Friday, December 31, 2010
De ghuma ke... Countdown to World Cup begins today
De ghuma ke... Countdown to World Cup begins today: "The World Cup is now 50 days away, and India has a tune to hum. Composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s Cup anthem, De ghuma ke, is releasing in Hindi, Bengali and Sinhalese tomorrow. India is co-hosting cricket’s biggest show along with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in February-March."
Facebook tops Google as most visited site in U.S. | Reuters
Facebook tops Google as most visited site in U.S. | Reuters: "Facebook surpassed Google for the first time as the most visited website in the United States for most of 2010."
The Coder’s Cause in “Dollars for Docs” - ProPublica
The Coder’s Cause in “Dollars for Docs” - ProPublica: "Our investigation of the financial ties between drug companies and doctors, Dollars for Docs, was sparked by a computational challenge. Several drug companies had been ordered to disclose who they paid to speak and consult on their behalf. But they made the records hard to analyze, seemingly making the data “impossible to download.”
We wanted to change that."
We wanted to change that."
India 88th best country to live: Survey
India 88th best country to live: Survey: "India has moved up 35 places to become the 88th best country in the world to live, leaving behind nations like Russia and China, according to a survey."
China to beat India, grab No 1 gold slot
China to beat India, grab No 1 gold slot: "China's gold import has soared to a record 209 tonnes this year, putting it on track to overtake India as the world's largest consumer of the yellow metal and become a significant force in global bullion prices."
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Assertive workers 'most likely to win pay rises', scientists discover - Telegraph
Assertive workers 'most likely to win pay rises', scientists discover - Telegraph: "Researchers found the most effective strategies for securing a bigger salary were to be assertive and “not take no for an answer”. Workers who initiated pay negotiations and pursued a raise aggressively had the most success, the study found."
Sweet success: UF researchers help map strawberry genome
Sweet success: UF researchers help map strawberry genome: "One day years from now, six or seven maybe, you may bite into a Florida strawberry and think, 'Wow. Sweet.'
Agriculture scientists have improved the shape and size of Florida berries. Flavor is another matter. That's 'a little bit random,' said Ted Campbell, of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association."
Agriculture scientists have improved the shape and size of Florida berries. Flavor is another matter. That's 'a little bit random,' said Ted Campbell, of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association."
2010: Deadliest for natural disasters in a generation - The Globe and Mail
2010: Deadliest for natural disasters in a generation - The Globe and Mail: "This was the year the Earth struck back. Earthquakes, heat waves, floods, volcanoes, super typhoons, blizzards, landslides and droughts killed at least a quarter of a million people in 2010 – the deadliest year in more than a generation. More people were killed worldwide by natural disasters this year than have been killed in terrorism attacks in the past 40 years combined."
2010 Climate Year Was Warmest on Record Globally
2010 Climate Year Was Warmest on Record Globally: "While much of the United States and parts of Europe have been shivering through intense early-season cold, NASA records show that this was the warmest climate year on record.
The NASA statistics indicate that the overall global temperature during the climate year (December 2009 through November 2010) was 1.17 degrees Fahrenheit above the 1951-1980 base period, making it the warmest since records began in 1880."
The NASA statistics indicate that the overall global temperature during the climate year (December 2009 through November 2010) was 1.17 degrees Fahrenheit above the 1951-1980 base period, making it the warmest since records began in 1880."
Asia Internet Facebook Usage and Population Statistics
Asia Internet Facebook Usage and Population Statistics: "IN - 1,173,108,018 population (2010) - Area: 3,166,944 sq km
Capital City: New Delhi - n/a population (2010)
81,000,000 Internet users as of Nov/08, 6.9% penetration, per ITU.
13,188,580 Facebook users on August 31/10, 1.1% penetration rate.
India
Map of India and country data.
India
India fact file.
India Government
Directory of Official India Government Web Sites.
India Internet and Telecommunications Reports
India
Local directory for India."
Capital City: New Delhi - n/a population (2010)
81,000,000 Internet users as of Nov/08, 6.9% penetration, per ITU.
13,188,580 Facebook users on August 31/10, 1.1% penetration rate.
India
Map of India and country data.
India
India fact file.
India Government
Directory of Official India Government Web Sites.
India Internet and Telecommunications Reports
India
Local directory for India."
MediaShift . 2010: The Year Self-Publishing Lost Its Stigma | PBS
MediaShift . 2010: The Year Self-Publishing Lost Its Stigma | PBS: "For over a decade I've been speaking at conferences about self-publishing to audiences of dejected, rejected authors. There was always a stigma associated with self-publishing, with many people considering it lower quality vanity press.
But this year, new faces appeared in the crowd: agents, editors, and publishers eager to understand self-publishing. Why? Self-publishing books has finally reached the mainstream, with enough success stories to make it a legitimate part of the publishing world.
Here's more about this and other trends in 2010, plus some crystal-ball gazing into what's coming in 2011."
But this year, new faces appeared in the crowd: agents, editors, and publishers eager to understand self-publishing. Why? Self-publishing books has finally reached the mainstream, with enough success stories to make it a legitimate part of the publishing world.
Here's more about this and other trends in 2010, plus some crystal-ball gazing into what's coming in 2011."
Andhra gets maximum share in Krishna water dispute - Hindustan Times
Andhra gets maximum share in Krishna water dispute - Hindustan Times: "The Krishna water dispute tribunal on Thursday gave its verdict on the 43-year-old Krishna water dispute. The tribunal awarded largest share of water from Almati dam to Andhra Pradesh, allocating 1001 TMC, followed by Karnataka and Maharashtra. Tribunal allocated 911 TMC of water to Karnataka and 666 TMC to Maharashtra."
2010: The Year Facebook Dethroned Google as King of the Web [STATS]
2010: The Year Facebook Dethroned Google as King of the Web [STATS]: "Facebook was not only the most searched item of the year, but it passed Google as America’s most-visited website in 2010, according to a new report from Experian Hitwise.
For the second year in a row, “facebook” was the top search term among U.S. Internet users. The search term accounted for 2.11% of all searches, according to Hitwise. Even more impressive is the fact that three other variations of Facebook made it into the top ten: “facebook login” at #2, “facebook.com” at #6 and “www.facebook.com” at #9. Combined, they accounted for 3.48% of all searches, a 207% increase from Facebook’s position last year."
For the second year in a row, “facebook” was the top search term among U.S. Internet users. The search term accounted for 2.11% of all searches, according to Hitwise. Even more impressive is the fact that three other variations of Facebook made it into the top ten: “facebook login” at #2, “facebook.com” at #6 and “www.facebook.com” at #9. Combined, they accounted for 3.48% of all searches, a 207% increase from Facebook’s position last year."
Alternatives to Austerity by Joseph E. Stiglitz - Project Syndicate
Alternatives to Austerity by Joseph E. Stiglitz - Project Syndicate: "In the aftermath of the Great Recession, countries have been left with unprecedented peacetime deficits and increasing anxieties about their growing national debts. In many countries, this is leading to a new round of austerity – policies that will almost surely lead to weaker national and global economies and a marked slowdown in the pace of recovery. Those hoping for large deficit reductions will be sorely disappointed, as the economic slowdown will push down tax revenues and increase demands for unemployment insurance and other social benefits."
