Working from home during a pandemic

The coronavirus has brought an unprecedented change into the lives of office workers. This fresh challenge has caused widespread disruption, and its effects will be felt for a long time. Companies around the world are scrambling to find technological solutions to keep their workforce engaged and productive.As the weeks go on, it is increasingly becoming clear that a radical reinvention of processes and mindset is required. Each organization has to forge an alternative path, and each sector will have unique challenges. A supply chain startup and a medical startup will need to innovate original strategies to ensure their business remains stable.

When you work from home, there is no such thing as a holiday.”

― Anthony T. Hincks

Previously, organizations were wary of providing work from home options for their employees, believing that it will affect the productivity of that employee. The present crisis has shown that working from home on a large scale is possible. To keep their employees engaged, different organizations have tried various strategies. A popular one is mandatory after office tea-sessions, where employees can relieve their stress and socialize. They have modelled these virtual sessions to resemble informal chats and watercooler discussions. However, these virtual meetings are still a poor substitute for in-person meetings. Some downsides of virtual meetings include challenges in interpreting body language and understanding proper context.

The solution seems to be both technological and social. After we lift lockdowns, both employees and employers have to decide how safe and productive it will be to have limited in-person meetings. Most employees will inevitably desire to have two sessions at least once or twice a month to reorient themselves to the organization’s vision. Another solution may involve changing the responsibilities of managers and business unit leaders. Instead of having a top-down and hierarchical structure, large firms may need to experiment with a flatter organizational structure. Startups have a natural advantage over bigger organizations since many of them already have a very flat organization chart. Other thought leaders have suggested having mandatory counselling sessions for employees.

Working from home for extended periods is likely to cause burnout. Another pertinent challenge is the physical wellbeing of employees. The sedentary lifestyle of office workers is further intensified because of the lockdown. Employers have to incentivize the physical and mental wellbeing of employees by sponsoring or offering benefits with wellness providers. The present scenario is unprecedented, and it will require every ounce of innovation and inspiration to ensure a successful transition and to protect the interests of both employees and employers.

Fantastic Beasts : Crimes of Grindelwald movie review

"Fantastic Beasts : Crimes of Grindelwald" has some of the best special effects in the Harry Potter franchise. the movie starts with a thrilling chase sequence with awesome weather effects that starts of the movie in a high point. Indeed he overshadows Eddie Redmayne as the star of the movie. some friends have complained that the film lacks magical creatures. this is true to a certain extent as we do not see as many magical creatures as in the first movie. however, the visual effects of Definitely improved and the film looks fantastic on a big screen.

The lovable characters from the first movie return and their stories continue in unexpected ways. some fans have expressed disappointment in the last minute plot twist which reveals something about a major character. this was a controversial decision on the part of JK Rowling, as a Harry Potter fan I was not overwhelmed by the story but the execution of the movie was pretty good. if you are expecting something at the level of the old Harry Potter movies then you will be definitely disappointed however if you want to be entertained and not pick on the nitty-gritty then this is definitely the movie for you. there will be perhaps One More movie or two more movies after this and we will see how Albus Dumbledore manages to defeat Grindelwald.

Jude Law is pretty good as the young Albus Dumbledore, however, there is one complaint I have and that is regarding the fact that none of the wizards seem to be wearing robes and instant they prefer wearing suits and other Muggle clothes. this movie may be a little too dark for very young children who are fans of Harry Potter. Johnny Depp gives a really good performance as the villainous antagonist. sadly in this movie, Eddie Redmayne feels underutilized.

Ezra Miller gives a very good performance. there has been some criticism of JK Rowling online and her critics have suggested that she is retconning the characters and the story. some have even suggested that she is going the path of Peter Jackson who included a lot of unnecessary details in the Hobbit prequels to make them long. Overall this is a decent movie as long as you keep your expectations in check and not hope for a masterpiece of filmmaking.

