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ISRO - Oceansat-2

2009-09-23T14:48:00.003+05:30

Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C14), carrying India's ocean monitoring satellite Oceansat-2 and six European nano satellites, blasted off from the SHAR Range at 1151 hrs IST at Sriharikota on 23/09/09 Wednesday.

The 44.4 metre tall, four-stage 230-tonne PSLV-C14 took off without its six strap-on motors as all the seven satellites put together weighed less than 1000 kg.

After 18 minutes of blasting off from the Second Launch Pad of the SHAR Range PSLV-C14 successfully put Oceansat-2 in the desired orbit.

In a flawless and textbook precision mission, the PSLV-C14, in its 16th flight, demonstrated its prowess by placing the 960 Kg Oceansat-2 in the orbit.

Of the previous 15 flights during 1993-2009, the PSLV was successful on 14 occasions and had placed 32 spacecrafts (16 Indian and 16 for international customers) in a variety of orbits, proving its reliability and versatility.

ISRO scientists clapped and hugged each other with joy at the Mission Control Centre as the screens flashed the sequence of the injection of the satellite in 720 km orbit with an inclination of 98.28 degrees to the equator.

Vice-President Hameed Ansari. who also witnessed the launch, congratulated ISRO for the successful launch.

The same PSLV had successfully launched Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft last.

After the launch ISRO Chairman Madhavan Nair expressed his satisfaction on the successful completion of the operations.

"We extremely proud in putting together the vehicle and attaining the target on time. The Prime Minister has expressed his best wishes to the successful launch of PSLV Oceansat-2," said Nair.

The launch is ISRO's first major satellite launch since Chandrayaan 1.

The Oceansat-2 is ISRO's second in the series of Indian Remote Sensing satellites dedicated to ocean research. The satellite will provide continuity to the applications of Oceansat-1, which was launched in 1999.

Oceansat-2 weighs 960kgs and is carrying two devices: the Ocean Colour Monitor and a Microwave Scatterometer, which help in tracking the onset of monsoon by measuring the wind speed over the surface of the ocean.

All data gathered will be made available to the global scientific community in six months.

Logo's

2009-05-08T12:00:00.003+05:30

Tree's Dream

2009-05-07T15:45:00.002+05:30

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" ... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

Technology

2009-05-06T13:11:00.001+05:30

Layoff plans - Microsoft

2009-05-06T13:05:00.003+05:30

Microsoft has sent layoff notices to more than 3,000 workers, almost completing plans announced in January to fire some 5,000 workers, the company said on Tuesday.

Microsoft had already cut 1,400 positions when it made the announcement of the first mass layoffs in its history. In an email to workers on Tuesday(05/05/09), Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer indicated that further job cuts could be needed.

"As we move forward, we will continue to closely monitor the impact of the economic downturn on the company and if necessary, take further actions on our cost structure including additional job eliminations," Ballmer said in the memo.

While most of the original firings were in the US, the latest round was split evenly between the US and the company's international branches. Microsoft said it plans to create between 2,000 and 3,000 jobs between now and the middle of next year, many of which could be filled by the laid off workers.

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Today's Cartoon

2009-05-04T15:36:00.000+05:30

Build Wisely

2009-05-04T15:24:00.001+05:30

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business to live a more leisurely life with his wife and enjoy his extended family. He would miss the paycheck each week, but he wanted to retire. They could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go & asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but over time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, his employer came to inspect the house. Then he handed the front-door key to the carpenter and said, "This is your house... my gift to you."

The carpenter was shocked!

What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then, with a shock, we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we would do it much differently.

But, you cannot go back. You are the carpenter, and every day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Someone once said, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Your attitude, and the choices you make today, helps build the "house" you will live in tomorrow. Therefore, build wisely!

Shoe Box

2009-05-04T15:17:00.002+05:30

There was once a man and woman who had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about. For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted doilies and a stack of money totaling $25,000. He asked her about the contents. "When we were to be married," she said, "My grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doily." The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious doilies were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness. "Honey," he said, "that explains the doilies, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?" "Oh," she said, "That’s the money I made from selling the doilies."
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Pencil = Human Beings !

2009-05-02T12:30:00.002+05:30

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.

"There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."

"One:
You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand."

"Two:
You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."

"Three:
You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."

"Four:
The most important part of you will always be what's inside."

"And Five:
On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write."

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.

And Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.

Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish.

Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.

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The Brick !

2009-05-01T12:28:00.002+05:30

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and drove the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown.

The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car, shouting, "What was that all about and who are you?
Just what the heck are you doing?

That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money.

Why did you do it?"

The young boy was apologetic. "Please mister ... please, I'm sorry... I didn't know what else to do," he pleaded.

"I threw the brick because no one else would stop..."
With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car.

"It's my brother," he said.

"He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up."
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out his fancy handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay.

"Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the stranger.

Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the little boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door.

He kept the dent there to remind him of this message:
Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!

God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us.

It's our choice: Listen to the whisper ... or wait for the brick!

May Day - the Real Labor Day

2009-04-30T15:01:00.003+05:30

May 1st, International Workers' Day, commemorates the historic struggle of working people throughout the world, and is recognized in every country except the United States, Canada, and South Africa. This despite the fact that the holiday began in the 1880s in the United States, with the fight for an eight-hour work day.

In 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions passed a resolution stating that eight hours would constitute a legal day's work from and after May 1, 1886. The resolution called for a general strike to achieve the goal, since legislative methods had already failed. With workers being forced to work ten, twelve, and fourteen hours a day, rank-and-file support for the eight-hour movement grew rapidly, despite the indifference and hostility of many union leaders. By April 1886, 250,000 workers were involved in the May Day movement.

The heart of the movement was in Chicago, organized primarily by the anarchist International Working People's Association. Businesses and the state were terrified by the increasingly revolutionary character of the movement and prepared accordingly. The police and militia were increased in size and received new and powerful weapons financed by local business leaders. Chicago's Commercial Club purchased a $2000 machine gun for the Illinois National Guard to be used against strikers. Nevertheless, by May 1st, the movement had already won gains for many Chicago clothing cutters, shoemakers, and packing-house workers. But on May 3, 1886, police fired into a crowd of strikers at the McCormick Reaper Works Factory, killing four and wounding many. Anarchists called for a mass meeting the next day in Haymarket Square to protest the brutality.

The meeting proceeded without incident, and by the time the last speaker was on the platform, the rainy gathering was already breaking up, with only a few hundred people remaining. It was then that 180 cops marched into the square and ordered the meeting to disperse. As the speakers climbed down from the platform, a bomb was thrown at the police, killing one and injuring seventy. Police responded by firing into the crowd, killing one worker and injuring many others.

Although it was never determined who threw the bomb, the incident was used as an excuse to attack the entire Left and labor movement. Police ransacked the homes and offices of suspected radicals, and hundreds were arrested without charge. Anarchists in particular were harassed, and eight of Chicago's most active were charged with conspiracy to murder in connection with the Haymarket bombing. A kangaroo court found all eight guilty, despite a lack of evidence connecting any of them to the bomb-thrower (only one was even present at the meeting, and he was on the speakers' platform), and they were sentenced to die. Albert Parsons, August Spies, Adolf Fischer, and George Engel were hanged on November 11, 1887. Louis Lingg committed suicide in prison, The remaining three were finally pardoned in 1893.

It is not surprising that the state, business leaders, mainstream union officials, and the media would want to hide the true history of May Day, portraying it as a holiday celebrated only in Moscow's Red Square. In its attempt to erase the history and significance of May Day, the United States government declared May 1st to be "Law Day", and gave us instead Labor Day - a holiday devoid of any historical significance other than its importance as a day to swill beer and sit in traffic jams.

Nevertheless, rather than suppressing labor and radical movements, the events of 1886 and the execution of the Chicago anarchists actually mobilized many generations of radicals. Emma Goldman, a young immigrant at the time, later pointed to the Haymarket affair as her political birth. Lucy Parsons, widow of Albert Parsons, called upon the poor to direct their anger toward those responsible - the rich. Instead of disappearing, the anarchist movement only grew in the wake of Haymarket, spawning other radical movements and organizations, including the Industrial Workers of the World.

By covering up the history of May Day, the state, business, mainstream unions and the media have covered up an entire legacy of dissent in this country. They are terrified of what a similarly militant and organized movement could accomplish today, and they suppress the seeds of such organization whenever and wherever they can. As workers, we must recognize and commemorate May Day not only for it's historical significance, but also as a time to organize around issues of vital importance to working-class people today.

Source From NET

Relax !

2009-04-30T14:06:00.003+05:30

Santa & Banta got tired using mobile cell phones. For a change, they decided to use pigeons to send sweet messages. And this hilarious scheme worked very fine.

One day Santa sends his pigeon.

Banta sees, the pigeon is without any message. He picks his mobile and asks Santa: The pigeon is without any sweet message.

Santa: Oye khotey, that was a missed call.

---------------------------------------------
Angry Boss: Have you ever seen an owl?

Employee: (looking down) No Sir...

Boss: Don't look down. Look at me.

--------------------------------------------------
Boyfriend: Do you think my salary is sufficient for you?

Girlfriend: It is sufficient for me, but how will you survive?
------------------------------------------------------------------

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NO EXIT!

2009-04-30T13:33:00.002+05:30

A man checked into a hotel for the first time in his life, and goes up to his room.

Five minutes later he called the reception desk and said: "You've given me a room with no exit. How do I leave?"

The desk clerk said, "Sir, that's absurd. Have you looked for the door?"

The man said, "Well, there's one door that leads to the bathroom. There's a second door that goes into the closet. And there's a door I haven't tried, but it has a 'do not disturb' sign on it."

12 Angry Men (1957)

2009-04-30T13:28:00.001+05:30

A dissenting juror in a murder trial slowly manages to convince the others that the case is not as obviously clear as it seemed in court.
A teenaged Hispanic boy has just been tried for the murder of his father, and the case is now in the hands of the jury.. A guilty verdict will send the boy to the electric chair.

The case looks, on the surface, cut and dried, but one juror (Henry Fonda), despite his own feeling that the defendant is probably guilty, feels that the facts, at very least, merit a cursory review, before the jury hands in a guilty verdict. His insistence on a brief examination of the case seems to rub many on the jury the wrong way, as they continue to see the matter as open and shut.

Fascinatingly, in examination of the testimony and facts of the case, the experiences, personalities, attributes, limitations, and biases of the individual jurors weave in and out of the deliberation process, at times to its benefit and at times to its detriment.

To the benefit of the deliberation process, 1) the very elderly juror (Joseph Sweeney) is the only one that can see a possible motive explaining why an elderly witness may have misled the court in his tetimony, 2) the one fellow (Jack Klugman) who grew up in a rough neighborhood, where he witnessed numerous knife fights, is the only one who sees a problem in assuming that the defendant made the stab wound found, and 3) the juror who had done contract work by the elevated subway (Ed Binns) was the only one in a position to question what one of the witnesses might or might not have heard.

To the detriment of the deliberation process, 1) one juror (Ed Begley) is so consumed by his personal prejudices that he sees value in ridding the streets of the Hispanic defendant whether or not he is guilty, and 2) another juror (Lee J. Cobb) is unopen to reason because he has been physically harmed by his teenaged son, and, consequently, views each and every teenaged boy, including the defendant, as capable of patricide.

The number of obstacles on the path to honest assessment of the facts is a constant threat to the deliberation process. Will this jury come together to find a verdict of either "guilty" or "not guilty" or will it be a hung jury (a jury that cannot reach a unanimous decision, and must retire from the case without declaring a verdict)? Watching how this matter is resolved is a riveting study in the nature, and utimate beauty, of the trial by jury process.

Swine flu (deadly strain)

2009-04-29T11:28:00.002+05:30

The World Health Organization says the new type of swine flu that has broken out in Mexico and has killed more than 100 people till now has the potential to become a pandemic.

What it is?
Swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses.

The virus
The WHO has confirmed that some of the cases in the current outbreak are a never-before-seen strain of influenza A virus, carrying the designation H1N1. The strain is a mixture of viruses from swine, birds and humans.

Symptoms
Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to those of seasonal influenza, so it is difficult to detect and mild cases may escape recognition. The symptoms include sudden fever, coughing, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. The new strain also causes more diarrhoea and vomiting than normal flu.

Vaccines
Vaccines are available for pigs to prevent swine influenza. But as of now, there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu, although the CDC is formulating one. The seasonal influenza vaccine may help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses, like the one spreading currently.

How the flu spreads to humans?
The swine influenza A virus has many strains, the newest being the H1N1 type. The respiratory virus attacks pigs and causes influenza in them. A human may contract the flu on coming in direct contact with an infected pig. It spreads like normal flu, when viral particles expelled in coughs and sneezes are breathed in.

WHO PANDEMIC ALERT PHASES
Phase 1: No viruses circulating among animals causing infections in humans

Phase 2: Animal influenza virus causes infection in humans, and is considered potential pandemic threat

Phase 3: Influenza causes sporadic cases in people, but no significant human-to-human transmission

Phase 4: Verified human-to-human transmission able to cause community-level outbreaks. Significant increase in risk of a pandemic

Phase 5: Human-to-human transmission in at least two countries. Strong signal pandemic imminent

Phase 6: Virus spreads to another country in a different region. Global pandemic under way

LOVE !

2009-04-29T11:18:00.003+05:30

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all constructed boats and left. Except for Love.

Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.

When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.

Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said,
"Richness, can you take me with you?"
Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."

Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!"
"I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.

Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, let me go with you."
"Oh . . . Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"

Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her.

Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the elder where they were going. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Realizing how much was owed the elder,

Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who Helped me?"
"It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?"
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is."

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The Godfather: Part II(1974)-Won 6 Oscars

2009-04-29T11:10:00.002+05:30

The early life & career of Vito Corleone in 1920's New York is portrayed while his son, Michael, expands and tightens his grip on his crime syndicate stretching from Lake Tahoe, Nevada to pre-Revolution 1958 Cuba

The Godfather Part II presents two parallel storylines. One involves Mafia chief Michael Corleone in 1958/1959 after the events of the first movie; the other is a series of flashbacks following his father, Vito Corleone from 1917 to 1925, from his youth in Sicily (1901) to the founding of the Corleone family in New York.

The film begins in 1901, in the town of Corleone in Sicily, at the funeral of young Vito's father, Antonio Andolini, who has been murdered for an insult to the local Mafia lord, Don Ciccio. During the procession, Vito's older brother is murdered because he swore revenge on the Don. Vito's mother goes to Ciccio to beg for mercy, but he refuses, knowing that nine year old Vito will seek revenge later in life. The mother takes Ciccio hostage at knifepoint, allowing her son to escape, and Ciccio's men kill her. They search the town for the boy, but he is aided in his escape by the townspeople. Vito finds his way by ship to New York, and at Ellis Island an immigration agent chooses Vito's hometown of Corleone as his surname, and he is registered as "Vito Corleone".

In the late 1950s, in a scene similar to the opening of the first film, Michael Corleone, Godfather of the Corleone family, deals with various business and family problems during an elaborate party at his Lake Tahoe, Nevada compound to celebrate his son's First Communion. He meets with Nevada Senator Pat Geary, who despises the Corleones, to discuss the price of the gaming licenses for the hotel/casinos the Family is buying.

Michael deals with his sister Connie, who, although recently divorced, is planning to marry a man with no obvious means of support and of whom Michael disapproves. He also talks with Johnny Ola, the right hand man of Jewish gangster Hyman Roth, who is supporting Michael's move into the gambling industry. Belatedly, Michael deals with Frank "Five Angels" Pentangeli, who took over Corleone caporegime Peter Clemenza's territory after his death, and now has problems with the Rosato Brothers, who are backed by Roth. Pentangeli leaves abruptly, after telling Michael "your father did business with Hyman Roth, your father respected Hyman Roth, but your father never trusted Hyman Roth."

Later that night, an assassination attempt is made on Michael, which he survives when his wife Kay notices the bedroom window drapes are inexplicably open. Afterwards, Michael tells Tom Hagen that the hit was made with the help of someone close, and that he must leave, entrusting all his power to Hagen to protect his family.

The action then switches to 1917, where the adult Vito Corleone works in a New York grocery store with his friend Genco Abbandando. The neighborhood is controlled by a member of the "The Black Hand," Don Fanucci, who extorts protection payments from local businesses. One night, Vito's neighbor Clemenza asks him to hide a stash of guns for him, and later, to repay the favor, takes him to a fancy apartment where they commit their first felony together, stealing an elegant rug.

The film flash-forwards to Michael's time. Michael meets with Hyman Roth in Florida and tells him that he believes Frank Pentangeli was responsible for the assassination attempt, and that Pentangeli will pay for it. Traveling to Brooklyn, Michael lets Pentangeli know that Roth was actually behind it, and that Michael has a plan to deal with Roth, but he needs Frankie to cooperate with the Rosato Brothers in order to put Roth off guard. When Pentangeli goes to meet with the Rosatos, he is told "Michael Corleone says hello," as he is attacked from behind but the attempted murder is accidentally interrupted by a policeman. Pentangeli is left for dead, and his bodyguard, Willie Cicci, is struck by a car.

In Nevada, Tom Hagen is called to a brothel run by Michael's older brother Fredo, where Senator Geary is implicated in the death of a prostitute, and Tom offers to take care of the problem in return for "friendship" between the Senator and the Corleone family.

Meanwhile, Michael meets Roth in Havana, Cuba, in late 1958, at the time when dictator Fulgencio Batista is soliciting American investment, and communist guerrillas are trying to bring down the government. At a birthday party for Roth, Michael mentions that there is a possibility that the rebels might win, making their business dealings in Cuba problematic. The comment prompts Roth to remark, privately, that Michael has not delivered the two million dollars to firm their partnership.

Fredo, carrying the promised money, arrives in Havana and meets Michael. Michael mentions Hyman Roth and Johnny Ola to him, but Fredo says he has never met them. Michael confides to his brother that it was Roth who tried to kill him, and that he plans to try again. Michael assures Fredo that he has already made his move, and that "Hyman Roth will never see the New Year."

Instead of turning over the money to Roth, Michael asks him who gave the order to have Frank Pentangeli killed. Roth avoids the question, instead speaking angrily of the murder of his old friend, Moe Greene, which Michael had orchestrated (as depicted at the end of the first film).

Michael has asked Fredo, who knows Havana well, to show Senator Geary and other important officials and businessmen a good time, during which Fredo pretends to not recognize Johnny Ola. Soon after, at a sex show, Fredo comments loudly that Johnny Ola told him about the place, contradicting what he told Michael twice earlier, that he didn't know Roth or Ola. Michael now realizes that the traitor is his own brother, and dispatches his bodyguard to deal with Roth.

Johnny Ola is strangled, but Roth, in a delicate state, is taken to a hospital, where Michael's enforcer is shot trying to kill him. At Batista's New Year's Eve party, at the stroke of midnight, Michael grasps Fredo tightly by the head and kisses him: "I know it was you Fredo; you broke my heart." When guerillas attack, the guests flee, but Fredo refuses to go with Michael, despite Michael's pleas that Fredo is still his brother and that it's the only way out.

Michael returns to his Lake Tahoe compound, where Hagen tells him that Roth escaped Cuba after suffering a stroke and is recovering in Miami, that Michael's bodyguard is dead, and that Fredo is probably hiding in New York. Hagen also informs Michael that Kay had a miscarriage while he was away.

In New York of 1917, Don Fanucci of the Black Hand is now aware of the partnership between Vito, Clemenza and Sal Tessio, and wants his share. Clemenza and Tessio agree to pay, but Vito is reluctant and asks his friends to leave everything in his hands so Fanucci will accept less and indeed, Vito manages to get Fanucci to take only one sixth of what he demanded (100 of 600 dollars). Immediately afterwards, during the neighborhood festa, Vito murders Fanucci. With Fanucci dead, Vito earns the respect of the neighborhood and begins to intercede in local disputes, operating out of the storefront of his Genco Pura Olive Oil Company (named after his friend Genco Abbandando).

