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Guiding Junior Project Managers – Helping Them Grow

Large projects require more than one hand at the helm in order to be successful. While you might head up the project as THE project manager, chances are good that you’re going to have one or more junior project managers working beneath you. Those junior PMs are more than just important assets; they can become valuable allies down the road. It’s in your best interests (and the best interests of your project) to ensure that you’re able to guide them through growth. What should you know?
Round Out Their Experience
One of the most important things you can do for your junior PMs is to ensure that you help them round out their experience. For instance, if one of your junior PMs has plenty of experience in other areas but is lacking in the realm of business operations, take the steps necessary to ensure that he or she is able to develop the necessary familiarity. Partner them with a business analyst, or team them up with another junior manager who understands the language of business. Do this for your junior project managers and you’ll find that they quickly develop stronger skills and greater confidence.
Invest in Ongoing Training
Another vital thing you can do for junior PMs is to invest in ongoing training for them. While they might have gone through basic PM training and earned their certificate, that’s often not enough for them to begin climbing the ladder toward the senior PM position. Company-specific training, management training, team management training and numerous other options exist. Sit down with the junior PM and determine what their weakest areas are. From that point, you can determine what ongoing training will be necessary.
Personal Help
If you find that one of your more promising junior project managers needs a more personal touch with training and growth, don’t be afraid to take them under your wing. This works well for developing protégés, but it can also be used to help those who you need in other areas of the project. Let them be your shadow. Explain management tips, techniques, tools and systems to them. Show them how your specific PM software works and what its abilities and limitations are.
Foster Ownership
In order for any project manager to be successful, there has to be a sense of ownership. You (or the junior PM in question) need to feel that it is YOUR project. That implies accountability for mishaps and problems, but it also implies developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Entrepreneurs don’t fall back and assume that someone else will take care of a problem. They solve it. They don’t pawn responsibilities off on others. They do them. Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in your junior project managers can have profound benefits down the road.
With the right care and the right steps, you can begin turning your junior project managers into potential senior management candidates. It only takes a little time and a helping hand, and you’ll see your projects succeed, and watch as those you’ve trained go on to achieve things on their own.

Ken Kutaragi: the Ultimate Technology Project Manager

Below is an excerpt from Donato Piccinno’s The Ultimate It Project Manager: a Plethora of Wisdom in Achieving Executive Level-Recognition and Performance, now available on Amazon.
“Now it’s history I see.” — Alphaville, “Big in Japan”
Following the release of the potentially marriage-wrecking, transactional life-inducing Sony Playstation 4, what valuable lessons can we learn about technology project management from Playstation’s inventor and the master of Moore’s Law, Ken Kutaragi?
I have always loved video games. Since the late ’70s, my hobby has been computer games. I have lived through, and experienced, all generations of technology. If it were not for video games, I’d probably not be writing this book. The innovators behind the hardware and the iconic games fascinate me. Most of them started from their bedrooms or garages. What happened all those years ago still has repercussions today.
As I write this chapter in June 2013, there is a story on Sky News. When the film E.T. hit the cinemas, Atari planned the massive release of a cartridge-based game for its 2600 system. Unfortunately, that particular console was coming to the end of its life. The market for all those E.T. cartridge games was not there. Atari had missed the boat.
IT project failure has two things in common with the mistake Atari made. IT projects fail when nobody wants what they have produced — when the the IT project delivery team fails to understand the needs of their market audience. Another reason for failure is releasing a solution that is not quite ready.
So, what can we learn from the innovators who ushered in the digital entertainment era?
Well, there are hundreds of lessons to learn. Not far from where I live is a company that developed software for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum in the early ’80s. Fast forward to the 21st century, and Microsoft has purchased the company to develop software for the Xbox 360.
I’m going to put the spotlight on Ken Kutaragi, the “Father of the Sony PlayStation.” He rose from an engineer role in Sony’s analogue heydays to become vice president of Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). At one point, SCE’s contribution to Sony’s profits reached 23 percent. My starting point is one of Kutaragi’s quotes. It oozes “beat the plan:”

“I wanted to prove that even regular employees – no, especially regular company employees – could build a venture of this scale with superb technology, superb concepts, and superb colleagues.” — Ken Kutaragi

If you want to be emphatic and get noticed on a run-of-the-mill IT project, use a variation of Ken Kutaragi’s words in front of your project team and key stakeholders. The catch is that you can only say this in the project closure meeting.

“I wanted to prove that even regular employees – no, especially regular company employees – can deliver an IT project of this scale with superb technology, superb concepts, and superb colleagues.” — Future You

That’s the first thing we can learn when attempting a difficult IT project with “beat the plan” in mind: you’ve got to be a man or woman with a mission. It is important to note that when Ken Kutaragi decided he was a man with a mission, he was just an engineer. At the time, Sony was a business designed to build, mass-produce, and market products for the analogue age. Can you imagine the first reaction Kutaragi got when talking about a video games console using digital signal processing and CD-ROM? Probably a similar reaction many of us see on IT projects when there is the merest suggestion of using a different technology.
It’s the NIMBY syndrome: Not in my backyard! At the heart of this response is the natural fear of radical technological change. The motivation is entirely appropriate. It is born out of not wasting organisational time and money. Given the reputation of IT project delivery, it is no wonder business representatives are fearful of the potential disruption to business operational stability. When I’ve encountered this reaction, it feels like Alice in Wonderland when Alice meets the Red Queen.

