Feb 25, 2008

The Oscar Mania, best bargaining tips and other stories

So-in-love: HOT couples at the Oscars 2008

While gowns and accessories were flaunted at the Academy Awards 2008, we could not help but notice how spouses/boyfriends/girlfriends/fiance/live-in partners were also advertised on the red carpet during the 80th Academy Awards.

Take a look at some of the HOTTEST couples in Hollywood today and see if you agree with us… (Story)

 

 

In pics: Hot stars at Global Green Pre-Oscar party

Red hot stars make a green entry at The 5th Annual Global Green USA Pre-Oscar party.

As with previous years, the Global Green event strives to promote systematic solutions for the ever growing issue called Global Warming. This for-a-cause event raises all its proceeds for different Global Green initiatives around the world.

Some of Hollywood's A-listers attend this party during Oscar week, and at $5000, remember, its all for a cause. We  take a look at some of the stars that walked the "green" carpet at this event. (Story)

 

 

 

25 Great Bargaining Tips -

Your friend bought a pair of chappals from the streets for Rs. 90 while you paid Rs. 200 for the same pair. Well of course you are fuming and feel like you have been cheated, but she got a good deal because she bargained well.

You can get a bargain anywhere, if only you know how to get one.

 

On the Road

These are a few tips to help you get a good deal when you are out shopping at your local street market.

1. If the seller quotes a price that you know is unreasonable, cut it down by around 75%.

2. When the seller doesn't agree with the price, you need to stick to your quote for some time. Then slowly increase your offer price by around 5 to 10 rupees at a time until he agrees. Keep an amount that you are willing to spend in your head. Don't go above that.

3. When you go shopping on the streets to an area where you normally don't, it's useful to take along a friend who is familiar with shopping there. Your friend may probably have a regular guy who gives her great deals. Plus, she knows how much the goods should cost.

4. When on the street, make sure to leave those diamond rings at home. Don't wear anything that looks too expensive. If the sellers think you can afford to spend more, they won't lower their prices much.

5. If you are going with a friend make sure that only one of you bargains with the seller. She may just quote something higher which will make you loose out on a great bargain.

6. If the vendor still doesn't listen, walk away. He will call you back. Don't turn around on the first "Madam". After a few calls turn and ask him what price he's selling the item to you for. Then, if you are okay with the price, go pay.

7. If you are out shopping for clips, other accessories or shoes and don't mind buying more than one item, make sure to tell the vendor that. He will give you a better deal if you are going to buy a lot from him.  (Story)

 

 

 

Is an MBA Worth It? -

MBA graduates from the IIMs seem to be raking in the moolah these days. But planning a career move is all about timing. So don't just quit your job out of the blue to do an MBA unless it is a well thought out decision. You also need to consider your plans regarding marriage and children when you want to do an MBA to boost your career and not just as another degree.

An MBA is Not for Everyone

"An MBA makes sense if you are doing it as part of your education i.e. before you start your career. However, if you are doing an MBA to boost your career, you must make sure you have sufficient years of experience," says Shashi Iyer, Partner, Harvest Strategies. 

An MBA after just two years in a field is not completely worth it. It makes more sense to do an MBA after about five to seven years. This is because by that time you will have sufficient experience in the field and are looking for a break into a managerial role.

 

"If you are an engineer or any other professional, you could take a break for an MBA after about four years of working. This helps you get a feel of the industry and the MBA will help you refine your thought process," Shashi explains. (Story)

 

 

 

25 Tips to Crack that SALE! -

Isha Sehmbey

Sale! A four-letter word, which works like a magnet for women!

Before you kiss the season good-bye, do not forget to try your hand on the 'end of season sale'.

Check product prices at the outlet prior to the sale. This way, you will not buy that most-wanted pair of shoes at their original price, thinking you have struck a good bargain.

Pre-plan your mode of transport. Waiting for an auto rickshaw outside your home with shopping bags ruins the excitement of going bargain hunting.

Make sure you leave infants or toddlers at home. If you must take the kids, take a nanny or your husband (trained babysitter) along!

Want to pick your desired items without having to fight for them? Hit sales first thing in the morning when shops open or in the afternoon when most folks stay indoors. Avoid rush hour and weekends.

Check the labelled price on similar clothes and accessories at the same place. Sometimes the tagged price may vary between two similar accessories of equal value.

Always inquire about a store's return policy. Those black trousers you bought might just turn out to be dark blue when you get home.

If there are two queues, stand in one and make your friend stand in the other.

Avoid trial room queues with mother-daughter combo. They take dozens of clothes and a hell lot of time to try. (Story)

 

 

 

Aptitude Test for Career? –

Aparna Pengat

 

If you are going through a phase where you are reassesing your career options, do you  think going through a written IQ and personality test will help you find the right career?

"A career aptitude test does not affect you or your choices in any way. All it does is to throw some more conventional options in your already confused mind," says Prashant Borade, a B.Com graduate who took one recently.

Prashant wanted to be a Radio Jockey and had won numerous awards for extra-curricular activities during college festivals.

"I am an outgoing person. Plus I have been complimented for my voice. My parents asked me to go for a career counselling session. After spending Rs. 1500 and three written tests, I was given the option of Chartered Accountancy as a lucrative career option for someone with my academic background," he declares.

What does a Career Aptitude Test Involve?

Most career guidance centres ask you to take tests for personality, IQ, English, Mathematics and logic. Based on the results of these tests, a career counsellor is supposed to provide a "tailor made career path" for you. The entire process takes atleast five hours and requires you to shell out anything from Rs. 1,500 onwards. (Story)

 

 

 

Oscars red carpet: what's hot, what's not

Team IndiWo

 

When the Oscars are live, what do the stars do during commercial breaks?

Jon Stewart, the host of 80th Oscars ceremony answers - "We all just sit and pass catty comments about the dresses of all those watching us, sitting at home!"

Stewart's dig is justified - the moment those larger-than-life divas step out on the thick red carpet, smiling and posing amid the flashbulbs, judgements become irresistable.

This year, too, we take you straight to the red carpet, to take a look at who was hot, who didn't quite cut it this year and who ended in a complete disaster! (Story)

 

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