In Washington, D.C., a Senate committee, of which Senator Geary is a member, is conducting an investigation into the Corleone family. They question disaffected "soldier" Willie Cicci, but he cannot implicate Michael, because he never received any direct orders from him. When Michael appears before the committee, Senator Geary makes a big show of supporting Italian-Americans and then excuses himself from the proceedings. Michael makes a statement challenging the committee to produce a witness to corroborate the charges against him. The hearing ends with the Chairman promising a witness who will do exactly that.

Frank Pentangeli, who did not die in the attack by the Rosato Brothers, has made a deal with the FBI, and will testify against Michael. Tom Hagen and Michael discuss the problem, observing that Roth's strategy to destroy Michael is well planned. Michael's brother Fredo has been found and persuaded to return to Nevada, and in a private meeting he explains to Michael his betrayal: upset about being passed over to head the family in favor of Michael, he wants respect and his due. He helped Roth thinking there would be something in it for him, but he swears he didn't know they wanted to kill Michael. He also tells Michael that the Senate Committee's chief counsel is Roth's man. Michael then tells Fredo: "You're nothing to me now. Not a brother, not a friend, nothing", and privately instructs Al Neri that nothing is to happen to Fredo while their mother is still alive.

At the hearing in which Pentangeli is to testify, Michael arrives accompanied by Pentangeli's brother, whose presence causes Frank to recant his previous statements about Michael. When Pentangeli is pressed, he claims that he just told the FBI what they wanted to hear. With no witness to testify against Michael the committee adjourns, with Hagen, acting as Michael's lawyer, loudly demanding an apology.

At a hotel room afterwards, Kay tries to leave Michael, taking their children with her. Michael at first tries to mollify her, but loses his temper and hits her violently when she reveals to him that her recent "miscarriage" was actually an abortion to avoid providing another child into Michael's criminal inheritance.

While visiting Sicily, Vito is introduced to the elderly Don Ciccio as the man who imports their olive oil to America, and who wants his blessing. When Ciccio asks Vito who his father was, Vito says, "My father's name is Antonio Andolini, and this is for you!", cutting the old man's stomach open with a knife, avenging the death of his father, mother, and brother.

When Carmella Corleone, Vito's widow and the mother of his children, dies, the whole Corleone family is reunited. Michael is still shunning Fredo, who is miserable, but relents when Connie implores him to. Michael and Fredo embrace, but at the same time Michael signals to his capo that Fredo's protection from harm, in effect while their mother lived, has now run out.

Michael, Tom Hagen, and Rocco Lampone discuss their final dealings with Hyman Roth, who has been unsuccessfully seeking asylum from various countries, and was even refused entry to Israel as a returned Jew. Michael rejects Hagen's advice that the Corleone family's position is secure, and killing Roth and the Rosato brothers for revenge is an unnecessary risk. Later, Hagen pays a visit to Frank Pentangeli on a military base and suggests that he take his own life, in the manner of unsuccesful ancient Roman conspirators who, in return, were promised that their families would be taken care of after their suicide.

With the connivance of Connie, Kay visits her children, but cannot bear to leave them and stays too long. When Michael arrives, he coldly closes the door in her face.

The Godfather Part II reaches its climax in a montage of assassinations and death, reminiscent of the end of The Godfather. As he arrives at an airport to be taken into custody, Hyman Roth is killed by Rocco Lampone disguised as a journalist, who is immediately shot dead in his turn. On the military base, Frank Pentangeli is found dead, having followed Hagen's instructions and committed suicide. Finally, Fredo is murdered by Al Neri while they are fishing on Lake Tahoe - while Fredo is saying a Hail Mary to help catch a fish.

The penultimate scene takes place in 1941, and the Corleone family is preparing a surprise birthday party for Vito. Sonny introduces Carlo Rizzi, Connie's future husband and betrayer of Sonny, to his family. They all talk about the recent attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, and Michael shocks everybody by announcing that he has just enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Sonny ridicules Michael's choice, and Tom Hagen mentions how his father has great expectations for Michael. Fredo is the only one who supports his brother's decision. Sal Tessio comes in with the cake for the party, and when Vito arrives, all but Michael leave to greet him.

The final scene in the film is Michael sitting by himself at Lake Tahoe, in silent contemplation.

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DEMAT ACCOUNT - Basics

2009-04-28T11:51:00.002+05:30

Demat refers to a dematerialised account.

Though the company is under obligation to offer the securities in both physical and demat mode, you have the choice to receive the securities in either mode.
If you wish to have securities in demat mode, you need to indicate the name of the depository and also of the depository participant with whom you have depository account in your application.

It is, however desirable that you hold securities in demat form as physical securities carry the risk of being fake, forged or stolen.

Just as you have to open an account with a bank if you want to save your money, make cheque payments etc, Nowadays, you need to open a demat account if you want to buy or sell stocks.

So it is just like a bank account where actual money is replaced by shares. You have to approach the DPs (remember, they are like bank branches), to open your demat account. Let's say your portfolio of shares looks like this: 150 of X, 50 of Y, 200 of Z and 100 of W. All these will show in your demat account. So you don't have to possess any physical certificates showing that you own these shares. They are all held electronically in your account. As you buy and sell the shares, they are adjusted in your account. Just like a bank passbook or statement, the DP will provide you with periodic statements of holdings and transactions.

Nowadays, practically all trades have to be settled in dematerialised form. Although the market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has allowed trades of upto 500 shares to be settled in physical form, nobody wants physical shares any more.

So a demat account is a must for trading and investing.Most banks are also DP participants, as are many brokers. You can choose your very own DP.A broker is separate from a DP. A broker is a member of the stock exchange, who buys and sells shares on his behalf and on behalf of his clients.A DP will just give you an account to hold those shares.

You do not have to take the same DP that your broker takes. You can choose your own.

Where to cut costs?

2009-04-28T11:05:00.003+05:30

Spending right is also about slashing costs at the right places. Here are simple strategies to help trim monthly expenses without compromising on your lifestyle.

FOOD & BEVERAGES
Share of consumption: 2008 - 40%, 2009 - 30%

Strategies:
1.Buy at discount stores.
2.Buy staples in bulk.
3.Eat less meat, more veg.
4.Cut out on junk food.
5.Substitute expensive ingredients.
Can help cut cost by 20%

TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION
Share of consumption: 2008 - 12%, 2009 - 13%
Strategies:
1.Combine trips for shopping and entertainment.
2.Consider car-pooling.
3.Bundle phone, cable, Net services with one operator.
4.Shift to lower rate plan if you don’t use a service fully.
5.Consider prepaid plans for cell phones if usage is low.
Can help cut cost by 15%

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
Share of consumption: 2008 - 3%, 2009 - 3%
Strategies:
1.Buy durables during sales.
2.Shop online for gadgets.
3.Hold on to upgrades.
4.Consider used furniture.
5.Mix and match home furnishings across brands.
Can help cut cost by 15%

HOUSING & UTILITIES
Share of consumption: 2008 - 12%, 2009 - 13%
Strategies:
1.Shift to a lower interest rate home loan, cut EMI.
2.Move to a less expensive location, save on rent.
3.Use energy-efficient appliances to cut power bill.
4.Insulate to reduce AC and heating costs.
Can help cut cost by 10%

EDUCATION & HEALTH
Share of consumption: 2008 - 9%, 2009 - 11%
Strategies:
1.Switch to per-day gym package if not a regular.
2.Switch to generic medicines wherever possible.
3.Club routine doctor visits.
4.Explore online study aids.
Can help cut cost by 5%

APPAREL & FOOTWEAR
Share of consumption: 2008 - 5%, 2009 - 5%
Strategies:
1.Switch to private labels and in-house brands.
2.Buy at factory outlets.
3.Consider semi-formals.
4.Stock up during offseason discount sales.
Can help cut cost by 20%

PERSONAL PRODUCTS
Share of consumption: 2008 - 11%, 2009 - 9%
Strategies:
1.Consider using grooming products instead of visits to beauty parlours.
2.Buy smaller packs of products that are not used frequently.
3.Cut down on costly cosmetic treatments.
Can help cut cost by 25%

ENTERTAINMENT
Share of consumption: 2008 - 7%, 2009 - 8%
Strategies:
1.Shift from a restaurant to a budget eatery.
2.Explore weekend getaways for short vacations.
3.Move to morning shows, weekday movie tickets which are cheaper.
4.Cut down on expenses on parties and weddings.
5.Download music.
Can help cut cost by 30%

Potential savings estimates based on prices in metros; consumption share figures for 2009 are estimates; source for consumption patterns: McKinsey, Technopak, Indicus Analytics.

SPENDING TRENDS IN INDIA
1.Consumers are substituting highcost pepper with chilli.
2.Fast-food joints like McDonalds have not seen a drop in sales.
3.Sales of high-end accessories like branded bags, belts have been hit.
4.Kirana stores benefit by offering products on credit.
5.Sale of private labels compared to standalone brands is picking up.
6.Gyms are launching per-day packages to lure customers.
7.Package tours are being preferred by out-bound Indian tourists.
8.Advance bookings for air tickets and hotel rooms are going up.
9.Weekend getaways from bigger cities is seeing a spurt in demand.
10.Last-minute bargains are increasing.
11.Upgrades for gadgets, cars and televisions are taking a hit.
12.Mp3 players sell more than iPods, illegal music downloads on the rise.
13.Big-ticket spending as on property and renovation is on decline.
14.Cosmetic sales have seen only a marginal decline of less than 10%.
15.Education spending has not been impacted at all.
16.25% increase in sale of milk cartons
17.30% decrease in average travel budgets

GLOBAL TRENDS
1.High-cost white pepper is being replaced by black pepper.
2.Sale of meal ingredients is growing faster than ready-to-eat meals.
3.Sale of in-store labels has gone up by 25% compared with brands.
4.Discount stores like Wal-Mart have seen a spurt in footfalls and sales.
5.Demand for carbonated beverages and storage products has dipped by 20%.
6.The number of US consumers who are buying music CDs has fallen by 17 million in a year.
7.Holiday sales have dipped by more than a fourth across Europe and the US.
8.Students priced out of four-year colleges migrate to two-year ones.
9.There is a 27% increase in number of local customers (within a km) in Britain.
10.Chocolate sales in the US, UK growing despite a 10% price increase last year.
11.Tobacco sales increased by 9% and alcohol sales by 6% in the UK last year.
12.Lipstick sales in the US have increased by 11% in the past year.
13.Average ticket sales at soccer matches in the US have risen 18% in one year.
14.Spy gadget sales have seen a 15% increase in sales in Europe.
15.Cable TV sales have not been affected by slowdown in the US and Europe.
16.20% increase in chocolate sales in the US and UK
17.23% increase in payments for music downloads

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The Shawshank Redemption(1994)

2009-04-28T10:17:00.001+05:30

Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency

Having been wrongly convicted of murdering both his wife and her lover, Andy Dufresne is sentenced to two life sentences, and is sent to the notoriously harsh Shawshank Prison. During his first night, the barbaric treatment by prison guards, most notably the chief guard Byron Hadley, leads to the death of a fellow new inmate. About a month later, Dufresne becomes acquainted with Ellis Redding, also known as Red, and his friends. A friendship begins after Red, "the man who knows how to get things", procures a rock hammer for Dufresne, an object he wishes to own in order to pursue a hobby in rock collecting.

Over the first few years of his imprisonment, Dufresne works in the prison laundry service, and is dogged by threats and harassment, and instances of rape by a group of sadistic homosexuals known as the "Sisters". Andy's former life as a banker and his knowledge of accounting and income taxes come to the attention of Hadley during an outdoor work detail, and after assisting the chief guard with an inheritance sum, Andy is moved to work with Brooks Hatlen in the library, where he shortly sets up a make-shift office to deal with finance related queries brought to him by various guards. His practice becomes so popular that even opposing guard teams in an inter-prison baseball match bring work to him. While working within the library, Dufresne begins to canvas support for improving the library at a relentless pace. When Andy is brutally raped again, the prison guards commit vigilante punishment against the offender, and it becomes clear that they are now protecting Dufresne from the mistreatment. When the rapist is permanently hospitalized, Andy's victimisation comes to a close.

Warden Samuel Norton soon capitalises on Dufresne's ability and deduces a program to put prison inmates to work for local contracts in construction, road-building, and other labour intensive projects. Dufresne is corruptly employed to hide the embezzled funds for Norton, and he does this by 'creating' an alternate fraudulent identity through which all the paperwork is completed. In the same year, the prison library is extended and Dufresne begins educating inmates to pass high school diplomas. A young prisoner named Tommy enters Shawshank in 1965 who corroborates Andy's tale of innocence. Fearing the loss of the lucrative criminal funds that Andy administers, Norton has Tommy killed and Andy sent to solitary confinement. Two months later, Andy returns to the main enclosures a seemingly broken man, giving abstract instructions to Red, and his friends are concerned that he may commit suicide. The following morning, he is missing from his cell and an investigation is launched.

Following the events that led to his departure, it becomes clear that Andy Dufresne escaped the prison having tunnelled through the walls with the rock hammer given to him shortly after his arrival. Having chronicled the corruption within the prison, he sends his notes to a local newspaper, and walks away with Norton's fortunes, dressed as the man 'with the bank accounts'. Refusing to be arrested, Norton commits suicide. When Red is finally released from prison, he follows the instructions given to him by Andy to find a further note hidden beneath a tree, which eventually leads him to meet Andy on the coast of Mexico.

School

2009-04-27T10:26:00.002+05:30

It's an old joke, yet a useful illustration for various themes.

A mother repeatedly called upstairs for her son to get up, get dressed and get ready for school. It was a familiar routine, especially at exam time.

"I feel sick," said the voice from the bedroom.

"You are not sick. Get up and get ready," called the mother, walking up the stairs and hovering outside the bedroom door.

"I hate school and I'm not going," said the voice from the bedroom, "I'm always getting things wrong, making mistakes and getting told off. Nobody likes me, and I've got no friends. And we have too many tests and they are too confusing. It's all just pointless, and I'm not going to school ever again."

"I'm sorry, but you are going to school," said the mother through the door, continuing encouragingly, "Really, mistakes are how we learn and develop. And please try not to take criticism so personally. And I can't believe that nobody likes you - you have lots of friends at school. And yes, all those tests can be confusing, but we are all tested in many ways throughout our lives, so all of this experience at school is useful for life in general.

Besides, you have to go, you are the headteacher."

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Yoga

2009-04-27T10:22:00.002+05:30

Views about Yoga

Most people think that yoga is a physical exercise that provides relief for headaches, arthritis, and back pain, hypertension and weight reduction. When their health issues get fixed they discontinue their practice and forget about the wonderful discipline of yoga.

Very few are aware that yoga is a systematic and scientific discipline that calms the body and mind, prevents and cures many diseases and makes one experience the ultimate bliss - ‘peace of mind.’

What is Yoga?
•The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means to unite or join together. To unite the individual soul Jeevatma, with the universal soul Paramatma.

•Yoga is a timeless tradition, originating from Rig Veda, with a history of over 5000 years.

•Yoga is not a religion, but a basis of all religions.

•Sage Patanjali, the father of yoga defines yoga as “Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodah” meaning “control of the fluctuations of the mind. “

•Yoga is an inward journey that creates an awareness of your self and leads you to self transformation.

•Yoga is an ancient science of self development that transforms every aspect of an individual.

•Yoga is a system that purifies your mind and body and maintains perfect balance and harmony between them.

•Yoga is an art of controlling your mind, body and breath and unlocking the hidden potential.

•Yoga is preventive care and holistic system of healing that keeps you free from disease.
•Yoga is a way of life that shows you the right path and makes everything go right in your life.

•Yoga is a discipline that teaches you to “live in the present” and “let go the past.”

•Yoga is a philosophy that makes you to accept with a balance of mind everything that comes in the way of your life.

•Yoga is a natural beauty therapy that keeps you young and glowing from inside.

•Yoga is an inward journey that illumines your life beyond pain and suffering.

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The Godfather (1972) – Won 3 Oscars

2009-04-27T10:16:00.002+05:30

The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son.

The film begins at the wedding of Don Vito Corleone's daughter Connie to Carlo Rizzi in late summer of 1945, on Long Island, New York. Because "no Sicilian can refuse a request on his daughter's wedding day," Corleone, known to his friends and associates as "Godfather", and Tom Hagen (the Corleone family consigliere, or counselor) are preoccupied with hearing requests from friends and associates.

Meanwhile, the Don's youngest son Michael, who has returned from World War II service as a highly decorated war hero, tells his girlfriend Kay Adams anecdotes about his father's criminal life, reassuring her that he is not like his family.

Among the guests at the celebration is famous singer Johnny Fontane, a godson of Corleone's, who has come from Hollywood to ask the Godfather's help in getting a movie role that will revitalize his flagging career. Jack Woltz, the head of the studio, will not give Fontane the part, but Don Corleone explains to Johnny: "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." Hagen is dispatched to California to fix the problem, but Woltz angrily tells him that he will never cast Fontane in the role, which he is perfect for, because Fontane "ruined" a starlet that Woltz favored. The next morning, Woltz wakes up to find the bloody severed head of his prize stud horse in the bed with him.

Upon Hagen's return, the family meets with heroin dealer Virgil "The Turk" Sollozzo, who has influence with the rival Tattaglia family. He asks Don Corleone for political protection and financing to start the mass importation and distribution of heroin but, despite the huge amount of money to be made, Corleone refuses. The Don's oldest son, hotheaded Sonny, breaks ranks during the meeting and expresses interest in the deal. His father, angry at Sonny's dissension in front of a non-family member, later privately rebukes him.

After Don Corleone's refusal, Hagen is abducted by Sollozzo and his henchmen, while the Don himself is badly wounded during an assassination attempt, but survives. Sollozzo persuades Hagen to offer Sonny the deal previously offered to his father, but Sonny refuses to consider the deal, promising a war with the Tattaglias and Sollozzo. The Corleones now prepare for the likelihood of all-out warfare with the rest of the Five Families, who will unite against the Corleones.

Michael, who is recognized by the other Mafia families as a "civilian" in their conflict, visits his father in the hospital, but finds nobody guarding him. Realizing that his father is being set up to be killed, he moves him to another room, calls Sonny with a report, and goes outside to watch the door. After he has bluffed away some of Sollozzo's goons, police cars arrive with the corrupt Captain McCluskey, who breaks Michael's jaw with a single punch. Just then, Hagen shows up with "private detectives" licensed to carry guns to protect Don Corleone.

Following the attempt on his father's life at the Hospital, Michael volunteers to kill Sollozzo and Captain McCluskey, who is acting as Sollozzo's bodyguard. Sonny and the other senior members of the Corleone family are initially amused by Michael's supposed naiveté and Sonny admonishes him for reacting too personally and emotionally. However, Michael convinces them that killing Sollozo and McCluskey is in the family's interests ("It's not personal, Sonny. It's strictly business.")

A meeting between Michael and Sollozo, with McCluskey attending, at a restaurant is arranged, ostensibly to discuss peace. Michael excuses himself to go to the restroom, retrieves a planted revolver, and executes Sollozzo and McCluskey with near-point-blank-range shots to the head. To avoid arrest for the murders, Michael is sent to Sicily, where he lives under the protection of a local Mafia Don. While there, he falls in love, then marries a local girl, Apollonia, who is subsequently murdered during an attempt on Michael's life.

Meanwhile, back in New York, Don Corleone returns home from the hospital and is distraught to learn that Michael was the one who killed Sollozzo and McCluskey. Some months later, in 1948, Sonny severely beats Carlo for hitting Connie. The next time Carlo beats her, Sonny drives off alone to find him and kill him. On the way, he is ambushed and machine-gunned to death.

