Saturday, April 30, 2011

Kala Kanidi Viluvainadi by Sri Sri

Friday, April 29, 2011

The Cost of Being Poor | Business Pundit

The Cost of Being Poor | Business Pundit: "As if the current job market and economy didn’t make it hard enough for low income households in America to make ends meet, it turns out that living below the poverty line is actually more costly in many respects as well. It not only takes money to make money, it also takes quite a bit of money to live in poverty. Our friends at Online Sociology Degree put together this graphic to illustrate how expensive it is to be a poor American."

Technology centers around the royal wedding

Thursday, April 28, 2011

5 Little-Known Truths About American Sex Lives – TIME Healthland

5 Little-Known Truths About American Sex Lives – TIME Healthland: "As Healthland reported on Monday, a new study showed that baby boomers in America may be having a lot of sex, but they're doing it a lot less responsibly than teenagers. The study went on to reveal a lot more about American sexuality than that.

For the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB) — which examined everything from condom use to homosexual behavior to orgasm rates — researchers from Indiana University surveyed a random, cross-sectional and population-based sample of 14-to-94-year-olds across the United States. It was the most comprehensive survey of its kind in nearly two decades and the first to include teenagers."

Does Men’s ‘Bond’ with Porn Ruin Them for Real-Life Sex? – TIME Healthland

Does Men’s ‘Bond’ with Porn Ruin Them for Real-Life Sex? – TIME Healthland: "Men's obsession with Internet porn is affecting their libidos, and making it impossible for real women to satisfy them. That's the thesis of a fascinating feature in a recent issue of New York magazine. Writer Davy Rothbart describes his own experience of having to fake orgasm with a woman, because his overuse of porn had made reaching climax during intercourse nearly impossible."

The Universe Was Created 6,988 Years Ago Today, According To Kepler (VIDEO)

The Universe Was Created 6,988 Years Ago Today, According To Kepler (VIDEO): "History - On this day in 4977 B.C., the universe is created, according to German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler, considered a founder of modern science. Kepler is best known for his theories explaining the motion of planets.

Kepler was born on December 27, 1571, in Weil der Stadt, Germany. As a university student, he studied the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus' theories of planetary ordering. Copernicus (1473-1543) believed that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the solar system, a theory that contradicted the prevailing view of the era that the sun revolved around the earth."

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Russell Simmons' New Book Offers A 'spiritual' Path To Business Success - Small Business Startup News - Entrepreneur News Feeds - Entrepreneur Resources

Russell Simmons' New Book Offers A 'spiritual' Path To Business Success - Small Business Startup News - Entrepreneur News Feeds - Entrepreneur Resources: "Russell Simmons' new book shows entrepreneurs the spiritual path to wealth.

Small business owners may not like to hear that business mogul, activist and bestselling author Russell Simmons finds the road to success depends more on spirituality than skill, but entrepreneur news is reporting it anyway.

In his latest book, 'Super Rich: A Guide to Having It All,' Simmons makes getting rich look easy, writing that a positive attitude, passion and an openness to both spiritual and material wealth are the qualities one needs to succeed, CNN Money writes."

Nobel Prize-Winner Paul Krugman: I'm A 'Loner'

Nobel Prize-Winner Paul Krugman: I'm A 'Loner': "Paul Krugman is a Nobel-Prize winning economist and world-famous blogger. According to a new article, you can add self-described loner to that list as well."

Ayn Rand on God and the Fine-Tuning Argument

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Chad Earl Schaffner - FBI Most Wanted List - Zimbio

India After Gandhi: Ramachandra Guha

Flipkart.com: India After Gandhi: Ramachandra Guha (9780330505543): "Amagisterial account of the pains, the struggles, the humiliations, and the glories of the world's largest and least likely democracy, Ramachandra Guha's India After Gandhi is a breathtaking chronicle of the brutal conflicts that have rocked a giant nation and the extraordinary factors that have held it together. An intricately researched and elegantly written epic history peopled with larger-than-life characters, it is the work of a major scholar at the peak of his abilities."

A. R. Rahman: Nasreen Munni Kabir

Flipkart.com: A. R. Rahman: Nasreen Munni Kabir (9789380070148): "When composer A.R. Rahman's first film Roja was released in 1992, his astonishing music with its other-worldly melodies, tonal texture, pulsating rhythms made an instant impact in India. His abundantly flowing talent has given life to the score of over a hundred films, including Dil Se, Bombay, Lagaan, Warriors of Heaven and Earth, 127 Hours and Jodhaa Akbar.

According to a recent estimate by the BBC, 150 million Copies of his albums have sold worldwide. A.R. Rahman has won a host of awards, together with a Golden Globe, a Bafta, two Oscars and two Grammys for his score in Slumdog Millionaire. In 2010, he received the Padma Bhusan, the third civilian honour, awarded by the Government of India."

The Emperor Of All Maladies: Siddhartha Mukherjee

Flipkart.com: The Emperor Of All Maladies: Siddhartha Mukherjee (9780007428052): "In The Emperor of All Maladies, Siddhartha Mukherjee, doctor, researcher and award-winning science writer, examines cancer with a cellular biologist's precision, a historian's perspective, and a biographer's passion. The result is an astonishingly lucid and eloquent chronicle of a disease humans have lived with - and perished from - for more than five thousand years.


The story of cancer is a story of human ingenuity, resilience and perseverance, but also of hubris, arrogance and misperception, all leveraged against a disease that, just three decades ago, was thought to be easily vanquished in an all-out 'war against cancer' .


Emperor of All Maladies is about the people who have soldiered through toxic, bruising, and draining regimes to survive and to increase the store of human knowledge."

Royal WEDDING 2011: The UK might seem moth-eaten but no-one does a royal show better | Mail Online

Royal WEDDING 2011: The UK might seem moth-eaten but no-one does a royal show better | Mail Online: "Do you remember that very old joke about the Queen saying to Prince Philip as a band strikes up the National Anthem: 'Oh, darling, they're playing our tune!'?

Yes, of course you do, and this week they deserve to be able to say that to each other.

The Royal Family can take just pride in the fact that, on Friday, it will achieve something no other institution could conceivably match: it will make Britain, for a few hours, the focus of the attention of the world."

Monday, April 25, 2011

At least 480 Taliban tunnel out of Afghan prison - Asia, World - The Independent

At least 480 Taliban tunnel out of Afghan prison - Asia, World - The Independent: "Taliban militants tunneled at least 480 inmates out of the main prison in southern Afghanistan overnight, whisking them through a 1,000-foot-long underground passage they had dug over months, officials and insurgents said TODAY.

Taliban tunnels at least 480 out of Afghan prison"

How to clean up the junk on your PC - The Times of India

How to clean up the junk on your PC - The Times of India: "It's a familiar problem for anyone with an older computer: a PC may run lightning-fast and smooth when it's new, but over time it starts coughing up unusual error messages and unidentifiable icons appear on the taskbar."

Is YOUR child watching porn? | Mail Online

Is YOUR child watching porn? | Mail Online: "On a bed emblazoned with Hello Kitty images, 13-year-old Natasha poses for her best friend’s mobile phone camera.

With one knee on the bed, and the other off, she raises her bottom in the air and looks around at the camera with a pout, set off by the red feather boa around her neck.

Natasha likes what she sees. You can’t see her spots and her face looks thinner when she twists around.

So she posts it as her profile picture on Facebook, where more than a dozen of her 400 friends rush to post comments like ‘Ooh, nice a***’ and ‘Sexeee!’."

15 Failed Predictions about the Future - Oddee.com (failed future predictions)

15 Failed Predictions about the Future - Oddee.com (failed future predictions): "It may sound ridiculous now, but the prediction was actually true for about ten years after it was made. Almost every forecaster would settle for a ten year limit on the testing of their forecasts. Of course, by the 1980s and the advent of the PC, such a statement looked plain daft."

Sunday, April 24, 2011

WikiLeaks and Julian Paul Assange : The New Yorker

WikiLeaks and Julian Paul Assange : The New Yorker: "The house on Grettisgata Street, in Reykjavik, is a century old, small and white, situated just a few streets from the North Atlantic. The shifting northerly winds can suddenly bring ice and snow to the city, even in springtime, and when they do a certain kind of silence sets in. This was the case on the morning of March 30th, when a tall Australian man named Julian Paul Assange, with gray eyes and a mop of silver-white hair, arrived to rent the place. Assange was dressed in a gray full-body snowsuit, and he had with him a small entourage. “We are journalists,” he told the owner of the house. Eyjafjallajökull had recently begun erupting, and he said, “We’re here to write about the volcano.”"