“’A slow sort of country,’” said the Red Queen. ‘Now here, you see, it takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!’” — Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass

Ken Kutaragi was an Alice looking for a Wonderland — and he found it.
So, what did he do, and what does making video game consoles have in common with IT project failure?
IT project failure has nothing in common with the birth of the PlayStation. If there were commonalities, I suspect the launch of the Sony PS4 would be a chapter in a science fiction novel. The successful birth of the PlayStation has a lot in common with the 33 percent IT project success rate. Ken Kutaragi managed his project with critical outcomes in mind. Ken Kutaragi maintained a link between his process of innovation and the needs of the business he served.
A successful IT project is a business-driven product development process that goes from development to maturity. Successful IT projects can empirically predict, with certainty, the end point where the solution is mature enough for release. From the point Ken Kutaragi envisioned the original PlayStation, he accurately predicted it would be 10 years before technology was mature enough to build a mass consumer product. Basically, he surrounded himself with the expert designers and builders he needed to make it happen. IT projects fail because of the latency involved in getting ahold of expert designers and builders to create momentum.
Ken Kutaragi’s innovation process was technology-fusion friendly. Although the PlayStation has a distinct identity, Kutaragi’s technical solution was the result of ease of convergence between different technical streams. IT projects can fail because the project team does not think through how their technical solution will converge within the overall technical environment in which it operates. For example, hosting is not designed with the networking in mind, or when the application is not designed with the hosting arrangements in mind. Ken Kutaragi ensured the design process was robust. Robust designs can be extended without breaking everything else. Many failed IT projects are the progeny of poor design.
When trying to execute a complex activity in an organisational environment that is not designed to be conducive, assiduously feeding knowledge into the process is paramount. Ken Kutaragi did the exact opposite. He did not have it all his own way, though. Ken pursued a relationship with Nintendo, but failed to appreciate Nintendo’s true intentions. Nintendo pulled out of a potential partnership with Sony and pursued a similar venture with Philips. IT projects can fail when the various partners perceive the benefits as unequal. Such perceptions create disunity and discord. Nintendo’s U-turn came as a bit of a surprise to Ken. He found out about Nintendo’s intentions through the media grapevine. Infrequent communication between partners, in particular between each third party technical team, are pervasive on failed IT project delivery.
So what did Ken do so well that we can learn from? The one feature of his success that stands out the most is the people he surrounded himself with. He actively sought them out. How much did all those IT projects in the 66 percent failure category think through the governance or team makeup?
Ken could not deliver his vision alone. He had a coach who guided him managerially. More importantly,t he recognized he needed one. He also brought along a trusted confidant. How many of us IT project managers have a coach or confidant to show us where we may be going wrong? Ken surrounded himself with experts in the fields of distribution, marketing, ergonomics, production, and engineering. He made it his mission to get the attention of Sony’s top management.
Failed IT project delivery experiences middle management inertia that just gets in the way and slows the project down. Ken Kutaragi learned that lesson very early on in his Sony career.
Successful IT project managers behave like Ken. They don’t make the same mistake twice, and they don’t solve problems with the same thinking that created them.
Ken was passionate about the actual solution he was delivering. Would it be surprising to assume that failed IT projects may be led by IT project managers who are dispassionate about what they are delivering? I have worked on several challenged deliveries and, on reflection, I was indifferent about the technology involved and the aims of the project.
Anger at Nintendo’s betrayal was a source of motivation for Sony to press ahead with their own venture. Successful IT projects deal with letdowns effectively, efficiently, and ruthlessly. Someone agrees to do something. Then they either don’t it or they do the wrong thing. If you let it go, history repeats itself. Getting angry about what happened to spur the necessary corrective action can only be healthy for the project.
The venture to develop the PlayStation was separated from Sony. It was a deliberate decision to protect the venture from the status quo. Is it a coincidence that matrix management is at play in the environment where failed IT projects are delivered?
In my experience, I tend to find that the resources and skills to effectively deliver an IT project are locked away in organizational silos. I say something along the lines of, “Wouldn’t it be great and optimal to pull everyone into a single team?” Everyone nods in agreement, but then says, “But that is not how we are organized.” Ken did not blindly accept that the status quo organizational design was going to enable the delivery. He sought executive-level support to change it.
In the video game console industry, your console is a white elephant without games. Game developers are just as important as end users. To get them on board, Sony put on “an astonishing demonstration.” It is the word “astonishing” that interests me the most.
The most publicized root cause of IT project failure is lack of end user involvement, which has a connection to poor communication selling the solution. Anecdotal feedback includes, “Nobody spoke to us,” “We didn’t see it before we got it,” or “That demo was so boring and flaky.” The two principles at play in the PlayStation communications strategy were: make the demos astonishing, and advertise only if the product is interesting.
I hope that one day I will meet Ken Kutaragi. When I fall out of love with my job, I think about what Ken Kutaragi would say to me. That was after Marlon Brando, in his role of Godfather, had finished giving me some verbal slaps because I felt like Johnny Fontaine, who’d just been dumped as an actor!
I think Ken would say, “You fell out of love with your job because…

You convinced yourself perfection was not attainable.
You did not use all the resources at your disposal.
As a worker bee, you thought you felt you could not work independently of the hive.
Your project teams were not formed by like-minded individuals.
You blindly accepted ways of working that stopped you from striving for quality.”
Those are not “beat the plan” behaviors in the little-big-planet world of contemporary business.

3 Factors to Consider When Picking a Side Hustle

A side hustle is an essential part of building wealth and creating the means to do more with the limited time we have. Many people have never even considered having a source of income outside of their day jobs.

But wouldn’t it be great to rid yourself of the financial pressures you face? Not having to worry about the end of the month and what your bank balance is?

Starting with a side hustle is now easier than ever, but it might be worth considering these 3 factors before you jump straight in.

Time
You need to make sure whatever side hustle you decide to embark upon is suitable for your time commitments. Some side hustles require much more time than others. Blogging for example is extremely time consuming. Although it may be one of the most profitable side gigs it might not be suitable for your lifestyle.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a hustle that does suite your needs. There are countless ways to make extra income, you just need to explore your options and pick what you are able to commit to. Here are just some examples of side hustles that do not require a great deal of your precious time:

User testing
eBay Flipping
Rent out Car
Rent out House
Complete tasks on TaskRabbit
Online Surveys
Recommended article: 29 Awesome Side Hustle Ideas To Make Extra Money

Skill
Obviously the more skill a side hustle requires, the more profitable it will likely be. Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t develop and learn the skills needed to do any side hustle you want. It just means it may take more time before you jump in and start making money.

But this is something that you should carefully consider.