Instead of seeking revenge for Sonny's killing, Don Corleone meets with the heads of the Five Families to arrange an end to the war. Not only is it draining all of their assets and threatening their survival, but ending the conflict is the only way that Michael can return home safely. Reversing his previous decision, Vito agrees that the Corleone family will provide political protection for Philip Tattaglia's traffic in heroin. At the meeting, Don Corleone realizes that Don Barzini, not Tattaglia, was responsible for the mob war.

With his safety guaranteed, Michael returns from Sicily. More than a year later, he reunites with his former girlfriend, Kay, telling her that he wants to marry her. With the Don semi-retired, Sonny dead and middle brother Fredo considered incapable of running the family business, Michael is now in charge, and he claims that the family business will soon be completely legitimate.

Clemenza and Tessio, two Corleone Family caporegimes (captains) complain that they are being pushed around by the Barzini Family and ask permission to strike back, but Michael refuses. With his father as consigliere, he plans to move the family operations to Nevada and after that, Clemenza and Tessio may break away to go on their own. Michael further promises that Connie's husband, Carlo, is going to be his right hand in Nevada, while Hagen will be the Family's Las Vegas lawyer.

In Las Vegas Michael is greeted by Fredo in the hotel-casino partly financed by the Corleones, run by Moe Greene. Michael explains to Johnny Fontane that the Family needs his help in persuading Johnny's friends in show business to sign long-term contracts to appear at the casino. In a meeting with Moe Greene, Michael offers to buy out Greene but is rudely rebuffed. Greene believes the Corleones are weak and that he can secure a better deal from Barzini.

Michael returns home. In a private meeting, Vito explains his expectation that the Family's enemies will attempt to kill Michael by using a trusted associate to arrange a meeting as a pretext for assassination. Shortly afterwards, Don Vito dies of a heart attack while playing with his young grandson in his tomato garden.

During the funeral, Tessio conveys a proposal for a meeting with Barzini, which identifies him as the traitor that Vito was expecting. Michael arranges the murders of Moe Greene, Philip Tattaglia, Emilio Barzini, Salvatore Tessio, Anthony Stracci, and Carmine Cuneo, all to take place during the baptism of Connie and Carlo's second son, for whom he will be godfather. After the baptism, Michael confronts Carlo about Sonny's murder and tricks him into admitting his role in setting up the ambush. "Today," Michael tells him, "I settle all Family business." Michael informs Carlo that his punishment is to be excluded from the family business and hands him a plane ticket to exile in Nevada. Carlo gets into a car to go to the airport, and is strangled by Clemenza.

Later, Connie confronts Michael, accusing him of Carlo's murder. Kay questions Michael about Connie's accusation, but he refuses to answer. She insists, and Michael lies, assuring his wife that he had no role in Carlo's death. Kay is relieved by his denial. As the film ends, she watches Clemenza and new caporegime Rocco Lampone pay their respects to Michael, kissing his hand and addressing him as "Don Corleone." The door is closed by new sotto capo (underboss) Al Neri, as she realizes that Michael has become the new Godfather.

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Wall E (Oscar Winner Animation film, 2009) –Movie Review

2009-04-26T10:32:00.001+05:30

In the distant future, a small waste collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind

Approximately seven hundred years in the future, the earth is over-run with garbage and devoid of plant and animal life; the consequence of years of environmental degradation and thoughtless consumerism. Humans are now living on the spaceship Axiom after vacating Earth centuries earlier. The original plan was for humans to live in outer space temporarily while cleaning robots prepared Earth for recolonization. However, after seven hundred years, only one cleaning robot remains:WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-class).

WALL-E spends his days compacting debris into solid blocks and building structures with them. He also collects some of the more interesting artifacts and keeps them in the garage he shares with a cockroach, his only friend. At night he watches "Hello Dolly" on VHS and dreams of having a hand to hold. Most of what he finds are spare parts and electronics but one day he finds a lonely plant. Not sure what it is, but recognizing that it needs soil and care, he picks it up and puts it in a dirt-filled old shoe.

The next day, an enormous space ship lands and deposits another robot, EVE (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator). WALL-E is immediately smitten and hopes to hold her hand but EVE is quick to use her plasma cannon, which can blast a hole through anything. EVE flies around earth looking for vegetation but becomes distraught upon not finding any. WALL-E is finally able to approach her and takes her back to his garage where he shows her his collection of human artifacts. She still resists holding his hand, however so he shows her the plant he found. This activates her prime directive: She takes the plant into a special containment capsule within her body, sends a signal to the mother ship, and goes into hibernation mode. Confused, WALL-E tries to make her safe and comfortable. He shelters her from thunderstorms and takes her to a park where he can watch the sunset next to her.

Several days later, the mother ship returns and collects EVE. WALL-E hitches a ride on the ship, which returns to the Axiom several light years away from Earth. EVE and WALL-E are examined in the landing bay. EVE, still in hibernation mode, is taken away to the ship's commander. WALL-E chases after her, followed by M-O, a cleaning robot who is intent on scrubbing the filthy WALL-E of foreign contaminants (i.e. dirt or earth). On the way, WALL-E sees humans for the first time. Obese and largely unable to move on their own, they are carted around the Axiom in hover chairs with video screens that allow them to communicate with one another and see a variety of advertisements for drinkable food products. When WALL-E accidentally knocks one of the humans, John (John Ratzenberger) off his hover chair, WALL-E helps the man back into the chair and introduces himself. Confused but grateful, John introduces himself in return.

WALL-E tracks Eve to the chambers of Captin McCrea (Jeff Garvin), who is just as inert and catered to as the other humans. McCrea is confused but excited about Operation Re-Colonize which is put into action by EVE's find. But when MccCrea reactivates EVE and orders her to produce the plant, it is missing. McCrea orders EVE and WALL-E to be taken for repairs but, after they've left, decides to educate himself about Earth. In the repair bay, WALL-E mistakenly thinks EVE is being harmed by the repair crew and uses her plasma cannon to save her, inadvertently releasing other robots who had been taken in for service. During the breakout, security robots take photos of them; the ship's computer announces to humans that EVE and WALL-E are renegade robots. Angry, EVE takes WALL-E to an escape pod to send him back to earth. Before she can put him in the pod, they see another security robot place the plant in the escape pod. After the security robot leaves, WALL-E goes to rescue the plant but is blasted into space. Before the pod can enter hyperspace, WALL-E uses the emergency escape hatch and a fire extinguisher to exit the pod with the plant. Joyous, EVE plays in space with WALL-E and even gives him an appreciative electric "kiss."

Using the garbage chute, EVE and WALL-E sneak into McCrea's cabin to give him the plant. But AUTO, the ship's auto pilot system, reveals it was the one who stole the plant earlier. It has no intention of allowing a return to earth because of a centuries-old directive that was issued when the Earth was believed to be permanently uninhabitable. AUTO blasts WALL-E, EVE and the plant back down the garbage chute and confines McCrea to his room. WALL-E and EVE barely escape being shot into space with the rest of the refuse but WALL-E is badly damaged. Meanwhile, McCrea has figured out to hack into the ship's communication system and tells EVE and WALL-E to head to the ship's central deck where a special machine will return the ship to earth when the plant is placed inside it. With the help of the robots they liberated earlier, WALL-E and EVE make it to the central deck where the special machine has risen from a platform. AUTO tries to force the machine back into the platform but is prevented by WALL-E. McCrea manages to stand up on his own and shuts off AUTO. EVE puts the plant in the special machine and the Axiom is whisked back to Earth.

WALL-E was grievously crushed in keeping AUTO from collapsing the platform. Once they reach Earth, EVE rushes WALL-E back to his garage and repairs him. WALL-E doesn't recognize her and begins to compact garbage. Distraught, EVE holds WALL-E's hand and gives him an electric kiss again. This properly reboots WALL-E. McCrea teaches the other humans how to nurture the plant and heal the planet. It will be much easier than they think because just outside of the city, plants have already begun to flourish.

What if mankind had to leave Earth, and somebody forgot to turn the last robot off? After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, WALL*E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life (besides collecting knick-knacks) when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. EVE comes to realize that WALL*E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet's future, and races back to space to report her findings to the humans (who have been eagerly awaiting word that it is safe to return home). Meanwhile, WALL*E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets an adventure into motion. Joining WALL*E on his journey across the universe is a cast of characters including a pet cockroach and a heroic team of malfunctioning misfit robots.

Make Up Your Mind to Succeed

2009-04-26T10:15:00.003+05:30

A fixed mind-set is grounded in the belief that talent is genetic--you're a born artist, point guard, or numbers person. The fixed mind-set believes it's entitled to success without much effort and regards failure as a personal affront. When things get tough, it's quick to blame, withdraw, lie, and even avoid future challenge or risk.

Conversely, a growth mind-set assumes that no talent is entirely heaven-sent and that effort and learning make everything possible. Because the ego isn't on the line as much, the growth mind-set sees failure as opportunity rather than insult. When challenged, it's quick to reassess, adjust, and try again. In fact, it relishes this process.

We are all born with growth mind-sets. (Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to survive in the world.) But parents, coaches, and teachers often push us into fixed mind-sets by rewarding certain behaviors and misdirecting praise.

FOR KIDS
In school
Never compliment a child by saying "You're so smart" or "You picked that up so quickly." Instead, praise effort or strategy by saying "That was clever of you to take that approach" or "I'm proud of your persistence." Listen for similar remarks from teachers and correct them.

In sports
Instead of "You're a natural," say "Practice is really making you better." Instead of inquiring "Did you win?" ask "Did you give your best effort?, "Talent isn't passed down in the genes; it's passed down in the mind-set."

At the dinner table
Instead of the standard "How was your day?" (Which everyone dreads anyway), ask "What did you learn today?" or "What mistakes did you make that taught you something?" Describe with zeal something you're struggling with. "Instill a passion for learning,"

In making plans for the future
Don't just ask about goals; ask about the plan for reaching those goals.

In frustration
Don't permit children to refer to themselves as losers, failures, stupid, or clumsy. "Never let failure progress from an action to an identity, don't label your kids. Don't say this one is the artist, and this one is the computer geek. Anyone can be anything.

In doubt
If you encounter skepticism, ask the child to think of areas in which she once had low ability and now excels, or to recall a time when she saw someone learn something or improve in ways not thought possible.

FOR YOU
At work
Instead of letting salary, benefits, and status define job satisfaction, ask yourself if you're still learning. If the answer is yes, then you're fortunate to have a job that encourages a growth mind-set. View its challenges as opportunities rather than stress. If you've stopped learning, then consider looking either for new avenues of growth or for another job.

In relationships
Blame never resolves anything. It's merely the fixed mind-set insisting that you're right. The next time you're tempted to blame, remember that "the whole point of marriage is to encourage each other's development."

When feeling down
People who are depressed tend to believe that's just the way they are. Instead of viewing yourself as a failed end product, think of yourself as a temporarily derailed work in progress. "We usually think of personality as something very stable,", "but we're finding that even core parts of it can be changed by shifting mind-sets."

More

17 Again - Movie REVIEW

2009-04-25T12:26:00.001+05:30

About a guy whose life didn't quite turn out how he wanted it to and wishes he could go back to high school and change it. He wakes up one day and is seventeen again and gets the chance to rewrite his life.

Popular high school senior Mike O'Donnell (Zac Efron) seemingly has it all. He is a star athlete headed straight for a college scholarship when he decides to give it up to settle down with his high school girlfriend Scarlet is pregnant.

Twenty years later, an adult Mike (played by Matthew Perry) finds his life is not exactly what he expected. He is separated from his wife, Scarlett (Leslie Mann) and living with his wealthy software genius nerd and best friend Ned Freedman (Thomas Lennon), his career at a pharmaceutical company is at a stand still, and his relationships with his teenage children are nonexistent. After getting passed up for yet another promotion at work, he returns to his high school to reminisce over his basketball awards and the life he could have had. While he is reliving his glory days, he is approached by a janitor and shares with him how things were so much better when he was 17.

As Mike is driving home from the high school, he sees the mysterious janitor standing on the ledge preparing to jump into the Los Angeles River. Mike rushes out of his car to rescue him, but when he gets there, the janitor has vanished. What Mike doesn't realize is that he is about to fall into the river and turn into his 17 year old self.

Young Mike (Zac Efron) returns to Ned's house, where he has the difficult task of convincing Ned that he is in fact Mike. At a loss of what to do, Ned pretends to be Mike's father and they register Mike back in high school to finish the life he never had the chance to live.

High school presents a lot of new challenges for Mike, such as dressing cool, keeping up with the latest gadgets and making new friends. But nothing compares to being in high school with his own children. He discovers that his daughter, Maggie (Michelle Trachtenberg), is not nearly as innocent as he thought she was and his son, Alex (Sterling Knight), is the brunt of the star athlete's jokes.

But Mike's most difficult realization is that he hasn't been a very good father or husband. Mike befriends Alex and tries to instill him with enough confidence to join the basketball team. He gets close to Maggie's obnoxious boyfriend and does everything in his power to break them up. Most importantly, he visits an unsuspecting Scarlet and rediscovers all the things that initially made him fall in love with her. You don't know what you have until you lose it.

Through his experiences, Mike realizes that he had chosen the perfect life he just never appreciated it. Now, he must figure out a way to transform back into his older self and win back his wife and kids.

Doctor & Thief

2009-04-25T12:16:00.002+05:30

A man goes to the doctor and says "Doctor, I've become a compulsive thief."
The doctor prescribes him a course of tablets and says, "If you're not cured in a couple of weeks would you get me a widescreen television?"

This is not a lesson of ideal behavior; it's a humorous illustration of options - whether to try to change something, to accept it or to actively support it. Such decisions normally have two main reference points - the difficulty of the change, and the ethical implications of the situation.

Blind MAN

2009-04-25T10:47:00.002+05:30

A blind man had been waiting a while at a busy road for someone to offer to guide him across, when he felt a tap on his shoulder.
"Excuse me," said the tapper, "I'm blind - would you mind guiding me across the road?"
The first blind man took the arm of the second blind man, and they both crossed the road.
Apparently this is a true story. The first blind man was the jazz pianist George Shearing. He is quoted (in Bartlett's Anecdotes) as saying after the event, "What could I do? I took him across and it was the biggest thrill of my life."
There are times when we think we cannot do something and so do not stretch or take a risk. Being forced to stretch and take a risk can often help us to reduce our dependencies (on others, or our own personal safety mechanisms), and to discover new excitement and capabilities.

Failure Makes Us Stronger

2009-04-24T15:44:00.003+05:30

New research is pinpointing how we learn and make decisions. To the brain, a new thought or idea is like a spider. If it is industrious enough, an intricate web of knowledge spins out from it. Snapshots of the brain taken during learning actually show neurons firing, growing, and forming new connections. This is fascinating in itself, but what's even more fascinating is that failure can trigger this.

That's right; failure can enhance your brain. When those with growth mind-sets fail at a task, she detects them entering a more focused mental state as they try to figure out their mistake. And in subsequent trials, they improve. In effect, they've learned, and their brains have "grown." Those with fixed mind-sets, however, never enter this focused state of learning and show little, if any, advancement.

Antoine Bechara, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Southern California, has taken Dweck's work a step further. He recently isolated two equally sized centers in the prefrontal cortex, one that he claims is responsible for the fear of failure and the other for the lure of success. It is between these, he says, that the debate between risk and reward occurs. Not unlike the metaphoric devil and angel on our shoulders, these areas interact during the decision-making process. Although more research is needed, these centers may turn out to be the physical locations for Dweck's twin mind-sets.

"We always knew people could learn from their mistakes, but now we're finding out exactly how and where this happens," explains Bechara. "Basically, it all comes down to survival. In a normally functioning brain, failure is welcomed as an opportunity for learning and strengthening the species."

Source:From Net

One Liners

2009-04-24T14:50:00.002+05:30

Success is stairs you can not climb while your hands in your pocket.

* Trying to touch the candle from it's flame .. your hand will burn out.

* Severe storms crashed huge tree .. but it does not affect the Green Brushwood that bow to it.

* You can forgot who share laughs with you .. but sure you can't forget who share cries with you.

* Beware of door which has many keys.

* People are not planning for failure ... But they fail only in the planning.

* Don't be so sweet to be eating nor so bitter to be spit out

* If we saw ourselves as others see us we wouldn't talked to them for a moment.

* Smile a good word without Characters

* Those who are fighting fire with fire .. usually obtained ash

* Smacks smash windows only .. But refined iron

* Wise person who made a boat to cross the river, rather than to build walls around himself for protections from flooding.

* Learn to say I do not know .. coz if you say I do not know they will teach you untill you know .. and if you say I know they will keep asking untill you don't know.

* The vulnerability of the wall .. Tempt thieves

* Who loses wealth loses much .. and who lose a friend loses too much.. and who loses the courage he lose everything.

* Stay away from the angry man little bit .. and stay away from The silent man forever.

* Do not think of the missing .. So as not to lose the existing.

* If you consulted the wise, his mind will become yours.

* Whenever you good at dividing your time ... your day will became as a room for many things.

and Finally,

* The good word it's not an arrow ... But it's still penetrate the heart'''

Fat-Burning Foods

2009-04-23T11:37:00.000+05:30

What are fat-burning foods?
Fat-burning foods are rich in fiber and protein and are poor in fat. Protein foods do require more energy to digest than carbohydrates or fats. The protein content of these foods boosts your metabolism and increases the rate at which your body burns stored fat. Fiber also provides high satiety value, so you feel fuller, longer.

If you can't find these foods in your kitchen right now, simply add them to your grocery list.
Incidentally, do you know what percentage of your calories consumed are coming from fat? Use this Health and Diet Assessment Tool to help you break down your percentages. A healthy level is one where less then 30 percent of the total calories consumed daily come from fat.

The top ten fat-burning foods

Whole grain
Whole grain breads and cereals are a great source of fibre. They generally take a longer time and more energy to digest. Try having a bowl of whole grain cereal with skim milk for breakfast, and combining two fat-burning foods that will give your morning a fat-burning boost.

Beans
Beans are low in fat and high in quality protein. They also have the added bonus of soluble fibre's disease-preventing qualities. The soluble fibre traps bile and lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol without affecting HDL (good) cholesterol.
So load up on a serving of beans for lunch or dinner.

Hot chillies
Chillies are full of vitamins. The compound capsaicin present in chillies temporarily stimulates your body to release some stress hormones, which boost your metabolism and cause you to burn more calories. But limit your intake to one or two in a day, as they may cause heartburn.

Lean meat
The leanest meat pieces are excellent sources of protein with low fat content. The protein helps boost your metabolism, lose fat and build lean muscle tissue so you burn more calories.

Low-fat dairy products
Low fat yogurt or milk can boost weight loss efforts due to calcium content. They also contain a hunger suppressant protein called casein that helps reduce hunger pangs. Consuming a lot of dairy foods may help people who are trying to control their weight, by burning more fat and consuming more calories without putting on excessive kilos.

Eggs
Eggs are also a good source of high protein. So start having eggs for breakfast, as research shows that the morning meal fires up your metabolism and increases your energy levels to tackle the day ahead or your morning workout. If you are worried about your cholesterol levels, then you may avoid the egg yolk.

Green tea
Green tea has been known as a health drink for years. In addition to providing a low calorie alternative to sugary sodas, cold coffees and frappucinos (and saving on calorie intake), green tea contains caffeine, which is a decent fat burner. Green tea also has high amounts of catechin and polyphenols, which give your body a small boost in burning up calories. Catechins appear to prevent absorption of fat and to stabilise glucose levels in the body.

Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals and fibre. The fibre helps to burn fat. It also increases satiety and gives a feeling of fullness.

Berries
Berries are a powerhouse of nutrition -- full of vitamins and minerals. The fibre found in berries makes them a fat burning food.

Almonds
Almonds are a fatty food, but they can help burn body fat. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and heart-healthy fat. They are also a good source of fibre and protein. Nuts also help your body maintain good levels of fat burning hormones, as well as control your appetite and cravings so that you essentially eat less calories overall, even though you're consuming a high-fat food.

