Hollywood Film Review : The Kite Runner (2007)

• Film : The Kite Runner
• Book : Khaled Hosseini
• Producer : William Horberg
• Director : Marc Forster
• Cast : Khalid Abdulla, Homayoun Ershadi, Shaun Toub
• Studio : DreamWoks
• Rating : 4.75 on 5 Stars

The Kite Runner – I heard a lot about this book but could not get a chance to read it. Well, watching this movie perhaps fill the gap. Sure, I can say now with confidence, why the book is a best seller as this movie is just brilliant. Good book does not mean good movie but the director Marc Foster has done a fantastic job here. It is indeed not easy for a western director to manage a South Asian Movie as the culture is diverse and sensitive but Mark has proven why he is one of the best director of our time.

Watching Kite-Runner is like going through the turbulent history of Afghanistan from native’s perspective. I am not sure, if Khalid has written his own biography or is inspired by some true events but I must acknowledge that this movie is a treat to watch.

You feel sad to see how Afghans (natives) and Afghanistan continues to suffer from one Govt. (supported by Russia) to Taliban (Supported by Pakistan) to the present one (supported by America). Still the ordeal goes on. The movie or book has a bit of bias though. Perhaps, Khaled is trying to address to his adopted home audience.

The Kite Runner is a movie about two kids – Amir and Hassan, who cared for each other in Kabul but the irony of time parts them forever. After seeing this movie, a thought grips the mind that we are extremely lucky (thank God for that) to be in India or America as Wars or Civil unrest has practically killed generations in Afghanistan. I am sure; we will see same kind of sad story coming from Iraq too. Soon.

It is a movie you definitely would want to see with your family and friends as it is worth it. My rating - huge 4.75 on 5 stars.

Cheers!!!

Manish Jaiswal :D

for www.NewsandReviews.in

Hollywood Film Review : The Kite Runner (2007)

• Film : The Kite Runner• Book : Khaled Hosseini• Director : Marc Forster• Rating : 4.75 on 5 StarsThe Kite Runner – I heard a lot about this book but could not get a chance to read it. Well, watching this movie perhaps fill the gap. Sure, I can say now with confidence,

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Hollywood Film Review : Golden Eye - James Bond (1995)

• Character by : Ian Flemings
• Producer : Albert R. Broccoli
• Director : Martin Campbell
• Cash : Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, Izabella Scorupco
• Casting Song by : Tina Turner
• Studio : MGM
• Rating : 3.50 on 5 Stars

'Golden Eye-James Bond', perhaps one of the least interesting one in the series. I really thought Pierce Brosnan’s first Bonsai movie would be a class apart but he and the movie is really not up-to the reputation.

May be the so called common enemy for all Bond movies i.e. The Soviets / The Communists / The KGB does not exist any more hence the Bond movie is losing its charm now. Or may be the Gadgets (TOYS for BOYS) used in 007 movies no longer looks impressive. What ever the case may be, this Bond flick, Golden Eye, is sure a big let-down. Glad I did not see it in theaters.

Of Course the movie is again about stolen nuclear satellite and disgruntled friend turned foe, but nothing will really appeal, even if you are a great Bond fan. I would not rate it more than 3.5 on 5 stars. I like 007 and Pierce Brosnan thus bit of leniency here in rating.

Cheers!

Manish Jaiswal

for http://www.newsandreviews.in/

What is a good Travel Health Insurance Policy for my family?

Customer ASK –

Me, my husband and my son are going to Singapore for 15 days. We want to take travel medical insurance. I am 38 years, my husband 43 and my son is 17 years. Please let me know a good policy in best price. Shanthi

Dear Shanti :

Travel Insurance is a good Insurance Policy to pick when you are traveling abroad either for business or pleasure. With the advent of New and Pvt Insurance companies in India, now you have really good plans to compare and pick from Insurance Mall.