Investing in education is the best way to significantly increase your earnings. And this is where many people fall short. You see, it’s so easy to think $500 or $1000 is a massive outlay and not worth it.

But you will be able to develop and learn the skills required to perform a side hustle that could make this initial investment back and more. And that is the key to investing in yourself and your ability to earn more money in the future.

Passion
Do you need to passionate about your side hustle selection?

Well, the truth is, it helps.

And it helps a lot.

There are so many things you could do to earn more money outside of you main source of income. Bu the chances are you have hobbies and interest. And this could actually give you a leg up over the competition.

Take for example a music teacher. They work at a school doing 40 hours a week for standard teachers pay. This is great, but the teacher wants to improve their life and make more money.

Now they could consider starting a blog or running Facebook ads. Both are great side hustles and would do the job perfectly.

But if the music teacher considers their skills then an ideal side hustle is right under their nose. Giving music lessons on the side means they can charge a decent price because they are already qualified and they can get started right away.

This won’t be the case for everyone, and if you don’t have any obvious skills that you can monetise, don’t worry. Remember, skills are transferable and the side hustle options are many.

But having a passion is a great way to start side hustling the right way – and it means you can make even more money.

Booming: Television News Channels in India

News programmes have suddenly become hot property and are vying for attention with other popular programmes telecast in different channels. All major television broadcasters are including at least one news channel to their bouquet. The biggest headache for launching a satellite channel is programme software for round the clock. In this juncture, newsgathering is a major task for the 24-hour news channels. To cater this task, the emerging electronic channels have always made an attempt to cover all the incidents irrespective of position, location and time. These channels not only revolutionized the concept of news on Indian television but also changed the news formats. Before 1990s, Doordarshan had monopolized newscast on Indian television and also turned the news programs into a dowdy exercise. Now the private channels made the news an essential commodity like food, cloth and shelter. The strong point of all today’s news bulletins is their topicality, objectivity, glossy editing and high-quality visuals. News has traveled a long way from the DD era. From Local events to International events, breaking news to news analysis, television soap to page3 news, every happening comes under purview of news. In this article, we have covered some significant changes in news broadcasting in India before and after the Gulf War.

Indian Television – Flash Back

Television in India is undergoing significant changes in the current liberalized environment. To understand these changes, one needs to have some brief idea of the road covered by the television channels so far. The journey started as an experimental basis with a financial grant from UNESCO in 15th September 1959. The makeshift studio at Akashvani Bhavan in New Delhi was chosen for location of the experiment. The experiment started with one-hour program, broadcast twice a week, on community health, citizen rights, education and traffic sense etc. As far as news is concerned, it was launched exactly six years after the inception of television broadcasting. Daily one-hour program with a news bulletin was served to the Indian viewers. But one major drawback of television was that you could not enjoy the original colour of the objects because of black and white transmission. First multi-color programme was the Prime Minister’s address to the nation from Red Fort in Delhi on India’s 35th Independence Day. In the same day, DD National channel was launched. The aim of launching the National channel is nurturing national integration, and inculcating a sense of pride in Indians. Indian viewers also enjoyed the colored version of the Asian Games hosted by New Delhi in their drawing room. The coverage of major events and different occasions lend a big hand behind the infiltration of television signals to the nook and corners of the subcontinent. Indian Government had taken all possible steps to expand the television broadcasting demographically and geographically. In 1983 television signals were available to just 28% of the population, this had doubled by the end of 1985 and by 1990 over 90% of the population had access to television signals. In 1984, DD Metro channel was added to provide an exclusive entertainment for the urban viewers. In the beginning, this channel was confined to metropolitan cities.
As a public broadcaster, Doordarshan presented the news in naturalized manner. All controversial issues were pushed under the carpet. The ruling government had a strong hold on the television broadcasting. Doordarshan news bulletins were unable to provide the international news to the national viewers. Objectivity had been the first casualty as news was invariably slanted to suit the party in power. The news was liberated from the confines of the DD newsroom and gained in objectivity and credibility when New Delhi Television (NDTV) produced ‘The World This Week’ in 1988. Everyone was waiting for the Friday night to watch ‘The World This Week’. This was the only India-based programme, which looked out at the rest of the world. The World This Week was the best current affairs programme on the international scenario and carried good stuff of news, which the regular DD news was failed to carry out. This program is ranked as one of the country’s finest and most popular television shows. In 1989, NDTV produces India’s first live televised coverage of the country’s general elections. The critical and commercial success of the coverage sets a new standard for Indian television. After the Gulf War the media panorama has changed forever.

Golf War – The Catalyst

Post-1990 satellite television in India has become transnational in nature. It coincided with the entry of multinational companies in the Indian markets under the Government policy of privatization. International satellite television was introduced in India by CNN through its coverage of the Gulf War in 1991. In August 1991, Richard Li launched Star Plus, the first satellite channel beamed the signal to Indian subcontinent. Subhash Chandra’s Zee TV appeared in October 1992. It is India’s first privately owned Hindi channel to cater the interest of Indian viewers. This ignition followed by Sony and a little later by domestic channels such as Eenadu, Asianet and Sun TV. Entertainment programs had begun to occupy center stage in the organization’s programming strategies and advertising had come to be main source of funding. Doordarshan’s earlier mandate to aid in the process of social and economic development had clearly been diluted. Doordarshan had faced a stiff competition in news and public affairs programming with international channels like BBC and CNN. Doordarshan planned to sell some slots for news programme under sponsored category. In February 1995, NDTV becomes the country’s first private producer of the national news ‘News Tonight’, which aired on the country’s government-owned Doordarshan set a new landmark for Indian television because of its on-the-spot reporting with pertinent visuals. In the same year, TV Today Network occupied a 20 minutes slot in DD Metro channel and aired a Hindi and current affairs programme ‘Aaj Tak’. This programme became popular for its comprehensive coverage and unique style presentation by Late S. P. Singh. Still we remembered the sign-up message “Ye Thi Khabar Aaj Tak, Intizar. Kijiye Kal Tak”. Large number of viewers across India had been watching Aaj Tak as a daily habit because of its innovative style of news presentation. Besides that Nalini Singh’s five-minute fast paced, condensed daily news capsule Ankhon Dekhi, TV Today Network’s Business Aaj Tak and Newstrack was aired on the Metro channel of Doordarshan. This is the period when satellite channels concentrated on entertainment programmes for their respective channels. Doordarshan was still ruled the most wanted area ‘news’.

