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Doctors are constantly faced with trying to find how to relieve the pain of a sore back that their patients are suffering with. Around the world, sore backs are by far one of the most common ailments and disabling problems there are. In addition to dealing with the pain, those suffering also have to see their lifestyle change for the worse, as they cannot do the things they would normally do. The result of this, in many cases, is lost wages since there is often work missed, sometimes for a long period of time. Trying to find out how to relieve the pain of a sore back is very important in being able to live a satisfying and productive existence.

When asking how to relieve the pain of a sore back, one of the best things that you can do is get lots of restful sleep. This enables you to take a break from the pain. It also helps your body heal itself. This can help to decrease the inflammation that you may be experiencing and will also allow a chance for damaged nerves to heal.

Sleeping through the night is one thing that is difficult to do for people with sore and aching backs. A change in the way you normally sleep may help you accomplish this. Using a firm mattress and lying on your side can help. While you are on your side, placing a pillow between your knees will bring more comfort and relieve stress from your spine. The firmer mattress will provide much needed support and having the pillow between your knees will help get the back aligned properly.

Getting deep muscle massages is another thing you should think about getting when researching how to relieve the pain of a sore back. Deep muscle massages will help you immensely in relaxing you and helping you and your body to get much needed rest. It also will help improve blood circulation and stimulate levels of endorphin. These benefits all work together in helping you to endure and overcome chronic pain. Getting a good back massage will assist in easing muscle tension and provides relief pain you are enduring. Massages will also help increase range of movement, helping you get that normal life you desire back.

Doing a light exercise once or twice daily will help you to increase your muscle tone and also help keep your muscles strong. Improved mobility is also a benefit of exercise. You don't have to take on any major and difficult exercise regimen; just take a 15-20 minute walk once or twice a day will yield significant results. Getting active in this manner will help you in many ways. If you don’t do it, however, your body will weaken even more. The choice is to get stronger or get weaker. There is no middle ground.

There is one thing that will provide the most help when researching how to relieve the pain of a sore back. Getting exercise will be incredibly beneficial to you because it will help you reach and keep a healthy weight. Many back problems that are experienced by people are a direct result of carrying too much weight. If you will learn to drink plenty of water, eat right, and get some exercise every day this will help you decrease the pain you go through. This will also aid your body in becoming healthier and will help make it able to heal itself at a faster rate.

How to relieve the pain of a sore back is not something that is a complicated endeavor. It can be done very effectively if you will allow yourself an opportunity and can make a commitment to it.

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