It is now easy for you to take an informed decision on your choice Travel Insurance Policy. Here are quick steps :

1. Click - http://www.insurancemall.in/
2. Click - Travel Insurance Icon on the business panel
3. Put in your travel details and click
4. You will get host of plans from all leading Insurance companies. Chose what you want based either Best Plan in terms of features or Coverage or Best Price in terms of Premium
5. Click Buy for your choice Insurance Company - Bajaj / ICICI / Tata / Reliance or Government of India Insurance Companies
6. Pay through your Credit Card and you are done. You will get your policy in hand in next 24 hrs.

With the Dollar becoming cheap, buying American Insurance is also a good option for you now. If one is senior citizen say above age 70, then perhaps buying American Insurance is the only option one has as Indian Insurance companies may not cover you. Incase, you are keen on an American Visitor Travel Health Insurance Plan, here are steps for online purchase.

1. Click http://www.insurancemall.in/
2. Click USA flag on the Top Right.
3. Now you are at Bonsai America Licensed site. A sister concern of Bonsai India.
4. Click Visitors Insurance Icon on the business panel
5. Click for quote
6. Fill in the details and American Insurance policies from IMG / MNU / Global Underwriters or Seven Corners. They are leading Travel Health Insurance providers’ up-to Age 99 for Non-Americans across the Globe. Compare, Buy and Print your choice policy now.

So Shanti, you could see that it is really easy now for you buy your Indian or American Overseas Medical Insurance (Travel Insurance) Policy from http://www.insurancemall.in/ .

Enjoy your trip and let the worries be with us.

Buy Insurance. Stay Safe.

Manish


for www.InsuranceMall.in/blog

Why Un-Occupied Homes or Home Office is not covered in India?

As a thumb rule, an Un-occupied Home or Home-Office is not covered in India. However, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Home Insurance will cover your un-occupied property up-to 30 days where as Bajaj Allianz will cover it for 4 months. The Logic is simple. According to Risk Under-writing norms, an Un-Occupied home has far greater risk compared to an occupied home.

Insurers believe that when the house is unoccupied for long then the chances of burglary, theft and other Risks multiply. Unoccupied Homes also invite tramps and unauthorized occupants who may leave fire unattended. And in case of fire, when the home or office is unoccupied, it might be for a considerable period of time before the fire is detected and by that time it may get unmanageable.

This non-cover condition for non-occupancy is applicable for fire insurance, shop insurance, Office Package Policy too.

So, if you want to really want to cover your home during your planned vacation over 30 days, you are strongly advised to inform your Broker and Insurance company at-least 10 days in advance about your absence and return date. It is always good to put the travel notice in writing to avoid any lapse. Also get a written confirmation from the company, clearly stating that your property is covered during the un-occupancy period. Don’t worry, your Insurance Broker will do this paper work for you. Another reason, why you should deal with a dependable Broker?

To convince your insurance company about the precautions taken by you, you could state that you have made arrangements such as informing your neighbors to pay a visit to your residence once in a week. Also you could install burglary and fire alarms and communicate the same to your insurer.

If these are some of the steps you have taken, the Insurance Cover Exclusions are relaxed to a large extent. Else you may not benefit from your householders policy when you need it the most. Of Course, if your family member is staying or your permanent care-taker is staying back in your house while you are away, then you are fully covered.

As always, please read the fine prints on Inclusions and exclusions before buying your choice Home Insurance.

Buy Insurance. Stay Safe.

Manish Jaiswal
Bonsai Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd.

for - www.InsuranceMall.in/Blog

Bajaj Allianz India has a decent Home Insurance Plan

Bajaj Allianz General is one of the leading Insurance Companies in India. Top Management and Mid-Management BA Staff is customer focused with passion to bring new products into Indian market. The testimony to this fact is array of innovative retail products, particularly in Travel Insurance / Health Insurance / Motor Insurance and Home Insurance space.

The Bajaj Allianz House Holders' Insurance policy is designed to cover various Risks faced by a policyholder. It provides for protection of property i.e. building or structure and its contents along with the interests of the insured and family members who permanently reside with the insured. The USP of Bajaj Allianz (BA) Householder's policy is that it has very competitive premium rates, first loss basis option for burglary and jewelry and flexible rating for personal accident of the insured.