Major Players

Doordarshan’s monopoly was broken in 1992, when private television channels infiltrated into the Indian boundaries and entertain the viewers as much as possible. In the beginning of 1990s, the private channels offered only entertainment programmes. The entertainment programs include family drama, comedy serials, children programmes, cartoons, movies, talk shows, recipe shows, musical concerts, non-fiction programmes etc. Private entertainment channels added some infortainment programmes to their Fixed Point Charts (FPC). Keeping the demand of infotainment programmes in mind, the media houses started to produce news magazines, entertainment magazines and news programmes for different channels. India’s premier business and consumer news broadcaster and a leading media content provider, Television Eighteen India Limited (TV18) started India’s first ever entertainment magazine ‘The India Show’ on Star Plus in 1993. This emerging media powerhouse provided prime time television content to almost all leading satellite channels in India including BBC, Star Plus, Sony Entertainment Television, Zee, MTV and Discovery. After The India Show, TV18 produced a weekly business news program India Business Report for BBC World. Indian viewers had very limited options (like public service broadcaster Doordarshan, BBC and CNN) for watching the television news. For televised news, the viewers had to watch Dordarshan and some international news channels like BBC or CNN. In this race to provide more news, more information, Zee Television jumped into the battlefield by launching the news channel Zee News in 1995. This News and current affairs channel revolutionized the way news was delivered to the viewers. Since its inception Zee News has endeavoured to be the fastest to provide news, working towards a single goal of Sabse Pahle (Always First). The other round-the-clock news channel, the Murdoch-owned Star TV beamed its exclusively 24-hour news channels, Star News in 1998. Star made a contract of five year with Prannoy Roy-owned NDTV (New Delhi Television Company) to provide news content for this news channel.
The untiring exhaustive coverage of the Kargil war between India and Pakistan gained more publicity and attracted more viewers towards the electronic channel. This televised conflict also sets a news benchmark for wartime journalism. During the Kargil war, common citizens witnessed how their brave Jawans fought despite in hostile conditions and watched the war front live by the exclusively news channels, Star-TV and Zee-News. The live coverage of the battlefield helped to create a euphoria of patriotism among the Indian masses, which later facilitated into collecting huge funds for the welfare of the families of Kargil martyrs. Every news programme draws the attention of large number of viewers but Kargil war attracts private broadcasters to invest more money in the broadcasting business by launching a news channel. In November 1999, TV18 entered into a 49:51 joint venture with CNBC Asia to launch CNBC India. TV18 is the sole program provider to CNBC India, and produces 12 hours of local content per day on this 24-hour satellite channel.
After the huge success of news programme ‘Aaj Tak’, TV Today group launched a 24-hour Hindi news channel with the same name ‘Aaj Tak’, in December 2000, which covers India with insight, courage and plenty of local flavour. Within 11 months of its launch, Aaj Tak emerged as India’s number one news channel and was awarded Best News Channel award from Indian Television Academy Awards. Some mega events apart from regular interesting items (such as Kandhahar hijack, September 11 attacks, Afghanistan war, attack on Parliament, Iraq war, Godhra carnage and riots) have driven up the viewership. As time passed, NDTV’s five years contract with Star group for outsourcing of news and related programming expired on March 2003. With the expiry NDTV forayed into broadcasting business by simultaneously launching two 24-hour news channels; NDTV 24X7 – English news channel and NDTV India – Hindi news channel, which targets the Indian diaspora across the world. News crazy Indians received more news at faster speed from different channels. Any unusual happening can be caught by the television camera anywhere form Rastrapati Bhawan to bedroom. The power of TV journalism was become more visible by the major sting operations like Operation West End and Shakti Kapoor Case. This style of investigative journalism has brought about a change in the way we look at news, amidst new notions of editorial freedom. The world’s largest family ‘Sahara India Parivar’ launched a 24-hour national Hindi news channel, Sahara Samay, in March 28, 2003. It is the first ever city-centric satellite news channels covering 31 cities in India with their own city news bulletins. Keeping the demand of news in mind, the Union cabinet approved the proposal to convert the DD Metro to DD news in a meeting held on 3 October 2003. Consequent to these decisions, DD-News channel was launched on 3 November 2003. You might have noticed that the news channels are language specific. But DD’s news channel contains the round the clock news bulletins in Hindi/ English are also telecast twice a day on the National Network of DD National.
‘Aap Ki Adalat’ fame Rajat Sharma, Sohaib Ilyasi, the man behind the highly successful ‘India’s Most Wanted’ and Taun Tejpal, editor-in-chief of Tehelka roped together and launched a free-to-air Hindi news and current affairs channel India TV on May 20, 2004. Indian viewers had more expectations from this channel. The much-awaited news channel hopes to set itself apart from the existing ones by setting new benchmarks of responsible journalism. Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Rajat Sharma, chairman, India TV, said, “We aim to change the way broadcast news reporting is being conducted in the country. India TV will set new benchmarks by maintaining international standards of responsible and credible news reporting. We will stay away from graphic depictions of violence and sensationalism of news. We will uphold the viewer’s right to correct information and their right to truth and verity. India TV is not just a news channel, it is a movement.” NDTV as a pioneer in Indian television news, set to create a fresh revolution in high-quality business news with the launch of NDTV Profit. NDTV launched this 24-hour business channel on January 17th, 2005.
There is no saturation point in launching of news channel, just booming like sky as the limit. Entertainment channel to infotainment channel, infotainment channel to news channel, news channels to business channel and Business channel to lots more. Now the satellite channels become more topicality with international standard. When we are talking about topicality, CNBC TV18, the only business channel, continues to be the medium of choice for India’s decision makers, affluent audiences across the country since 1999. It has set the pace for the growth in number of television channels by launching a 24-hour consumer channel in Hindi called ‘ Awaaz’. This news channel focusses on empowering consumers on decision-making related to investment, saving and spending. All the programmes are catering to consumers across different walks of life, which included personal finance; variety of markets including commodity, stocks, savings etc.; small businesses; education & career guidance; and verticals like health, shopping etc.
Another news channel was finally launched into the already cluttered news space in Indian television. Jagran TV Pvt Limited’s news channel, Channel 7 up-linked to the air on 27 March 2005. The channel has been set up to cater to the vast Hindi-speaking audiences, already being targeted by a slew of news channels. Channel 7 developed every programme with a bid to cater to all types of audiences and not just pre-dominantly male audiences who get attracted towards news channels.