So put on your thinking cap and the next time you go shopping for groceries, start by buying and preparing these healthy fat-busting foods. And hey -- next time you sit down to eat some of these foods, be sure to watch your portions, or they will add up

Cellphone Kills ?

2009-04-16T10:59:00.003+05:30

While driving home in his new Maruti Zen one afternoon in January, Kiran Patil, 19, a Belgaum, Karnataka, student was also busy on his cellphone. A truck suddenly shot towards Kiran, collided with his car and killed the teenager.

On an evening in September last year, a Pune motorcyclist was using his cellphone when he rammed into Monica Bhat’s bicycle. Monica, an undergraduate at the city’s Fergusson College, suffered head injuries. She went into a coma and died within days.

Cellphones, marvels of technology, are used to report emergencies, locate directions, call home, message friends, do business from the beach or golf course—life without them is now difficult to imagine. But cellphones have been proven downright deadly if employed while driving a vehicle or walking down the street. The mindless mistakes that cellphone users make are many and varied. It may be as trivial as getting off the wrong floor from a lift; or as serious as fatally falling down a flight of stairs. And most common of all: people getting knocked down by all kinds of vehicles. In June 2005, Prabir Kumar De, a Kolkata make-up artist, was at a morning photo shoot near a railway track when he answered a cellphone call. As he spoke, he moved closer and closer to the tracks. He couldn’t have heard the sound of an approaching train or even its horn, for he kept on walking and talking until the train hit—and killed him on the spot.

Why the Danger?
Your sense of hearing is almost completely consumed by the phone you’re using, and your brain tends to filter out ambient sounds. Unlike a car’s radio, for instance, the phone requires a two-way conversation. So your brain has to absorb the information and work simultaneously to provide responses, making it hard for it to process information that’s not related to your phone conversation.

A cellphone-using motorist is also likely to look at but not see a vehicle, or a pedestrian, crossing his path. He may hear but not pay attention to a horn, or the sound of another vehicle, as he would if he were just driving. By the time he becomes aware, it may be a split-second too late. Likewise, a cellphone-using pedestrian, too, exposes himself to the dangers around him.

In a report on the safety implications of “using mobiles while mobile,” the Delhi-based Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) analyzes the many skills required by a motorist: Watching the road, checking the rear- and side-view mirrors, and keeping an eye on dashboard gauges are some tasks that require visual and cognitive skills. Sharp auditory senses are also required to listen for other vehicles, horns, policemen’s whistles, emergency-sirens, and other sounds that may require the driver to alter his course. Steering the vehicle, controlling the pedals, signaling turns or switching on appropriate indicators call for biomechanical skills.

When a driver uses a mobile phone, he has to use a similar set of skills: locating the correct buttons to push, or reading the screen, would mean taking his eyes off the road. To listen for ring tones or hold a conversation, he may be too distracted to hear other cars honking or a policeman’s whistle. The skills required for safe driving become drastically impaired. “Driving and use of a mobile phone simultaneously is potentially a strong lethal combination,” says the CRRI report.

What the Experts Found
Although no statistics are available on this, today more Indian drivers and pedestrians than ever before are seen talking on cellphones.

Studies from all over the world repeatedly point to such dangers. One of them, at America’s University of Utah, used extensive simulations.

“We found that people are as impaired when they drive and talk on a cellphone as they are when they drive intoxicated...” said the study’s co-author Frank Drews, an assistant professor of psychology.

The study also found that motorists who talked on a cellphone—be it handheld or hands-free—drove slightly slower, were nine percent slower to hit the brakes, were 19 percent slower to resume normal speed after braking, and were more likely to crash. In fact three cellphone-using participants “driving” the simulator collided into cars they were trailing. And they were not drunk.

According to the UK’s Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents, talking on a phone makes drivers four times more likely to have an accident. Canadian and Australian studies, too, point to the same increase in risk, even if a hands-free mobile is used.

Many motorists believe that a hands-free cellphone is safe. That isn’t true, as yet another study by Sweden’s National Road Administration (SNRA) proved. They tested 48 people in driving simulators. Half of them had hand-held mobiles, while the other half had hands-free instruments. Both groups when compared showed almost no differences in their slowed-down reaction times. “It is the distraction of the phone conversation that is the problem,” said Ingemar Skogö, SNRA’s director-general.

The Law Should Be Tougher
While Indian laws forbid drivers of any motor vehicle from using a cellphone, the penalty for violation in most places is a mere Rs100. “Clearly that’s no deterrent,” admits Satish Mathur, Mumbai’s former joint commissioner of traffic police. And even Delhi’s Rs1500 fine is nothing compared to Norway’s $600 or Ireland’s $350. Besides paying heavy fines, drivers in the UK or Germany also risk losing their car insurance covers if they cause an accident as a result of cellphone use.

In India, on the other hand, drivers who break this law are seldom punished or even caught. When involved in an accident, they often deny that they’d used a cellphone, although cellphones record all talk-times. Says Rohit Baluja, president of the Delhi-based Institute of Road Traffic Education: “Careful investigation can reveal the reason for a crash, right from whether the driver jumped a red light or was on a cellphone. But such levels of investigation are seldom done here.”

However, Mumbai’s traffic police recently decided to get tough. Realizing that cellphone use among motorists was getting out of hand, they started regularly booking such drivers under existing laws for rash driving, which carry higher fines and a jail sentence. On October 6, every city newspaper carried front-page reports about a few offending motorists who were jailed for a day, fined up to Rs1500 and their licences suspended for six months. That sent a hard message across—and it soon became difficult to find anybody using a cellphone at the wheel.

More towns ought to follow the Mumbai example if our roads are to become safer. Safety First!

Even if the law is ineffective and the traffic police aren’t booking offenders in your town, it’s up to you to drive safely. As Satish Mathur says, “It’s best to educate people. Those who use cellphones while driving have to be made aware of the fact that they are exposing themselves and others to jeopardy.”

Promote safety by following these five rules:

Pull over.
Never use a cellphone while driving, or while crossing or walking along a road. Always stop your vehicle carefully before you answer the phone. If you’re a pedestrian, stop at a safe place to answer a call or respond to an SMS. In 2004, medical student Vahed Lokhandwalla, 23, of Mumbai was keying in an SMS message on the road when he walked into the open back door of a parked SUV. He hurt his head and bled badly.

Let it ring.
If you’re on a busy road where you can’t stop, and your phone rings, it is best to miss that call.

Remember, people coped perfectly well before cellphones arrived a few years ago. Use voicemail. If you get calls constantly, ask your service provider to activate voicemail—which will say that you’ll return the call later.

Get passenger help.
If you have a passenger, place the phone where he or she can answer it for you.

Stop the driver.
Whether you are in a taxi, bus, your own car or a friend’s, you must stop any driver from speaking on the phone while driving.

Consider what happened to a group of 26 people from Naraingarh village, Haryana, travelling in a mini-bus to Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, July 11,2008. They were speeding along the highway when driver Sandeep Kumar began talking on his cellphone. Although passengers seated near him asked him to concentrate on his driving, Kumar paid no attention. He lost control and slammed the vehicle into a tree, killing eleven. Kumar and some others were seriously injured.

That needn’t have happened had the passengers been absolutely firm.

So Be aware and educate them by spreading the message to all the friends,relatives.... to avoid cell phone while driving,Walking on pedestrians......etc

"Prevention is Better than Cure"

Top 10 Brands of 2008

2009-04-16T10:03:00.002+05:30

Coca-Cola
2008 Rank: 1
2008 Brand Value (Millions): $66,667
Parent Company: Coca-Cola (KO)

Olympic sponsorship boosted its profile in Asia, where sales are surging.But Coke continued to record sluggish sales in its home market.

IBM
2008 Rank: 2
2008 Brand Value (Millions): $59,031
Parent Company:
International Business Machines (IBM)

A resurgent tech-services business together with highly profitable software edges Big Blue ahead of rival Microsoft.

Microsoft
2008 Rank: 3
2008 Brand Value (Millions): $59,007
Parent Company: Microsoft (MSFT)

Windows Vista bugs and Apple's withering "I'm a Mac" ads challenge the software giant despite its monopoly.It is now rolling out a new ad campaign.

GE
2008 Rank: 4
2008 Brand Value (Millions): $53,086
Parent Company: General Electric (GE)

A GE that doesn't make lightbulbs or dishwashers? In July it announced its intention to spin off the brand's iconic units as it focuses on global infrastructure.

Nokia
2008 Rank: 5
2008 Brand Value (Millions): $35,942
Parent Company: Nokia

The iPhone has the buzz, but Nokia sells eight times as many smartphones.
Its reputation for quality puts it far ahead of rivals in India and other emerging markets.

Toyota
2008 Rank: 6
2008 Brand Value (Millions): $34,050
Parent Company: Toyota Motor

As auto sales plunge, even Toyota is suffering,but its early move into hybrids, starting with the Prius back in 2001,looks smarter than ever.

Intel
2008 Rank: 7
2008 Brand Value (Millions): $31,261
Parent Company: Intel (INTC)

Sales are strong and Intel still pays to place its logo in the ads of customers like Apple and Dell, but the Federal Trade Commission is investigating the practice.

McDonald's
2008 Rank: 8
2008 Brand Value (Millions): $31,049
Parent Company: McDonald's (MCD)

It's still mostly about burgers and fries,of course. But Mickey D's has a knack for the new stuff people want, like fancy coffees, breakfast sandwiches, and wraps.

Disney
2008 Rank: 9
2008 Brand Value (Millions): $29,251
Parent Company: Walt Disney (DIS)

Disney's marketing machine turned High School Musical into a teen girl blockbuster.
It's hoping the new Disney XD cable channel will bring in the boys.

Google
2008 Rank: 10
2008 Brand Value (Millions): $25,590
Parent Company: Google

What would you do if you had nothing to do?

2009-04-15T13:09:00.002+05:30

What would you be doing tomorrow if you retired today?

Let’s say you had a blank day staring at you. You didn’t have to work. You could do anything at all (although money is still a limiting factor). What would your perfect day be like?

These questions are more than just hypothetical questions to ask for fun or idleness. It’s an exercise meant to get you thinking about designing your life.
How do you design your life? Well, let’s assume that your life is under your control. Sure, not everything is under your control, but let’s assume that much of your life is yours to do with as you please. Even if that’s so, many of us go through life doing what we do because a series of events have made our life what it is today. We continue to do what we do without giving it much thought, because it’s easier that way.

Designing your life isn’t easy. You first have to dare to ask yourself these questions. You then have to dare to imagine that it can come true. And then comes the difficult task of changing your life so that it is what you want it to be.

Perhaps your life is already just how you like it — if that’s the case, you are to be congratulated. But I submit that many of us, while generally happy, have a life not of our own design — at least not a conscious design.

So today let’s take a look at one way to consciously design your life. It’s not the only way, but it’s a path to happiness.

1. What’s important?
Ask yourself what is most important to you. But that’s because any process should start with this, whether it’s a process of simplifying, of productivity, of frugality, or of becoming happier. What do you love doing? Who do you love spending time with? Make a short list of 4-5 things.

2. What is your passion?
What do you love doing the most? Can it be a way you make your living? If you can make a career out of doing something you love, you will love your day. Dare to imagine that this could come true.

3. Design your day.
Start with a blank slate, and design your perfect day. Incorporate the short list of 4-5 most important things above, to ensure that you are spending your day doing what’s most important to you. Also include time spent working at your passion (from item #2). Include an ideal routine, including a morning and evening routine, and everything in between. What time would you wake up and go to bed?

4. Figure out how to get there.
What changes would you need to make in your life to make that perfect day a reality? Be willing to consider drastic changes if necessary. Come up with a plan to get there. It might be a plan that will take 6 months, a year, two years or 5, but you can get there eventually, if you want it enough. Dare to make it a reality.

5. Start making some changes immediately.
Some of the changes can be done right away, especially if the changes are under your direct control. The time you wake up and go to bed, for example, are probably under your control. Your morning and evening routines are another example of things you can probably change immediately. Spending time doing the 4-5 important things on your list might also be an immediate possibility. Notice the things you normally do that aren’t on the list of 4-5 important things — consider eliminating or minimizing the time you spend on the non-important things to make room for the important things.

6. Start making long-term changes now.
Longer-term changes might include things like doing your passion for a living, or where you live, or getting out of big commitments that don’t contribute to your happiness or are not on your short list of 4-5 things. But while these kinds of changes might take longer, they can still be done. Start on them today, set them in motion, and dare to believe that you can change these things. Make a plan, and set it in motion.

7. Keep the end in mind.
Print out your perfect day, and keep that in mind as you begin to make changes. This is the life you designed, rather than the one you’ve fallen into. You are in control of your life, and you can have that life, if you want it enough.

Top 25 Employers - Still Smiling

2009-04-13T10:56:00.004+05:30

The Economic downturn is now a topic of discussion in boardrooms,Classrooms,gossip groups,Cocktail Circuits & even among friends getting together casually.

Companies that kept Employees smiling even in the SLOWDOWN are as follows

1.HCL Technologies(IT)
2.Hindustan Zinc(Metals)
3.Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces(Hospitality)
4.Cisco Systems(Networking)
5.ITC Welcomgroup(Hospitality)
6.Intuit Technology Services(IT)
7.Eureka Forbes(Consumer Durables)
8.LG Electronics(Consumer Durables)
9.Domino's Pizza(Food Services)
10.Marriott Hotels(Hospitality)
11.Godrej Consumer Products(FMCG)
12.Becton Dickinson(Medical tech)
13.Stryker Global Technology Center(IT)
14.Net App(IT)
15.The Oberoi Group(Hospitality)
16.VCustomer Corporation(ITES)
17.Paypal(e-commerce)
18.Accenture Services(Consulting)
19.Kotak Mahindra Bank(Banking)
20.Whirlpool of India(Consumer Durables)
21.Intelenet Global Services(ITES)
22.HSBC(Banking)
23.Hewlett Packard(IT)
24.Indian Oil Corporation(Oil & Gas)
25.Ford India(Manufacturing)

Source:Survey by Outlook-Hewitt Associate Best Employers(April 2009)

Job's position!

2009-04-11T10:07:00.001+05:30

Today's job market is as bad as the PICTURE.

If you work in your existing company you will die like the MAN and If you quit the job you will die like the FISH.

Skin care for summer

2009-04-06T16:23:00.000+05:30

Summer’s here.
Time to pamper your face. The skin-care shelves in stores are packed with antiaging products and claims. Here are the topical ingredients clinically shown to help diminish the fine lines and wrinkles that appear when collagen fibres break down.

Vitamin A: Often listed as retinol, it penetrates skin to increase collagen production, eventually smoothing lines, says US dermatologist Dr Flor A. Mayoral.

Vitamin C: It can stimulate collagen to help build up your skin and smooth and fade lines. It works best when you apply it at night, says Dr Arthur W. Perry, a clinical associate professor of plastic surgery at a US medical school.Vitamin E: Look on the label for DL-alpha-tocopherol; it blocks the cancer-causing effects of UV light and slows the production of wrinkles.

And vitamin E enhances the efficacy of sunscreen, decreasing redness and swelling after sun exposure.

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA): Used as an exfoliant, it’s also listed as glycolic acid. By peeling off the top layer of dead skin, it gives you a more youthful appearance.

Strong:Vitamin B3 (niacin): It helps shield skin from toxins and decreases brown blotches. Bonus: It helps ease the irritation that can be a side effect of vitamin A creams.

Jokes.It's Time for Fun!

2009-04-06T16:16:00.002+05:30

It was Ali Baba and the 40 thieves. How come there are only 30 now? “I had to
downsize,” Mr Baba told The Economic Times. “There’s a recession
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two men visit an Egyptian museum and stare at a mummy.
“Look so many bandages, pukka accident case, I am sure,” says one of them.
“Look it says BC 1760,” says his friend.
“That’s the lorry’s number.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An executive visits his Chinese friend in hospital. “Chin yu yan, chin yu yan!” says the sick man who then dies. Later he’s in Shanghai on business and learns the meaning of chin yu yan: Get off my oxygen tube.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He’d spent many years in meditation up in the Himalayas. He’d received many visitors from far and wide who had all made many offerings in cash and kind. Now the time had come. “I must give up all worldly affairs,” said the sage. “I wish to retire... and settle down in Las Vegas.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An Indian Army general was sent to Africa to work for UN forces. He loved to give long speeches to the men there, but a local major had to translate everything he said into Swahili. One harrowing day, after he found the men in the mess very exhausted, the general rattled off a long joke from his old days.

The African major promptly began his translation, but by the time he uttered three sentences, the entire audience burst out laughing. The general walked out, satisfied indeed. An Indian major, also there, was greatly impressed. “You translated it so quickly,” he told the African, “I’d like to learn Swahili.”

“No,” replied the African. “These guys would never have understood that Indian joke. Even I didn’t. So all I said was ‘He’s a three-star general. He just told a joke. All of you guys start laughing.’”

The Art of Listening

2009-04-04T15:55:00.000+05:30

Research shows we learn 85% of what we know through listening, but most of us absorb just 25% of what we hear. Get people to share more, and hear more of what they share:
Let speakers finish Interrupting is the most common listening offence, says Melissa Beall, a communications professor. Finishing someone’s thoughts or asking too many questions bugs the speaker—and can make her clam up.

Don’t multitask You miss info if you read or type during a chat, and you may offend the speaker. If busy, ask if you can talk later and set a time to do so. Follow up If you don’t let people know the outcome of their ideas, they feel they weren’t heard and that they didn’t offer something of value. People offer more ideas if they feel sure they’ll hear back.

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Bad Day or Burnout?

2009-04-04T15:49:00.002+05:30

Anyone has periods when work piles up, the boss is ticked and stress is high. But there’s a difference between a bad day or week at the office and burnout.

There are three components of burnout:

Your general well-being:
Do you feel depleted of energy, like a car running on empty?

Your relationship with work:
Do you feel apathetic, unable to concentrate; like you’re “going through the motions?”

Your self-evaluation:
Do you doubt that you’re doing important work and that you’re good at it?

Having any one of these feelings doesn’t constitute burnout. It’s the accumulation and frequency of symptoms that should be a warning sign.

So Be Happy & Enjoy the life as it goes by your decision & Willingness.Sometimes It may be Honey or Sour?

It Depends upon your View & Thoughts.

"JAI HO"

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Coaching for Improved Performance

2009-03-28T14:56:00.002+05:30

Looking for a step-by-step coaching approach you can use to help an employee improve his work performance? This approach avoids the need for discipline and produces great results.

1.Life gives us "gifts" in the form of opportunities to have EXPERIENCES.

2.Coaching provides the opportunity to get FEEDBACK from these experiences - this is achieved by questioning and clarifying.

3.Further probing and questioning creates insights and common themes which lead to the learner REFLECTING on the experiences, the action that was taken and the consequences of this action.

4.From these insights and personal discoveries, CONCLUSIONS are drawn that, if sufficiently powerful, can relate back to other current or past situations.

5.The valuable lessons learned from this exercise are then applied to future situations in the form of EXPERIMENTS.

6.From these experiments, EXPERIENCES are provided as well as further opportunities to learn more and the cycle goes around again.

Build a Mentoring Culture - Then see the Magic !

2009-03-26T14:54:00.002+05:30

The people in your organizations train for years and go into debt for college. People work late nights and weekends. People spend the entire day taking phone calls when they’re supposed to be on vacation. And people generate ideas and create the solutions that your organizations need.

People do these things. The people you have working for you today and the people you may hire tomorrow. And, the people who may resign because no one has recognized their abilities.

Yet, clearly, organizations do not do a good enough job developing and promoting their most important resource – their people.

What does it take to develop your people?

It takes more than writing “equal opportunity” into your organization’s mission statement. It takes more than sending someone to a training class. It takes more than hard work on the part of your employees. What development takes is people – from the CEO’s office to the mail room – people who are willing to listen and to help their colleagues. Development takes coaches; it takes guide; it takes advocates. Development depends on mentors.