Netlix "maniac"review

Netflix's Maniac is a very good limited series set in a dystopian future. Interestingly this appears to be a future where the microchip was never invented as the people are using only analog devices, with valves. Even their supercomputers are non-silicone based. The world that Maniac is set in is a dystopia where faceless global corporations rule the roost. Blackmail is legal and even kidnapping is legal. Our protagonists of this series are two star-crossed individuals grappling with demons in their past.

Enter the drug trial: The protagonists agree to take part in an experimental drug trial being conducted by a Japanese multinational organisation. The experimental drug in question has had unforeseen and dangerous side effects on people who underwent it before. Maniac's strength lies in the beautiful and believable dystopian near future depicted by the creator. It's our world if certain things had gone a little differently.

Coming to the acting both Jonah Hill and Emma Stone give memorable performances. We can empathise easily with their characters and both are extremely competent in describing the damaged nature of their characters. Maniac is easily one of the best original shows brought out by Netflix and hopefully, we will see many more like this.

Avengers Infinity War

Avengers infinity war is a game changer as it takes the MCU to a whole new level. it is something that has never been attempted before in the history of cinema. taking the franchise to new heights. What is admirable in this movie is the juggling of characters done. It may be overwhelming to many new fans of the MCU but to those who have been following the movies since Iron Man came out, it is a treat. So how does a movie with so many characters find an anchoring point? The directors chose a rather unusual approach. Instead of giving precedence to any of the heroes they chose to make Thanos(the villain) the centerpiece of the movie.

How does this work out? Surprisingly well for the movie. Thanos also called the Mad Titan is a fleshed out character. His motivations make sense. Unlike other villains, he isn't after world domination or chaos. He unironically wants to make the universe a better place. Though most people would find his methods questionable Thanos feels it's his duty to carry out his plan. The MCU has been accused of not taking enough risks in the past. It has also been accused of creating one-dimensional villains. All those criticisms are put to bed with Infinity War. This is the boldest Marvel movie to come out till now. Some say that the only movie that could trump this one is its own sequel that comes out next year.

The film does have its share of critics though. Some critics have even preferred the preceding MCU movie "Black Panther" calling it a much better film. However, it is important to remember that this is only Part 1 of a two-part series. In my opinion to evaluate Infinity War as a traditional movie is doing it a great injustice. The directors had an unenviable task of fitting in 20+ characters in a two and half hour movies. And some fans even wanted Deadpool to be part of the movie.

Unlike Star Wars "The Last Jedi" even the hardcore Marvel fanboys were happy with the movie. While many fans had problems with the way certain characters were depicted in the Last Jedi fans were content with the depiction of their favorite superheroes in this movie. There is a lot to digest in the movie. Indeed some might say it is a combination of special effects-laden battle set pieces that are connected by the mighty Thanos. Indeed the character interactions which are doubtless a delight to watch are often overshadowed by the action scenes.

Coming to the action scenes themselves this film has some of the best action scenes put to the screen till date. It's hard to pick a favourite from the many scenes on display. Coming to the performances the actors have outdone themselves. Every major actor shines in the depiction of their roles. Indeed there were a few improvised scenes as well. Josh Brolin is fantastic as Thanos. Its hard to do CGI performances but Brolin pulls it off.

Many critics feel that the movie undoes some of the stuff in the other Marvel movie. The biggest thing being thor's needs for a weapon. But this is still a forgivable offence. Thematically and also plotwise the movie stands its ground. The film ends on a very obvious cliffhanger. While this movie is highly recommended for serious fans of the MCU even the casual moviegoer can gain something from this with the wonderful performances on display. The 2019 marvel movie "Captain America" will introduce the eponymous character. Word on the street is that this character will be playing a major part in the sequel to Infinity war. 