Memo to Men: To Live Longer, Take Better Care of Your Body - healthfinder.gov
Memo to Men: To Live Longer, Take Better Care of Your Body - healthfinder.gov: "As a general rule, men take lousy care of their health.
They shrug off injuries. They hate going to the doctor for anything. They pay little heed to warning signs for major health issues.
And the results of all that manliness are evident in the statistics. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
One in five American men has heart disease.
One in three adult men in the United States has high blood pressure.
Three in four American men are overweight."
They shrug off injuries. They hate going to the doctor for anything. They pay little heed to warning signs for major health issues.
And the results of all that manliness are evident in the statistics. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
One in five American men has heart disease.
One in three adult men in the United States has high blood pressure.
Three in four American men are overweight."
Cricket-English cricketers dance on Australian papers | Reuters
Cricket-English cricketers dance on Australian papers | Reuters: "first time in 24 years had English cricketers dancing on the front pages of local newspapers on Thursday and cricket writers pulling apart the home team like a left-over Christmas turkey.
The tourists swept to an innings and 157-run victory in the fourth test on Wednesday in front of thousands of English fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground."
The tourists swept to an innings and 157-run victory in the fourth test on Wednesday in front of thousands of English fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground."
Best blog posts of 2010 - Hindustan Times
Best blog posts of 2010 - Hindustan Times: "From Ayodhya verdict to scams to Kashmir unrest, our bloggers discussed it all with full passion and total reason. Here's a list of hit HT blog posts of 2010."
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Marissa Mayer on How to Get a Job at Google - WebNewser
Marissa Mayer on How to Get a Job at Google - WebNewser: "We talked with Marissa Mayer Google’s VP of Search Products & User Experience for our Media Beat series. The full interview will run next week (Jan. 3-5) on WebNewser, but we wanted to share this clip with you about Google jobs. Mayer tells our Donya Blaze what Google is looking for in an emplo"
As in Sex, WikiLeaks Founder Tests Press Limits: Ann Woolner - Bloomberg
As in Sex, WikiLeaks Founder Tests Press Limits: Ann Woolner - Bloomberg: "For better and for worse, Julian Assange pushes limits. In his work life and his sex life, he stands at the border dividing legal conduct from criminality, though it’s not clear which side of that border he occupies.
U.S. officials are looking for a way to prosecute him for publishing secrets while women in Sweden say he crossed the line between consensual romps and rape."
U.S. officials are looking for a way to prosecute him for publishing secrets while women in Sweden say he crossed the line between consensual romps and rape."
Mayor Uses Twitter Power in New Jersey Blizzard Cleanup - TIME
Mayor Uses Twitter Power in New Jersey Blizzard Cleanup - TIME: "If you're a mayor of a northeastern U.S. city, you probably despise Cory Booker right now, because the tweeting mayor of Newark, N.J., is now a social-media superhero, able to move towering snowbanks in a single push — or by sending the shovels and plows your way."
Meet The YouTube Stars Making More Money Than EMTs, Cops, Firefighters, And Teachers
Meet The YouTube Stars Making More Money Than EMTs, Cops, Firefighters, And Teachers: "Several months ago, we ran a story estimating that ten independent YouTube stars were making over $100,000 a year, based off data provided by TubeMogul."
Crunch Time for Telangana - India Real Time - WSJ
Crunch Time for Telangana - India Real Time - WSJ: "India is bracing for more political turmoil with the scheduled release Friday a report on the feasibility of creating a separate state of Telangana out of the southern state of Andhra Pradesh."
Activist's life term sparks street protests across India
Activist's life term sparks street protests across India: "Street protests spread across India this week after a court handed down a life sentence to a prominent activist and physician who has long drawn attention to the country's growing economic inequalities.
In a case that has prompted denunciations by international human rights groups and scholars, prosecutors said Binayak Sen, 60, had aided Maoist rebels in rural India, visiting Maoist leaders in jail and opening a bank account for a Maoist, charges that Sen denies. Human rights activists allege that police planted evidence and manufactured testimonies, and Indian judges have criticized the Dec. 24 judgment."
In a case that has prompted denunciations by international human rights groups and scholars, prosecutors said Binayak Sen, 60, had aided Maoist rebels in rural India, visiting Maoist leaders in jail and opening a bank account for a Maoist, charges that Sen denies. Human rights activists allege that police planted evidence and manufactured testimonies, and Indian judges have criticized the Dec. 24 judgment."
Larger waistlines increase cancer risk, women warned | Society | The Guardian
Larger waistlines increase cancer risk, women warned | Society | The Guardian: "Women with larger waistlines are running a greater risk of developing several of the most lethal forms of cancer, medical experts warn today.
Official NHS figures show that 44% of women in England have a waist circumference of more than the 80cm (31.5in), that is recommended for health reasons. Some 32% of men have a waist measuring more than the suggested 94cm (37in).
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) is urging women who are large around the middle to lose weight in order to minimise their risk of getting the disease."
Official NHS figures show that 44% of women in England have a waist circumference of more than the 80cm (31.5in), that is recommended for health reasons. Some 32% of men have a waist measuring more than the suggested 94cm (37in).
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) is urging women who are large around the middle to lose weight in order to minimise their risk of getting the disease."
Telangana's tryst with destiny set for December 31
Indianexpress.com : comments : Telangana's tryst with destiny set for December 31: "Every Telugu, residing not just in Andhra Pradesh but in any other part of the globe, is waiting with bated breath for the dusk of December 31. Not to bid adieu to 2010 or welcome 2011, but to know whether their state will remain as united Andhra Pradesh or possibly get bifurcated into Telanga "
How to use Tumblr for Your Business | Smedio | The New Media and Social Web Guide for Business and Marketers
How to use Tumblr for Your Business | Smedio | The New Media and Social Web Guide for Business and Marketers: "It’s fair to say that Twitter has been a blessing in disguise for micro-blogging platforms. It came, it saw and it captured! While Twitter’s explosion is a recent phenomenon, micro-blogging has been around for several years. Tumblr was one of the first few micro-blogging tools when it launched in 2007 and was an instant hit with a large number of businesses raking up 75,000 users in virtually no time.
And then, Twitter happened. The rest as they say is history. Tumblr was left lurching in the shadow for several years but the good news is that it’s made a remarkable comeback this year. Being one of the early adopters on Tumblr, I consider it as a valuable business tool. Here’s my take on how your business can make the most out of Tumblr."
And then, Twitter happened. The rest as they say is history. Tumblr was left lurching in the shadow for several years but the good news is that it’s made a remarkable comeback this year. Being one of the early adopters on Tumblr, I consider it as a valuable business tool. Here’s my take on how your business can make the most out of Tumblr."
The Ashes 2010: how meticulous planning has helped England make the most of what they have - Telegraph
The Ashes 2010: how meticulous planning has helped England make the most of what they have - Telegraph: "What distinguishes the two national sides in this Ashes series is that England have made the most of what they have, while Australia have not.
For this maximisation of resources England have two men of the highest calibre to thank. In Australia’s set-up there appears to be nobody approaching such accomplishment, on or off the field: only an absence of vision.
England’s captain, Andrew Strauss, has been preparing for this tour, on and off, since being part of the historic disaster here in 2006-7.
England’s coach, Andy Flower, has called on his experience with South Australia three years before then, and together they have plotted this series with greater thoroughness than any previous England tour to anywhere."