Time after time, successful people I talk to say that one of the most important keys to their success is having a mentor. It is hard to make it without a mentor and it takes too much time without a mentor.

But often there is no mentor around when you need one and especially when you face “particular challenges.” What do I mean when I talk about the “particular challenges" that people in organizations face?

Challenges That Need Mentoring
Let me give you a few examples of some challenges we working people all deal with. Imagine that you are facing these situations. How would you react?

First scenario. You’ve been working in a staff job and a line job opens up in another city. It would be a perfect career move for you but the company fills the job without even asking if you’re interested. They don’t ask because they assume your spouse wouldn’t want to leave his or her job to relocate. What would you do?

Or imagine this. You’re in a meeting. It’s your opportunity to shine in front of upper management. You’ve got an important point to make and you start to talk. Someone cuts you off. What would you do?

Or let’s say you make that important point—and no one says a word about it. But five minutes later, a guy at the other end of the table says the same thing you did. This time it’s a brilliant idea, and he gets all the credit. What would you do?

You’re in another meeting — there’s always another meeting - and one of your bosses tells a demeaning joke about the Pope - you are Catholic, and everyone knows it. What would you do?

Or a joke about gays — which you are, and maybe no one knows it. Or a joke about women — which you’re not, but some of your colleagues sitting right next to you are. What would you do?

My point is not so much whether you or I know how to react in each of these situations.

My point is really that we need to recognize that there are people in every organization — whether they’re men or women, minorities, or people who grew up without any business role-models in their lives — who don’t know how to react in these situations.

And it’s our responsibility to teach them.

Organizations are only as successful as the men and women who make them work.
So, if we care about our organizations and our people, we have to share our knowledge of the organizational culture; we have to share our wisdom; we have to mentor.

Mentoring Best Practices
If you want to establish a mentoring culture within your organization, here are some mentoring best practices.

•Set organizational goals. Don’t establish a mentoring program just because it is a good business practice. Develop a mentoring program based on solid business goals such as increasing diversity or making your organization a better place to work.

•Find out why the talented employees you wanted to keep left you.

•McKinsey and Co. asked top people what they look for when deciding which company to join and stay with. The answer: a great company and a great job. Talented employees want exciting challenges and great development opportunities. They leave because they are bored. Mentoring is a key to attracting and retaining talented employees.

•Develop people to their fullest potential. In order to develop your people, provide training opportunities, challenging projects and assignments, feedback, coaching and mentoring. In one study with people who had experienced real mentors, half of them said the mentoring experience “changed my life.” Those are powerful words.

•Foster mentoring for women and minorities. Mentoring helped move women into the ranks of vice president, senior vice president and division president.

•Point to the money. Losing talented employees and wasting talent costs companies money.

And remember, whatever programs you design; they won’t be effective unless there is commitment from the top. Visible, daily commitment.

Just from web more

Annoying things about iPhone!

2009-03-25T16:02:00.001+05:30

iPhone is making news all over the world, here’swhat you should know before spending hell on it.

Battery Life Sucks
Gives only three and a half hours of battery life when 3G web surfing.

No Data Transferon Bluetooth
Its stupid but you can’t use Bluetooth to transfer files.

No Outlook SyncSupport
Doesn't sync yourThings-To-Do lists or your notes.

No Cut-and-paste
Isn’t it getting lamer with everypoint.

Crappy Camera
The shoddy 2-mega pixel camera doesn’t even include a flash.

No EnclosedDownload Manager for Data
Dont get to know how much you have downloaded until you get hit by thebill.

No Voice Dialing
The super hi-tech iPhone doesn’t have a voice dialing.

Not enough storage space
Lame

No Turn-by-turn GPS Software
Unlike most GPS navigations today iPhone gives a sloppy 2D textual imagewhich isn’t even true Turn by Turn.

No MMS
If the iphone is a hit in India, and I am really sure it will be, the Indian digital porn market wouldalso have to face recession. Personally I dread the day girls feel safer datingIPhone owners.

Source:From Net

Gumbo-Style Chunky Hash with Fried Eggs

2009-03-20T10:17:00.001+05:30

Ingredients
•4 eggs, cooked the way you like them
•1 tablespoon EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
•Salt and ground black pepper
•1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
•2 tablespoons paprika
•1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
•1/2 pound spicy beef sausage, cut into half moons about 1/2-inch thick
•1 green bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
•2 to 3 celery stalks, diced
•1 red onion, diced
•2 to 3 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
•4 fresh okra, sliced (optional)
•1 tablespoon butter
•1 tablespoon flour
•2 tablespoons tomato paste
•1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
•A few dashes hot sauce
•1 cup chicken stock

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation
In a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, add 1 turn of the pan of EVOO and brown the chicken, about 2 minutes per side. Add some salt, ground black pepper, paprika, cayenne, thyme and sausage. Cook until all the meat is brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and reserve on a plate.

In the pan the meat was just cooked in, add the bell pepper, celery, onion and garlic. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add in the okra (if using) and cook another 3 minutes.

Scoot the veggies over to one side of the pan to make a well, add the butter and melt. Stir the flour into the butter and cook 1 minute. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire and hot sauce, and stock, and bring up to a bubble. Add reserved sausage and chicken back to the pot, stir, and cover and let stand off the heat.

Serve with Popper Polenta alongside and your eggs on top.
Ingredients
•1 tablespoon EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
•2 to 3 jalapeños or Fresno (red jalapeño) peppers or a mix of both, seeded and finely chopped
•4 ounces cream cheese
•1 cup milk
•1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes
•1 cup chicken stock
•1 cup quick-cooking polenta
•1 cup shredded jack cheese

Preparation
In a medium-size pot over medium-high heat, add one turn of the pan of EVOO. Cook the peppers until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Add cream cheese, milk, dehydrated onion and stock and bring up to a bubble. Whisk in polenta. When it starts to firm up, stir in cheese. Serve a scoop of polenta topped with hash and a fried egg.

Yields: 4 servings

JOB Rejected? Then follow the steps

2009-03-18T14:40:00.000+05:30

Did your job rejected?

Next time your application for a job is rejected...

Dear [Interviewer's Name]:

Thank you for your letter of [Date of Interview].

After careful consideration I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me employment with your firm. This year I have had been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.

Despite [Firm's Name]'s outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet with my needs at this time. Therefore, I will initiate employment with your firm immediately following graduation. I look forward to seeing you then.

Best of luck in rejecting future candidates.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Management Quotes Contest

2009-03-18T14:35:00.001+05:30

A magazine recently ran a “management quotes” contest. They were looking for people to submit quotes from their real-life dysfunctional managers.

Here are the top ten finalists:

1. “As of tomorrow, employees will only be able to access the building using individual security cards. Pictures will be taken next Wednesday and employees will receive their cards in two weeks.” (This was the winning quote from Fred Dales, Microsoft Corp. in Redmond, WA)

2. “What I need is an exact list of specific unknown problems we might encounter.” (Lykes Lines Shipping)

3. “E-mail is not to be used to pass on information or data. It should be used only for company business.” (Accounting manager, Electric Boat Company)

4. “This project is so important, we can’t let things that are more important interfere with it.” (Advertising/Marketing manager, United Parcel Service)

5. “Doing it right is no excuse for not meeting the schedule.” (Plant manager, Delco Corporation)

6. “No one will believe you solved this problem in one day! We’ve been working on it for months. Now, go act busy for a few weeks and I’ll let you know when it’s time to tell them.” (R&D supervisor, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing/3M Corp.)

7. Quote from the Boss: “Teamwork is a lot of people doing what I say.” (Marketing executive, Citrix Corporation)

8. My sister passed away and her funeral was scheduled for Monday. When I told my Boss, he said she died on purpose so that I would have to miss work on the busiest day of the year. He then asked if we could change her burial to Friday. He said, “That would be better for me.” (Shipping executive, FTD Florists) 9. “We know that communication is a problem, but the company is not going to discuss it with the employees.” (Switching supervisor, AT&T Long Lines Division)

10. One day my Boss asked me to submit a status report to him concerning a project I was working on. I asked him if tomorrow would be soon enough. He said, “If I wanted it tomorrow, I would have waited until tomorrow to ask for it!” (Hallmark Cards executive)

Source:From Net

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Be Alway's Positive

2009-03-16T12:58:00.001+05:30

This is nice - finding positive out of every negative - which we don't always manage to do.

I am thankful...

1. For the husband who snores all night, because he is at home asleep with me and not with someone else.

2. For my teenage daughter who is complaining about doing dishes, because that means she is at home & not on the streets.

3. For the taxes that I pay because it means that I am employed.
4. For the mess to clean after a party because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

5. For the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.

6. For my shadow that watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.

7. For a floor that needs mopping, and windows that need cleaning because it means I have a home.

8. For all the complaining I hear about the government because it means that we have freedom of speech.

9. For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.

10. For the noise I have to bear from my neighbours because it means that I can hear.

11. For the pile of laundry and ironing because it means I have clothes to wear.

12. For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard.

13. For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I am still alive.

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Love

2009-03-13T12:49:00.000+05:30

"The key to love is understanding ...
The ability to comprehend not only the spoken word,
but those unspoken gestures,
the little things that say so much by themselves.

The key to love is forgiveness ....
to accept each others faults and pardon mistakes,
without forgetting, but with remembering
what you learn from them.

The key to love is sharing ...
Facing your good fortunes as well as the bad, together;
both conquering problems, forever searching for ways
to intensify your happiness.

The key to love is giving ...
without thought of return,
but with the hope of just a simple smile,
and by giving in but never giving up.

The key to love is respect ...
realizing that you are two separate people, with different ideas;
that you don't belong to each other,
that you belong with each other, and share a mutual bond.

The key to love is inside us all ...
It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients
that will take you to its threshold;
it is the continual learning process that demands a lot of work ...
but the rewards are more than worth the effort ...
and that is the key to love."

Management !!!

2009-03-11T10:44:00.000+05:30

It's a fine sunny day in the forest and a rabbit is sitting outside his burrow, tippy-tapping on his typewriter. Along comes a fox, out for a walk.

Fox: "What are you working on?"
Rabbit: "My thesis."
Fox: "Hmm... What is it about?"
Rabbit: "Oh, I'm writing about how rabbits eat foxes."
Fox: "That's ridiculous ! Any fool knows that rabbits don't eat foxes!
Rabbit: "Come with me and I'll show you!"

They both disappear into the rabbit's burrow. After few minutes, gnawing on a fox bone, the rabbit returns to his typewriter and resumes typing.

Soon a wolf comes along and stops to watch the hardworking rabbit.
Wolf: "What's that you are writing?"
Rabbit: "I'm doing a thesis on how rabbits eat wolves."
Wolf: "you don't expect to get such rubbish published, do you?"
Rabbit: "No problem. Do you want to see why?"

The rabbit and the wolf go into the burrow and again the rabbit returns by himself, after a few minutes, and goes back to typing.
Finally a bear comes along and asks, "What are you doing?
Rabbit: "I'm doing a thesis on how rabbits eat bears."
Bear: "Well that's absurd !"
Rabbit: "Come into my home and I'll show you"

Scene : As they enter the burrow, the rabbit introduces the bear to the lion.

Moral:
IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW SILLY YOUR THESIS TOPIC IS; WHAT MATTERS IS WHOM YOU HAVE AS A SUPERVISOR.

Management Lesson in the context of the working world:
IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW BAD YOUR PERFORMANCE IS; WHAT MATTERS IS WHETHER YOUR BOSS LIKES YOU OR NOT

Management ! ?

2009-03-10T13:25:00.001+05:30

It's a fine sunny day in the forest and a lion is sitting outside his cave, lying lazily in the sun. Along comes a fox, out on a walk.

Fox: "Do you know the time, because my watch is broken"
Lion: "Oh, I can easily fix the watch for you"
Fox: "Hmm... But it's a very complicated mechanism, and your big claws will only destroy it even more."
Lion: "Oh no, give it to me, and it will be fixed"
Fox: "That's ridiculous! Any fool knows that lazy lions with great claws cannot fix complicated watches"
Lion: "Sure they do, give it to me and it will be fixed"

The lion disappears into his cave, and after a while he comes back with the watch which is running perfectly. The fox is impressed, and the lion continues to lie lazily in the sun, looking very pleased with himself.

Soon a wolf comes along and stops to watch the lazy lion in the sun.

Wolf: "Can I come and watch TV tonight with you, because mine is broken"
Lion: "Oh, I can easily fix your TV for you"
Wolf: "You don't expect me to believe such rubbish, do you? There is no way that a lazy lion with big claws can fix a complicated TV.
Lion: "No problem. Do you want to try it?"

The lion goes into his cave, and after a while comes back with a perfectly fixed TV. The wolf goes away happily and amazed.

Scene : Inside the lion's cave. In one corner are half a dozen small and intelligent looking rabbits who are busily doing very complicated work with very detailed instruments. In the other corner lies a huge lion looking very pleased with himself.

Moral : IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY A MANAGER IS FAMOUS; LOOK AT THE WORK OF HIS SUBORDINATES.

Management Lesson in the context of the working world : IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY SOMEONE UNDESERVED IS PROMOTED; LOOK AT THE WORK OF HIS SUBORDINATES

Top Ten - Languages in World

2009-03-07T12:05:00.002+05:30

The top TEN languages spoken in the world.

10. French -- Number of speakers: 129 million.
Often called the most romantic language in the world, French is spoken in tons of countries, including Belgium, Canada, Rwanda, Cameroon, and Haiti. Oh, and France too. We're actually very lucky that French is so popular, because without it, we might have been stuck with Dutch Toast, Dutch Fries, and Dutch kissing (ew!).

To say "hello" in French, say "bon jour" (bone-JOOR).

9. Malay—Indonesian Number of speakers: 159 million.
Malay-Indonesian is spoken - surprise - in Malaysia and Indonesia. Actually, we kindly fudged the numbers on this one because there are many dialects of Malay, the most popular of which is Indonesian. But they're all pretty much based on the same root language, which makes it the ninth most-spoken in the world.Indonesia is a fascinating place; a nation made up of over 13,000 islands it is the sixth most populated country in the world. Malaysia borders on two of the larger parts of Indonesia (including the island of Borneo), and is mostly known for its capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
To say "hello" in Indonesian, say "Selamat pagi" (se-LA-maht PA-gee).

8. Portuguese -- Number of speakers: 191 million.
Think of Portuguese as the little language that could. In the 12th Century, Portugal won its independence from Spain and expanded all over the world with the help of its famous explorers like Vasco DA Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator. (Good thing Henry became a navigator . . . Could you imagine if a guy named "Prince Henry the Navigator" became a florist?) Because Portugal got in so early on the exploring game, the language established itself all over the world, especially in Brazil (where it's the national language), Macau, Angola, Venezuela, and Mozambique..
To say "hello" in Portuguese, say "Bom dia" (bohn DEE-ah).

7. Bengali -- Number of speakers: 211 million.
In Bangladesh, a country of 120+ million people, just about everybody speaks Bengali. And because Bangladesh is virtually surrounded by India (where the population is growing so fast, just breathing the air can get you pregnant), the number of Bengali speakers in the world is much higher than most people would expect.
To say "hello" in Bengali, say "Ei Je" (EYE-jay).

6. Arabic -- Number of speakers: 246 million.
Arabic, one of the world's oldest languages, is spoken in the Middle East, with speakers found in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. Furthermore, because Arabic is the language of the Koran, millions of Moslems in other countries speak Arabic as well. So many people have a working knowledge of Arabic, in fact, that in 1974 it was made the sixth official language of the United Nations.
To say "hello" in Arabic, say "Al salaam a'alaykum" (Ahl sah-LAHM ah ah-LAY-kum) .

5. Russian -- Number of speakers: 277 million.
Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin, and Yakov Smirnoff are among the millions of Russian speakers out there. Sure, we used to think of them as our Commie enemies. Now we think of them as our Commie friends. One of the six languages in the UN, Russian is spoken not only in the Mother Country, but also in Belarus, Kazakhstan, and the U.S. (to name just a few places).
To say "hello" in Russian, say "Zdravstvuite" (ZDRAST-vet- yah).

4. Spanish -- Number of speakers: 392 million.
Aside from all of those kids who take it in high school, Spanish is spoken in just about every South American and Central American country, not to mention Spain, Cuba, and the U.S. There is a particular interest in Spanish in the U.S., as many English words are borrowed from the language, including: tornado, bonanza, patio, quesadilla, enchilada, and taco Grande supreme.
To say "hello" in Spanish, say "Hola" (OH-la).

3. Hindustani -- Number of speakers: 497 million.
Hindustani is the primary language of India's crowded population, and it encompasses a huge number of dialects (of which the most commonly spoken is Hindi). While many predict that the population of India will soon surpass that of China, the prominence of English in India prevents Hindustani from surpassing the most popular language in the world. If you're interested in learning a little Hindi, there's a very easy way: rent an Indian movie. The film industry in India is the most prolific in the world, making thousands of action/romance/ musicals every year.
To say "hello" in Hindustani, say "Namaste" (Nah-MAH-stay) .

2. English -- Number of speakers: 508 million
While English doesn't have the most speakers, it is the official language of more countries than any other language. Its speakers hail from all around the world, including the U.S., Australia, England, Zimbabwe, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Canada. We'd tell you more about English, but you probably feel pretty comfortable with the language already. Let's just move on to the most popular language in the world.
To say "hello" in English, say "What's up, freak?" (watz-UP-freek) .

1. Mandarin -- Number of speakers: 1 billion+.
Surprise, surprise, the most widely spoken language on the planet is based in the most populated country on the planet, China. Beating second-place English by a 2 to 1 ratio, but don't let that lull you into thinking that Mandarin is easy to learn. Speaking Mandarin can be really tough, because each word can be pronounced in four ways (or "tones"), and a beginner will invariably have trouble distinguishing one tone from another. But if over a billion people could do it, so could you. Try saying hello!
To say "hello" in Mandarin, say "Ni hao" (Nee HaOW). ("Hao" is pronounced as one syllable, but the tone requires that you let your voice drop midway, and then raise it again at the end.)

Source:From Net

Recession

2009-03-06T15:59:00.001+05:30

This Story is about a man who once upon a time was selling Hotdogs by the roadside. He was illiterate, so he never read newspapers. He was hard of hearing, so he never listened to the radio. His eyes were weak, so he never watched television. But enthusiastically, he sold lots of hotdogs. He was smart enough to offer some attractive schemes to increase his sales. His sales and profit went up. He ordered more a more raw material and buns and use to sale more. He recruited few more supporting staff to serve more customers. He started offering home deliveries. Eventually he got himself a bigger and better stove.

As his business was growing, the son, who had recently graduated from College, joined his father.

Then something strange happened.

The son asked, "Dad, aren't you aware of the great recession that is coming our way?" The father replied, "No, but tell me about it." The son said, "The international situation is terrible. The domestic situation is even worse. We should be prepared for the coming bad times."

The man thought that since his son had been to college, read the papers, listened to the radio and watched TV. He ought to know and his advice should not be taken lightly. So the next day onwards, the father cut down the his raw material order and buns, took down the colorful signboard, removed all the special schemes he was offering to the customers and was no longer as enthusiastic.

He reduced his staff strength by giving layoffs. Very soon, fewer and fewer people bothered to stop at his hotdog stand. And his sales started coming down rapidly, same is the profit.
The father said to his son, "Son, you were right". "We are in the middle of a recession and crisis. I am glad you warned me ahead of time."

Moral of The Story: Its all in your MIND! And we actually FUEL this recession much more than we think

Life's Lesson

2009-03-03T15:56:00.001+05:30

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.
Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about..
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make
you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age
to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ' In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw
everyone else's, we'd grab ours back..
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Last But not Least JAI HO!

Promise

2009-02-28T16:40:00.002+05:30

Make a promise to yourself and keep it. There's something
That you've always desired, and now is the time to make it
Real.

You are fully capable of reaching whatever you decide to
Reach. Promise yourself something wonderful, and then do
What it takes to fulfill that promise.