Star Wars "The Last Jedi" Review (Beware of Spoilers)

The latest Star Wars movie called The Last Jedi has found a lot of discussion online.  since it's released people have been constantly discussing the movie and debating its merits and comparing it with the original and the prequel Trilogy.  One thing is for sure many fans are happy with the movie as compared to the previous movie the force awakens.  this may be due to the surprising twists in the movie and the quality of the visual effects used and the stunning battle sequences.  however when it comes to the plot many of the super fans have expressed their displeasure with some of the plot holes and some things which have been left unexplained.  as a long time fan of Star Wars I am personally quite happy with the movie.   I feel that most fans have to expect that the feeling that they got while watching the original trilogy cannot be easily replicated by any living director.   the original trilogy was the product of many good ideas and original concepts and daring execution that was unheard of at the time of its release.  keeping this in mind I feel that director Rian Johnson has done a pretty good job.   it is therefore not surprising that he has been given the job of directing the new Star Wars trilogy that will be set after the events of the current one. Episode 9 Star Wars movie has been given to the director of the force awakens JJ Abrams.  it remains to be seen whether he can give a satisfactory conclusion to the Trilogy.  some of the fans were disappointed at the treatment of the Luke Skywalker's character.  while they could have done something else with the character I am pretty sure that no matter what the director did people who have still criticized that move.

Many fans and Star Wars the last Jedi have problems in the way the character of luke skywalker was depicted in the movie.  many have argued that someone like Luke skywalker would never give up on his pupils and Run from his problems.  they find it inconceivable that Luke will try to kill his own nephew Ben solo just because he saw some dark thoughts in the child.  some fans are so incense that they have threatened to Boycott the movie and have even started a petition online that seeks to strike it from the official Canon of Star Wars.  some fans also felt cheated because they were expecting an epic light-saber duel featuring Luke skywalker.  what they instead received was the projection of luke fighting a light-saber battle.

The moments when princess leia is short out from the bridge of her ship and manages to come back even though she is unconscious using the force was also off-putting for many serious fans.

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Thor Ragnarok Moview review

Thor Ragnarok is probably one of the best Marvel movies to come out in the recent years.  it is jam packed with action scenes comedy and other exciting scenes. The director has done a fantastic job in depicting the superhero Thor.  Fans of the comic book series, as well as casual fans, will be very happy with the movie.

Among the major attractions of the movie is the enigmatic character called The Grandmaster played masterfully by Jeff Goldblum.  he is an audience favourite and people with loved it when he came on screen. He is one of the funniest Marvel villains I have seen in recent times.

The movie introduces some notable new characters who add a lot to the film.  The main attraction of the movie is the   Gladiatorial combat shown between the two major characters. The fight between Thor and Hulk is one of the better action sequences of the movie.  it is truly a visual spectacle that is worth the wait.

The director of the movie pays tribute you to the 1970 psychedelic artwork of Jack Kirby.  

The planet Ssakaar boasts of some incredible art direction and set design. Overall this is a must watch movie for everyone who loves The Marvel Universe as well as people who want to see what the Hype is all about.  this movie nicely sets up the oncoming Marvel Avengers Infinity war movies.  the main villain of the movie played by Cate Blanchett is called HeLa the Goddess of death.  she does a marvellous job of portraying the cold-blooded goddess who is hell-bent on conquering the known universe.

Email Marketing

The field of email marketing is constantly evolving. Email marketing techniques that worked in the past may not necessarily work right now. We live in dynamic times where the needs of organisations and the customers they serve are constantly changing. Email marketing is a bridge that connects existing and potential customers to organisations that can fulfil that need. 

If approached in the right way, email marketing is one of the most efficient and effective ways of getting the word out of your product or service. The best thing about email marketing is that it is highly targeted. The field of email marketing has seen many changes in the last few years. Email marketing is perfect if you want to reach out to a small group or even a medium size group of targeted individuals who desire knowledge about the product you wish to sell and are eager to keep themselves up to date in their relevant field. For example, if you are selling medical equipment email marketing is a very good option for you as you can reach out to hospital administrators, doctors and other decision makers that are potential customers.

A carefully crafted and executed email marketing campaign will work wonders for almost every product or service out there.  All that being said email marketing is something that requires more sophistication than other forms of marketing. To get effective results it requires a very catchy subject line and email content. For example, if you are a hospital administrator that wants to buy medical equipment and you as the seller of medical equipment are writing the email then your email must contain highly accurate and relevant information if you want to make a successful sale.