For this maximisation of resources England have two men of the highest calibre to thank. In Australia’s set-up there appears to be nobody approaching such accomplishment, on or off the field: only an absence of vision.
England’s captain, Andrew Strauss, has been preparing for this tour, on and off, since being part of the historic disaster here in 2006-7.
England’s coach, Andy Flower, has called on his experience with South Australia three years before then, and together they have plotted this series with greater thoroughness than any previous England tour to anywhere."
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Goodbye 2010, Year Of The #Fail | paidContent:UK
Goodbye 2010, Year Of The #Fail | paidContent:UK: "2010 was a year of faux pas and foul-ups, when we learned that some of the biggest beasts on the digital block are all too fallible.
The crude shorthand with which Twitter users instantly fillet underperforming companies, using their #fail hashtag, has wielded brutal effect on a daily basis, as the likes of CNN and Amazon can attest."
The crude shorthand with which Twitter users instantly fillet underperforming companies, using their #fail hashtag, has wielded brutal effect on a daily basis, as the likes of CNN and Amazon can attest."
How Fried Fish Contribute to Strokes - TIME Healthland
How Fried Fish Contribute to Strokes - TIME Healthland: "Among the most familiar foods on the good-for-you list are fruits, vegetables and fish. But does fried fish count?
Umm, no, at least not according to the latest results of a study on fish consumption and stroke. The survey found that people who live in the so-called “stroke belt” of the United States, which stretches from the Carolinas to Arkansas and Louisiana and where stroke rates are among the highest in the country, are less likely to eat the recommended two servings of fish per week. And when residents in these states do eat fish, they are more likely to have it in fried form"
Umm, no, at least not according to the latest results of a study on fish consumption and stroke. The survey found that people who live in the so-called “stroke belt” of the United States, which stretches from the Carolinas to Arkansas and Louisiana and where stroke rates are among the highest in the country, are less likely to eat the recommended two servings of fish per week. And when residents in these states do eat fish, they are more likely to have it in fried form"
Road rage: What's driving India crazy? | Deccan Chronicle
Road rage: What's driving India crazy? | Deccan Chronicle | 2010-12-28: "On a recent chilly evening, Gaurav Kumar eased his small truck onto a congested road in the Indian capital and accidentally scraped another vehicle in the honking mass of cars, scooters and motorbikes."
WRITERS ON WRITING; Directions: Write, Read, Rewrite. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 as Needed. - New York Times
WRITERS ON WRITING; Directions: Write, Read, Rewrite. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 as Needed. - New York Times: "Reading novels seems to me such a normal activity, while writing them is such an odd thing to do. . . . At least so I think until I remind myself how firmly the two are related. (No armored generalities here. Just a few remarks.)
First, because to write is to practice, with particular intensity and attentiveness, the art of reading. You write in order to read what you've written and see if it's O.K. and, since of course it never is, to rewrite it -- once, twice, as many times as it takes to get it to be something you can bear to reread. You are your own first, maybe severest, reader. ''To write is to sit in judgment on oneself,'' Ibsen inscribed on the flyleaf of one of his books. Hard to imagine writing without rereading."
First, because to write is to practice, with particular intensity and attentiveness, the art of reading. You write in order to read what you've written and see if it's O.K. and, since of course it never is, to rewrite it -- once, twice, as many times as it takes to get it to be something you can bear to reread. You are your own first, maybe severest, reader. ''To write is to sit in judgment on oneself,'' Ibsen inscribed on the flyleaf of one of his books. Hard to imagine writing without rereading."
70% Indians have mobiles, says TRAI data
70% Indians have mobiles, says TRAI data: "While a corruption scandal rages on spectrum sale, landmarks are being crossed in India’s telecom expansion. The number of mobile phone subscribers crossed 700 million in October, which means — given the population of just over 1 billion — seven out of 10 Indians have a cellphone connection."
Oldest human remains unearthed in Israel? - Technology & science - Science - msnbc.com
Oldest human remains unearthed in Israel? - Technology & science - Science - msnbc.com: "Israeli archaeologists say they may have found the earliest evidence yet for the existence of modern humans.
A Tel Aviv University team excavating a cave in central Israel said Monday they found teeth that were about 400,000 years old. The earliest Homo sapiens remains found until now are half that old, and were discovered in Ethiopia."
A Tel Aviv University team excavating a cave in central Israel said Monday they found teeth that were about 400,000 years old. The earliest Homo sapiens remains found until now are half that old, and were discovered in Ethiopia."
Forbes India - 5 Ways to Stay Healthy at Work
Forbes India - 5 Ways to Stay Healthy at Work: "Care for Your Eyes
Headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes; common complaints for computer users. Reduce eye strain and dry eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Position your computer so that there is no reflected glare on the screen. And try to position the screen so that you gaze downward at about 14°. "
Headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes; common complaints for computer users. Reduce eye strain and dry eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Position your computer so that there is no reflected glare on the screen. And try to position the screen so that you gaze downward at about 14°. "
How Switzerland Saved Its Banking Industry - Newsweek
How Switzerland Saved Its Banking Industry - Newsweek: "The Swiss faced one of the globe’s worst financial-sector blowups. Now they’re setting the gold standard for how to regulate their banks."
World Wide Web turns 20 - thestar.com
World Wide Web turns 20 - thestar.com: "Almost exactly 20 years ago, physicist Tim Berners-Lee uploaded the first web page onto the Internet and started a global revolution.
Now, there are at least 255 million active websites across all domains, according to the December Netcraft web survey.
And you may be reading this on a screen smaller than the palm of your hand."
2010: A year in review - Al Jazeera Top 10 Of The Year - Al Jazeera English
2010: A year in review - Al Jazeera Top 10 Of The Year - Al Jazeera English: "It is not easy reviewing a year’s worth of news in a few sentences.
But, when it comes to intrigue, suffering, over-reaction, absurdity, power-politics, hope in the depths of the earth and even a bit of well-orchestrated footy-fun, 2010 has had plenty to offer for us journalists.
As secret documents splashed across the headlines, diplomatic schemes from the masters of the universe fascinated us common people."
But, when it comes to intrigue, suffering, over-reaction, absurdity, power-politics, hope in the depths of the earth and even a bit of well-orchestrated footy-fun, 2010 has had plenty to offer for us journalists.
As secret documents splashed across the headlines, diplomatic schemes from the masters of the universe fascinated us common people."
Monday, December 27, 2010
Ajay, Katrina most profitable actors of 2010 - Hindustan Times
Ajay, Katrina most profitable actors of 2010 - Hindustan Times: "Bollywood actors Ajay Devgn and Katrina Kaif will be crowned the most profitable actors of 2010 at the “ETC Bollywood Business Awards 2010 - Evaluating Movie Moghuls” on Tuesday. First timer Abhinav Kashyap will get the most profitable director trophy. On evaluating the industry players"
The Year in Wall Street Investigations - ProPublica
The Year in Wall Street Investigations - ProPublica: "It's been over three years since credit markets started shaking with the early tremors of the subprime crisis, and two years since that spread into a marketwide collapse. Prosecutors, regulators, Congress and journalists have spent the year uncovering the financial shenanigans that brought the market to its knees. It's been marked by a few blockbuster settlements and more revealing investigations -- as well as by some noticeable inaction in the reckoning."