Regional Leaders

To cater the interest among the Indians, Doordarshan televises programmes in Hindi and associate Official languages. It has launched a number of Regional Language Satellite Channels (DD – 4 to DD – 11 and DD – 13) and telecast programmes in Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, Kashmiri, Oriya and Tamil. The Regional channels relayed by all terrestrial transmitters in the state and additional programmes in the Regional Language in prime time and non-prime time available only through cable operators. The Doordarshan regional satellite channels telecast major news programme with some entertainment programmes.
If you think about the private regional channels, they have followed the path of the Big brother (i.e Doordarshan). They are neither completely entertainment channel nor exclusively news channel. They are following the middle path and claiming themselves an infotainment channels. The private channels televise through the state dominant languages. Rising advertising revenues and increasing numbers of viewers have provided the impetus for many big players to enter into the business. Some regional media leaders like ETV, Sun TV, Asianet have a strong grip over the regional market. Some major players tried their luck in different states. Zee television has three regional channels; Zee Marathi, Zee Punjabi and Zee Bangla. Star Network entered into Tamilnadu by launching Star Vijay, one of the most popular entertainment channels in India broadcasting in Tamil. Besides that ETV Network is a part of the well-established Ramoji Group, has created 12 dedicated infotainment regional channels. ETV network is the source of rich entertainment of eight different languages. Those are: Telugu, Bangla, Marathi, Kannada, Oriya, Gujarati, Urdu; and Hindi to viewers in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Every ETV Network channel focuses exclusively on its audience’s unique cultural identity, its aspirations and its distinct socio-political character. Let us think about the south Indian language Telugu, there are around twelve satellite channels are roaming around the sky with different taste and different flavour. These channels include three news channels, one song-based channels and rest are infotainment channels. When we confine ourselves into news, three channels (ETV2, TV 9 and Teja News) exclusively devoted to news programmes.
Sahara India Pariwar is proud to have five news channels as the bouquet of Sahara Samay. These channels are: Sahara Samay NCR, Sahara Samay Mumbai, Sahara Samay Bihar & Jharkhand, Sahara Samay Madhya Pradesh & Chattisgarh, and Sahara Samay Uttar Pradesh & Uttranchal. Sahara Samay has already managed to gain a loyal audience in India through a bouquet of National & Regional News Channels since its launch. These channels are youthful and vibrant channels targeting students and women, besides that hardcore news stuff. The regional news channels covers the entire spectrum of genre with specific programs on lifestyle, fashion, food, shopping, health and fitness, sports, education, career and city issues, besides giving user-friendly information on traffic updates, city events, train and air timings, etc. Now national news channels cannot confine its boundary to national level. They cannot ignore the regional news because of the stiff competition form the regional cannels. Regional news channels are entering into the competition with a strong will power and also with an aim to portrait regional issues in national and international level.

Conclusion

Now the television industry becomes more specific. In this competitive market, channels are targeting specific viewers. News channels attract more viewers beyond their target by producing interactive and interesting programmes. Every channel needs to do an extensive research on different concepts and different themes to attract more viewers and in the same time more advertisers. After all, advertisements are the bread and butter for the channels. With increased consumer preference for news programmes, television news channels have grown faster than other niche channels. News channels are booming just like sky as the limit. Those days are not far away, when we will get satellite news channel for every major city in India. Staying in abroad, we can update ourselves about all the happening of our hometown. Now news is not restricted to political happenings. It will be extended its limit to every unwanted and hided corners of the society. At last we can reach in the conclusion that anything, which is strange or disgusting, is news. There are no rigid rules, which defines news.

How to Freeze and Store Your Vietnamese Pho

How to Freeze and Store Your Vietnamese Pho Broth

Pho is a delicious Vietnamese soup with rice noodles, protein (usually beef or chicken), and a flavorful broth. The broth is key to good pho and can be time-consuming to make from scratch. If you’re short on time, you may wonder if you can freeze the broth for later use. Here’s what you need to know about freezing, storing, and reheating your pho broth.

Can You Freeze Pho Broth?

The answer is yes! You can absolutely freeze your pho broth for future use. In fact, freezing is one of the best ways to store your broth to retain its flavour and freshness. When freezing pho broth, there are a few things to remember. First, let the broth cool before transferring it to an airtight container. We like to use Mason jars because they seal tightly and stack easily in the freezer.

Fill the jars to the top so minimal air exposure can cause freezer burn. Label the jars with the date so you know how long they’ve been in the freezer (broth can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months). And when you’re ready to use the frozen broth, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stove over low heat.

How Long Does Pho Broth Last in the Refrigerator?

If you don’t plan on freezing your pho broth, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. As with freezing, it’s essential to transfer the cooled broth to an airtight container before storing it in the fridge. I like to use these containers because they have tight-fitting lids that create a seal, keeping out any unwanted bacteria or flavours.

When transferring hot liquids to containers, always leave some headspace (about 1 inch) at the top to allow for expansion as the liquid cools. Otherwise, your container could crack or break from the pressure. And as with freezing, when you’re ready to use refrigerated pho broth, reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed throughout. Do not microwave the broth, as this can cause it to become watery.

How Do You Know When Pho Broth Has Gone Bad?

