'My Jassi Diary 2004' from Sony's stable

Spiral bound and handy, the diary in pink drives home the point that 'it is your assistant just the way Jassi is Armaan Sir's!' Aha! Nice connect. The diary is spruced with Jassi's thoughts on various things that affect one's life, especially at work. The 12 months have been separated by a leaflet which carries tips on topics such as Presentations, Meetings, Teamwork, Time Management, Grooming, Ideas, Money Matters, Leisure, Values etc.

Interestingly, the bit on the 'Grooming' topic contains Jassi's views on grooming where she admits that she should be the last person talking about this topic as she doesn't really pay attention to her appearance. Now, the thing that caught our attention was the last line of this section - "Tomorrow, if there were to be a change in the way I felt about myself, or the way I saw myself, I promise you - my appearance will change too!" Yup, now that's what we are looking forward to Jassi!

Channel [V]'s Simpoo swimsuit calendar 2004

Channel [V] started its 2004 calendar hype right from November last year. It had announced plans of unveiling [V]'s Wet N Wild calendar for 2004 which, according to the channel, had been shot in exotic international locations. Refusing to reveal any details about the models for the calendar at that time, the [V] team built a lot of curiosity around it. Adding to which was the channel's head honcho Amar K Deb's statement in an official release, "The Channel [V] 2004 Calendar comes with an official warning. It's so hot, please handle with care."

When the calendar was finally unveiled, the swimsuit model turned out to be none other than [V]'s popular mascot Simpoo posing in beach wear. Photographer Sameer Parekh who shot the calendar said, "Our model is extremely photogenic and very, very seductive. There's no doubt that the calendar is going to create a huge stir!" And a stir it did create. Where on the one hand people were expecting ravishing beauties in swimsuits sprawled on exotic beaches this sure must have been a damper to many a libido. But nevertheless, the trying-hard-to-be-sexy Simpoo calendar does tickle the funny bone.

Cartoon Network's 'Cards of the Future' 2004 calendar

Kiddies channel Cartoon Network came out with the 'Cards of the Future' 2004 calendar. Featuring Power Puff Girls, Jonny Bravo, Dexter, Bugs Bunny, the forever-at-war Tom & Jerry, Loony Tunes, Scooby Doo and more, this one is a sure treat for the kids. Donned in a golden colour, the calendar is bright and a welcome treat to the eyes compared to boring landscape calendars that are more often than not seen on the desks of executives. This one from Cartoon Network does provide comic relief when one looks at the expressions of either Tom or Jerry.

Where others have kept in mind the content on their respective channels and woven calendars and diaries around that theme, The One Alliance between Discovery Networks International and Sony Entertainment Television India which was formed in 2002 has come out with a calendar with various Hindu gods and goddesses (one sure shot way of ensuring that the calendar doesn't find its way to the dustbin!!)

The godly One Alliance's calendar for 2004

The calendar has a tag line of 'Ek Saath... Ek Manzil' (Together... One Destination) on the first page with a note saying 'May Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Surya and all Nine planetary Gods (Nava Grahaas) always protect us.'

Interestingly, behind the backdrop of the gods and goddesses on each page is the tag line of the channels that comprise the One Alliance bouquet. This six page wall calendar has the Sony tag line 'Ab Aayega Mazaa' behind Lord Ganesha picture, MAX's tag line 'Deewana Bana De' stands out behind Lord Krishna's picture; Discovery's 'Explore your world. It grabs you' behind the Goddess Durga picture, NDTV's 'Experience... Truth First' behind Lord Ram's picture, AXN's 'Adventure The Heart of Action' behind Lord Shiva's picture and HBO's 'Simply the Best' behind Lord Brahma's picture.

While a lot of monies are being spent on fancy calendars and diaries, only a select few manage to attract attention and create lasting impressions. Others are passé and fail to establish an everlasting impact.