BA Householder's Insurance cover protects you against

1. Burglary (Force break-in)
2. Damage to plate glass (declared)
3. Breakdown of gadget and electronic equipments (declared)
4. Damage of domestic appliances due to electrical/mechanical breakdown (declared)
5. Loss of Jewelry and
valuables by accident or misfortune or theft (declared)
6. Personal accident and baggage loss on trips (the unique feature)
7. Third party liability
8. Hospital Confinement Allowance (the Unique feature)
9. No valuation certificate required for jewellery upto Rs.2 lacs
10. Assembled computers can also be covered under EEI
11. Fire and Allied perils (common feature)

12. Un-Occupancy cover up-to 120 days (the USP)

The allied perils which are included in the insurance plans assumed to be the direct cause for loss/damage to building. Its contents are Lightning, Explosion/Implosion, Aircraft damage, Impact damage from rail/road vehicle or animal, riot, strike, malicious and terrorist damage, Storm, cyclone, tempest, hurricane, tornado, flood and inundation. Under general conditions the Householder's policy does not cover loss or damage caused by war, nuclear radiation and allied peril.

The insured amount given against the perils for building or structure and its contents is assessed either on Reinstatement Value (RV) basis - that is the value for replacing the item with a new item of same type and make; or on Market Value (MV) basis - that is the reinstatement value less depreciation depending on the age of the item. The policy excludes 5% of the claim amount for each and every claim arising out of natural calamities.

Bajaj Allianz Householder's Policy also has group discount plan too depending on the number of sections opted for; offering discounts up-to 20% on the premium. But this offer may exclude the section covering Fire Peril, which is a body and soul of a House Policy.

What I have presented above is the Broad Policy features. It is always advisable for InsuranceMall customers to read the Fine Print on Policy Coverage / Exclusions before the Purchase. Bajaj Allianz Home Policy could be your choice.

Buy Insurance. Stay Safe.

Manish Jaiswal

for - www.insurancemall.in/blog/

Islamic Mutual Insurance is catching up fast in the Middle-East

Islamic Shariah law prohibits interest earnings hence a challenge for marketer to push Financial Services product in the Islamic region of the word. It is a bigger challenge in the middle-east where Shariah reign supreme. However, as per WAM News Agency (Dubai), innovative Insurance Products are being manufactured within the strict Islamic laws for the region and it is gaining ground.

With an estimated annual growth rate of 20 percent, the 3rd Annual World Takaful Conference on mutual insurance will be held in Dubai on April 14-15. With experts predicting a Takaful boom, this year's theme is : Expanding the International Market for Islamic Insurance- Product Innovation and New Growth Opportunities. The world Takaful market is expected to grow $7.4 billion in global annual contributions by 2015.

The conference is organized in partnership with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which will feature industry heavyweights such as HSBC, Amanah Takaful and Islamic Arab Insurance Co. (Salama). It will focus on exploring the international market for Shari'ah-compliant insurance products, WAM news agency reported Friday.

Takaful is an Islamic insurance system based on the principle of mutual assistance. It provides mutual protection of assets and property and offers joint risk-sharing in the event of a loss by one of the participants. Takaful is similar to mutual insurance in that members are the insurers as well as the insured.

Parvaiz Siddiq, general manager of Salama, said: "The World Takaful Conference is the ideal platform to spread and educate the market about Takaful and its principles, since awareness is still low in the Middle East."

Total premiums written by takaful insurers are projected to reach around nine percent of the world's insurance market share by 2010. The Middle East market is reported to be growing at 15 to 20 percent a year. The event will provide practical insights into the next phase in the development of this rapidly growing industry. More than 200 international delegates will participate in the event.