Pho broth that has gone bad will have an off-putting odour like sour milk and will no longer be a nice, clear colour. If your pho broth has any signs of spoilage, it’s best to throw it out and start fresh rather than risk food poisoning. If you’re unsure whether your pho broth is still good, err on the side of caution and toss it. It’s not worth taking the chance!

What are the Health Benefits of Pho Broth?

Pho broth is not only delicious, but it’s also good for you! The broth is packed with nutrients like protein, calcium, and magnesium, and it’s also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. Pho broth can help boost your immune system, promote healthy bones and teeth, and improve your digestion. So whenever you have the chance, we recommend you go ahead and enjoy a bowl of pho—it’s not only delicious but also good for you!

Pho is a delicious Vietnamese soup made with rice noodles and protein (usually beef or chicken) in a flavorful broth. The key to a good pho is a good broth, and while it can be time-consuming to make from scratch, it’s worth it! If you find yourself short on time, you can freeze your pho broth for future use. Just remember to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container—We like using Mason jars—and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to use frozen pho broth, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove over low heat. Bon appetit!

Don’t want to make pho yourself? No problem, head over to Toronto Pho and get your pho fix! We’re open late and have delivery, takeout, and dine-in options. Come visit us at one of our 4 locations across Ontario for the best Vietnamese eats.

What does TorontoPHO offer?

Toronto Pho offers delicious, authentic Vietnamese cuisine at four locations across Ontario. All of our recipes are revised versions of dishes that have been passed down through generations in our family. Our menu includes various options, and we’re open late at night at all four locations!

We welcome you to come to enjoy a meal with us or take advantage of our takeout and delivery services today.

Eco-friendly packaging, a new trend in the cosmetic industry!

In the world of cosmetics, packaging is everything. It’s what catches the eye of potential customers on store shelves and online, and it’s what makes products feel luxurious and expensive.

But packaging can also be a major source of waste, with empty bottles, tubes, and containers ending up in landfills every year.

“AD: Give www.Designity.com a chance to Design your packages and labels, you won’t get disappointed!”

Which brand used sustainable packaging for the first time?

Fortunately, there are a growing number of companies working to create more sustainable packaging for the cosmetic industry. Some are using recycled materials, while others are using plant-based or biodegradable plastics. And some brands are even doing away with packaging altogether, selling their products in reusable or refillable containers.

Are environmentally friendly packaging as eye-catching as others?

As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their beauty products, it’s likely that sustainable packaging will become the new norm in the cosmetic industry. And that’s good news for the planet.

How much does eco-friendly packaging cost?

The cost of eco-friendly packaging varies depending on the materials used and the size and quantity of the order.

For example, biodegradable paper bags can cost as little as $0.02 per bag, while reusable cloth bags can cost $0.50-$1.00 each.

The price of recycled materials also varies depending on the market, but is typically cheaper than virgin materials. Eco-friendly packaging is often more expensive than traditional packaging, but the extra cost is offset by the environmental benefits.

In addition, many companies are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly packaging because it helps them to market their products as sustainable and responsible. As a result, the cost of eco-friendly packaging is usually worth the investment.

can sustainable packaging positively affect our marketing and sale?

Many consumers are interested in purchasing eco-friendly products, but they may be concerned about the cost.

Eco-friendly packaging is often more expensive than traditional packaging, but it has several important benefits.

First, eco-friendly packaging is made from sustainable materials, which means it doesn’t contribute to environmental pollution.

Second, eco-friendly packaging is often more durable than traditional packaging, and it can be reused or recycled.

Finally, eco-friendly packaging often looks better than traditional packaging, which can give your business a competitive edge. While the initial cost of eco-friendly packaging may be higher, the long-term benefits are well worth the investment.

Types of eco-friendly cosmetics packaging to consider

While it may seem like a small change, switching to eco-friendly cosmetics packaging can have a big impact on the environment. There are a number of different types of eco-friendly packaging to choose from, and the best option for your product will depend on a number of factors.

One type of eco-friendly packaging is made from recycled materials. Recycled packaging is a great option if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint.

Another type of eco-friendly packaging is made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo or sugarcane.

Sustainable materials are a great choice if you are looking for packaging that will decompose quickly and will not contribute to landfill waste. If you are looking for an alternative to plastic packaging, consider using glass or metal containers. These materials are durable and recyclable, making them an excellent choice for eco-friendly cosmetics packaging.

which cosmetics brands use eco-friendly packaging?

There is an increasing trend among cosmetics brands to use eco-friendly packaging. This is often done in response to consumer demand for more sustainable and environmentally friendly products. Many brands are now using recycled materials for their packaging, as well as investing in recyclable and biodegradable options.

• PlantBox: This subscription service delivers organic beauty products in compostable packaging. All of the products are also vegan and cruelty-free.

• Lush: Lush is known for its ethical and sustainable practices, including the use of eco-friendly packaging. Most of their products are packaged in recycled materials, and they offer a wide range of unpackaged items as well.

• Ecco Bella: This natural beauty brand uses recycled paper and cardboard for its packaging. Ecco Bella is also committed to using only sustainable ingredients in its products.

These are just a few of the many amazing brands that are doing their part to reduce environmental waste. When shopping for cosmetics, remember to look for brands that use eco-friendly packaging. Your choices can make a difference!

An Inside Look at the Importance of a Smile in Sales

If you’re in sales, then you’ve probably heard all sorts of advice, from “don’t oversell” to “focus on solving problems.” However, one of the best pieces of advice that many forget is to smile! After all, your smile is one of the first features people notice about you, and it plays an essential role in the first impression you make. Keep reading to learn all about the importance of a smile in sales (as well as how cosmetic dentistry can help!).

Smile: Your Sale Depends on It!

Knowing your product and knowing your audience are key in sales. However, you don’t get far if your client doesn’t trust you or believe you. That’s why it’s so important to make a good first impression! Here are a few ways a smile can help:

• Smiling is more powerful than you might think – One study found that smiling has the same effect on our brain as $25,000 in cash!

• Smiling communicates your state of mind – Smiling is a non-verbal cue that you are happy to be where you are, that you are confident in your product, and that you are ready and willing to help.