Stop groaning about how unfair life is. Start making life
Into something grand and joyful.

Every problem is an opportunity to make an improvement. Pick
A particularly vexing problem and promise yourself that
You'll get triumphantly beyond it.

Find a dream that positively inspires you and promise
Yourself that you'll reach it. Make a serious commitment to
The richness of your own life, and follow through on that
Commitment.

You can do it if you'll simply choose to do it. Make a
Promise to yourself, and make it happen.

Extra Effort

2009-02-25T16:04:00.001+05:30

A little extra effort will go a long, long way. When you've
Already done what must be done, go ahead and do just a
Little bit more.

Once you've established some good, solid momentum, make full
Use of it. When you're in the mode of accomplishment, keep
On cranking out those accomplishments.

Beyond your original goal is the opportunity to raise your
Performance to a higher level. With a little extra effort
You can get a lot of extra rewards.

Just an extra one percent can make the difference between
Being the best and being the same as all the rest. So every
Time you get the opportunity, give that extra one percent.

Persistent effort will get you almost there, and a little
Extra effort will carry you over the top. Once you think
You've done all you can, find a way to do a little more.

Rather than focusing on how little you can get away with,
Give your attention to how much you can accomplish. Build on
Top of what you've already created and the results will be
Spectacular.

2009 Oscar Winners

2009-02-23T16:53:00.005+05:30

Slumdog Millionaire bags 8 Oscars

It was the day of the Slumdog at the Oscars!

Rahman's Oscar wins give Bollywood big reason to celebrate

"Ella pughalum iraivanuke (All glory and fame is to god)" was how music maestro A R Rahman reacted to his double-Oscar feat.

Besides god, the 'Mozart of Madras' also dedicated his Oscars to his "loving" mother Kareema Begum, who was seated among the audience at the Kodak Theater.

Rahman has always dedicated his awards to them.

"I always had a choice between love and hate in my life. And I chose love and I am here," a beaming Rahman said at the Awards Ceremony.

Before this, only two Indians have won the Oscar in its 80 year history - Satyajit Ray was given the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992 and Bhanu Athaiya won the best costume design Oscar along with John Mollo for the 1982 film 'Gandhi.'

Here's the full list of winners and nominees for the 81st annual Academy Awards ...

BEST PICTURE
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"Frost/Nixon"
"Milk"
"The Reader"
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Winner)

BEST ACTRESS
Anne Hathaway, "Rachel Getting Married"
Angelina Jolie, "Changeling"
Melissa Leo, "Frozen River"
Meryl Streep, "Doubt"
Kate Winslet, "The Reader" (Winner)

BEST ACTOR
Frank Langella, "Frost/Nixon"
Sean Penn, "Milk" (Winner)
Brad Pitt, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Mickey Rourke, "The Wrestler"
Richard Jenkins, "The Visitor"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams, "Doubt"
Penelope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (Winner)
Viola Davis, "Doubt"
Taraji P. Henson, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Marisa Tomei, "The Wrestler"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Josh Brolin, "Milk"
Robert Downey Jr., "Tropic Thunder"
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Doubt"
Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight" (Winner)
Michael Shannon, "Revolutionary Road"

BEST DIRECTOR
Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire" (Winner)
Stephen Daldry, "The Reader"
David Fincher, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Ron Howard, "Frost/Nixon"
Gus Van Sant, "Milk"

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Dustin Lance Black, "Milk" (Winner)
Courtney Hunt, "Frozen River"
Mike Leigh, "Happy-Go-Lucky"
Martin McDonagh, "In Bruges"
Andrew Stanton, and Jim Reardon; original story by Stanton and Pete Docter"WALL-E"

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Simon Beaufoy, "Slumdog Millionaire" (Winner)
David Hare, "The Reader"
Peter Morgan, "Frost/Nixon"
John Patrick Shanley, "Doubt"
Eric Roth, Robin Swicord, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
"The Baader-Meinhof Complex" (Germany)
"The Class" (France)
"Departures" (Japan) (Winner)
"Revanche" (Austria)
"Waltz with Bashir" (Israel)

BEST ANIMATED FILM
"Bolt"
"Kung Fu Panda"
"WALL-E" (Winner)

BEST ART DIRECTION
"Changeling"
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" (Winner)
"The Dark Knight"
"The Duchess"
"Revolutionary Road"

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
"Changeling" Tom Stern
"Slumdog Millionaire," Anthony Dod Mantle (Winner)
"The Reader," Chris Menges
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button," Claudio Miranda
"The Dark Knight," Wally Pfister

BEST FILM EDITING
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Kirk Baxter, Angus Wall
"The Dark Knight," Lee Smith
"Frost/Nixon," Daniel P. Hanley, Mike Hill
"Milk," Elliot Graham
"Slumdog Millionaire," Chris Dickens (Winner)

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
"Australia," Catherine Martin
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button," Jacqueline West
"The Duchess," Michael O'Conner (Winner)
"Milk", Danny Glicker
"Revolutionary Road," Albert Wolsky

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
"The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)"
"Encounters at the End of the World"
"The Garden"
"Man on Wire" (Winner)
"Trouble the Water"

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

"Slumdog Millionaire," "Jai Ho" (Winner)
"Slumdog Millionaire," "O Saya"
"WALL-E," "Down To Earth"

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button," Alexandre Desplat
"Defiance," James Newton Howard
"Milk," Danny Elfman
"Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman (Winner)
"WALL-E," Thomas Newman

BEST MAKEUP
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,"(Winner)
"The Dark Knight,"
"Hellboy II: The Golden Army,"

BEST SOUND EDITING
"The Dark Knight"(Winner)
"Iron Man"
"Slumdog Millionaire"
"WALL-E"
"Wanted"

BEST SOUND MIXING
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"The Dark Knight"
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Winner)
"WALL-E"
"Wanted"

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Winner)
"The Dark Knight"
"Iron Man"

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
"Auf der Strecke (On the Line)"
"Manon on the Asphalt"
"New Boy"
"The Pig"
"Spielzeugland (Toyland)" (Winner)

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
"La Maison en Petits Cubes" (Winner)
"Lavatory - Lovestory"
"Oktapodi"
"Presto"
"This Way Up"

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
"The Conscience of Nhem En"
"The Final Inch"
"Smile Pinki" (Winner)
"The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306"

Think & Do

2009-02-20T15:47:00.000+05:30

A new vacuum cleaner salesman knocked on the door on the
first house of the street. A tall lady answered the door.

Before she could speak, the enthusiastic salesman barged
into the living room and opened a big black plastic bag and
poured all the cow droppings onto the carpet.

"Madam, if I could not clean this up with the use of
this new powerful Vacuum cleaner, I will EAT all this
dung!" exclaimed the eager salesman .

"Do you need chilly sauce or ketchup with that"
asked the lady.

The bewildered salesman asked, "Why, madam?"

"There's no electricity in the house..." said
the lady

MORAL: Gather all resources before working on any project
and committing to the client...!!!

Photos Magic

2009-02-04T09:29:00.000+05:30

Now this is Photography......A 1,474 Megapixel image.

This is a photo taken using a panaroma image capturing device called
Gigapan created by the carnegie mellon university and a Canon G10
camera.

The photographer had to click 220 snaps from that camera to get this
complete view of the Obama's inaugural address.
It took a macbook pro around 7hrs to process the complete image. The
final size of the image is a staggering 2GB.

Check out the link below to look at the image. Zoom in and see, you
can easily kill several hours checking out every single face there.

Click here to see the magic

Kind Lawyer

2009-01-24T16:33:00.000+05:30

One afternoon, a wealthy lawyer was riding
in the back of his limousine when he saw two men
eating grass by the road side.
He ordered his driver to stop and he got out to investigate.
"Why are you eating grass?" he asked one man.
"We don't have any money for food." the poor man replied.
"Oh, come along with me then."
"But sir, I have a wife with two children!"
"Bring them along! And you, come with us too!”
he said to the other man.
"But sir, I have a wife with six children!"
the second man answered.” Bring them as well!"

They all climbed into the car, which was no easy task,
even for a car as large as the limo.
Once underway, one of the poor fellows says,
"Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you."

The lawyer replied, "No problem,
the grass at my home is about two feet tall!"

START

2009-01-09T16:45:00.000+05:30

Start where you stand and never mind the past,
The past won't help you in beginning new,
If you have left it all behind at last,
Why, that's enough, you're done with it, you're through.

This is another chapter in the book,
This is another race that you have planned,
Don't give the vanished days a backward look,
Start where you stand.

The world won't care about your old defeats
If you can start anew and win success,
The future is your time, and time is fleet
And there is much of work and strain and stress.

Forget the buried woes and dead despairs,
Here is a brand new trial right at hand,
The future is for him who does and dares,
Start where you stand.

Old failures will not halt, old triumphs aid,
Today's the thing, tomorrow soon will be;
Get in the fight and face it unafraid,
And leave the past to ancient history.

What has been, has been; yesterday is dead
And by it you are neither blessed nor banned,
Take courage, man, be brave and drive ahead,
Start where you stand.

New Year Resolution

2009-01-02T10:25:00.001+05:30

January 1 is not only the start of the New Year, but is when many begin their New Year’s Resolutions. Mange stress. Eat healthier. Exercise more. Spend more time with family. Sticking to your resolutions and making changes can be difficult but not impossible.

“A new year is a great time to think about the changes we want to make in our lives. Being and staying well is a resolution many people make for the New Year, but those resolutions can lead to frustration when we find we have set unrealistic goals,”

“Making a resolution to change one thing that will make us healthier is a priceless gift that only we can give to ourselves.”

Try again.
Everyone has made, and broken past resolutions, that does not mean that you won’t succeed this time. Start with a positive approach, including thinking about what has disrupted your good intentions in the past. Don’t discourage yourself with a negative outlook.

Don’t make too many resolutions.
Trying to eat better, exercise more, quit smoking, and reduce stress is too much to tackle at once. Pick a realistic, attainable goal with a reasonable time frame.

Choose your own resolution.
Make sure this is something that you want to accomplish for yourself and not for friends or family. When you attain the goal they will benefit from your success as well.

Make a plan and write it down.
Plan what you’d like to accomplish in three or six months. Achieving small goals over time gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going. Writing your goals down is a good way to keep track of your progress.

Involve friends and family.
They can support your efforts, and can motivate you to keep going. Setting a personal goal is not a “promise” which can never be broken. Don’t paint yourself into a corner by overstating what can be a realistic change you plan to make.

Forgive yourself
. If you get off track, don’t think that you failed. Review your plan and make adjustments.

Congratulate yourself
. Reward yourself when your intermediate goals or resolutions are met.

The most important point to consider when deciding on your resolutions is to decide if you are truly willing to make the change in your life. Deciding to make the change just to have a resolution will not keep you motivated to attain your goal. Many people fail because they are afraid or don’t fully realize how the goal can benefit their every day lives. When you decide on your resolution, make a plan of action and list the ways it will improve your life. When you can see the prize, you are more likely to keep up the fight.

Phobia Guide

2008-12-30T15:03:00.000+05:30

Achluophobia Fear of darkness.
Acousticophobia Fear of noise.
Acrophobia Fear of heights.
Agoraphobia Fear of open spaces or of being in crowded places.
Ailurophobia Fear of cats.
Alektorophobia Fear of chickens.
Alliumphobia Fear of garlic.
Allodoxaphobia Fear of opinions.
Altophobia Fear of heights.
Amaxophobia Fear of riding in a car.
Ambulophobia Fear of walking.
Ancraophobia or Anemophobia Fear of wind.
Androphobia Fear of men.
Anglophobia Fear of England, English culture, etc.
Anthrophobia Fear of flowers.
Antlophobia Fear of floods.
Anuptaphobia Fear of staying single.
Apeirophobia Fear of infinity.
Aphenphosmphobia Fear of being touched.
Apiphobia Fear of bees.
Apotemnophobia Fear of persons with amputations. Arachnephobia/ Arachnophobia Fear of spiders.
Arithmophobia Fear of numbers.
Arrhenphobia Fear of men. Arsonphobia Fear of fire.
Astraphobia/ Astrapophobia Fear of thunder and lightning.
Astrophobia Fear of stars/space.
Ataxophobia Fear of disorder or untidiness.
Atelophobia Fear of imperfection.
Athazagoraphobia Fear of being forgotton or ignored or forgetting.
Atychiphobia Fear of failure.
Aurophobia Fear of gold.
Automatonophobia Fear of ventriloquist's dummies, animatronic creatures, wax statues
Automysophobia Fear of being dirty.
Autophobia Fear of being alone or of oneself.
Aviophobia/Aviatoph obia Fear of flying.

Bacillophobia Fear of microbes.
Bacteriophobia Fear of bacteria.
Bathmophobia Fear of stairs or steep slopes.
Batophobia Fear of heights.
Batrachophobia Fear of amphibians (like frogs)
Belonephobia Fear of pins and needles.
Bibliophobia Fear of books.
Botanophobia Fear of plants.
Brontophobia Fear of thunder and lightning.

Cacophobia Fear of ugliness.
Cainophobia/ Cainotophobia Fear of newness, novelty.
Caligynephobia Fear of beautiful women.
Carnophobia Fear of meat.
Catagelophobia Fear of being ridiculed.
Catoptrophobia Fear of mirrors.
Cenophobia / Centophobia Fear of new things or ideas.
Ceraunophobia Fear of thunder.
Chaetophobia Fear of hair.
Chionophobia Fear of snow.
Chiraptophobia Fear of being touched.
Chirophobia Fear of hands.
Chorophobia Fear of dancing.
Chrometophobia/ Chrematophobia Fear of money.
Chromophobia/ Chromatophobia Fear of colors.
Chronomentrophobia Fear of clocks.
Cibophobia/Sitophob ia/Sitiophobia Fear of food.
Claustrophobia Fear of confined spaces.
Climacophobia Fear of stairs.
Clinophobia Fear of going to bed.
Coimetrophobia Fear of cemeteries.
Coulrophobia Fear of clowns.
Cyberphobia Fear of computers.
Cyclophobia Fear of bicycles.
Cymophobia Fear of waves.
Cynophobia Fear of dogs.

Demophobia Fear of crowds.
Dendrophobia Fear of trees.
Dentophobia Fear of dentists.
Didaskaleinophobia Fear of going to school.
Dipsophobia Fear of drinking.
Dishabiliophobia Fear of undressing in front of someone.
Dromophobia Fear of crossing streets.

Eisoptrophobia Fear of mirrors.
Elurophobia Fear of cats.
Emetophobia Fear of vomiting.
Entomophobia Fear of insects.
Ephebiphobia Fear of teenagers.
Epistaxiophobia Fear of nosebleeds.
Equinophobia Fear of horses.
Ergophobia Fear of work.

Felinophobia Fear of cats.

Gamophobia Fear of marriage.
Geliophobia Fear of laughter.
Genophobia Fear of sex.
Gephyrophobia, Gephydrophobia, or Gephysrophobia Fear of crossing bridges.
Gerascophobia Fear of growing old.
Glossophobia Fear of speaking in public or of trying to speak. Gynephobia/Gynophob ia Fear of women.

Haphephobia/ Haptephobia Fear of being touched.
Harpaxophobia Fear of being robbed.
Heliophobia Fear of the sun.
Hemophobia/Hemaphob ia/Hematophobia Fear of blood.
Hierophobia Fear of priests or sacred things.
Hominophobia Fear of men.
Hylophobia Fear of forests.

Iatrophobia Fear of doctors.
Ichthyophobia Fear of fish.

Judeophobia Fear of Jews.

Keraunophobia Fear of thunder and lightning.
Kymophobia Fear of waves.

Lachanophobia Fear of vegetables.
Ligyrophobia Fear of loud noises.
Limnophobia Fear of lakes.
Liticaphobia Fear of lawsuits.
Lockiophobia Fear of childbirth.
Logizomechanophobia Fear of computers.
Logophobia Fear of words.
Lygophobia Fear of darkness.

Macrophobia Fear of long waits.
Mageirocophobia Fear of cooking.
Maieusiophobia Fear of childbirth.
Megalophobia Fear of large things.
Melissophobia Fear of bees.
Methyphobia Fear of alcohol.
Microphobia Fear of small things.
Misophobia Fear of being contaminated with dirt/germs.
Monophobia Fear of solitude or being alone.
Motorphobia Fear of automobiles.
Musophobia/Murophob ia Fear of mice.

Necrophobia Fear of death / dead things.
Neophobia Fear of anything new.
Nosocomephobia Fear of hospitals.
Numerophobia Fear of numbers.

Ochlophobia Fear of crowds or mobs.
Ophidiophobia Fear of snakes.
Ophthalmophobia Fear of being stared at.
Ornithophobia Fear of birds.

Pedophobia Fear of children.
Peladophobia Fear of bald people.
Phasmophobia Fear of ghosts.
Placophobia Fear of tombstones.
Plutophobia Fear of wealth.
Pogonophobia Fear of beards.
Potamophobia Fear of rivers or running water.
Pteronophobia Fear of being tickled by feathers.
Pupaphobia fear of puppets.
Pyrophobia Fear of fire.

Rhytiphobia Fear of getting wrinkles.
Rupophobia Fear of dirt.

Scolionophobia Fear of school.
Selachophobia Fear of sharks.
Sesquipedalophobia Fear of long words.

Tachophobia Fear of speed.
Technophobia Fear of technology.
Telephonophobia Fear of telephones.
Testophobia Fear of taking tests.
Theophobia Fear of gods or religion.
Trypanophobia Fear of injections.

Venustraphobia Fear of beautiful women.
Verbophobia Fear of words.
Verminophobia Fear of germs.
Vestiphobia Fear of clothing.

Xenoglossophobia Fear of foreign languages.

Zoophobia Fear of animals

Advance New Year Wishes

2008-12-30T14:37:00.001+05:30

Advance

HAPPY NEW YEAR

H ours of happy times with friends and family
A bundant time for relaxation
P rosperity
P lenty of love when you need it the most
Y outhful excitement at life simple pleasures
N ights of restful slumber
E verything you need
W ishing you love and light
Y ears and years of good health
E njoyment and mirth
A angels to watch over you
R embrances of a happy years!

I look to the new year and my wish for you;
Peace within your heart
Love from family and friends
Faith to guide your way
Hope to make it through each day
Sunshine to light the day
Heavenly Stars to wish upon
Rainbows to let you know there is a tomorrow
A tear to show compassion
A heart to hold the love
But most of all I wish for you
to feel my hand in yours,
To know I am here if you stumble or fall.
To bring you cheer, to bring you love,
to return the love you always share with me.
And a bright today with much to be thankful for.
A path that leads to beautiful tomorrows.

Validity

2008-12-24T15:36:00.001+05:30

Food
Beer
Unopened: 4 months.

Brown sugar
Indefinite shelf life, stored in a moistureproof container in a cool, dry place.

Chocolate (Hershey bar)
1 year from production date

Coffee, canned ground
Unopened: 2 years
Opened: 1 month refrigerated

Coffee, gourmet
Beans: 3 weeks in paper bag, longer in vacuum-seal bag (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
Ground: 1 week in sealed container

Coffee, instant
Unopened: Up to 2 years
Opened: Up to 1 month

Diet soda (and soft drinks in plastic bottles)
Unopened: 3 months from "best by" date.
Opened: Doesn't spoil, but taste is affected.