Why beautiful people grab more attention
Why beautiful people grab more attention: "A Canadian study confirms the adage that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.According to it, beautiful people leave much bigger impact on the beholder even during their brief encounters.
People pay special attention to identify more accurately the personality traits of people who are physically attractive than others during short encounters, says the study by researchers at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
While previous research has shown that individuals tend to find attractive people more intelligent, friendly and competent than others, the new study confirms that people actually pay much closer attention to people they find attractive, according to psychology professor Jeremy Biesanz who led the study"
People pay special attention to identify more accurately the personality traits of people who are physically attractive than others during short encounters, says the study by researchers at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
While previous research has shown that individuals tend to find attractive people more intelligent, friendly and competent than others, the new study confirms that people actually pay much closer attention to people they find attractive, according to psychology professor Jeremy Biesanz who led the study"
Probe KG Balakrishnan: Krishna Iyer | Indian Express
Probe KG Balakrishnan: Krishna Iyer | K G Balakrishnan | CJI | Indian Express: "Retired Supreme Court justice V.R. Krishna Iyer Monday demanded a probe into the various allegations of corruption against former chief justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan, currently the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission.
Speaking to the media at his home near here, Iyer said that he was happy when Balakrishnan became the first Dalit to be appointed chief justice, but the situation had changed now."
Speaking to the media at his home near here, Iyer said that he was happy when Balakrishnan became the first Dalit to be appointed chief justice, but the situation had changed now."
# 777: Richard Branson on Taking Chances
Richard Branson on Taking Chances: "When you decide to pursue an entrepreneurial venture, you have to confront your doubts and fears; sometimes you just have to go for it. Many times I have hesitated before launching a new venture or investment, even after my team and I have vetted it and we’re ready to go ahead. I’m lucky that I have a great network of friends and advisers to take soundings from.
If you believe that your personal training business can succeed, draw up a short plan describing how it would be different from other such businesses, how you would build it up and attract customers. Discuss this plan with trusted friends or advisers (make sure you ask people individually, and not as a group). Collecting and acting on this feedback is a crucial step before launching any business.
I can't help you make this decision without knowing more about your situation. However, I can tell you that when I have to decide whether or not to go ahead with a new venture, I have often found that intuition is my best guide. What does your intuition tell you? If you decide to go ahead, be prepared for a bumpy ride. Most entrepreneurs fail the first time they enter a market – or at the very least have to recover from a tricky scrape."
If you believe that your personal training business can succeed, draw up a short plan describing how it would be different from other such businesses, how you would build it up and attract customers. Discuss this plan with trusted friends or advisers (make sure you ask people individually, and not as a group). Collecting and acting on this feedback is a crucial step before launching any business.
I can't help you make this decision without knowing more about your situation. However, I can tell you that when I have to decide whether or not to go ahead with a new venture, I have often found that intuition is my best guide. What does your intuition tell you? If you decide to go ahead, be prepared for a bumpy ride. Most entrepreneurs fail the first time they enter a market – or at the very least have to recover from a tricky scrape."
The best reads of 2010 | Analysis & Opinion |
The best reads of 2010 | Analysis & Opinion |: "As part of our 2010 Year in Review coverage, Reuters Editor Toni Reinhold chooses the most interesting, informative, eye opening and enlightening Reuters stories of the past year."
The future of English: English as she was spoke | The Economist
The future of English: English as she was spoke | The Economist: "ENGLISH is the most successful language in the history of the world. It is spoken on every continent, is learnt as a second language by schoolchildren and is the vehicle of science, global business and popular culture. Many think it will spread without end. But Nicholas Ostler, a scholar of the rise and fall of languages, makes a surprising prediction in his latest book: the days of English as the world’s lingua-franca may be numbered."
Remembering Benazir Bhutto – The Express Tribune
Remembering Benazir Bhutto – The Express Tribune: "Three years ago today, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. It was a dark day that indelibly changed the direction of Pakistan and I am torn both by personal and political reflections."
Pesky calls to stay as telcos put biz over you: Business : India Today
Pesky calls to stay as telcos put biz over you: Business : India Today: "The dawn of the New Year was meant to ring in an end to the pesky calls and unsolicited SMSes that you are flooded with round the clock. But the January 1, 2011, deadline recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) may be extended by up to six months, owing to the contractual obligations and business interests of the telecom operators."
6 tips to kick start weight loss in the New Year
6 tips to kick start weight loss in the New Year: "Now experts from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center can help you stick to that New Year`s resolution of losing weight if you just follow these six tips.
1. Keep moving each day: All it takes to see a weight-loss benefit is 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic activity daily.
`You don`t need to be athletic. Just brisk walking or dancing to your favorite music or using an aerobic exercise machine like a stationary bike or treadmill is all you need to do - just try to do it each day,` said Anne McTiernan."
1. Keep moving each day: All it takes to see a weight-loss benefit is 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic activity daily.
`You don`t need to be athletic. Just brisk walking or dancing to your favorite music or using an aerobic exercise machine like a stationary bike or treadmill is all you need to do - just try to do it each day,` said Anne McTiernan."
15 Books You Should Have Read in 2010 - Culture - GOOD
15 Books You Should Have Read in 2010 - Culture - GOOD: "Yes, we read Freedom this year and yes, it was good. As Esquire put it, it “was one great slab of a book, at a time when most books have given up on greatness.” But there were other books in 2010, books that had to compete for our ever more challenged attention spans and won. So we asked a few members of the GOOD team & some of our good colleagues which book made their best list this past year. (And since discovering something you might have missed is one of the great pleasures of reading, no selections were disqualified for having been published prior to 2010)."
The (Scientific) Pursuit of Happiness - GOOD Blog - GOOD
The (Scientific) Pursuit of Happiness - GOOD Blog - GOOD: "The Harvard Study of Adult Development, begun in 1937, has been following the lives of 268 men, from college to death, to learn what makes for a good life."
2,800 Kuchipudi artists set Guinness record
Hailing from 16 countries, including India, the dancers held the audience spellbound at a colourful programme at Gacchibowli Stadium.
An official of Guinness World Records, who was present on the occasion, handed over a certificate to the organisers.
Organised jointly by California-based Silicon Andhra and Andhra Pradesh government, the event saw the artists performing the 'maha brunda natyam' in the mould of Sidhendra Yogi's dance form."
Where Can You Find the Biggest Penises? - Culture - GOOD
Where Can You Find the Biggest Penises? - Culture - GOOD: "This is not only for prurient interest. There is a recent, amazing trend of social-networking sites taking the massive amounts of information that users blindingly provide them, and then crunching that data to make great visualizations. Because it all comes from personal statements, these infographics are some of the most informative and interesting I've seen recently. The prime example are the pieces the dating site OKCupid has been making for Gizmodo (like how much sex people with different phones have, or the favorite things of various races)."
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Playboy's Hefner announces Christmas engagement | Reuters
Playboy's Hefner announces Christmas engagement | Reuters: "Hugh Hefner, the twice-married founder of Playboy, is taking the plunge again.
Hefner, 84, said on Saturday in a posting on Twitter that he and his girlfriend Crystal Harris, 24, got engaged on Friday.