• Smiling creates a ripple effect of positivity – Have you ever seen a friend yawn and done the same? Or seen someone take a sip of water and immediately realized you’re thirsty? Thanks to the mirroring neurons in our brains, we naturally mimic the behavior of those around us.

But What If You Don’t Like Your Smile?

If you don’t like your smile, don’t worry – that’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in. Whether you’re struggling with misaligned, misshapen, cracked, or otherwise imperfect teeth, your smile goals aren’t out of reach. The first step? Scheduling an appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist. For both my father and myself, providing high-quality, personalized, and judgment-free dentistry is a passion. There’s truly nothing better than seeing someone walk out of our office with a dazzling, confident smile! So, don’t wait to make your dream smile a reality – it could make all of the difference when it comes to your personal and professional life!

Where to buy beautiful rugs, floor mats and more.

Where to buy beautiful rugs, floor mats and more. Including unique t-shirts, dresses, bags and artworks. All in one website with free shipping worldwide!

QueenNoble.com is the exclusive online art gallery and home décor online store where items were designed by artist QueenNoble Dr. Elle Ramirez. You can get all your home decorating needs in one place without worrying the shipping fee. You can collect all her original art pieces and open editions from your comfort zone in just few clicks. All original artworks will be shipped straight from the country of exhibition with free shipping worldwide. Home décor on QueenNoble is not your usual home decoration items. Every items were designed by QueenNoble Dr. Elle Ramirez exclusively made from handmade paintings turned to manipulated photos to make stunning designs for every home décor items such as the rugs, lamps, wall decors and more. Of course the original artworks of QueenNoble are all available to every collectors who collect only original artworks. The prints are premium quality, framed and ready to hang for everyone’s convenience. Rugs, lamps, pillows and others are designed by QueenNoble, and then manufactured by partnered companies in Europe and in The United States.

The artist And Designer QueenNoble

Dr. Elle Ramirez also known as QueenNoble is an American international fine arts artist, designer, sculptor, photographer and an author. Dr. Ramirez creates rare textured and embossed abstract artworks from wall sculptures to embossed paintings. Her career began from year 2006 up to this present day. (See Wikipedia.)

QueenNoble is known for her textured and embossed abstract artworks mimicking planets, natural stones and rocks, abstract engraved portraits, several monochromatic and vivid concepts.

“Live Minimal” is one of QueenNoble’s art books released year 2021. (See Google Scholar Books)

QueenNoble is also an author of several mental health books like “Quarantine: The Challenges During Quarantine and How to Keep Our Sanity”. QueenNoble is also the author of the Novel called, “The Cart Season 1”. (See more on Amazon)

One Of A Kind Products You Can Buy On QueenNoble

One of a kind luxury collectibles with certificate. Unique items designed and curated by QueenNoble Dr. Elle Ramirez are now available on the official website. One collectible is to one collector or owner. Collectibles can be a wallet, bag, a piece of art, a furniture, a dress or a shirt and more. A first come first served basis. Handmade with love and attention. Own something that no one has in the entire world. Only on QueenNoble. What will you get on the top of that? You will receive a certificate of authenticity upon receiving your item. Free shipping worldwide. Free repair and replacement in case of a major manufacture error. Most items are handmade and are genuine leather so slight imperfections are visible which are the signs of most genuine leathers in the market. Varieties of items and vast selections although items are very quick to be sold.

Who does not want a one of a kind item? It is really disliked to run to someone with the same exact dress in an occasion or a business meeting! Now on QueenNoble not only original hand-painted artworks are available now you get to wear an art yourself anywhere and anytime. Display a furniture or a décor and be asked by a friend or a colleague, “Where can I buy one?” and of course the answer is “You can’t buy that in the market.” Because It is only one!

What happens after you buy a one of a kind on QueenNoble? The price increases yearly for 10 years. What an investment for yourself or a luxurious lifetime gift for a special someone!

From the author’s words:

If you are a collector and a shopper, QueenNoble is definitely where to go specially if you are looking for unique designer’s décor such as rugs, comforters, bags, wall art etc. A lot of selections to choose from. The designs are contemporary and modern. In one look you know where the products are from since you can only find them on queennoble.com. The processes are also very convenient and shipping is fast worldwide.

I bought a one of a kind bag. When I received it it came with an envelope consisting the certificate. The leather bag is stunning. Fast shipping and free delivery. They also offer free repair in case there is a manufacturer error for free.

Note also that if you are a merchant you can sign up on their trading program. There is a 15-30% commission. Less work for you all you do is share the url of the product and your designated coupon code which you’ll receive when you sign up and you get paid everytime someone uses your coupon code. Sound interesting right? Copy code, share url and code on your social media and earn as you go.

QueenNoble is also on Saatchiart, Artmajeur, Singulart Galleries. On QueenNoble’s original artworks, all artworks with certificate of authenticity will be shipped straight to the collector from the current exhibited country and also free shipping worldwide.

What are anti-ligature blinds?

Anti-ligature blinds are becoming increasingly popular in a range of different settings. The way these blinds differ from traditional blinds is that they are designed to prevent suicide by hanging.

Initially, uptake for this type of blind was largely restricted to high-risk environments such as psychiatric hospitals and prisons, where suicide is common. In mental health environments and detention centres, suicide via hanging is common and preventative measures must be implemented. A huge range of objects could be used to create a ligature point, meaning anti-ligature systems are highly important.

Over the years, anti-ligature blinds have been supplied to hospitals, schools, student accommodation and even hotels.

How do they work?

There are a range of different systems on the market, but the most reliable could well be the magnetic anti-ligature system. YewdaleKestrel® products utilise load release magnets which separate when a downward force is exerted on the product. This means that the product falls to the ground safely and prevents suicide via hanging.

The magnetic systems used in Yewdale’s products are highly reliable because magnets don’t lose their strength for hundreds of years, guaranteeing a lifetime of lifesaving functionality.

Anti-ligature blinds usually have a magnetic connection point above the blind’s barrel. The blind is easy to reconnect to the magnetic bracket after it has fallen to the floor.