Dried pasta
12 months

Frozen dinners
Unopened: 12 to 18 months

Frozen vegetables
Unopened: 18 to 24 months
Opened: 1 month

Honey
Indefinite shelf life

Juice, bottled (apple or cranberry)
Unopened: 8 months from production date
Opened: 7 to 10 days

Ketchup
Unopened: 1 year (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
Opened or used: 4 to 6 months (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)

Maple syrup, real or imitation
1 year

Maraschino cherries
Unopened: 3 to 4 years
Opened: 2 weeks at room temperature; 6 months refrigerated

Marshmallows
Unopened: 40 weeks
Opened: 3 months

Mayonnaise
Unopened: Indefinitely
Opened: 2 to 3 months from "purchase by" date (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)

Mustard
2 years (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)

Olives, jarred (green with pimento)
Unopened: 3 years
Opened: 3 months

Olive oil
2 years from manufacture date (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)

Peanuts
Unopened: 1 to 2 years unless frozen or refrigerated
Opened: 1 to 2 weeks in airtight container

Peanut butter, natural
9 months

Peanut butter, processed (Jif)
Unopened: 2 years
Opened: 6 months; refrigerate after 3 months

Pickles
Unopened: 18 months
Opened: No conclusive data. Discard if slippery or excessively soft.
Protein bars (PowerBars)
Unopened: 10 to 12 months. Check "best by" date on the package.

Rice, white
2 years from date on box or date of purchase

Salad dressing, bottled
Unopened: 12 months after "best by" date
Opened: 9 months refrigerated

Soda, regular
Unopened: In cans or glass bottles, 9 months from "best by" date
Opened: Doesn't spoil, but taste is affected

Steak sauce
33 months (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)

Tabasco
5 years, stored in a cool, dry place

Tea bags (Lipton)
Use within 2 years of opening the package

Tuna, canned
Unopened: 1 year from purchase date
Opened: 3 to 4 days, not stored in can

Soy sauce, bottled
Unopened: 2 years
Opened: 3 months (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)

Vinegar
42 months

Wine (red, white)
Unopened: 3 years from vintage date; 20 to 100 years for fine wines
Opened: 1 week refrigerated and corked

Worcestershire sauce
Unopened: 5 to 10 years (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
Opened: 2 years
For more information, see:
How to Protect Your Produce
How to Save an Open Bottle of Wine

Household Products
Air freshener, aerosol
2 years

Antifreeze, premixed
1 to 5 years

Antifreeze, concentrate
Indefinite

Batteries, alkaline
7 years

Batteries, lithium
10 years

Bleach
3 to 6 months

Dish detergent, liquid or powdered
1 year

Fire extinguisher, rechargeable
Service or replace every 6 years

Fire extinguisher, nonrechargeable
12 years

Laundry detergent, liquid or powdered
Unopened: 9 months to 1 year
Opened: 6 months

Metal polish (silver, copper, brass)
At least 3 years

Miracle Gro, liquid
Opened: 3 to 8 years

Miracle Gro, liquid, water-soluble
Indefinite

Motor oil
Unopened: 2 to 5 years
Opened: 3 months

Mr. Clean
2 years

Paint
Unopened: Up to 10 years
Opened: 2 to 5 years

Spray paint
2 to 3 years

Windex
2 years

Wood polish (Pledge)
2 years
For more information, see:
The Right Way to Throw Out Medicine, Paint, Batteries
Earth-Friendly Cleaning Products
Beauty Products
All dates are from the manufacture date, which is either displayed on the packaging or can be obtained by calling the manufacturer's customer-service number.

Bar soap
18 months to 3 years

Bath gel, body wash
3 years

Bath oil
1 year

Body bleaches and depilatories
Unopened: 2 years
Used: 6 months

Body lotion
3 years

Conditioner
2 to 3 years

Deodorant
Unopened: 2 years
Used: 1 to 2 years
For antiperspirants, see expiration date

Eye cream
Unopened: 3 years
Used: 1 year

Face lotion
With SPF, see expiration date. All others, at least 3 years

Foundation, oil-based
2 years

Foundation, water-based
3 years

Hair gel
2 to 3 years

Hair spray
2 to 3 years

Lip balm
Unopened: 5 years
Used: 1 to 5 years

Lipstick
2 years

Mascara
Unopened: 2 years
Used: 3 to 4 months

Mouthwash
Three years from manufacture date

Nail polish
1 year

Nail-polish remover
Lasts indefinitely

Perfume
1 to 2 years

Rubbing alcohol
At least 3 years

Shampoo
2 to 3 years

Shaving cream
2 years or more

Tooth-whitening strips
13 months

Wash'n Dri moist wipes
Unopened: 2 years
Opened: Good until dried out

Yesterday

2008-12-19T14:51:00.000+05:30

Yesterday was just that yesterday.

Today is what you decide to carry in from yesterday. The best option is to carry the positive and release the negative.

To live in the moment.

Not always so easy to do when you feel that you can't control what is happening around you and with that said the fear starts to creep inside of you. Realize fear is created to control...to take you away from your center.

Can you imagine a life where we all listen and follow our hearts and guidance from above?

Take a minute and imagine it. Picture your perfect world. Let your perfect picture encompass your heart, then your home. Let it encompass your town and country. Then let it become part of the world.

Yes each person is unique in their idea of perfection but I can guarantee that if each person had to explain how it made them feel inside that the emotions would all be the same.

That is our connection. The connection of love. The belief of what it will create and make us feel like inside. Then how it will create harmony throughout the world.

We are all on a path to be aware of how special we are and how to live in a loving way. To understand that nothing is negative unless we choose to let it affect us in a negative light.

All things created are a gift. Even when you can't find a reason to think of it as a gift right now.

What you are learning from your uniquely created situation is helping you to discover and become aware on the path to remembering who you are and will become.

You are perfectly where you need to be.

All lessons you receive are a gift from the universe created by you.

All thoughts become your reality. Choose them wisely.

Live in the moment.

Let love show you the way.

INVESTIGATION

2008-12-17T10:56:00.000+05:30

A policeman was interrogating 3 SARDARS who were
training to become detectives. To test their skills
in recognizing a suspect, he shows the first SARDAR
a picture for 5 seconds and then hides it.

'This is your suspect, how would you recognize
him?' The first SARDAR answers, 'That's easy, we'll
catch him fast because he only has one eye!'

The policeman says, 'Well...uh.. .that's because
the picture I showed is his side profile.'

Slightly flustered by this ridiculous response, he
flashes the picture for 5 seconds at the second
SARDAR and asks his, 'This is your suspect, how
would you recognize him?'

The second SARDAR smiles, flips his hair and says,
'Ha! He'd be too easy to catch because he only! has
one ear!' The policeman angrily
responds, 'What's the matter with you two??

Of course only one eye and one ear are showing
because it's a picture of his side profile! Is that
the best answer you can come up with?'

Extremely frustrated at this point, he shows the
picture to the third SARDAR and in a very testy
voice asks, 'This is your suspect, how would you
recognize him? He quickly adds, 'Think hard before
giving me a stupid answer.'

The SARDAR looks at the picture intently for a
moment and says, 'The suspect wears contact lenses.'

The policeman is surprised and speechless because
he really doesn't know himself if the suspect wears
contacts or not.

'Well, that's an interesting answer. Wait here for
a few minutes while I check his file and I'll get
back to you on that.' He leaves the room and goes to
his office, checks the suspect's file in his
computer, and comes back with a beaming smile on
his face.

'Wow! I can't believe it. It's TRUE! The suspect!
does in fact wear contact lenses. Good work! How
were you able to make such an astute observation? '

'That's easy,' the SARDAR replied. 'He can't wear regular glasses
because he only has one eye and one ear'

Through the Window

2008-12-06T09:58:00.000+05:30

A young couple moved into a new neighborhood.
The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her
neighbor hanging the wash outside.

"That laundry is not very clean", she said. "She doesn't know how to wash
correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap"

Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbor would
hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on
the line and said to her husband: "Look, she has learned how to wash
correctly. I wonder who taught her this."
The husband said, "I got up this morning and cleaned our windows."

And so it is with life. What we see when
watching others depends on the purity of the
window through which we look.

Depression

2008-12-04T10:45:00.002+05:30

Depression Warning Signs You Should Know About
You ever experience feeling sad and lonely most of the time even without a reason? Chances are you are having a depression attack. You may not realize it, but it does occur. At times, it even mixes with situations, aggravating your feelings of depression. Stressing situations such as driving a car through traffic, failing to meet a deadline, missing an important opportunity at work can all be depression
warning signs.
Feeling Sad and Lonely?
You may not be aware but lingering feelings of sadness may actually be a sign that you are afflicted with depression. For worse conditions of depression, stressful conditions may not be required to trigger a depressive mood. In this case, feeling depressed may be as regular as brushing your teeth throughout the day. The major problem is that it will surely have a negative effect on your day, in your work and even relationships with your family and friends.

Usual Causes Of Depression
To be able to identify the signs if you are indeed having depression attacks, you must first understand the causes behind such attacks and learn to relate them with the symptoms of depression. No one really knows the specific cause of a depression attack at any given time. But experts were able to pinpoint depression warning signs due to years of studies and observation.

Genetics
The genetic make-up of a person is said to be one of the depression warning signs and is the cause of about 80% of all depression cases. If depression lies deep in the roots of the family tree, chances are, one or more of the descendants will experience and be diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.
In this case, the physiological relation of depression seems to have gained a foothold as the cause of depression. Other physical causes identified to be depression warning signs are hormonal changes in the body, especially in women during pregnancy and every menstrual cycle.
Aside from this, there is the so-called mental state of the person involved. There are many factors that can be identified that molds the mental state of an individual as he grows up to maturity.

Environmental Factors
Other factors that were found to have influence on the mental development of an individual are the environment, his life experiences especially the traumatic events, his relationships with his family and peers, and a low self-worth or self-esteem because of poor education and low income status.
Another depression warning sign is the family income and the level of education reached. Some experts claim that the poorer a family is, the more prone they are to experience depression. The same goes to a person with poor education. Generally, all the factors outlined that have an impact on the mental development of an individual are understood to happen simultaneously and together leaving impressions on one another like intertwined vines.

For example, a child from a low income family may be picked on at school, damaging his concept of peer relationships, which in turn, can lead to more serious bullying, and making the experience as a traumatic event and the list of events goes on and on.
Any one of these factors, which includes genetics, holds a key for the development of an individual. Both the physiological and mental development of a person seem to have a bearing as to the chances of him developing a depression attack in his lifetime.

Warning Signs
The causes presented above are actually depression warning signs. Every situation can only be defined as a trigger but they are not the root cause of a depression attack. Depression, when it is clinically diagnosed is a condition deeply rooted in the personal history of a person, his views and development are all part of the signs to watch out for in experiencing depression.
Of course, these are all based on statistics and they do not mean that an individual will necessarily develop depression just because he belongs to one or more of the groupings described above.

Lesson

2008-11-29T14:15:00.000+05:30

A frail old man went to live with his son,
daughter-in- law, and a four-year old grandson.

The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was
blurred, and his step faltered.

The family ate together nightly at the dinner table.

But the elderly grandfather' s shaky hands
and failing sight made eating rather difficult.

Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.

When he grasped the glass often milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in- law became irritated with the mess.

"We must do something about grandfather, "
said the son.

I've had enough of his spilled milk,
noisy eating, and food on the floor.

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.

There, grandfather ate alone while the rest of the
family enjoyed dinner at the dinner table.

Since grandfather had broken a dish or two,
his food was served in a wooden bowl.

Sometimes when the family glanced in grandfather' s
direction, he had a tear in his eye as he ate alone.

Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp
admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed
his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.

He asked the child sweetly,
"What are you making?"
Just as sweetly, the boy responded,
"Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and
mama to eat your food from when I grow up."

The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless.
Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.
Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took grandfather' s hand and gently
led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family.
And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care
any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled,
or the tablecloth soiled.

Children are remarkably perceptive.

Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and
their minds ever process the messages they absorb.
If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere
for family members, they will imitate that attitude
for the rest of their lives.

The wise parent realizes that every day that
building blocks are being laid for the child's future.

Let us all be wise builders and role models.
Take care of yourself, ... and those you love, ...
today, and everyday!

People will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did,
But people will never forget
how you made them feel"

Real Life

2008-11-28T10:08:00.002+05:30

See the real life

Elements of Strength

2008-11-28T09:11:00.004+05:30

Just sit & Enjoy.Turn your Speakers ON!

Belive

2008-11-26T09:45:00.001+05:30

There may be days when you get up in
the morning and things aren't the way
you had hoped they would be,
that's when you have to tell yourself
that things will get better.

There are times when people disappoint you
and let you down,but those are the times
when you must remind yourself to trust
your own judgments and opinions,
to keep your life focused on believing
in yourself and all that you are capable of.

There will be challenges to face and
changes to make in your life,
and it is up to you to accept them.
Constantly keep yourself headed
in the right direction for you.

It may not be easy at times, but in those
times of struggle you will find a stronger
sense of who you are,
So when the days come that are filled with
frustration and unexpected responsibilities,
remember to believe in yourself
and all you want your life to be,
because the challenges and changes
will only help you to find the goals that
you know are meant to come true for you.
Keep believing in yourself.

Believe in yourself
To the depth of your being
Nourish the talents
Your spirit is freeing

Know in your heart
When the going gets slow
That your faith in yourself
Will continue to grow

Don't forfeit ambition
When others may doubt
It's your life to live
You must live it throughout

Learn from your errors
Don't dwell in the past
Never withdraw
From a world that is vast

Believe in yourself
Find the best that is you
Let your spirit prevail
Steer a course that is true

Egg

2008-11-25T12:29:00.000+05:30

A wife was making fried eggs for her husband for breakfast. Suddenly her husband burst into the kitchen.

"Careful... Careful!!! Put in some more butter! Oh my God! You're cooking too many at once. Too many! Turn them! Turn them now! We need more butter. Oh my God! Where are we going to get more butter? They're going to stick! Careful... Careful!!! I said be careful! You never listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you crazy? Have you lost your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. Use the salt! The salt!"
The wife stared at him and asked, "What the heck is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?"

The husband calmly replied, "I wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving with you in the car."

Do Good

2008-11-22T17:23:00.001+05:30

Do good, and leave behind you a monument of
virtue that the storms of time can never destroy.

Write your name in kindness, love,
and mercy on the hearts of thousands
you come in contact with year by year,
and you will never be forgotten.

Your name and your good deeds will
shine as the stars of heaven.
------------------------------------------------------
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to feel your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life.

Vanity

2008-11-21T12:49:00.003+05:30

This scene of a woman doing some makeup in front of a mirror, looks like a skull from a distance. The title has two meanings : vanity is the name of a dressing table with a mirror, it also means excessive pride in appearance. The message behind the image is : don't worry too much about material things. We'll all be dead in the end.

(Ashes to ashes, dust to dust)

Tommorow is not Promised

2008-11-20T15:33:00.000+05:30

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there.

They serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are and who you want to become.

You never know who these people may be; your neighbor, child, long lost friend, lover, or even a complete stranger, who, when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.

And sometimes things happen to you and at the time they seem painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential strength, will power, or heart.

Everything happens for a reason.

Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck.

Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul.

Without these small tests, whether they be events, illnesses or relationships, life would be like a smoothly paved straight flat road to nowhere, safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet who affect your life and the successes and downfalls you experience create who you are, and even the bad experiences can be learned from.

In fact, they are probably the poignant and important ones.

If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart.

If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love and opening your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them.

Make every day count.

Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again.

Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen, let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high.

Hold your head up because you have every right too.

Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you either.

You can make of your life anything you wish.

Create your own life and then go out and live in it!

Live each day as if it were your last.

Tomorrow is not promised

Success

2008-11-18T15:59:00.000+05:30

There was a farmer who grew superior
quality and award-winning corn.

Each year he entered his corn in the state
fair where it won honour and prizes.

One year a newspaper reporter
interviewed him and learnt something
interesting about how he grew it.
The reporter discovered that the farmer
shared his seed corn with his neighbours'.
"How can you afford to share your
best seed corn with your neighbours
when they are entering corn in competition
with yours each year?" the reporter asked.
"Why sir, "said the farmer, "didn't you know?
The wind picks up pollen from the ripening
corn and swirls it from field to field.
If my neighbours grow inferior,
sub-standard and poor quality corn,
cross-pollination will steadily degrade
the quality of my corn.
If I am to grow good corn, I must
help my neighbours grow good corn."
The farmer gave a superb insight into
the connectedness of life.
His corn cannot improve unless
his neighbour's corn also improves.
So it is in the other dimensions!
Those who choose to be at harmony
must help their neighbours and
colleagues to be at peace.
Those who choose to live well must
help others to live well.
The value of a life is
measured by the lives it touches.

Old Vs New

2008-11-10T16:13:00.001+05:30

A self-important university student took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen sitting next to him why it was impossible for the older generation to understand his generation.

'You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive one', the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby to hear. 'The young people of today grew up with television, jet planes and space travel. Man has landed on the Moon and Space probes have visited Mars. We have nuclear energy, ships and electric and hydrogen cars, mobile phones, computers with light-speed processing.. . and more.'

After a brief silence, the senior citizen responded as follows:
'you're right, son. We didn't have those things when we were young....... .so we invented them. Now, you arrogant little idiot, what are you doing for the next generation?'

The applause was amazing..... ..

Funny

2008-11-07T10:45:00.000+05:30

Once Santa & Banta were traveling along with their friends Monty & Jaggi. On a road surrounded by forests on both sides, their car was attacked by robbers. Santa & his friends were pulled out of the car. The robbers blasted the car and took Santa, Banta and their friends in the middle of the forest where their boss was residing.

Now, this boss was fond of jokes. So, he put the condition that whoever tells a joke that makes every single person laugh should be left unharmed and alive, but if one single person doesn't laugh then the joke-teller would be shot to death.

Banta started telling the funniest joke he had ever heard, "One day........." and when he was finished, everybody were falling with laughter except Santa. So according to the vow, the boss shot poor Banta.

Now, it was the turn of Monty. He also told the best joke he had ever heard. Again everybody laughed including the boss & his robbers, but still Santa was quite as a statue. So the boss shot him.

Then came Jaggi. As he opened his mouth to tell the joke, Santa suddenly burst into laughter. Everyone was puzzled. Santa was laughing madly.

The boss asked him, "Why the hell are you laughing without hearing the joke?"

Santa said laughing and giggling, "Oh! How funny Banta's joke was!"

Barber

2008-11-06T15:09:00.000+05:30

There was a good old barber in Bangalore.
One day a florist goes to him for a haircut.
After the cut, he goes to pay the barber
and the barber replies:
I am sorry, I cannot accept money from you;
I am doing a Community Service.
Florist is happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the Barber
goes to open his shop, there is a
"Thank You" Card and a dozen roses
waiting at his door.

A Confectioner goes for a haircut and
he also goes to pay the barber he again
refuses to take the money.

The Confectioner is happy and
leaves the shop.

The next morning when the Barber
goes to open his shop, there is another
"Thank you" Card and a dozen Cakes
waiting at his door.

A Software Engineer goes for a haircut
and he also goes to pay the barber again
refuses the money saying that it was
a community service.

The next morning when the Barber goes to
open his shop, guess what he finds there......

Scroll down for answer... . . . . . . .. . . . ....
(Believe me it's worth it!!!!!!!!!!)
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
A Dozen Software engineers
waiting for a free haircut...
with Printouts of forwarded mail
mentioning about free haircut.

Bananas!

2008-11-04T16:07:00.000+05:30

This is interesting. After Reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression : According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS : Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure : This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke

Brain Power : 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped
through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation : High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers : One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn : Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness : Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood
sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites : Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the
affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves : Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria
found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and
crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady

Ulcers : The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders
because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal = Affective Disorder (SAD) : Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress : Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat,
sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we
are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes : According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine,
"eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Still wonder why monkeys are so happy most of the time?

Really Amazing

2008-11-01T14:40:00.002+05:30

This might not be what you expect, but it is the most heart warming thing I have seen all day...!

In this photo, PLEASE read the short caption before looking at the photo You'll notice that she didn't care if he was dirty, she didn't care if he smelled like burnt wood, she only knew this man saved her life and she thanked him from her heart the best way she could. Click here: THE KISS Click Here

Really Amazing

2008-11-01T14:40:00.001+05:30

The Stranger

2008-10-31T15:04:00.001+05:30

A few years after I was born, my dad met a
stranger who was new to our small town. From the
beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting
newcomer and soon invited him to live with our
family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was
around from then on.