'When I gave Crystal the ring, she burst into tears. This is the happiest Christmas weekend in memory,' Hefner tweeted.
Hefner, whose magazine was founded in 1953, was divorced from his second wife, Kimberley Conrad, earlier this year. His first marriage to Mildred Williams ended in divorce in 1959.
Harris was the Playboy Playmate of the Month for December 2009."
Hefner, 84, said on Saturday in a posting on Twitter that he and his girlfriend Crystal Harris, 24, got engaged on Friday.
'When I gave Crystal the ring, she burst into tears. This is the happiest Christmas weekend in memory,' Hefner tweeted.
Hefner, whose magazine was founded in 1953, was divorced from his second wife, Kimberley Conrad, earlier this year. His first marriage to Mildred Williams ended in divorce in 1959.
Harris was the Playboy Playmate of the Month for December 2009."
How AK-47 Guns Work - Kalashnikov Weaponry Timeline - Popular Mechanics
How AK-47 Guns Work - Kalashnikov Weaponry Timeline - Popular Mechanics: "At the dawn of the Cold War, former Soviet soldier Mikhail Kalashnikov, 26, led a team in the design of a lightweight assault rifle, the Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947. Now, 65 years later, some 100 million AK-47s have been produced—10 times the number of U.S. Army M16s. The original weighed roughly 10 pounds and married the best features of a submachine gun and a long-range rifle. 'The AK-47 is often said to be poorly made, but many of its features were well-matched to the conditions of war,' says C.J. Chivers, The New York Times war correspondent and author of The Gun, a history of the AK-47. The rifle is effective, if unoriginal. 'Think Mr. Potato Head. This gun is a bunch of pre-existing systems combined into a new whole,' he says. A revised AK-47, the AKM, entered production in 1959; the most prevalent AK, its knockoffs are manufactured all over the world (the gun below has Chinese origins). Chivers gives a guided tour."
'The Illusionist': Better Than 'Toy Story 3'? - TIME
'The Illusionist': Better Than 'Toy Story 3'? - TIME: "Last week, Sylvain Chomet got an early — and Jacques Tati a very late — Christmas present. The New York Film Critics Circle, the nation's oldest organization of movie reviewers, chose The Illusionist as the best animated film of 2010. Every other critics' group had named Toy Story 3 as the winner in that category, and the very notion of ignoring what many people consider the year's finest film, of any kind, seemed piquant at best, perverse at worst. I, for one, thought the New Yorkers who chose The Illusionist were nuts; and I'm not only a critic, I'm also a member."
‘Delhi High Court judge got Rs 9 crore bribe’ | Nira Radia | Lobbyist | Indian Express
‘Delhi High Court judge got Rs 9 crore bribe’ | Nira Radia | Lobbyist | Indian Express: "A new transcript of lobbyist Nira Radia’s conversation with Sunil Arora, former chairman, Air India, throws light on judicial corruption.
Outlook’s latest edition carries a transcript in which Arora says “someone” paid justice Vijender Jain to get a judgment in his favour. “I mean this litigant had paid Rs 9 crore to that high court judge in Delhi,” he tells Radia. “Kaun sa judgement tha? (which case?), asks Radia. He replies: “Koi tha land deal, real estate ka."
Outlook’s latest edition carries a transcript in which Arora says “someone” paid justice Vijender Jain to get a judgment in his favour. “I mean this litigant had paid Rs 9 crore to that high court judge in Delhi,” he tells Radia. “Kaun sa judgement tha? (which case?), asks Radia. He replies: “Koi tha land deal, real estate ka."
10 Top Innovative Companies - Newsweek
10 Top Innovative Companies - Newsweek: "Innovation boils down to two elements: creating something and making people want it. These companies make both look simple.
The American consumer spends his or her year having various products and services thrown their way until they're wading through a stew of other companies' stuff. An innovative business or brand, though, makes enough great products or does enough right to make portions of that stew go down a little smoother and make the entire buying experience worth savoring. These 10 companies did that with flourish this year, some with help from a familiar name, others despite sea-sized obstacles between themselves and the buyer base. All, however, have something to be proud of—and a lot more to offer—as the year draws to a close:"
The American consumer spends his or her year having various products and services thrown their way until they're wading through a stew of other companies' stuff. An innovative business or brand, though, makes enough great products or does enough right to make portions of that stew go down a little smoother and make the entire buying experience worth savoring. These 10 companies did that with flourish this year, some with help from a familiar name, others despite sea-sized obstacles between themselves and the buyer base. All, however, have something to be proud of—and a lot more to offer—as the year draws to a close:"
The 10th Annual Year in Ideas - Interactive Feature - NYTimes.com
The 10th Annual Year in Ideas - Interactive Feature - NYTimes.com: "For the 10th consecutive December, the magazine has chosen to look back on the past year through a distinctive prism: ideas.
Our digest of short entries refracts the light beam of human inspiration, breaking it up into its constituent colors — innovations and insights from a spectrum of fields, including economics, biology, engineering, medicine, literature, sports, music and, of course, raw-meat clothing. Happy thinking!"
Our digest of short entries refracts the light beam of human inspiration, breaking it up into its constituent colors — innovations and insights from a spectrum of fields, including economics, biology, engineering, medicine, literature, sports, music and, of course, raw-meat clothing. Happy thinking!"
Healthy food for your eyes - The Times of India
Healthy food for your eyes - The Times of India: "Vitamin A prevents night blindness and focal drying of the eyes called Xerophthalmia and can retard the development of cataracts and macular age related changes."
The year in 60 seconds | Video | Reuters.com
The year in 60 seconds | Video | Reuters.com: "A multimedia showcase of some of 2010's top stories, including Greek violence, Pakistan floods, Iceland's volcanic ash cloud, the arrest of WikiLeaks' founder, the Times Square bomb scare, a near attack on Iran's Ahmadinejad and the Love Parade stamped"
Wired.com’s Best Video Interviews of 2010
Zombies, Sci-Fi and Alice: Wired.com’s Best Video Interviews of 2010 | Underwire | Wired.com: "Wired.com interviewed some really amazing people in 2010. We talked to director Tim Burton about Alice in Wonderland. We spoke to 127 Hours director Danny Boyle about working with James Franco (and a rock). And we got into sci-fi with Splice director Vincenzo Natali and Tron: Legacy cast and crew members.
Zombies were bloody big this year, too: We interviewed Robert Kirkman about The Walking Dead and talked with 'Godfather of the Dead' George A. Romero, who practically created the genre. We also caught up with original badass Danny Trejo and maverick helmer Robert Rodriguez when they showed up at Comic-Con International to talk their Mex-ploitation film, Machete."
Zombies were bloody big this year, too: We interviewed Robert Kirkman about The Walking Dead and talked with 'Godfather of the Dead' George A. Romero, who practically created the genre. We also caught up with original badass Danny Trejo and maverick helmer Robert Rodriguez when they showed up at Comic-Con International to talk their Mex-ploitation film, Machete."
ADB: Delhi India’s No. 1 investment destination
ADB: Delhi India’s No. 1 investment destination: "Delhi has emerged as the most attractive city in the country for both foreign and domestic investors, according to the latest Asian Development Bank report on a survey of Indian cities. Greater Mumbai and Chennai follow Delhi closely as good metropolitan areas for investment."