Sachin Tendulkar : Crack the master quiz, News - Sports - Bangalore Mirror,Bangalore Mirror

Crack the master quiz, News - Sports - Bangalore Mirror,Bangalore Mirror: "1 At which Mumbai college did Sachin’s father, Ramesh Tendulkar, teach Marathi literature? (Hint: This college was founded by Deccan Education and was initially known as Bombay College.)

2 For which organisation did Sachin’s mother, Rajni Tendulkar, work?

3 From which tour was Sachin returning when he met his future wife, Anjali, for the first time at the Mumbai airport? What was his age then?"

5 Awesomely Sarcastic Supreme Court Decisions | Cracked.com

5 Awesomely Sarcastic Supreme Court Decisions | Cracked.com: "When people picture what goes on in the Supreme Court, they imagine austere justices arguing and deliberating on issues that will decide the fate of Law itself.
However, the Supreme Court, like any other court in the land, hears more than one case per day. This means that it does happen, however rarely, that the justices are forced to preside over bullshit. And since the justices are human beings just like us, they can't help but call it out when they see it ..."

$500 mn gambled away in Indo-Pak WC semi-final: Malcolm Speed - The Economic Times

$500 mn gambled away in Indo-Pak WC semi-final: Malcolm Speed - The Economic Times: "The money gambled on cricket now is astronomical, and if former International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Malcolm Speed is to be believed, at least 500 million dollars was gambled away during the recent World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan in Mohali , India."

14 foods that BOOST your sex drive - Rediff Getahead

14 foods that BOOST your sex drive - Rediff Getahead: "It's no secret, every man wants to increase his sex drive and some of us will do anything, buy anything for it.

Little do we know that the secret to great sex is in our kitchen.

Erm... not the kitchen floor...

Find out why these 14 foods are great aphrodisiacs!

1. Sweet basil

Sweet basil stimulates the sex drive. It especially boosts female fertility."

Sathya Sai Baba: Life & Times

Sathya Sai Baba: Life & Times
“I have come not to disturb or destroy any faith, but to confirm each in his own faith, so that the Christian becomes a better Christian; the Muslim, a better Muslim; and the Hindu, a better Hindu.” - Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Bhagwan to his believers, humanitarian to others and controversial in the eyes of some others, Sri Sathya Sai Baba has occupied a prominent space in India’s collective mindscape for over half a century.

Routinely featuring among the most influential persons in the country, Baba passed away at the age of 85.

Here’s a look on his life and all that he represents.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba passes away

Sri Sathya Sai Baba passes away: "Sri Sathya Sai Baba, whose spiritual clout ran far and wide, passed away this morning in this town in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district due to cardio-respiratory failure.

Sai Baba, who was 86, breathed his last at 7.40 AM at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, its Director A N Safaya said in a bulletin.

'Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left his earthly body on April 24, 2011 at 7:40 am due to cardio-respiratory failure,' it said."

TV9 – Spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba passes away Part 1 | Metros Live

TV9 – Spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba passes away | Metros Live

iPhone, Smartphone Tracking: How Much Is Too Much?

iPhone, Smartphone Tracking: How Much Is Too Much?: "If you're worried about privacy, you can turn off the function on your smartphone that tracks where you go. But that means giving up the services that probably made you want a smartphone in the first place. After all, how smart is an iPhone or an Android if you can't use it to map your car trip or scan reviews of nearby restaurants?"

Friday, April 22, 2011

How the Anna Hazare movement was born - Rediff.com News

How the Anna Hazare movement was born - Rediff.com News: "The India Against Corruption website gives the names of 20 leaders from different fields who started the campaign that has culminated in a joint committee to draft the Lokpal bill, which for the first time has members of the civil society along with elected representatives.


It claims that they 'have all come together to force/request/persuade/pressurise the government to enact the Jan Lokpal Bill.' It has social activist Anna Hazare, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder of Art of Living, Mahmood Madani, general secretary of Jamait Ulema-e-Hind and New Delhi-based Archbishop Vincent M Concessao. Along with dancers like Mallika Sarabhai and retired Jusitce D S Tewatia, there are RTI activists Arvind Kejriwal and S C Agrawal."

'Captain Fantastic' MS Dhoni more influential than Obama: 'Time'

'Captain Fantastic' Dhoni more influential than Obama: 'Time': "Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who inspired the country to its first World Cup title in 28 years, found himself ranked above global football icon Lionel Messi and US President Barack Obama in the 'Time' magazine's list of 100 most influential people in the world for the year 2010.

Dhoni, ranked 52nd in the chart, was the only Indian sportsperson to make the list which also included four of his compatriots in 'Titan of Industry' category Mukesh Ambani (61), 'Brain Mapper' V S Ramachandran (79), 'Philanthropist' Azim Premji (88) and 'Change Agent' Aruna Roy (89)."

Rapes of Women Show Clash Between Old and New India - NYTimes.com

Rapes of Women Show Clash Between Old and New India - NYTimes.com: "The young lovers met at a secluded spot next to a field of wheat at the edge of this sprawling suburb of New Delhi, where the timeless India of mustard fields and bullock carts abuts the frantically rising apartment towers of the budding middle class. They went seeking solitude, but instead found themselves at the violent cusp of old India and new."

Morgan Freeman: The Power of Words

Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Hoot Story Page - media, press, subcontinent, media ethics, media watch, media research, media conflict, media gender, community radio, Unescos

The Hoot Story Page - media, press, subcontinent, media ethics, media watch, media research, media conflict, media gender, community radio, Unescos: "Almost a year past the agreed retirement date, his position having become untenable in the face of the Company Law Board order, Ram seems bent on taking all the editorial directors into retirement with him with a scorched earth policy to ensure that no one in the family succeeds him. "

Paul Valthaty Bursts Into Starring Role in Indian Premier League - NYTimes.com

Paul Valthaty Bursts Into Starring Role in Indian Premier League - NYTimes.com: "Paul Valthaty of Punjab has never played in a match classified as first-class. He is a cricketing foot soldier, a low-priced domestic backup to the expensive international talent recruited at the I.P.L.’s rotisserie-style player auction earlier this year.

Yet two astonishing performances in the span of four days last week rocketed him from obscurity to fame.

Most observers were staggered on April 12 when Gilchrist took Valthaty in with him at the top of the order against the reigning champion, Chennai."

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Ex-CEO Schmidt Can Make Up to $6 Million as Google Chairman | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

Ex-CEO Schmidt Can Make Up to $6 Million as Google Chairman | News & Opinion | PCMag.com: "Eric Schmidt might have stepped aside as Google's CEO, but the move has certainly been lucrative for him—he's gotten a huge raise. His salary just jumped massively from the traditional $1 a year, the same as co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, to $1.25 million, according to a recent SEC filing.
Schmidt hasn't walked away from the company completely. As of April 4, he officially made the transition to become Google's executive chairman. In this new role, Schmidt can make up to $6 million a year. That's a $1.25 million base salary with a target bonus of 400 percent."

Most rape accused go scot-free in Hyderabad - The Times of India

Most rape accused go scot-free in Hyderabad - The Times of India: "In the city, on an average, 10 rapes are reported every month, but less than three per cent of the accused have been convicted so far. Police and legal experts attribute the low conviction rate to victims settling for a compromise and sometimes turning hostile due to peer pressure or social stigma"

Why men's success with women all depends on their hands | Mail Online

Why men's success with women all depends on their hands | Mail Online: "Forget witty chat-up lines and splashing on the aftershave.

It appears the secret of a man’s attractiveness to the opposite sex lies in his hands.

Men whose ring fingers are longer than their index fingers are seen as better bets by women, a study found. By contrast those seen as wimpier sorts will have longer index fingers.

It is thought that exposure to high levels of testosterone in the womb has a long-lasting effect on finger-length – and on looks."

Jagan ‘undervalues’ Rs 1,800 crore assets | Deccan Chronicle

Jagan ‘undervalues’ Rs 1,800 crore assets | Deccan Chronicle: "The Kadapa Lok Sabha candidate, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has quietly understated the value of his investments in Bharathi Cement in his affidavit to the Election Commission by at least Rs 1,800 crore by using accounting jargon. In his affidavit to the Election Commission while filing his nomination papers, Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy showed the value of his holdings in Bharathi Cement Corporation Private Limited at Rs 36.07 crore, at the “book value” of Rs 15.15 per share. As per last available record, Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy has 2,38,06,444 shares, or 30.06 per cent, of Bharathi Cement."

Steve Jobs Was A Snarling Brute Who Humiliated People Just To Do It, Says Paul Allen

Steve Jobs Was A Snarling Brute Who Humiliated People Just To Do It, Says Paul Allen: "Bill Gates isn't the only tech star given harsh treatment in Paul Allen's new memoir.
Allen also had numerous run-ins with Steve Jobs in the early days of Microsoft, when the company started making software for the Macintosh.
According to Allen, Jobs was a jerk, and he didn't care if people realized it."