Manish Jaiswal

for

News and Reviews : http://www.NewsandReviews.in (click Insurance)
Insurance Mall : http://www.InsuranceMall.in/blog/ (Click Blog)

Does Office Health Insurance Cover OPD or only In-Patient / Operative expenses? by Mr Chirag Patniak

I have a query on company provided medical insurance? (I've never used it so I don't know) Does this cover OPD expenses as well or only inpatient/operative expenses? Asked by Mr Chirag Patniak.

Dear Chirag :

It really depends on what kind of policy your company has taken for its staff.

Generally a large company segregates the cover benefits based on seniority or job role. Management Team in a company generally would have high coverage (any thing between Rs 2-25 Lacs Cash-less floater) with comprehensive plan including Parents.

But since Health expenses are growing in double digit now in India too, many companies prefer to cover just the immediate family and not the parents because of high Annual Premium. Also, based on negotiations an Insurance Broker does with Insurance Companies on behalf of the Corporate, Pre-Existing ailment / Maternity / OPD or Annual Health Check-up could get appended or excluded.

Remember an Insurance Plan is like an individual serving (Entrée), more items (read Risk Features) you add from the menu and more it becomes expensive.

So, essentially, it boils down to the budget a corporate allocates for Staff well-fare or in other words smart saving negotiations done by the chosen Insurance Broker from Insurance Companies on behalf of the Corporate.

I am confident, in your case, OPD / Pre-Existing and Maternity should have been covered as you belong to a big and branded Group in India.

More on these nuances of Health Insurance, its merits etc. could be read at Insurance Mall Blog. I invite you to read them for your information. Here is the link - https://www.insurancemall.in/blog/

Good Luck Chirag. You can always encourage your HR or Finance Head to take an informed decision by out-sourcing the Insurance negotiations to an able Broker this season. It does not cost a penny to the company as Brokers are paid directly by the Insurance Company. Bonsai Insurance Broking team would be more than happy to work for your group.

Buy Insurance and Stay Safe.

Cheers !!!

Manish Jaiswal

for http://www.newsandreviews.in/

Link - http://www.buynowindia.com/newsandreviews/index.php/insurance/

What is a good Policy for my parents ? Asked by Dr Sagar Bhargava

Hi ! This is Dr Sagar. My parents wish buy a Health Insurance Policy for themselves. My mother has no preexisting illness and her age is 54. My father has undergone a Bypass Surgery and is 57 yrs. Can u guide us as to which policy will cover them both for next 15 years. Thanks. Dr Sagar Bhargava.

Dear Dr Sagar :

Thanks for your mail and query. We will be glad to guide you to the best Health Policy for your parents.

Fortunately, both of them are in good age to pick the right policy but is should be bought on a yesterday basis as their age is getting into High Risk Age Zone (HRAZ). Your dad my encounter some problem as Insurance Companies don’t cover Pre-Existing disease for at least 2-4 yrs. Insurance companies are not charitable organizations, hence they are very selective in picking a risk (read providing Insurance cover) from an individual or a family. They are still lenient to cover a bad risk when it comes to Group Insurance because premium is high and Insurance works on the principle of large numbers .

I would recommend the following Insurance companies in the preference order.

1. Apollo DKV
2. Star Health
3. Reliance Health-wise
4. Bajaj Allianz Family Floater
5. ICICI Lombard
6. Govt. Insurance companies

I am sure, you could see them at www.InsuranceMall.in (Click & Buy at Health Insurance Options).

My colleague Mr Mahavir Chopra has written number of articles on Health Insurance. You could read them on our Insurance Blog. Quick link – https://www.insurancemall.in/blog/

Good Luck Dr Sagar. Take your choice. Buy do encourage your parents take Insurance with Critical Care ASAP.

Buy Insurance and Stay Safe.

Cheers !!!

Manish Jaiswal

for www.NewsandReviews.in

Link - http://www.buynowindia.com/newsandreviews/index.php/insurance/

Thomas Cook India is sold again

It is been reported that UK based travel operator, Thomas Cook Group Plc, Europe's second-biggest travel company, will buy back the Indian unit and purchase Egyptian retail outlets and Middle East brand rights to regain worldwide control of its trademark.