What WikiLeaks revealed to the world in 2010 - Glenn Greenwald - Salon.com
What WikiLeaks revealed to the world in 2010 - Glenn Greenwald - Salon.com: "Throughout this year I've devoted substantial attention to WikiLeaks, particularly in the last four weeks as calls for its destruction intensified. To understand why I've done so, and to see what motivates the increasing devotion of the U.S. Government and those influenced by it to destroying that organization, it's well worth reviewing exactly what WikiLeaks exposed to the world just in the last year: the breadth of the corruption, deceit, brutality and criminality on the part of the world's most powerful factions."
The Key To Entrepreneurial Happiness
The Key To Entrepreneurial Happiness: "As a principal founder of Groupon, the founder of LightBank, and the co-founder of both MediaBank and Echo Global Logistics (NASDAQ: ECHO), Brad Keywell is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world."
Saturday, December 25, 2010
What economists say about Merriam-Webster's word of the year for 2010. - By Annie Lowrey - Slate Magazine
What economists say about Merriam-Webster's word of the year for 2010. - By Annie Lowrey - Slate Magazine: "Say what you will about its appeal (or lack thereof) as fiscal policy, but the Top Word of 2010, according to Merriam-Webster, is austerity. The distinction is based on its popularity on the dictionary's Web site, and runners-up were pragmatic, moratorium, socialism, bigot, doppelgänger, shellacking, ebullient, dissident, and furtive. Try using all of those in a sentence."
10 best viral videos of 2010 - Best of 2010 - Salon.com
10 best viral videos of 2010 - Best of 2010 - Salon.com: "We sang, we danced, we marveled at rainbows, we autotuned the living daylights out of everything. As in years prior, 2010 did not lack for puppy cams, wacked-out political statements, bizarrely inspired music videos and penises.
There was, however, often a darker edge to the viral this year, as nicotine addicted-children and bedroom intruders struck the public fancy. But though times and tastes may change, one thing is certain -- as long as there are cute animals, celebrity meltdowns and OK Go, we'll keep hitting the refresh button on our browsers."
There was, however, often a darker edge to the viral this year, as nicotine addicted-children and bedroom intruders struck the public fancy. But though times and tastes may change, one thing is certain -- as long as there are cute animals, celebrity meltdowns and OK Go, we'll keep hitting the refresh button on our browsers."
George W Bush's 'Decision Points' Has Sold 2 Million Copies Since November
George W Bush's 'Decision Points' Has Sold 2 Million Copies Since November: "For a guy who's not really known for his grasp of the English language, George W Bush has done a heckuva job hawking his memoir: Decision Points has sold 2 million copies since its release in early November, notes the Daily Mail. Bill Clinton's My Life, in comparison, has sold roughly the same number—in the six years since its publication. What's more, Bush's tome has yet to be released in paperback."
The biggest controversies of 2010 - The Week
The biggest controversies of 2010 - The Week: "NY Times, National Review, Wall St. Journal...
From a controversial Super Bowl ad to the threatening rise of WikiLeaks, 2010 has been a volatile year. Here's a look back at the political clashes, provocative stances, celebrity scandals, and public outrages that most defined the past 12 months."
From a controversial Super Bowl ad to the threatening rise of WikiLeaks, 2010 has been a volatile year. Here's a look back at the political clashes, provocative stances, celebrity scandals, and public outrages that most defined the past 12 months."
The Oprah 'Parade' interview: 6 revelations - The Week
The Oprah 'Parade' interview: 6 revelations - The Week: "With the launch of her own network just over a week away, the queen of talk dishes on Sarah Palin, 'Dancing with the Stars,' and Colin Powell offering her an ambassadorship"
Bangladeshi Woman Sufia Begum Dies a Month After Caning for Adultery
Bangladeshi Woman Sufia Begum Dies a Month After Caning for Adultery: "A Bangladeshi woman who was publicly caned for an alleged extramarital affair with her stepson has died, and police have arrested two people, according to media reports.
Sufia Begum, 50, was sentenced by an Islamic court in her village in the northwest Rajshahi district, police told Agence France-Presse, and was whipped 40 times on Nov. 12."
Sufia Begum, 50, was sentenced by an Islamic court in her village in the northwest Rajshahi district, police told Agence France-Presse, and was whipped 40 times on Nov. 12."
Is What WikiLeaks Does Journalism? Good Question: Tech News «
Is What WikiLeaks Does Journalism? Good Question: Tech News «: "While the U.S. government tries to determine whether what WikiLeaks and front-man Julian Assange have done qualifies as espionage, media theorists and critics alike continue to debate whether releasing those classified diplomatic cables qualifies as journalism. It’s more than just an academic question — if it is journalism in some sense, then Assange and WikiLeaks should be protected by the First Amendment and freedom of the press. The fact that no one can seem to agree on this question emphasizes just how deeply the media and journalism have been disrupted, to the point where we aren’t even sure what they are any more."
Mahatma Gandhi headed society of onion-eaters in South Africa - The Times of India
Mahatma Gandhi headed society of onion-eaters in South Africa - The Times of India: "Though he didn't like to be a part of any club or organization, Mahatma Gandhi once formed a unique club, 'Amalgamated Society of Onion-Eaters', with four of his friends. Gandhi was president of this club and his friend Henry Polak was treasurer. The club was formed in Johannesburg when Gandhi and his friends were busy with various diet experiments."
Annual toll of journalists murdered | Asian Correspondent
Annual toll of journalists murdered | Asian Correspondent: "This is a story about numbers. And while you might find numbers dull, in this case we do not. These are the numbers of our colleagues in the journalism profession who were either murdered or jailed in 2010 for doing their job, compiled by the press freedom organizations, the France-based Reporters Without Borders and the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists."
Study: Men are less healthy and have a shorter life span than women - USATODAY.com
Study: Men are less healthy and have a shorter life span than women - USATODAY.com: "As a general rule, men take lousy care of their health.
They shrug off injuries. They hate going to the doctor for anything. They pay little heed to warning signs for major health issues.
And the results of all that manliness are evident in the statistics. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
One in five American men has heart disease.
One in three adult men in the United States has high blood pressure.
Three in four American men are overweight."
They shrug off injuries. They hate going to the doctor for anything. They pay little heed to warning signs for major health issues.
And the results of all that manliness are evident in the statistics. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
One in five American men has heart disease.
One in three adult men in the United States has high blood pressure.
Three in four American men are overweight."
BBC News - Science news highlights of 2010
BBC News - Science news highlights of 2010: "2010 was a year dominated by the repercussions of the Deepwater Horizon accident, which caused the biggest ever release of oil into the ocean.
In the world of research, we were introduced to 'Synthia', the first life form with synthetic DNA, and 'X-woman', a new member of the human family tree.
BBC science reporter Paul Rincon looks back at the twists and turns of a year in science and the environment."
In the world of research, we were introduced to 'Synthia', the first life form with synthetic DNA, and 'X-woman', a new member of the human family tree.
BBC science reporter Paul Rincon looks back at the twists and turns of a year in science and the environment."
Sir Tim Berners-Lee portrait - Telegraph
Sir Tim Berners-Lee portrait - Telegraph: "Sir Tim Berners-Lee is widely credited with the invention of the internet – the most powerful technological tool of the last century, which has changed almost every aspect of how we live now."