If You're Not On Facebook, It's Time To Get Over Yourself

If You're Not On Facebook, It's Time To Get Over Yourself: "Oh, yeah, I'm not on Facebook. Like, it's so invasive. If you've said anything like this, I feel bad for you.

Facebook has over half a billion users. Almost everyone I know uses it. I use it. You probably use it. But ubiquity isn't equal to universality. Everyone knows one of those self righteous Facebook abstainers. Social media luddites. Pushing aside modern society in favor of a purer lifestyle, devoid of pokes, tags, and feeds. Defenders of something more natural and independent than Zuckerberg's friendship hive."

3D artist conjures stunning tiger from hidden, crouching women (although it took a back-breaking 24 hours to paint) | Mail Online

3D artist conjures stunning tiger from hidden, crouching women (although it took a back-breaking 24 hours to paint) | Mail Online: "Artist Craig Tracy chose a canvas with a difference for his striking three-dimensional picture of a tiger.

Three naked women spent an amazing 24 hours as his subjects as he assembled his masterpiece to raise awareness about the plight of endangered creatures.

His next project might need to be in aid of sufferers of back pain.

Tracy, 43, from New Orleans, created the breathtaking piece to raise awareness about the endangered animal."

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Shane Warne denies facelift rumours | The Sun |News

Shane Warne denies facelift rumours | The Sun |News: "SHANE Warne seems bowled over by his striking new look — a wrinkle free face.
The cricket idol, 41, revealed his unusually smooth complexion at an undies launch in Australia.

Publicity shots for the pants show the sportsman looking more bronzed than normal with dazzling white teeth, smooth skin and deep grooves around his mouth — leading fans to speculate he's had a FACELIFT."

Lady Gaga - Judas (Audio)

Right to property is a constitutional right: Supreme Court - The Times of India

Right to property is a constitutional right: Supreme Court - The Times of India
The Supreme Court on Monday said the right to property is a constitutional right and government cannot deprive a person of his land in an arbitrary manner.

Royal wedding: Bob and Roberta Smith's commemorative artwork | Culture | The Observer

Royal wedding: Bob and Roberta Smith's commemorative artwork | Culture | The Observer: "Of all the cultural figures we approached to pay tribute to the royal wedding, Bob and Roberta Smith chose arguably the most abstract approach. The east London-based artist (actually just one person, real name Patrick Brill) has what he calls 'a broken ice-cream van approach' to aesthetics and decided to build sculptures of the bride and groom out of rubbish he found in a skip. To complete the piece, he made himself a part of it, sitting beside his creations with an empty cat-food tin and a felt-tipped sign, begging for money."

BBC Hindi - blog - but we need heroes

BBC Hindi - blog - but we need heroes: "My heart is broken. Perhaps many people are broken.

Why not let broken when Rahul Gandhi saying that they do not want to be heroes.

India's next prime minister of India's media as he mostly watches. Congress of the history and current political equations show that there is no obstacle in the path.

Nehru - Gandhi family, the longest since independence India has commanded. Natural successor of the same heritage saying that India has been languishing in the system a lot, well-worn it is and they want to fix."

‘Are you having a baby? I hope it’s a boy’ – The Express Tribune Blog

‘Are you having a baby? I hope it’s a boy’ – The Express Tribune Blog: "In an era where cell phones and Botox have changed our lifestyles, our mentality is still not very different from the dark ages.

If you browse through any Urdu newspaper’s classified section, you might come across an ad that says “beta” (son) in big, bold letters.

If you read further, it says “Inshallah, beta ho ga” (God willing, it’ll be a son)."

Monday, April 18, 2011

How Much Sleep Does Your Baby Need? | HealthGuru

How Much Sleep Does Your Baby Need? | HealthGuru

EXCLUSIVE: The Day Einstein Died - Photo Gallery - LIFE

EXCLUSIVE: The Day Einstein Died - Photo Gallery - LIFE: "Albert Einstein, whose theories exploded and reshaped our ideas of how the universe works, died 56 years ago, on April 18, 1955, of heart failure. He was 76. His funeral and cremation were intensely private affairs, and only one photographer managed to capture the events of that extraordinary day: LIFE magazine's Ralph Morse. Armed with his camera and a case of scotch -- to open doors and loosen tongues -- Morse compiled a quietly intense record of an icon's passing. But aside from one now-famous image (above), the pictures Morse took that day were never"

Tragic Japan tsunami video is the most horrifying yet. 5 minutes from top of hill at a school

Sir Tim Berners-Lee complains of extreme views on Twitter - Telegraph

Sir Tim Berners-Lee complains of extreme views on Twitter - Telegraph: "In a speech at the launch of the British office of W3C, the organisation that sets technical standards for the web, he challenged the audience as to whether it could be possible to design a system for more reasoned discourse online.
Sir Tim - who has almost 44,000 followers but is a more irregular Twitter user than many famous web figures - used “net neutrality” as an example of how debate can become polarised on the microblogging platform."

U.S. secretly backed Syrian opposition groups, cables released by WikiLeaks show - The Washington Post

U.S. secretly backed Syrian opposition groups, cables released by WikiLeaks show - The Washington Post: "The London-based satellite channel, Barada TV, began broadcasting in April 2009 but has ramped up operations to cover the mass protests in Syria as part of a long-standing campaign to overthrow the country’s autocratic leader, Bashar al-Assad. Human rights groups say scores of people have been killed by Assad’s security forces since the demonstrations began March 18; Syria has blamed the violence on “armed gangs.”"

SC bars employment of children in circuses - The Times of India

SC bars employment of children in circuses - The Times of India: "The Supreme Court on Monday barred the employment of children in circuses. The apex court has asked the government to issue a comprehensive notification in this regard and implement it within 10 weeks."

INDIA: The poor superpower

The poor superpower: "High tech wizardry and mediaeval squalor live side by side in the world's largest democracy.

Numbers are a blessing for newspaper correspondents in India. Thanks to the subcontinent's vast population there is invariably an enormous total to spice up any story.

The electorate alone is a marvel - there were 714 million eligible voters at the last national poll, nearly twice the number of electors for the European Parliament. India's biggest state, Uttar Pradesh, is home to 200 million people - more than Brazil - and would be the world's fifth most populous country if it were a separate nation. Even the road toll holds a gruesome fascination because of its sheer magnitude. More than 120,000 die on Indian roads each year, the equivalent to obliterating the population of Darwin or Toowoomba."

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Seven tricks of highly effective corruption - ET Slide Shows - Features - The Economic Times

Seven tricks of highly effective corruption - ET Slide Shows - Features - The Economic Times: "As Anna Hazare and his ever-growing army of corruption busters get down to the task of developing what they think is the most lethal weapon, an all-new Lok Pal, against bribery, ET on Sunday decided to size up the strength of their enemy: the system that creates and protects corruption.

At the heart of this system is a convenient game of musical chairs played by industry and government. Each blames the other for corrupting it, and yet neither side stops. When a case of graft is exposed, e.g. the 2G scam, its beneficiaries proclaim themselves to be the victim. And then it is back to business as usual. The growth in corruption has kept pace with the record growth in the Indian economy, bigger the size of cake, thicker the slice of graft."

Catherine Zeta Jones: You don't have to be a celebrity to be bipolar but it does help | Mail Online

Catherine Zeta Jones: You don't have to be a celebrity to be bipolar but it does help | Mail Online: "Celebrity madness still maintains an awful glamour. Ordinary madness is simply sad and often squalid. The news that Catherine Zeta-Jones, who ‘has it all’, has checked into an expensive clinic suffering from a bipolar disorder is all a bit hazy."

Lady Gaga: 'Judas' Leaks (LISTEN)

Lady Gaga: 'Judas' Leaks (LISTEN): "You can't say Lady Gaga isn't provocative.

'Judas,' the latest single from Grammy-winner and fashion icon has leaked onto the internet early, adding to the already heated debate about the song, and accompanying video's, alleged sacrilege."

How To Get A Guy To Notice You While You're Having Sex With Him

How Little Sleep Can You Get Away With? - NYTimes.com

How Little Sleep Can You Get Away With? - NYTimes.com: "We all know that we don’t get enough sleep. But how much sleep do we really need? Until about 15 years ago, one common theory was that if you slept at least four or five hours a night, your cognitive performance remained intact; your body simply adapted to less sleep. But that idea was based on studies in which researchers sent sleepy subjects home during the day — where they may have sneaked in naps and downed coffee."

FOXSexpert: The Health Benefits of Masturbation - Health News | Current Health News | Medical News - FOXNews.com

FOXSexpert: The Health Benefits of Masturbation - Health News | Current Health News | Medical News - FOXNews.com: "Perhaps the joke’s on us. While people love to make wisecracks about it, few will actually admit to doing “it.”

Yet, according to Martha Cornog, of 'The Big Book of Masturbation', self-pleasuring is surely the second most common human sex act. And, despite its torrid history, that’s proving to be a good thing. Turns out this once taboo behavior has plenty of health benefits and can do wonders for your sex life.

While the shackles of masturbation have been loosening around our loins, it is only recently that society has started to let go of its guilt around solo sex. This is in part thanks to sex researchers affirming that most of us do it, as well as the embracing of it by television sitcoms. Who can forget the bet made by Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer as to who could remain the “master of their domain” the longest?"

Berlusconi's 'Russian passion' reveals 'truth' of PM parties

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Johnson Sentenced To 10 Years For Playing On Facebook While Son Drowned

Johnson Sentenced To 10 Years For Playing On Facebook While Son Drowned: "A northern Colorado woman who was playing a game on Facebook while her 13-month-old baby drowned in a bathtub was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison.

Shannon Johnson, 34, of Fort Lupton was also sentenced to five years of mandatory parole following her prison term."

Could This Email To Paul Ceglia Cost Mark Zuckerberg 50% Of Facebook?

Could This Email To Paul Ceglia Cost Mark Zuckerberg 50% Of Facebook?: "Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg scored a major victory on Monday, when a U.S. appeals court ruled that the Winklevoss twins could not appeal their previous settlement with Facebook over claims that Zuckerberg had stolen their idea for a similar site. But the victory may prove to be short-lived."

Facebook Brand Pages Struggle With XXX Posts

Facebook Brand Pages Struggle With XXX Posts: "It appears some brand's Facebook Pages may becoming smut central.

New York Post's James Covert and Ian Mohr wrote recently about a slew of x-rated posts that appeared on Facebook Pages belonging to popular brands such as Nike, Levi's, Victoria's Secret and Aeropostale. 'In each case, the come-ons included links to sexy hook-up sites with names like xxxblackbook, ihookup and Adult FriendFinder,' the Post writes."

Are You Hotter Than Bieber? Measure Now With The World's Vainest iPhone App

Are You Hotter Than Bieber? Measure Now With The World's Vainest iPhone App: "What better day to take a break from the week's dwindling grind? Below, a video demo plus instructions for indulging in a little tech-aided vanity during your next water cooler hiatus. An iPhone is necessary, so if you don't have one, find a co-worker stat."

Stephen Foley: Why Goldman boss is not going to prison - Business Comment, Business - The Independent

Stephen Foley: Why Goldman boss is not going to prison - Business Comment, Business - The Independent: "The idea of prosecuting Lloyd Blankfein for perjury is a non-starter, regardless of whether you think it an outrage that neither he nor any of his subordinates at Goldman Sachs is behind bars."

BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | 'Oldest English words' identified

BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | 'Oldest English words' identified: "Some of the oldest words in English have been identified, scientists say.
Reading University researchers claim 'I', 'we', 'two' and 'three' are among the most ancient, dating back tens of thousands of years."

BBC News - Report says 7,000 babies stillborn every day worldwide

BBC News - Report says 7,000 babies stillborn every day worldwide: "Around 7,000 stillbirths occur globally every day, with the poorest nations worst affected, a series of papers published in The Lancet suggest.

An overwhelming 98% of the 2.6m stillbirths each year strike middle and low-income countries, they say."

Nandita Das bestowed French honour

Nandita Das bestowed French honour: "Critically acclaimed actress-turned-director Nandita Das has been conferred with the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, one of the highest civilian awards of France, for her contribution to the development of Indo-French cooperation in cinema."

5 Ways Robots Make The World A Better Place

5 Ways Robots Make The World A Better Place: "Some may say that there is no issue more polarizing to the human race than robots. But here at HuffPost Impact, we don't heed those overblown warnings about the robot apocalypse. Instead, we like to focus on the ways robots are improving our daily lives and helping people in need.

Robots are now used to teach sick children, rescue survivors in the wake of disaster amongst providing many other helpful services."

Video: excerpts of N. Ram's April 8, 2011 interview with Julian Assange

The Hindu : Opinion / Interview : Video: excerpts of N. Ram's April 8, 2011 interview with Julian Assange

Friday, April 15, 2011

Titanic Video — History.com

Titanic Video — History.com

BBC News - World's oldest man Walter Breuning dies in US aged 114

BBC News - World's oldest man Walter Breuning dies in US aged 114: "The world's certified oldest man, whose advice to others included the observation 'you're born to die', has passed away aged 114 in the US.

Walter Breuning was old enough to remember his grandfather recounting his part in the slaughter of the American Civil War, during the 1860s."

Leonardo da Vinci: Biography from Answers.com

Leonardo da Vinci: Biography from Answers.com: "Leonardo da Vinci is best remembered as the painter of the Mona Lisa (1503-1506) and The Last Supper (1495). But he's almost equally famous for his astonishing multiplicity of talents: he dabbled in architecture, sculpture, engineering, geology, hydraulics and the military arts, all with success, and in his spare time doodled parachutes and flying machines that resembled inventions of the 19th and 20th centuries. He made detailed drawings of human anatomy which are still highly regarded today. Leonardo also was quirky enough to write notebook entries in mirror (backwards) script, a trick which kept many of his observations from being widely known until decades after his death."

Porn teaches boys unrealistic standards about women and sex - Focus

Porn teaches boys unrealistic standards about women and sex - Focus: "I've watched one movie about the effects of porn and it wasn't very good. It was a Lifetime movie. This boy starts to watch porn on the side, and then suddenly it becomes his life. He stops talking to his girlfriend, his friends and his family. Every waking moment of his life is now dedicated to porn."

Why It’s A Great Time To Be An Entrepreneur - Pretty Young Professional - Smart Content for Smart Women - Forbes

Why It’s A Great Time To Be An Entrepreneur - Pretty Young Professional - Smart Content for Smart Women - Forbes: "Have you ever thought about starting your own company? Do you have a great idea that you think could be the next Twitter? Perhaps it’s time you turned your dreams into reality. More and more, young women are not only starting their own businesses, but they are also achieving enormous success doing so. "

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher's Marriage: Work, Work and More Work - E! Online

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher's Marriage: Work, Work and More Work - E! Online: "Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have been together eight years and are approaching their sixth wedding anniversary, so inquiring minds want to know how they've managed to keep it together in the spotlight's glare.
In their first prime-time TV interview together, the couple discusses the secret of their long—in Hollywood years—and happy union."

Entrepreneurs look for opportunities, not problems | The New Age Online

Entrepreneurs look for opportunities, not problems | The New Age Online: "As the world celebrates the diversity and ingenuity of entrepreneurs tomorrow, we are reminded how crucial entrepreneurial development and growth is in any economy.

Aside from the obvious economic impact, Ivan Epstein, the CEO of Softline, part of the Sage Group, said entrepreneurs added a certain flavour to the landscape that was unique and specific to the culture that builds a country."

Social networking is here to stay, | The New Age Online

Social networking is here to stay, | The New Age Online: "The impact of social media on economic development and service delivery in the country has been underestimated.

The public sector has been slow in adopting social media as a tool to offer services to the public. Senior managers in government have down-played social media in their departments, some dismissing prominent applications as games which distract employees from core duties."

Thursday, April 14, 2011

BRICS |Sanya Declaration

1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa, met in Sanya, Hainan, China for the BRICS Leaders Meeting on 14 April 2011.
 
2. The Heads of State and Government of Brazil, Russia, India and China welcome South Africa joining the BRICS and look forward to strengthening dialogue and cooperation with South Africa within the forum.
 
3. It is the overarching objective and strong shared desire for peace, security, development and cooperation that brought together BRICS countries with a total population of nearly 3 billion from different continents. BRICS aims at contributing significantly to the development of humanity and establishing a more equitable and fair world.
 
4. The 21st century should be marked by peace, harmony, cooperation and scientific development. Under the theme “Broad Vision, Shared Prosperity”, we conducted candid and in-depth discussions and reached broad consensus on strengthening BRICS cooperation as well as on promoting coordination on international and regional issues of common interest.
 
5. We affirm that the BRICS and other emerging countries have played an important role in contributing to world peace, security and stability, boosting global economic growth, enhancing multilateralism and promoting greater democracy in international relations.
 
6. In the economic, financial and development fields, BRICS serves as a major platform for dialogue and cooperation. We are determined to continue strengthening the BRICS partnership for common development and advance BRICS cooperation in a gradual and pragmatic manner, reflecting the principles of openness, solidarity and mutual assistance. We reiterate that such cooperation is inclusive and non-confrontational. We are open to increasing engagement and cooperation with non-BRICS countries, in particular emerging and developing countries, and relevant international and regional organizations.
 