If you are considering an anti-ligature blind, Yewdale is a highly recommended company. Based in the UK, Yewdale produce a wide range of anti-ligature products, commercial blinds, and healthcare products including hospital cubicle tracks and medical curtains.

Yewdale produce other anti-ligature products too including a soft, lightweight en-suite door and other accessories such as soap dispensers, toilet roll holder, shelves and artwork. You can see the full range on the website using the link below.

10 Unsafe Symptoms of Cell Phones Usage on Teens

10 Unsafe Symptoms of Cell Phones Usage on Teens

Over and wrong utilization of PDAs can harm mental as well as actual health. Parents might consider giving their teens cell phones for security motivations. Be that as it may, the conceivable abuse and opposite symptoms of cell phones on young people are not obscure. While it effectively is mindful of your kid’s whereabouts, taking into account its antagonistic consequences for teens is significant. As indicated by a review led by the Seat Exploration Center, around 785 of all youngsters between ages 12 and 17 have cell phones (1). It is a typical sight these days to see a gathering of youngsters standing together yet having no discussion and being engaged with themselves. Teens utilize their cell phones to call their folks and do other great and awful things. Around one of every four teens approach the web, definitely more than grown-ups. Look at the post to know whether cells are great for teenagers, the adverse consequences of PDAs, and tips on the safe use of cell phones.

Impacts Of Cell Phones On Youngsters

There is no question that a cell phone is a convenient device. It facilitates correspondence with partners, companions, and family members. However, every innovation that gives such advantages comes with a bunch of adverse consequences. The effect of cell phones on youth and society is tremendous. This region requires consideration when you are giving your high schooler a phone. This is the way PDAs influence, teens.

Teen tendonitis (TTT)
Abundance generation of messages can prompt High schooler Tendonitis (TTT). It causes torment in the hands, back, and neck because of the unfortunate stance. As per a five-year partner study, extreme phone use is known to bring about outer muscle problems, for example, tendonitis and first carpometacarpal joint pain in the lower arm and thumb.

Stress
Having a mobile phone will entice your high schooler to go the entire day talking or messaging as opposed to doing useful things. Studies have demonstrated that youngsters who invest a lot of their energy in their cells are more inclined to pressure, uneasiness, and melancholy. Research has additionally tracked down that extreme utilization of cell phones might bring about an expanded gamble of emotional well-being issues.

Sleep misfortune
Most teenagers keep their phones close by while resting to answer messages and calls and stay reachable nonstop. This might prompt rest interference and disturbance. Investigations have discovered that young people who use cell phones after the lights out experience expanded sluggishness. Additionally, undergrads who use phones after the beginning of rest are accounted for to be alert an extra 46 minutes out of every week.

Mishaps
Adolescents will quite often go to calls and text while driving, which is demonstrated to be risky. As indicated by the Places for Infectious prevention and Counteraction (CDC), adolescents are bound to be diverted more than drivers of some other age. Thus, utilizing a mobile phone while driving ought to be a severe no.

Uneasiness
Depending on messaging as an essential method of correspondence can increment uneasiness in youngsters. Messaging is right away satisfying, yet it likewise creates tension. The moment answered by a companion can give pleasure and euphoria. However, if there should be an occurrence of deferred reaction or no reaction, this equivalent joy can transform into disillusionment. Likewise, mobile phone habit can transform into a fixation to promptly take a look at messages and answer. It might likewise increment tension by making a deception that they had gotten a message in any event, when there was no message, making them regularly look at their telephones (3).

Hazard of malignant growth
Despite the fact that there’s no obvious proof of the connection between wireless use and disease, there are a few measurably huge relationships in certain individuals. Information gathered from five European nations have shown an expanded gamble of acoustic neuroma in people who utilized a cell for at least ten years.

Despite the fact that there is no unmistakable examination supporting the gamble of malignant growth and cell utilization, it is said to have a wide scope of well-being impacts.

Cyberbullying
As indicated by a review led on 13-18-year-olds by Cox Interchanges, 15% of kids had been cyberbullied on the web, 10% had been cyberbullied by cell, and 5% had cyberbullied someone else through a phone.

As indicated by a review, cyberbullying makes young people miserable and reluctant to go to class. This study has likewise observed that youngsters who are cyberbullied have a higher gamble of psychosomatic issues, for example, incessant migraines, issues nodding off, a higher pace of tension, and depression.

Cyberbullying is considerably more challenging to recognize than actual harassment as it will in general be more imperceptible. Additionally, the culprits can take cover behind the obscurity presented by the web.

Bogus distinction
The most recent advancements in cells have made it simple for youngsters to get any data. The majority of the things projected via online entertainment and the Web may not be exact, yet teens who are innocent (at their age) could view them in a serious way and get impacted. This could lead them to live in a dreamland and foster bogus renown. Some may likewise turn to wrongdoings to satisfy their dreams.

Heftiness
Steady utilization of phones may likewise cause weight in young people. As indicated by a review led by Harvard T.H Chan School of General Wellbeing, youngsters who spend more hours daily on phones are bound to become stout. The concentrate further says that youngsters who spend over five hours daily before screens are 43% bound to get less rest or exercise, bringing about weight

Vision issues
Expanded utilization of mobile phones is said to cause vision issues in young people. According to a review led by 30 clinical understudies, 83% of them were found to have wireless vision conditions. The side effects incorporate pressure, redness, consuming sensation, obscured vision, and dry eyes.

Over-the-top use of mobile phones outperforms their value and makes new issues for young people. While you may not prevent your teen from utilizing a mobile phone, it is feasible to restrict the use by laying out some guidelines.

Prior to giving wireless to your youngster, ensure they know about the focuses underneath.

Tips On Safe Use Of Cells For Youngsters

Cells are staying put, basically not at any point in the near future. Along these lines, you want to show your adolescents about cell phone security and how to dependably utilize it. They additionally need to have concurred limits for cell phone use. Here are far to stay away from the antagonistic impacts of cellphones on youngsters: