Spare is the title of Prince Harry’s 416-page memoir, publishers Penguin Random House

Prince Harry’s memoir Spare is due for release on January 10. Royal insiders have labeled the choice of the title of the memoir as "confrontational" and "yet another attack on the royal family." The name Spare is believed to be a nod to the phrase 'The Heir and Spare.' This was used to describe Harry and his older brother Prince William based on their positions within the line of succession. A description of the book claims it will take "readers immediately back to one of the most searing images of the twentieth century.” It was of two young boys walking behind the coffin of their mother while the world watched in sorrow and horror. The cost of the book in hardback form will be £28 while the cost of the audio version, voiced by Harry himself, will be £20. The publishers re Penguin Random House and they revealed the language for the memoir will English in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa and Canada. Moreover, it will also be in 15 additional languages, including Spanish, Italian, German and Chinese. Prince Harry reveals first details of memoir including bitter title and striking cover photo. Palace lawyers will be on standby in the New Year to see the contents of the memoir. The contents will no doubt be explosive and observers feel there will be remote chance of this book acting as a vehicle for reconciliation for the royal couple of Prince Harry and Meghan Mrkle.

In the description under the heading "about the author" it mentions about Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, who resides in Santa Barbara, California, with his family and three dogs. It also mentions that Harry is a husband, father, humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate, and environmentalist. The money raised from the sale proceeds will go to charities. He has already donated $1,500,000 to Sentebale and £300,000 to WellChild. He was their patron during his time as a working royal. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the book. It seems King Charles and William are -"increasingly uneasy" about its contents. They fear it could affect their family relations. News about Harry’s tell-all book came last year. At the time, Harry said - "I'm writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man, I have become.”

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For our eyes only – popularity of contact lenses on the rise

Necessity is the mother of invention. That is how the concept of contact lenses emerged. As life went on the fast track, spectacles became a cumbersome affair. They were an additional burden to the owners. He had to take care to preserve them when not in use. Polish them at regular intervals to ensure clear vision. At times, he would misplace them and be in panic because he might be as good as blind if the glasses were not in place on the bridge of his nose. Then there were problems of losing them or even damaging them. Obviously, he had to keep a standby pair handy. Contact lenses came to him as a gift.

Over a period of time, contact lenses gained acceptance. It became a fashion statement for the rich and famous. Those in the entertainment industry loved these lenses but a section of people did not go for these items. They were those who are accustomed to using the spectacles to make a statement. They would remove the glasses, hold them in the hand and gesticulate as they try to impress their point of view upon the audience. Many of them are politicians, lawyers, or even professors.

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How to fight the retirement blues

The term retirement is usually applicable to only those who are employed – politicians can continue to serve the masses till thy drop dead, no retirement age specified for them. Same for self-employed ones like doctors and lawyers who become more sought-after depending on their age. The general concept that age brings with it the advantage of loads of experience and expertise to handle difficult situations. They may not be directly involved and leave that to their juniors but their knowledge helps the cause at the operation table or in court.
Similar is the case of the shopkeepers and the vegetable vendors – they continue to serve till they answer to the call of the Divine.

Therefore, those who have to ultimately fight off the retirement blues are employees of different organizations who have decided upon an age beyond which an individual loses his effectiveness – instead of being a treasure, he becomes a liability to the organization.
How this age is arrived at is a mystery and no one has an answer – it comes down from generations by tradition and is never questioned. Of course, in some organizations, a few selected individuals can expect to ward off the inevitable expiry date because of working in specific fields where there is no immediate replacement. Such instances are few and far between. The fact of the matter is – you have to leave and make way for others once you reach the expiry date.
We have dealt with several options of how to spend the retirement days. Here is another one – look for another job.
Yes, there are many professions where one can expect to get another job after retirement. And, one who is lucky to land another job can be assured of a fixed monthly income provided the new company pays on time. In such cases, the individual may have to accept a lesser pay package, swallow his pride and also get adjusted to the whims and fancies of the new boss. It becomes a case of make hay while the sun shines. (to be continued …)
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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