7. We share the view that the world is undergoing far-reaching, complex and profound changes, marked by the strengthening of multipolarity, economic globalization and increasing interdependence. While facing the evolving global environment and a multitude of global threats and challenges, the international community should join hands to strengthen cooperation for common development. Based on universally recognized norms of international law and in a spirit of mutual respect and collective decision making, global economic governance should be strengthened, democracy in international relations should be promoted, and the voice of emerging and developing countries in international affairs should be enhanced.
 
8. We express our strong commitment to multilateral diplomacy with the United Nations playing the central role in dealing with global challenges and threats. In this respect, we reaffirm the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more effective, efficient and representative, so that it can deal with today’s global challenges more successfully. China and Russia reiterate the importance they attach to the status of India, Brazil and South Africa in international affairs, and understand and support their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN.
9. We underscore that the concurrent presence of all five BRICS countries in the Security Council during the year of 2011 is a valuable opportunity to work closely together on issues of peace and security, to strengthen multilateral approaches and to facilitate future coordination on issues under UN Security Council consideration. We are deeply concerned with the turbulence in the Middle East , the North African and West African regions and sincerely wish that the countries affected achieve peace, stability, prosperity and progress and enjoy their due standing and dignity in the world according to legitimate aspirations of their peoples. We share the principle that the use of force should be avoided. We maintain that the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of each nation should be respected.
 
10. We wish to continue our cooperation in the UN Security Council on Libya. We are of the view that all the parties should resolve their differences through peaceful means and dialogue in which the UN and regional organizations should as appropriate play their role. We also express support for the African Union High-Level Panel Initiative on Libya.
11. We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism. We believe that the United Nations has a central role in coordinating the international action against terrorism within the framework of the UN Charter and in accordance with principles and norms of the international law. In this context, we urge early conclusion of negotiations in the UN General Assembly of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and its adoption by all Member States. We are determined to strengthen our cooperation in countering this global threat. We express our commitment to cooperate for strengthening international information security. We will pay special attention to combat cybercrime.
 
12. We note that the world economy is gradually recovering from the financial crisis, but still faces uncertainties. Major economies should continue to enhance coordination of macro-economic policies and work together to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth.
 
13. We are committed to assure that the BRICS countries will continue to enjoy strong and sustained economic growth supported by our increased cooperation in economic, finance and trade matters, which will contribute to the long-term steady, sound and balanced growth of the world economy.
 
14. We support the Group of Twenty (G20) in playing a bigger role in global economic governance as the premier forum for international economic cooperation. We expect new positive outcomes in the fields of economy, finance, trade and development from the G20 Cannes Summit in 2011. We support the ongoing efforts of G20 members to stabilize international financial markets, achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth and support the growth and development of the global economy. Russia offers to host the G20 Summit in 2013. Brazil, India, China and South Africa welcome and appreciate Russia’s offer.
 
15. We call for a quick achievement of the targets for the reform of the International Monetary Fund agreed to at previous G20 Summits and reiterate that the governing structure of the international financial institutions should reflect the changes in the world economy, increasing the voice and representation of emerging economies and developing countries.
 
16. Recognizing that the international financial crisis has exposed the inadequacies and deficiencies of the existing international monetary and financial system, we support the reform and improvement of the international monetary system, with a broad-based international reserve currency system providing stability and certainty. We welcome the current discussion about the role of the SDR in the existing international monetary system including the composition of SDR’s basket of currencies. We call for more attention to the risks of massive cross-border capital flows now faced by the emerging economies. We call for further international financial regulatory oversight and reform, strengthening policy coordination and financial regulation and supervision cooperation, and promoting the sound development of global financial markets and banking systems.
 
17. Excessive volatility in commodity prices, particularly those for food and energy, poses new risks for the ongoing recovery of the world economy. We support the international community in strengthening cooperation to ensure stability and strong development of physical market by reducing distortion and further regulate financial market. The international community should work together to increase production capacity, strengthen producer-consumer dialogue to balance supply and demand, and increase support to the developing countries in terms of funding and technologies. The regulation of the derivatives market for commodities should be accordingly strengthened to prevent activities capable of destabilizing markets. We also should address the problem of shortage of reliable and timely information on demand and supply at international, regional and national levels. The BRICS will carry out closer cooperation on food security.
 
18. We support the development and use of renewable energy resources. We recognize the important role of renewable energy as a means to address climate change. We are convinced of the importance of cooperation and information exchange in the field of development of renewable energy resources.
19. Nuclear energy will continue to be an important element in future energy mix of BRICS countries. International cooperation in the development of safe nuclear energy for peaceful purposes should proceed under conditions of strict observance of relevant safety standards and requirements concerning design, construction and operation of nuclear power plants.
 
20. Accelerating sustainable growth of developing countries is one of the major challenges for the world. We believe that growth and development are central to addressing poverty and to achieving the MDG goals. Eradication of extreme poverty and hunger is a moral, social, political and economic imperative of humankind and one of the greatest global challenges facing the world today, particularly in Least Developed Countries in Africa and elsewhere.
21. We call on the international community to actively implement the outcome document adopted by the High-level Plenary Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Millennium Development Goals held in September 2010 and achieve the objectives of the MDGs by 2015 as scheduled.
 
22. Climate change is one of the global threats challenging the livelihood of communities and countries. China, Brazil, Russia and India appreciate and support South Africa’s hosting of UNFCCC COP17/CMP7. We support the Cancun Agreements and are ready to make concerted efforts with the rest of the international community to bring a successful conclusion to the negotiations at the Durban Conference applying the mandate of the Bali Roadmap and in line with the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. We commit ourselves to work towards a comprehensive, balanced and binding outcome to strengthen the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol. The BRICS will intensify cooperation on the Durban conference. We will enhance our practical cooperation in adapting our economy and society to climate change.
 
23. Sustainable development, as illustrated by the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and multilateral environmental treaties, should be an important vehicle to advance economic growth. China, Russia, India and South Africa appreciate Brazil as the host of the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development and look forward to working with Brazil to reach new political commitment and achieve positive and practical results in areas of economic growth, social development and environmental protection under the framework of sustainable development. Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa appreciate and support India’s hosting of the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Brazil, China and South Africa also appreciate and support the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to be held in October 2012.
 
24. We underscore our firm commitment to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in the fields of social protection, decent work, gender equality, youth, and public health, including the fight against HIV /AIDS.
 
25. We support infrastructure development in Africa and its industrialization within framework of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
 
26. We have agreed to continue further expanding and deepening economic, trade and investment cooperation among our countries. We encourage all countries to refrain from resorting to protectionist measures. We welcome the outcomes of the meeting of BRICS Trade Ministers held in Sanya on 13 April 2011. Brazil, China, India and South Africa remain committed and call upon other members to support a strong, open, rule-based multilateral trading system embodied in the World Trade Organization and a successful, comprehensive and balanced conclusion of the Doha Development Round, built on the progress already made and consistent with its development mandate. Brazil, India, China and South Africa extend full support to an early accession of Russia to the World Trade Organization.
27. We reviewed the progress of the BRICS cooperation in various fields and share the view that such cooperation has been enriching and mutually beneficial and that there is a great scope for closer cooperation among the BRICS. We are focused on the consolidation of BRICS cooperation and the further development of its own agenda. We are determined to translate our political vision into concrete actions and endorse the attached Action Plan, which will serve as the foundation for future cooperation. We will review the implementation of the Action Plan during our next Leaders Meeting.
 
28. We intend to explore cooperation in the sphere of science, technology and innovation, including the peaceful use of space. We congratulate the Russian people and government upon the 50th anniversary of the flight of Yury Gagarin into the space, which ushered in a new era in development of science and technology.
 
29. We express our confidence in the success of the 2011 Universiade in Shenzhen, the 2013 Universiade in Kazan, the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympics Games in Sochi, the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the 2016 Olympic and Paralympics Games in Rio de Janeiro and the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia.
 
30. We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Japan with the great loss of life following the disasters that struck the country. We will continue our practical support to Japan in overcoming consequences of these catastrophes.
31. The leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa extend our warm appreciation to China for hosting the BRICS Leaders Meeting and the Hainan Provincial Government and Sanya Municipal Government and their people for their support to the Meeting.
 
32. Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa thank India for hosting the BRICS Leaders Meeting in 2012 and offer their full support.