Steve Harvey - Funny Man to Relationship Guru - NYTimes.com
Steve Harvey - Funny Man to Relationship Guru - NYTimes.com: "LET’S review Steve Harvey’s year. (This may take a while.) His syndicated radio show has an audience of six million, and President Obama has been one of his guests. A version of the show appears in prime time on the Centric cable channel. He became the host of the long-running “Family Feud” game show. His advice book “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man” spent a good part of the past two years on The New York Times’s hardcover advice best-seller list, was No. 1 for 23 weeks, and is being made into a movie by Screen Gems. The recently published sequel, “Straight Talk, No Chaser,” had an initial printing of 750,000 copies and makes its debut at No. 1 on the advice list on Sunday."
Women can handle old age pressures better than men: Survey | Deccan Chronicle
Women can handle old age pressures better than men: Survey | Deccan Chronicle | 2010-09-17: "A woman is emotionally more stronger than a man, goes a saying but now a new survey has found that due to their inner strengths, older women can handle old age pressures better than men. 46 per cent elderly women were found less isolated due to their inner strengths like patience, fine-tuning with family and society members than elderly men (31 per cent). This was revealed by an all-India survey of 10,000 senior citizens in 20 states done by an NGO, Agewell Foundation. The survey aimed to know causes of isolation in old age and its consequences on the health of the elderly in particular and society in genera"
Scientists Discover Genetic Predisposition for Breast, Kidney Cancers
Scientists Discover Genetic Predisposition for Breast, Kidney Cancers: "The research, led by Charis Eng, Chair of the Genomic Medicine Institute at Cleveland Clinic, revealed KILLIN as a novel predisposition gene for Cowden syndrome (CS) and Cowden-like syndrome (CLS) features in individuals without germline PTEN mutations, which also plays a role in cancer risk."
Alzheimer's scientists discover new test that detects before it takes hold | Mail Online
Alzheimer's scientists discover new test that detects before it takes hold | Mail Online: "British scientists have found a new way of detecting those at high risk of Alzheimer’s before symptoms develop.
Tests offering an early indication of risk may allow treatments to be given when they might be more effective.
For their study, researchers at University College London studied 105 people in their 70s and 80s with no signs of mental deterioration."
Tests offering an early indication of risk may allow treatments to be given when they might be more effective.
For their study, researchers at University College London studied 105 people in their 70s and 80s with no signs of mental deterioration."
You are what your father ate - latimes.com
You are what your father ate - latimes.com: "As they say, you are what you eat. And if you’re a mouse, you’re also what your father ate.
So say researchers from the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the University of Texas at Austin. In a study published this week in the journal Cell, they report that a father’s diet influences how metabolic genes function in his offspring"
So say researchers from the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the University of Texas at Austin. In a study published this week in the journal Cell, they report that a father’s diet influences how metabolic genes function in his offspring"
WikiLeaks: Julian Assange fears death in a US jail - Telegraph
WikiLeaks: Julian Assange fears death in a US jail - Telegraph: "He claimed there was a 'high chance' of him being killed inside prison in America.
Mr Assange is currently on bail facing extradition proceedings to Sweden on charges of sexual assault.
However there are reports that the US authorities are considering whether they could extradite him to stand trial for espionage over the leak of tens of thousands of diplomatic cables."
Mr Assange is currently on bail facing extradition proceedings to Sweden on charges of sexual assault.
However there are reports that the US authorities are considering whether they could extradite him to stand trial for espionage over the leak of tens of thousands of diplomatic cables."
Friday, December 24, 2010
Financial Times Names Steve Jobs 'Person of the Year' - Nicholas Jackson - Technology - The Atlantic
Financial Times Names Steve Jobs 'Person of the Year' - Nicholas Jackson - Technology - The Atlantic: "He didn't even make Time magazine's short list for Person of the Year, but Steve Jobs, the mastermind behind Apple, was recognized last night by Financial Times, a publication arguably more concerned with success in business. A large chunk of the piece focuses on the release of Apple's tablet, the iPad, earlier this year."
HowStuffWorks "10 Edible Biofuels"
HowStuffWorks "10 Edible Biofuels": "Taking a sip from a modern car's fuel tank is a bad idea. The gasoline and petroleum-based diesel fuels that power most of the world's automobiles are fairly far removed from anything nutritious, or even safe, to drink."
Children in poverty 'as happy as more affluent classmates' | Society | The Guardian
Children in poverty 'as happy as more affluent classmates' | Society | The Guardian: "Children living in poverty are as happy as classmates from wealthier homes, a study of 32,000 young people has found.
Researchers at the National Foundation for Educational Research asked the English pupils, aged between 10 and 15, whether they agreed, disagreed or were unsure about the statement: 'I feel happy about life at the moment.'"
Researchers at the National Foundation for Educational Research asked the English pupils, aged between 10 and 15, whether they agreed, disagreed or were unsure about the statement: 'I feel happy about life at the moment.'"
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Want the secret to a happy marriage? Don't have sex before the wedding | Mail Online
Want the secret to a happy marriage? Don't have sex before the wedding | Mail Online: "The Beckhams say that quality time is the secret behind their happy marriage, while Michael Douglas once credited Viagra with the secret to his.
But, according to a new study, it is couples who delay sex until after the wedding that enjoy a stronger relationship later in life.
Scientists at the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University, in Utah interviewed 2,035 married people about when they first had sex with their partner.
Analysis of the results showed that couples who waited until marriage before having sex enjoyed a much healthier relationship with their partner than those who started having sex in the early part of their relationship."
But, according to a new study, it is couples who delay sex until after the wedding that enjoy a stronger relationship later in life.
Scientists at the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University, in Utah interviewed 2,035 married people about when they first had sex with their partner.
Analysis of the results showed that couples who waited until marriage before having sex enjoyed a much healthier relationship with their partner than those who started having sex in the early part of their relationship."
Tees Maar Khan - The Times of India
Tees Maar Khan - The Times of India: "Tabrez Khan ( Akshay Kumar) heralds himself as Tees Maar Khan (TMK), the greatest con artist who lives to rob and robs to live. Walking in an out of jails, he plans to pull off the most daring heist of his career, after being hired by a robbers' duo, the Johari brothers (Rajiv and Raghu). The crooks want him to rob a train carrying a carriage-full of treasures. Easy, exclaims TMK and unleashes a bizarre robbery plan which involves an entire village, an Oscar-obsessed film star (Akshaye Khanna), a bunch of cronies and a bimbette girl friend ( Katrina Kaif) who happens to be a wannabe film actress too and spends her time acting in silly movies."
Living in a world without the West - www.indianweekender.co.nz
Living in a world without the West - www.indianweekender.co.nz: "PIGS! No, I’m not swearing at anyone. PIGS is the acronym for Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Spain – the four European countries so deep in economic troubles that not even light can reach the bottom. Indeed, 2010 could be the last Christmas many Western countries will celebrate in the way they have done in the years past. For, a black hole of financial and social troubles is threatening to dislodge Europe and North America from the apex position they have occupied for barely 300 years."
Biofuels advances rank in Top 10 tech developments of 2010 | Biomass content from Western Farm Press
Biofuels advances rank in Top 10 tech developments of 2010 | Biomass content from Western Farm Press: "Los Alamos National Laboratory has named its Top 10 science and technology developments of 2010 based on major programmatic milestones, strategic potential, scholarly accounts, and associated news coverage."