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my
family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My
parents were complementary instructors: Mum taught
me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But
the stranger ..... he was our storyteller. He would
keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures,
mysteries, and comedies. If I wanted to know
anything about politics, history or science, he
always knew the answers about the past, understood
the present and even seemed able to predict the
future!

He took my family to the football and cricket. He
made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger
never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind.

Sometimes, Mum would get up quietly while the rest
of us were shushing each other to listen to what he
had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for
peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed
for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral
convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated
to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not
allowed in our home ... not from us, our friends or
any visitors. Our longtime visitor, however, got
away with four-letter words that burned my ears and
made my dad squirm and my mother blush.

My dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol.
But the stranger encouraged us to try it on a
regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars
manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely
(much too freely) about sex. His comments were
sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and
generally embarrassing.

I now know that my early concepts about
relationships were influenced strongly by the
stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of
my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked ... And NEVER
asked to leave.

More than fifty years have passed since the
stranger moved in with our family. He has blended
right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was
at first. If you could walk into my parents' den
today, you would still find him sitting over in his
corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk
and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?

We just call him 'TV.'

*Note: This should be a required reading for every household !!

He has a wife now, ... We call her 'Computer'.

Just for fun

2008-10-29T14:09:00.002+05:30

A HUSBAND CAME HOME FROM CHURCH.
HE GREETED HIS WIFE AND LIFTED HER UP.
HE THEN CARRIED HER AROUND THE HOUSE.

THE WIFE WAS SO SURPRISED. SHE ASKED,
"DID THE BISHOP PREACH ABOUT BEING ROMANTIC ?"
THE HUSBAND REPLIED,
"NO, HE SAID WE MUST CARRY OUR BURDENS AND SORROWS !"

Amazing & Useless Facts

2008-10-29T14:05:00.000+05:30

• 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987, 654,321
• The phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from and old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb.
• Stewardesses is the longest word typed with only the left hand.
• Marilyn Monroe had six toes on one foot.
• If you keep a Goldfish in the dark room, it will eventually turn white.
• Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
• Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left handed people do.
• The average chocolate bar has 8 insects' legs in it.
• The average human swollows 8 spiders in their lifetime at night while they sleep.
• A rhinoceros horn is made of compacted hair.
• It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
• In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak.
• The longest one-syllable word in the English language is "screeched."
• On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament Building is an American flag.
• All of the clocks in the movie Pulp Fiction are stuck on 4:20.
• No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver or purple.
• "Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".
• All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill.
• Almonds are members of the peach family.
• Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.
• Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable.
• The youngest pope was 11 years old.
• The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.
• A snail can sleep for 3 years.
• American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first-class.
• China has more people who speak English than the United States.
• The shortest war in history was between Zanzibar and England in 1896. Zanzibar surrendered after 38 minutes.
• A polar bear's skin is black. Its fur is not white, but actually clear.

3 Parrots

2008-10-25T14:56:00.000+05:30

A man wanted to buy his son a parrot as a birthday present.
The next day he went to the pet shop and saw
three identical parrots in a cage.

He asked the clerk, "how much for the parrot on the right?
The owner said it was Rs. 2500.
"Rs. 2500.", the man said. "Well what does he do?
"He knows how to use all of the functions of Microsoft Office 2000, responds the clerk.
"He can do all of your spreadsheets and type all of your letters."

The man then asked what the second parrot cost.
The clerk replied, Rs. 5000, but he not only knows Office 2000,
but is an expert computer programmer.

Finally, the man inquired about the cost of the last parrot.
The clerk replied, "Rs. 10,000."
Curious as to how a bird can cost Rs. 10,000, the man asked what this bird's specialty was.
The clerk replies, "Well to be honest I haven't seen him do anything.

But the other two call him "BOSS"!!

Miracle

2008-10-24T09:34:00.001+05:30

A little girl went
to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.

She poured the change out on the floor
and counted it carefully.
Three times, even.
The total had to be exactly perfect.
No chance here for mistakes.

Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she
slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for
the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment.
Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat
with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good Finally she took a
quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of
voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he
said without waiting for a reply to his question.

'Well, I want to talk
to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone.
'He's really, really sick...
and I want to buy a miracle.'

'I beg your pardon?'
said the pharmacist.

'His name is Andrew
and he has something bad growing
inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now.
So how much does a miracle cost?'

'We don't sell miracles here, little girl.
I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little.

'Listen, I have the money to pay for it.
If it isn't enough, I will get the rest.
Just tell me how much it costs.'

The pharmacist's brother was
a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a
miracle does your brother need?'

' I don't know,' Tess replied with her
eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an
operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it,
so I want to use my money.'

'How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago

'One dollar and eleven cents,'
Tess answered barely audibly.

'And it's all the money I have,
but I can get some more if I need to.'

'Well, what a coincidence,'
smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a
miracle for little brothers.'

He took her money in one hand and with
the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want
to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.'

That well dressed man was
Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon,
specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge
and it wasn't long until
Andrew was home again and doing well.

Mom and Dad were
happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.

'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder how
much it would have cost?'

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost....one dollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child.

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.

A miracle
is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law.
I know you'll keep the ball moving!

Here it goes. Throw it back to
someone who means something to you!

A ball is a circle, no beginning, no
end. It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends. But the treasure inside
for you to see is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me.

Today
I pass the friendship ball to you.

Pass it on to someone who is a friend
to you.

MY OATH TO YOU....

When you are sad.....
I will dry your tears.

When you are scared.....
I will comfort your fears.

When you are worried......
I will give you hope.

When you are confused......
I will help you cope.

And when you are lost...
And can't see the light,
I shall be your beacon...
Shining ever so bright..

This is my oath...
I pledge till the end.

Why you may ask?...
Because you're my friend.

Signed: GOD

Happy weekend

2008-10-18T11:17:00.001+05:30

Well, it finally happened.
I've sent so many e-mails that my cursor caught on FIRE!
Click HERE-----How do they do that

“49-O”

2008-10-16T09:58:00.000+05:30

Did you know that there is a system in our constitution, as per the 1969 act, in section “49-O” that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked and convey the presiding election officer that he doesn’t want to vote anyone!
Yes such a feature is available, but obviously these seemingly notorious leaders have never disclosed it.
This is called “49-O”. Why should you go and say “I VOTE NOBODY”… because, in a ward, if a candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that Particular ward has received “49-O” votes more than 123, then that polling will be cancelled and will have to be re-polled. Not only that, but the candidature of the contestants will be removed and they cannot contest the re-polling, since people had already expressed their decision on them. This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This would change the way; of our whole political system… it is seemingly surprising why the election commission has not revealed such a feature to the public….
Please spread this news to as many as you know…
Seems to be a wonderful weapon against corrupt parties in India …
show your power, expressing your desire not to
Vote for anybody, is even more powerful than voting… so don’t miss
your chance.
Well, here’s the text of Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 (“Rules”):
49-O. Elector deciding not to vote.-If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form-17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark.
Rule 49-O falls under the Chapter II of Part IV of the Rules which was introduced in 1992 and deals only with voting by electronic voting machines or EVMs. The remark referred to here is an offline entry by the presiding offer (accompanied by the voter’s signature) to record the fact that a vote was not electronically recorded even though the voter had registered in the register of voters. This would allow reconciliation of mismatches arising from a situation where you have lesser votes polled in the machines than the names entered and signed in the register of voters. There is no provision for polling to be cancelled based on the number of 49-O votes.

Doctor

2008-10-15T14:49:00.000+05:30

A Japanese doctor said, 'Medicine in my country is so advanced that we can take a kidney out of one man, put it another, and have him looking for work in six weeks.'

A German doctor said, 'That's nothing, we can take a lung out of one person, put it in another, and have him looking for work in four weeks.'

A British doctor said, 'In my country, medicine is so advanced that we can take half of a heart out of one person, put it in another, and have them both looking for work in two weeks.'

A Texas doctor, not to be outdone said, 'you guys are way behind. We took a man with no brains out of Texas, put him in the white house and now half the country is looking for work

How to clean the computer

2008-10-14T14:20:00.001+05:30

Since our computers are always having trouble I thought I would try to help out by having all of our computers Cyb er-cleaned. The link below is an instant screen cleaner, it will help to brighten your computers and enhance the colors.

Click Here

Robots for Military Use

2008-10-13T10:10:00.002+05:30

BAE Systems will lead a team of scientists that will develop miniature robots to improve military situational awareness. The company signed a $38 million agreement with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory to lead an alliance of researchers and scientists from the Army, academia and industry.

The Micro Autonomous Systems and Technology (MAST) Collaborative Technology Alliance will research and develop advanced robotic equipment for use in urban environments and complex terrain, such as mountains and caves. The alliance will create an autonomous, multifunctional collection of miniature intelligence-gathering robots that can operate in places too inaccessible or dangerous for humans.

“Robotic platforms extend the warfighter’s senses and reach, providing operational capabilities that would otherwise be costly, impossible, or deadly to achieve,” said Dr. Joseph Mait, MAST cooperative agreement manager for the Army Research Laboratory. “The MAST alliance is a highly collaborative effort, with each partner from government, academia, and industry playing a significant role.”

MAST will advance fundamental science and technology for future robotic systems in several key areas, including small-scale aeromechanics and ambulation; propulsion; sensing, processing and communications; navigation and control; microdevices and integration; platform packaging; and systems architectures.

“The technologies that will be developed under MAST represent capabilities and techniques that will influence nearly all of the products that BAE Systems will develop and produce in the future,” said Steve Scalera, MAST program manager for BAE Systems in Merrimack, New Hampshire. “We and our alliance partners have committed our brightest minds to make the MAST program a success.”

The Alliance has a planned duration of five years with an option to extend for an additional five years. MAST consists of four primary research areas, led by four principal alliance members: BAE Systems will lead Microsystems Integration, the University of Michigan will lead Microelectronics, the University of Maryland will lead Microsystem Mechanics, and the University of Pennsylvania will lead Processing for Autonomous Operation.

The alliance also has five general members participating in one or more of the research areas: the University of California at Berkeley, the California Institute of Technology and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of New Mexico, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

Blessing

2008-10-08T11:56:00.001+05:30

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. Angry, he raised his voice to his father and said "With all your money, you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.

When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. And as he did, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we Miss Spirit's blessings and answers to our prayers because they do not arrive exactly as we have expected?

Today’s affirmation: "Today I look beyond the obvious and allow miracles to be created in my life."

Forgive and Forget

2008-10-06T11:19:00.000+05:30

An old man once had an argument with his only son. He tried to apologize many times but the young man would not listen. The father never gave up because he loved his son with all his heart, but the son would not give in, because he was too blinded by his pride.

Years passed and as the man lay in his deathbed, he made a final attempt to reconcile with his son, but still he would not listen and so the father died with a heart full of grief.

During this time the son too had a child who had now grown up into a young adult. To this child he never mentioned his father and when the young man asked about his grandfather he would tell him never to mention him again.

One day, they too were both involved in a hot argument and his son fled away as his father did many years before. The man was extremely saddened and this time he had no pride, but felt completely isolated.

He was afraid that he had lost his son forever and for the first time after many years he turned to God in prayer. At that moment something filled his heart and he realized how his father must have felt many years back.

He remembered how he had hurt his old man and only at that point he realized the extent of the hurt he had caused. The more he thought the more he understood how unjust he was with his old father, the man who gave him everything through out his life.

With these sad thoughts he felt asleep on the couch. Next morning when he opened his eyes he found himself tucked in his bed and in front of him stood his son. The man could not believe his eyes, and the two hugged each other while they cried together.

After lots of apologies, the young man explained that up till the day before he felt lots of hatred towards his father, but during the night he had a strange dream that touched his heart. He dreamt that an old man was hugging him, and as he embraced him, all his hatred turned into love. The old man then told him to forgive and forget. He then explained that as soon as he woke up he came running to his father's house.

At this point the man told his son that on the same night, he learnt an important lesson, and how he had let his father down when he was younger. The son wanted to know more about his grandfather who he never met or even saw, and this was the most appropriate time.

The man went to an old bookshelf and fetched an old family album. He then picked an old photograph of his father and when the son saw it, he remained dumb-founded. The son then explained that the man in the photograph was the same one he dreamt of the night before.

Standard Height and Weight for Indian Men & Women

2008-10-04T12:24:00.002+05:30

Standard Height and Weight for Indian Men & Women:

Height in Metre &(Feet/inches) Men (In Kgs) Women (In Kgs)
1.52 (5’ 0”) --- 50.8 to 54.4.
1.54 (5’ 1”) --- 51.7 to 55.3
1.57 (5’ 2”) 56.3 to 60.3 53.1 to 56.7.
1.60 (5’ 3”) 57.6 to 61.7 54.4 to 58.1.
1.63 (5’ 4”) 58.9 to 63.5 56.3 to 59.9.
1.65 (5’ 5”) 60.8 to 65.3 57.6 to 61.2.
1.68 (5’ 6”) 62.2 to 66.7 58.9 to 63.5.
1.70 (5’ 7”) 64.0 to 68.5 60.8 to 65.3.
1.73 (5’ 8”) 65.8 to 70.8 62.2 to 66.7.
1.75 (5’ 9”) 67.6 to 72.6 64.0 to 68.5.
1.78 (5’10”) 69.4 to 74.4. 65.8 to 70.3.
1.80 (5’11”) 71.2 to 76.2 67.1 to 71.7.
1.83 (6’ 0”) 73.0 to 78.5 68.5 to 73.9.
1.85 (6’ 1”) 75.3 to 80.7 ---
1.88 ( 6’2”) 77.6 to 83.5 ---
1.90 (6’ 3”) 79.8 to 85.7 ---

But, please be informed that it is not necessary to strictly adhere to the figures given above. Carrying a little extra or a little less weight which one feels comfortable with and which gives a “healthy” look is perfectly acceptable.

Weight control measures should be long term goals. Sudden crash weight loss regimes are not only harmful but also not sustainable over a long period of time. Watching one’s weight should start relatively early in life. Body weight can be kept in balance by a healthy mixture of diet, physical exercise and activity and in fact adopting a suitable life style. The best way is to permanently adopt a healthy and regular life style.

You have to put in some effort for maintaining your body weight and your own health!
Other aspects of “ageing gracefully & healthy” will be elaborated in our forthcoming newsletters.

Things to do :
•Check your height and weight once in 6 months & keep a record.
•If you are grossly overweight or underweight consult your family physician or suitable medical professional and slowly and in determined fashion adopt long term life style changes.
•An annual or biannual “Comprehensive Health Check Up” after the age of 35 is a worthwhile measure to be followed by all.
•Keep all your health records filed carefully and datewise.

Walking

2008-10-03T12:37:00.000+05:30

In today's fast paced life, people are leading a very unhealthy lifestyle. The increasing rate of health diseases, stress levels, lack or inadequate sleep are caused due to the fast paced life style. People get so engrossed in coming up in life that the forget their health. There is a popular saying 'If wealth is lost, something is lost, but if health is lost, everything is lost". It is the apt time that people start concentrating on their health and well being.

Walking is the most safest start towards exercise routine. Particularly for obese people walking is the most recommended start. To start with always stick to a comfortable speed in which you do not gasp for breath. One should never start to jog immediately take time and seek appropriate medical advice before jogging.

Walking on hills is good. The uphill provides cardiovascular benefits and the downhill is known for reducing the blood sugar levels. Walking on hills may not be possible for all of us due to the location constraints. This can be achieved by using some specifically made Treadmills which allow to simulate the required inclination.

Walking helps burn fat, boosts the energy levels and decreases health risks. Many people whose life style is sedentary or who are obese have very low fitness levels due to lack of exercise. Walking is the ideal exercise start for these kind of people. Walking enables to workout at a steady, which is required to burn fat effectively. To burn fat we need the body to be permanently in fat-burning mode during the whole exercise, walking is a constant and gradual activity so it achieves fat-burning mode very effectively even if the person lacks some fitness.
Walking has many health benefits, It can reduce the risk of many diseases like heart attack, stroke, depression, colon cancer, constipation, osteoporosis, and impotence etc. It helps cure sleeplessness.

Listed are some of the benefits of Walking:

Helps overcome depression.
Helps fight against stress and aids in relaxation.
Helps over come sleepless nights.
Helps to increase the body activity and provides flexibility.
Helps toning the body.
Helps to burn fat.

Professional Management FUNDAS

2008-09-29T10:43:00.002+05:30

Today's Professional Management FUNDAS

1."We will do it" means "You will do it"

2."You have done a great job" means "More work to be given to you"

3."We are working on it" means "We have not yet started working on the same"

4."Tomorrow first thing in the morning" means "Its not getting done "At least not tomorrow!"

5."After discussion we will decide-I am very open to views" means "I have already decided, I will tell you what to do"

6."There was a slight intercommunication" means "We had actually lied"

7."Lets call a meeting and discuss" means "I have no time now, will talk later"

8."We can always do it" means "We actually cannot do the same on time"

9."We are on the right track but there needs to be a slight extension of the deadline" means "The project is screwed up, we cannot deliver on time."

10."We had slight differences of opinion "means "We had actually fought"

11."Make a list of the work that you do and let's see how I can help you" means "Anyway you have to find a way out no help from me"

12."You should have told me earlier" means "Well even if you told me earlier that would have made hardly any difference!"

13."We need to find out the real reason" means "Well I will tell you where your fault is"

14."Well Family is important; your leave is always granted. Just ensure that the work is not affected," means, "Well you know..."

15."We are a team," means, "I am not the only one to be blamed"

16."That's actually a good question" means "I do not know anything about it"

17."All the Best" means "You are in trouble"

Intresting one

2008-09-27T15:06:00.001+05:30

A mechanic was removing the cylinder heads from the motor of a car when he spotted the famous heart surgeon in his shop, which was standing off to the side, waiting for the service manager to come to take a look at his car.

The mechanic shouted across the garage,” Hello Doctor!! Please come over here for a minute."

The famous surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic.

The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked argumentatively, "So doctor, look at this. I also open hearts, take valves out, grind 'em, put in new parts, and when I finish this will work as a new one. So how come you get the big money, when you and me is doing basically the same work? "

The doctor leaned over and whispered to the mechanic.....

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.

He said: "Try to do it when the engine is running".

Joke & Quotes

2008-09-20T17:01:00.002+05:30

This is a very funny joke I received some time ago from a friend. I believe it’s worth sharing… hope it will make your weekend a much better one. Enjoy… make sure you read till the end.

One politician, one thief and an INTEL Manager died. They went straight to hell. Don’t ask me why hell, but not heaven.

The politician said “I miss my country. I want to call my country and see how everybody is doing there.” She called and talked for about 5 minutes, then she asked “Well, devil how much do I need to pay for the call?”.

The devil said “Five million dollars”.

The politician wrote him a check immediately and went to sit back on her chair.

The thief saw all these and was so jealous, he started screaming, “My turn! I want to call my group members, I want to see how everybody is doing there too!”

He called and talked for about 2 minutes, then he asked “Well, devil, how much do I need to pay for the call? Make sure it’s cheap enough.”

The devil said “Ten million dollars”.

He smashed his forehead. But he still made a check and went to sit back on his chair.

The INTEL Manager was even more jealous and started screaming, “I want to call my office friends and managers too.”

He called other INTEL employees and he talked for twenty hours about cost cutting measures, stock gains, market segments, improvising, automation,… he talked and talked and talked. Finally, when he’s done he asked “Well, devil how much do I need to pay for the call?”

The devil answered “Twenty dollars”.

The INTEL Manager was stunned and asked for confirmation, “Twenty dollars? Only??”

Devil said…

…
…
…
…

Calling from Hell to INTEL is a local call!

"Ability may get you to top, but it takes character to keep you there!"

No one is born happy ..
But all of us are born with the ability to create happiness ..
So today, make others happy ..
Flash your sweetest Smile..