The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh at the joint press conference after the BRICS leaders meeting, at Sanya, Hainan, China on April 14, 2011. Photo Division, Ministry of I & B Govt. of India

Bloggers try to rewrite a success story - Online, Media - The Independent

Bloggers try to rewrite a success story - Online, Media - The Independent: "Some famous internet start-ups began life in a garage, others in a college dorm. But when Arianna Huffington decided to launch a website in the spring of 2005, many of her most crucial telephone calls were made from an expansive desk at her home in the leafy Los Angeles"

Preity Zinta Gets Tired Fielding Questions About Yuvraj Singh, Hurt By Links To Brett Lee - Cricket Blog

Preity Zinta Gets Tired Fielding Questions About Yuvraj Singh, Hurt By Links To Brett Lee - Cricket Blog: "While Shah Rukh Khan battles to win over the fans for the Kolkata Knight Riders, Preity Zinta is losing her cool that instead of being talked about the success of her IPL team, Kings XI Punjab, she has been barraged about questions about former KXIP players, Yuvraj Singh and Brett Lee.
The Bollywood actress is a passionate backer of her team, seen at all venues in the dug out, lending herself hoarse and being supportive even when the Kings XI Punjab have not had the kind of success one would have hoped. The Kings XI Punjab went through more ordeals off the field as a court order helped them reverse termination by the BCCI but has left them poorer for it."

The Birthplace of the Internet

The Birthplace of the Internet: "This is 3420 Boelter Hall in UCLA. Looks cool and decidedly 1970s, right? Long manes, gnarly mustaches and vintage technology cabinets. What were they doing in there? Turns out, this is where the Internet was born.

Whoa, what? Yeah! The first Internet message was sent from a node of the ARPA network (a computer network commissioned by the U.S. Department of Defense) in UCLA to Stanford on October 29, 1969. That ARPA network became what we now know as the Internet making that message the first use of the Internet. And that message was sent inside 3420 Boelter."

P. Sainath on the Jan Lokpal Bill

Politicians afraid of the recent awakening: Hazare - Rediff.com News

Politicians afraid of the recent awakening: Hazare - Rediff.com News: "Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare on Thursday charged 'political and criminal forces' of trying to dilute the nationwide movement against graft by defaming and criticising the campaign for a comprehensive Lokpal bill.

'Some political and criminal forces are afraid of recent awakening and huge support of the common man to the Jan Lokpal bill. They are trying to create confusion and defame the movement to defuse the emerging people's movement for curbing corruption,' Hazare told PTI from Ralegan Siddhi village, 40 kms away from Ahmednagar."

Wisden - Vintage wizardry Ramachandra Guha writes on Sachin Tendulkar

Wisden - Vintage wizardry: "From the middle of October to the middle of December 2010, the Republic of India was beset by a series of corruption scandals - money illegally made on contracts for the Commonwealth Games, on housing projects in Mumbai and mining schemes in Karnataka, on the allocation of scarce airwaves for mobile-phone companies. The amount stolen by politicians (of all parties) ran into hundreds of billions of rupees. The scandals dominated the headlines for weeks until they were temporarily set aside to make way for Sachin Tendulkar's 50th Test hundred. This was met with relief, but also with wonder and admiration - indeed, it revived calls for the batsman to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest honour, previously reserved for politicians, scientists and musicians."

'Pained' to learn that PM did not vote: Narendra Modi

Indianexpress.com : comments : 'Pained' to learn that PM did not vote: Narendra Modi: "Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today took a swipe at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for not voting in the recently concluded Assam Assembly elections. 'Today, when we are celebrating the birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar, I am pained to learn that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh"

Social Networks Also Empower Enemies of Freedom. - Newsweek

Social Networks Also Empower Enemies of Freedom. - Newsweek:

Social networks might promote democracy, but they also empower the enemies of freedom

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that information technology—in particular social networking through the Internet—is changing the global balance of power. The “Facebook Generation” has already been credited with the overthrow of the Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak. For a brief period, the darling of Tahrir Square was the young Google executive Wael Ghonim."

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Sachin breaks record on Twitter too - Latest Current-affairs News

Sachin breaks record on Twitter too - Latest Current-affairs News: "On Wednesday morning, the Master Blaster went past MP Shashi Tharoor to become the No 1 Indian celebrity on microblogging site Twitter. By evening he was less than 20,000 followers short of reaching the one million-mark on the site. Sachin (@sachin_rt) would be the first Indian in the world to have reached this mark on the popular network."

Brazil builds world's largest Lego tower in Sao Paulo | Metro.co.uk

Brazil builds world's largest Lego tower in Sao Paulo | Metro.co.uk: "The project is 31.19m (102ft) tall – breaking the previous record set in Chile by 25cm (9.8in).

Cafu placed the last bricks on top of the tower
Former Brazilian football star Cafu placed the last bricks on the top from a cherrypicker, making Sao Paolo the 44th city and 32nd country with a completed Lego tower."

Men, Women, and the Software of Sexual Desire | Psychology Today

Men, Women, and the Software of Sexual Desire | Psychology Today: "The vast majority of the differences between the software of male and female minds are all located down in that most intimate and controversial of locales, the sexual brain. But down here the differences are even greater than you think.

As we described previously, we all come wired with a set of sexual cues analogous to our tongue's taste cues. However, men respond to radically different cues than women. Male cues are primarily visual. Female cues are primarily psychological. Men do have psychological cues, but (with a couple exceptions) these cues are quite different from female psychological cues. A man's cues are all directed outwards, at his partner. Some of a woman's cues are directed outwards at her partner, but some of her cues are also directed inwards at herself."

The Warrior's Way Trailer (2010) HD

The Threat Of Internet Censorship In India By Prabhat Sharan

The Threat Of Internet Censorship In India By Prabhat Sharan: "LIBERATION? AMAZING, the extent to which criminal instincts persist in human nature. I use the word ‘criminal,’ deliberately. Freedom and crime are linked as indivisibly as….well as the motion of the aero and its speed. When its speed equals zero, it does not move; when a man’s freedom equals zero, he commits no crimes. That is clear. The only means of ridding man of crime is ridding him of freedom.” (‘We’-Yevgeny Zamyatin)"

'Hasan Ali laundered money for former AP CM' : West: India Today

'Hasan Ali laundered money for former AP CM' : West: India Today: "The role of yet another Andhra Pradesh chief minister who laundered black money through Hasan Ali has come to light.
According to sources in the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Ali was introduced to Kashinath Tapuriah, who later became one of his closest aide and advisors, through none other than this former CM."

Five ways to maintain work-life balance - General news

Five ways to maintain work-life balance - General news: "Are you feeling overworked? Is finding the balance between work and the rest of your life not working out for you? Don?t get upset, you?re not alone. In this fast moving life we are surrounded by many pressures that we've to deal with every other day. Especially for urban working women, running a home and handling the tight deadlines at work can really be quite a task. Here are few suggestions that can be effective in maintaining a better balancing while playing both the roles."

Would you get massaged by a snake?

Activists protest US military budget

Seeking comfort from faith healers in India - CNN.com

Seeking comfort from faith healers in India - CNN.com: "At a small Hindu temple on the eastern outskirts of Rajasthan, India's largest state, the spiritually possessed come to have their demons expelled.
For people suffering mental health problems in this part of the country, this is the closest many will ever come to psychiatric care, says Hungarian iReporter Pataki Balazs."

Swami Agnivesh wants Anna Hazare to resolve Naxal issue : East: India Today

Swami Agnivesh wants Anna Hazare to resolve Naxal issue : East: India Today: "It seems these days everyone wants Anna Hazare to endorse their cause.
In an attempt to resolve issues - from corruption to Maoists - confronted by the tribals in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, rights campaigner Swami Agnivesh will now try to rope in Hazare, the face of India's fight against corruption."

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Indian outsourcing industry to grow 23.2 per cent: Report - The Economic Times

Indian outsourcing industry to grow 23.2 per cent: Report - The Economic Times: "The business process outsourcing (BPO) market in India will expand by 23.2 per cent in 2011 to reach a size of $1.4 billion, compared to $1.1 billion a year ago, a study by global IT research firm Gartner said Tuesday."

First Orbit - the movie

Hazare's anti-corruption wave sweeps New York too - Rediff.com News

Hazare's anti-corruption wave sweeps New York too - Rediff.com News: "On Saturday morning, social activist Anna Hazare ended his hunger strike, as the Indian government agreed to his demand to table the Lok Pal bill in the Parliament. Hazare's fast unto death captured the imagination of hundreds of thousands of people across the nation and soon the anti-corruption wave spread overseas thanks to the media and social networking sites.

This was evident when nearly 100 people of Indian-origin -- mostly in their 20s and 30s -- gathered at New York's Time Square on Saturday to show their support to the Gandhian's call to put an end of corruption back home. Many of them backing Hazare's call were recent immigrants to the United States.

On Saturday, the public square on 47th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue was packed with tourists, but the Indians stood out. The gathering organised by 20 young men and women from the city was a hit and the message was loud and clear -- NYC 4 Anna -- even on the tees they sported."