If you would remember, TCIL was sold by German owners Lufthansa to DFG (Dubai Financial Group) as a part of restructuring in 2006. The Dubai group owned 62% in TCIL and the buyback is being done at Rs 107 per share, according to highly placed sources in the company. The deal is expected to be announced globally later today. The TCIL share rose almost 5% to Rs 88.50 on the BSE within five minutes of the market opening.

The travel operator is buying the assets for at least 208 million euros in cash, using its own funds. It will get a stake of at least 61.8 percent and as much as 74.9 percent in the Indian division, which has about 180 travel stores in 40 cities, as well as 22 Egyptian branches run under its name and the rights to its brand in 15 other Middle East nations.

Thomas Cook can boost the Indian division's sales more quickly than Dubai Financial because it can offer local travelers a wider variety of European destinations, Chief Executive Officer Manny Fontenla-Novoa said on a conference call with journalists. ``The acquisition fully supports our strategy,'' he said.

The travel company is named after its founder, who escorted his first party of visitors to Egypt in 1869, Thomas Cook's Web site shows. He organized and led the first around-the-world tour in 1872-73, taking 222 days to cover more than 25,000 miles.

TCIL has a strong presence in the Forex, Vacation and business travel segments. Since the purchase by the Dubai group, the company adopted series of acquisitions, mainly in the travel and foreign exchange space. It bought out LKP Forex & Travel Corporation of India (TCI) to consolidate its revenue opportunities in India.

The average margin for Thomas Cook India is not more than 5% as the Ticket and FX market is highly competitive with no entry barrier. No wonder the company gets bought and sold (mostly with losses) every 5th year. TCIL with 40 Branches and over 2500 staff earned Rs 225.8 crore as Revenue and profit of Rs 30.5 crore only though it is present in India for last 150 Yrs.

It will be interesting to see the fate of Madhavan Menon, the current MD, as indeed TCOOK has not been able to push the Profits as expected. Practically the whole Top Management including the celebrated ex CEO Ashwini Kakkar left the company owing to the take-over by Dubai group.

by

MKJ

For http://www.newsandreviews.in/

Link – http://www.buynowindia.com/newsandreviews/index.php/News/

Manish Jaiswal Blog: Health Insurance in America

Manish Jaiswal Blog: Health Insurance in America

Manish Jaiswal Blog: Movie Review - American Gangster (2007)

Manish Jaiswal Blog: Movie Review - American Gangster (2007)

Movie Review - American Gangster (2007)

· Film : American Gangster
· Director : Ridley Scott
· Producer : Brian Crazer
· Cast : Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe
· Studio : Universal Studios
· Rating : 4 on 5 Star

American Gangster, the 2007 Hollywood flick is a great movie. It is on Mafia, Drugs and Violence. I liked it though not every one in my family found it so exciting. Two superstars a) Denzel Washington and b) Russell Crowe have given a terrific performance in this movie.

The flick sets the time of late 60’s and early 70’s, when America was coping up with very un-popular Vietnam War on one hand and the onslaught of drugs on the other hand.

Dated footage of the War, appearance of President Nixon, arrival of Micro-waves as wonder machine in American kitchens, transition from Black & White TV to color sets, make this movie another good reason to watch.

The movie ‘American Gangster’ hinges on the rise and fall of Franck Lucas (Denzel Washington) – the Drug Don of Harlem (up-town NYC), between year 1963-73. Russell Crowe is Richie Roberts, the out-cast but honest cop of New Jersey (Jersey City). The Police Commissioner can only rely on him to end the growing menace of drugs on American streets and rampant corruption in the Police force.

American Gangster draws strength from true events. If so, then it does manage to paint American Military in bad light as they were shown responsible for carrying drugs from Saigon (Thailand) to America during the Vietnam war.

Over all a nice movie with its own pace and action. I would rate it 4 on 5 stars.

Cheers!!!

Manish Jaiswal

For
News and Reviews

Link - http://www.buynowindia.com/newsandreviews/index.php/Films/