When it comes to sport, we all love a loser - Telegraph

When it comes to sport, we all love a loser - Telegraph: "If Rory McIlroy were American, I would fear for him. Americans don’t get failure – or not the kind of toe-curling, humiliating failure that McIlroy had to endure at the Masters on Sunday, when one of sport’s greatest prizes beckoned and the 21-year-old from Northern Ireland wobbled like a blancmange before collapsing in a puddle."

Looking for Love on Facebook | Dollars and Sex | Big Think

Looking for Love on Facebook | Dollars and Sex | Big Think: "According to new research released by the Oxford University Internet Institute last month, I really AM the only single woman not looking for love on online. Okay, perhaps that is an exaggeration but results of the international survey find that in 2009 30% of newly cohabitating couples with access to the internet met online. If that number doesn’t surprise you then maybe this will – social networking sites are gaining on online dating sites as the most popular places to find love. "

Monday, April 11, 2011

The Jan Lokpal Bill: Good intentions and the road to hell - Yahoo! News

The Jan Lokpal Bill: Good intentions and the road to hell - Yahoo! News: "The debate on how to eradicate corruption, kick-started by Anna Hazare's indefinite fast, has now moved into its second phase. This involves the drafting of a bill that will provide a fool-proof mechanism to bring the corrupt to book. Here is an examination of the structural flaws inherent in the Jan Lok Pal Bill.

I was gloating over Twitterati being reduced to first year law students as they tried to read the Draft Lokpal Bill, 2010, aka the only-thing-that-can-save-our-country, until I tried to read it myself."

U-turns on Telangana | Deccan Chronicle

U-turns on Telangana | Deccan Chronicle: "Telangana statehood has many sympathisers. The UPA-appointed Pranab Mukherjee Committee received letters of support for Telangana from Mr I. K. Gujral, Chandrasekhar, V.P. Singh and Mr H.D. Deva Gowda (all former PMs) and also from Mr Lalu Yadav, Ms Mayawati, Mr Sharad Pawar, Ms Mehbooba Mufti, Mr George Fernandes, and Mr Prakash Singh Badal. Mr Yadav understood what was driving the movement."

Julian Assange Says WikiLeaks Is More Accountable Than Most Governments, Gets a Little Sassy About It

Julian Assange Says WikiLeaks Is More Accountable Than Most Governments, Gets a Little Sassy About It: "Julian Assange thinks WikiLeaks is more accountable than any democratic government in the world. And if you dare say otherwise, you'll probably get sued."

Sex education turned cyber? | The Sun |mysun

Sex education turned cyber? | The Sun |mysun: "CHILDREN are attending cyber school to learn about sex before they are tutored by teachers.
Teenagers are getting to know about the birds and the bees through the web and MY Sun users are concerned for our kids."

China gets hot under the collar over world's first 3D porn film - The Sex Industry, Love & Sex - The Independent

China gets hot under the collar over world's first 3D porn film - The Sex Industry, Love & Sex - The Independent: "It certainly is not Avatar. Sumptuous costumes, golden keys opening doors to reveal orgies in imperial China and plenty of erotic action in lurid 3D – Sex and Zen: Extreme Ecstasy, the world's first major three-dimensional pornograhic movie, is generating a lot of excitement in China."

6 Factors That Make You Less Likely To Divorce [Infographic] | Stephanie Castillo | YourTango

6 Factors That Make You Less Likely To Divorce [Infographic] | Stephanie Castillo | YourTango: "It's the question we'd all love to have answered: why do marriages fall apart? A recently released infographic (below) from The National Marriage Project offers data towards this end and also suggest the steps we can take to avoid divorce."

It's footie over sex for fellas | The Sun |News

It's footie over sex for fellas | The Sun |News: "MEN think about football more than sex, new research claims.
Nearly 60 per cent mull over the beautiful game for more than an hour a day, while less than half ponder romping.

And Sheffield Utd are the club whose fans think about them most - 110 times in a day - followed by Charlton on 104 and Chelsea on 90."

FOXSexpert: Is This Bisexual Thing Way Overblown? - Sex | Erectile Dysfunction | Sexual Health - FOXNews.com

FOXSexpert: Is This Bisexual Thing Way Overblown? - Sex | Erectile Dysfunction | Sexual Health - FOXNews.com: "The fantasy has become a reality. Between ads, movies, music, books and TV shows, society just can’t get enough bisexuality. As witnessed in the famous Madonna-Britney-Christina kiss and MTV star Tila Tequila’s adventures, society is fascinated by those who “bat for both teams.”"

Divorce and Taxes: Five Things to Know When Filing Returns - TIME

Divorce and Taxes: Five Things to Know When Filing Returns - TIME: "The Great Recession turned out to be quite good at keeping troubled unions together. Divorce rates fell every year in America during the economic downturn. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which tracks marriage statistics, there were 63,550 fewer divorces in America in 2009 than there were in 2006.

Numbers aren't out for 2010, but divorce lawyers and marriage counselors say 2010 was likely the first year since the financial crisis that more couples called it quits than in the year before. And that won't only make things more difficult at holiday times. April 15 (or April 18 this year, because of an extension) can be complicated for the recently divorced as well."

CCTV images putting shoplifters to shame | News.com.au

CCTV images putting shoplifters to shame | News.com.au: "SUSPECTED shoplifters are being outed by stores posting their mug shots on 'walls of shame'.

Shop owners who find they have been robbed are sifting back through CCTV footage to identify the thieves and then hanging their images in their windows."

Will the Independent Commission on Banking report result in millions of bank customers switching banks? - Telegraph

Will the Independent Commission on Banking report result in millions of bank customers switching banks? - Telegraph: "Back in 2002, the big four banks were quizzed by a Treasury Select Committee which accused the four of 'overcharging customers by £1m an hour'. The chief executives of Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds TSB and Royal Bank of Scotland/NatWest infuriated members of the Committee by giving identical and singularly unhelpful answers to hostile questions about current accounts."

Sunday, April 10, 2011

BBC News - Start-up Stories: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

BBC News - Start-up Stories: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is one of the richest women in India. She is the founder of Biocon, a biotech company and Asia's largest insulin maker.

But the chairman and managing director attributes her success to her go-getting nature rather than entrepreneurial spirit.

People Shouting & Accusing BARKHA DUTT at India Gate..

BBC News - Anna Hazare: India's pioneering social activist

BBC News - Anna Hazare: India's pioneering social activist: "Former army driver Anna Hazare shot to public attention when he transformed his drought-affected village into a self-sufficient model community.

This frail 72-year-old, dressed in white and with a Gandhi cap, has become an icon for India's middle classes, now expressing their anger against a series of corruption scandals."

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Great Soul - NYTimes.com

Great Soul - NYTimes.com: "Geoffrey C. Ward, in his review of Joseph Lelyveld’s “Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle With India” (March 27), concluded, “It is hard to see what remains” of Gandhi “beyond . . . his ‘nimbus.’ ” But Gandhi left a powerful heritage of nonviolence"

Anna Hazare – India’s only beacon : India : Sharmilaa Ravinder : TOI Blogs

Anna Hazare – India’s only beacon : India : Sharmilaa Ravinder : TOI Blogs: "Enough is enough. Enough has been written and debated upon about corruption in India. There was absolutely no light at the end of the tunnel for us, until now. Time has literally stood still on this patient nation that has allowed itself to be taken for the biggest ride of its sixty–three years of independent life by those in governance. Tolerance levels in India had been very high when it comes to corruption. Scams running to the tune of thousands of crores barely make us bat an eyelid anymore and yet within each one of us there is an utmost sense of sheer helplessness that has been taking a vicious form. We have been treading on a short fuse over the last few months as every scam got bigger, every fraudster got braver and every watchdog got blinder. A faint light has streamed through the darkest of thunderclouds that has hovered over us all. Sinister clouds that have been spitting acid rain on raw wounds are now ominously scurrying in panic."

Start-ups: 6 SMART ways to promote your company - Rediff Getahead

Start-ups: 6 SMART ways to promote your company - Rediff Getahead: "One thing which is common to every start-up is the limited resources at their disposal (like money, people and reach). The question that pops up in every start-up entrepreneur's head is: How do I promote my venture with limited resources?

An interesting question indeed, especially when you see big entrepreneurs in the same domain making a lot of noise because of the access to unlimited funds. Let me share with you some real tips (which I have learnt working for my own company) on how to make your disadvantage work for you and more importantly sell your start-up story well."

Anna Hazare fast unto death: 4.4 million tweets in 3 days in support of his crusade against corruption - The Economic Times

Anna Hazare fast unto death: 4.4 million tweets in 3 days in support of his crusade against corruption - The Economic Times: "A total 4.4 million tweets from 8,26,000 unique users across 79 cities in India in just three days! That is just a sample of Indian sentiments online for Anna Hazare and his crusade against corruption . And it's the people aged between 36 and 45 years who are talking about it the most, followed by those aged above 46."

Friday, April 8, 2011

Anna Hazare Hunger Strike Shines Light On Corruption in Indian Government [VIDEO]

Anna Hazare Hunger Strike Shines Light On Corruption in Indian Government [VIDEO]

BBC News - India activist Anna Hazare anti-graft fast stokes anger

BBC News - India activist Anna Hazare anti-graft fast stokes anger: "Indian social activist Anna Hazare's 'fast unto death' is gathering support, after a minister quit a government panel on corruption when Mr Hazare questioned his credentials.

On Wednesday, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said he no longer wished to be associated with the probe."

Anna Hazare's indefinite fast against corruption

Forbes India - Anna Hazare: I Asked PM Whether His Team Shares His Values

Forbes India - Anna Hazare: I Asked PM Whether His Team Shares His Values: "Kisan Baburao Hazare a.k.a. Anna Hazare
Age: 73
Career: Served in Indian Army as a driver for 15 years. He has been an activist since he left the army around 1975 and has been one of the main persons responsible for the Right to Information Act. Has been working in other areas like development of villages, and against corruption
Education: Studied till the standard seven; has a doctorate from Gandhigram Rural Institute, Deemed University
Hobbies: Reading, especially Swami Vivekananda’s works"

Anna Hazare is soldiering for rural regeneration

Anna Hazare is soldiering for rural regeneration: "At about 80 km towards Ahmednagar from Pune, turn left at Wadegaon. Ask anyone the way to Ralegan Siddhi. They will point you to a Shangri La. Be ready to strain your credulity as facts are reeled off, and evidence is presented. No one starves here --in fact everyone is well nourished--, there's no disease, the environment is clean and wooded, all the young are at school, the farm economy is booming, there are no social divisions, women are empowered and no one wastes time or money on movies, tobacco or liquor.
All this was wrung out of a drought prone 4 sq km land where till 1975, only 80 of its 2200 arable acres were farmed. The annual rain -- about 400 mm in a good year but mostly a third of that -- ran off the undulating land. The 2000 strong population sat and stared at a hopeless future. Children died early, men beat their wives, disease ran rampant and about the only businesses that made any money were the liquor stills - 40 of them. From there to paradise might seem an impossible hop. Yet, all it took was a mere 20 years -- and, an ex-army truck driver called Kissan Baburao 'Anna' Hazare."

Over 8,000 Bihar teachers fail Class V test

Over 8,000 Bihar teachers fail Class V test: "On which day does Raksha Bandhan fall? Which planet is closest to the Sun? Which metal is the bulb filament made of?

These are some of the questions — objective ones with four multiple choices without any negative marks, generally set for students below Class V — primary school teachers were asked in a competency test held in February"

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Rising Food Prices - Nearly One Billion Go to Bed Hungry

Anna Hazare Lights Up Twitter - India Real Time - WSJ

Anna Hazare Lights Up Twitter - India Real Time - WSJ: "Social media site Twitter India is abuzz with messages of support for activist Anna Hazare who is fasting against corruption at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

On Thursday, #Anna Hazare, #corruption, and #Jantar Mantar, were the top trending words and phrases on Twitter India, thanks to dozens of tweets on this topic every minute."

Sadhguru's message on anti-corruption bill

Former telecom minister A Raja's nephew dies at gym - The Times of India

Former telecom minister A Raja's nephew dies at gym - The Times of India: "Deepak (30), a nephew of former Union minister A Raja, died reportedly of cardiac arrest while working out at a gym in Alwarpet on Wednesday, police said. Police have not registered a case.

CBI, investigating the 2G spectrum case, had raided his house along with those of Raja and his associate Sadhick Batcha in December 2010. Batcha was found hanging in his Chennai residence on March 17, 2011."

Six Indian-Americans in Forbes Midas 100

Six Indian-Americans in Forbes Midas 100: "Six Indian-Americans figure in The Midas 100, Forbes' list of venture capitalists who bucked the trends of shrinking firms and declining returns to 'create wealth and fund the new ideas that keep US economy vibrant.'"

DIY fashion blogs encourage personal style - CNN.com

DIY fashion blogs encourage personal style - CNN.com: "Instead of shelling out hard-earned cash for a sassy new outfit, dig deep in your inspirational bank for something that fits your personal style as if it were tailor-made."

Wright Thompson: In Tendulkar country | Specials | Cricinfo Magazine | ESPN Cricinfo

Wright Thompson: In Tendulkar country | Specials | Cricinfo Magazine | ESPN Cricinfo: "The guy walking across the parking lot is famous. That's easy to tell from the reactions. Crowds part for him. Security guards mirror his every step. Other cricketers who made this same trip to the locker room tiptoed around the puddles. He strides over them, head up, confident. I am following an Indian cricket superstar, but I don't know who he is. That's the kind of trip this is going to be - one of constant confusion and mystery."

Anna Hazare: Armyman to anti-corruption champion

Armyman to anti-corruption champion
For 73-year-old bachelor and Gandhian, Kisan Baburao Hazare aka Anna Hazare, it has been a long journey from being a soldier in the Indian Army to taking on politicians on the Lokpal Bill to curb corruption in the country.

Support for Hazare comes in form of tweets, 'likes' - The Economic Times

Support for Hazare comes in form of tweets, 'likes' - The Economic Times: "In its attempts to galvanise support among youth, Anna Hazare .s anti-corruption movement is tapping one tool hitherto unavailable to famous non-violent protesters of the past - social media.

The movement has generated a lot of traffic and conversation on social networking platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. These websites are being used to spread information, galvanise support and help co-ordinate protests in various cities."

Messi joins Facebook, has almost 7 million fans - KansasCity.com

Messi joins Facebook, has almost 7 million fans - KansasCity.com: "Lionel Messi has hit the net and scored another winner.

The two-time world player of the year's global popularity is set to rise even higher after signing up to Facebook on Wednesday, collecting almost seven million followers by the afternoon."

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Hawk-Eye company publishes analysis of Sachin Tendulkar lbw reprieve | Sport | The Guardian

Hawk-Eye company publishes analysis of Sachin Tendulkar lbw reprieve | Sport | The Guardian: "Hawk-Eye Innovations has defended the accuracy of its tracking technology used during the Cricket World Cup's most controversial umpiring moment, when an lbw decision against Sachin Tendulkar was reversed during India's semi-final against Pakistan."

The Worst Jobs in the World Matrix

Art - Lapham’s Quarterly

Stephanie Bon fired for sarcastic Facebook post on Lloyds TSB CEO's £4000-an-hour salary | Herald Sun

Stephanie Bon fired for sarcastic Facebook post on Lloyds TSB CEO's £4000-an-hour salary | Herald Sun: "A BANK worker has been sacked for writing sarcastic comments on Facebook about her boss's multi-million pound salary.

Stephanie Bon, 37, a human resources assistant at Lloyds Banking Group in the UK, was incensed when she found out that the new chief executive, António Horta-Osório, was being paid up to £13.5 million ($21 million) a year."

FAQ: What is Lok Pal Bill? Why the ruckus over it? - Rediff.com News

FAQ: What is Lok Pal Bill? Why the ruckus over it? - Rediff.com News: "The Lok Pal (anti-corruption body) Bill has generated widespread interest in the past few days.

The Bill is an attempt by the government, under massive pressure due to corruption charges, to gain some of its lost ground. However, civil rights activists, including Anna Hazare, Swami Agnivesh, Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal, have termed the draft legislation as weak and demanded that fifty per cent of the members in the committee drafting the bill should be from the public.

But the common man appears to be in the dark about the scope of the poposed bill."

India Graduates Millions, but Too Few Are Fit to Hire - WSJ.com

India Graduates Millions, but Too Few Are Fit to Hire - WSJ.com: "Call-center company 24/7 Customer Pvt. Ltd. is desperate to find new recruits who can answer questions by phone and email. It wants to hire 3,000 people this year. Yet in this country of 1.2 billion people, that is beginning to look like an impossible goal.

So few of the high school and college graduates who come through the door can communicate effectively in English, and so many lack a grasp of educational basics such as reading comprehension, that the company can hire just three out of every 100 applicants."

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? - sleep - Health.com

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? - sleep - Health.com: "The term sleep disorder may suggest someone tossing and turning all night, but lying awake for hours with insomnia is just one example of many conditions that affect how you sleep and function during the day. In fact, you can have a sleep disorder and not even know it."

Moments of sweet triumph

Gautam Gambhir
Moments of sweet triumph: "Gordon Greenidge’s ill-advised shouldering of arms, Kapil Dev’s 30-yard sprint to catch Viv Richards on the midwicket fence, and Jimmy Amarnath’s gleeful dash to grab the stumps at the end — images seared into the memory from repeated viewing every four years. Kapil’s Devils have their successors now, but the first time is always the sweetest."