Why Is Leif Garrett Baking Cookies for Rachel Uchitel? - FoxNews.com
EXCLUSIVE: Why Is Leif Garrett Baking Cookies for Rachel Uchitel? - FoxNews.com: "Rachel Uchitel, the former VIP hostess linked to Tiger Woods in 123,456 news articles in 2010, said she was looking forward to watching 'Celebrity Rehab' with Leif Garrett at her apartment and “stuffing (her) face with cookies” when we called her.
Say what?"
Say what?"
Manorama Online | Google splashes $2 bn on New York office
Manorama Online | Google splashes $2 bn on New York office: "Internet powerhouse Google is muscling in on New York. The web search giant confirmed that it had bought one of the most prestigious office buildings in Manhattan. No price was given for the property at 111 Eighth Avenue, but the Los Angeles Times put the price at $2 billion."
WTF! Hurley accuses Indian media of running fictitious stories
Hurley accuses Indian media of running fictitious stories: "Elizabeth Hurley's split from Arun Nayar and her fledging romance with Australian cricketer Shane Warne might have first hit headlines in the UK but it is Indian media that has earned her wrath for making up stories about her.
Hurley recently took to twitter to announce her separation with Nayar after allegations in the British media that she cheated on her Indian husband with Australian cricketer Shane Warne."
Hurley recently took to twitter to announce her separation with Nayar after allegations in the British media that she cheated on her Indian husband with Australian cricketer Shane Warne."
Need a Girlfriend? There's an App for That
Need a Girlfriend? There's an App for That: "For millennia, people have been looking for love in all the wrong places. But now, they need look no further than the iPhone App Store.
Savvy South Korean programmers have released an iPhone app that gives lonesome cell phone owners regular messages from a digital girlfriend named Mina."
Savvy South Korean programmers have released an iPhone app that gives lonesome cell phone owners regular messages from a digital girlfriend named Mina."
10 most searched Indian cars of 2010 - Rediff.com Business
10 most searched Indian cars of 2010 - Rediff.com Business: "Most big ticket buying decisions are taken after much consultation and research. Buying cars is one such decision where buyers want to be doubly sure that their purchase is nothing but the best for their requirements"
Tata Nano shines! Wins global design award - Rediff.com Business
Tata Nano shines! Wins global design award - Rediff.com Business: "The Tata Nano has received the world's oldest and most coveted GOOD DESIGN Award for 2010, which is conferred annually by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies."
Big scams, small names in 2010 - The Times of India
Big scams, small names in 2010 - The Times of India: "For scams, whose total size runs into 13-digit numbers, the names they are known by are short -- 2G, CWG and IPL.
Going by the estimated size of these scams, the total for the year 2010 could be well beyond Rs 2,00,000 crore -- a 13-digit figure -- although much of the loss is presumptive in nature."
Going by the estimated size of these scams, the total for the year 2010 could be well beyond Rs 2,00,000 crore -- a 13-digit figure -- although much of the loss is presumptive in nature."
Rajinikant's 'Robot' part of IIM-A course - The Times of India
Rajinikant's 'Robot' part of IIM-A course - The Times of India: "He can get millions raving about tricks like getting a cigarette somersault and land in his mouth or a pair of shades land on his eyes from mid-air, romance a woman onscreen half his age and rake in over Rs 100 crore in the first week of his film's release. That's the phenomenon called Rajinikanth."
Tomato is the new onion
Tomato is the new onion: "While we have been shedding tears on spiralling onion prices, tomato rates have doubled in last 3 weeks; cost of other veggies shooting up too
With onion prices dropping by nearly Rs 15 per kg in the wholesale market following a slew of government measures and sustained media focus on the issue, it is the turn of tomatoes to make you cry."
With onion prices dropping by nearly Rs 15 per kg in the wholesale market following a slew of government measures and sustained media focus on the issue, it is the turn of tomatoes to make you cry."
Rajeev Chandrasekhar's 7-point plan to clean up telecom sector - The Economic Times
Rajeev Chandrasekhar's 7-point plan to clean up telecom sector - The Economic Times
Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote to telecoms minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday, offering a sevenpoint set of solutions to make the sector more transparent.
Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote to telecoms minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday, offering a sevenpoint set of solutions to make the sector more transparent.
The Top 10 Everything of 2010 - TIME
The Top 10 Everything of 2010 - TIME: "In 50 wide-ranging lists, TIME surveys the highs and lows, the good and the bad, of the past 12 months"
Julian Assange - FROST OVER THE WORLD - Al Jazeera English
Julian Assange - FROST OVER THE WORLD - Al Jazeera English: "Julian Assange, the co-founder of the whistleblowing website WikiLeaks - which is currently releasing over 250,000 confidential American diplomatic cables - is in the UK fighting extradition to Sweden where he is wanted on charges for sexual assault."
The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Sports | Wasim’s nephew sets record
The Telegraph | Wasim’s nephew sets record: "Arman Khan Jaffer, 13-year-old nephew of former Test opener Wasim Jaffer, set a record by scoring a marathon 498 in an inter-school cricket tournament here on Wednesday."
The ‘Subsidy’: How Merrill Lynch Traders Helped Blow Up Their Own Firm - ProPublica
The ‘Subsidy’: How Merrill Lynch Traders Helped Blow Up Their Own Firm - ProPublica: "Two years before the financial crisis hit, Merrill Lynch confronted a serious problem. No one, not even the bank's own traders, wanted to buy the supposedly safe portions of the mortgage-backed securities Merrill was creating.
Bank executives came up with a fix that had short-term benefits and long-term consequences. They formed a new group within Merrill, which took on the bank's money-losing securities. But how to get the group to accept deals that were otherwise unprofitable? They paid them. The division creating the securities passed portions of their bonuses to the new group, according to two former Merrill executives with detailed knowledge of the arrangement."
Bank executives came up with a fix that had short-term benefits and long-term consequences. They formed a new group within Merrill, which took on the bank's money-losing securities. But how to get the group to accept deals that were otherwise unprofitable? They paid them. The division creating the securities passed portions of their bonuses to the new group, according to two former Merrill executives with detailed knowledge of the arrangement."
CIA launches task force to assess impact of U.S. cables' exposure by WikiLeaks
CIA launches task force to assess impact of U.S. cables' exposure by WikiLeaks: "The CIA has launched a task force to assess the impact of the exposure of thousands of U.S. diplomatic cables and military files by WikiLeaks."
Facebook nude pic scandal to court | The Australian
Facebook nude pic scandal to court | The Australian: "LAWYERS for St Kilda footballer Sam Gilbert, the teammate who took the nude photo of Nick Riewoldt now circulating in cyberspace, will tell the Federal Court today that the 17-year-old girl who posted the images had broken an injunction issued by the court earlier this week.
Gilbert's lawyers took the unusual step yesterday of serving the girl notice of the court hearing and urging her to seek legal representation via USTREAM, a live video-streaming site the girl had used the previous night to post a series of rambling monologues."
Gilbert's lawyers took the unusual step yesterday of serving the girl notice of the court hearing and urging her to seek legal representation via USTREAM, a live video-streaming site the girl had used the previous night to post a series of rambling monologues."
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A 'chocolate cure' for persistent cough?
A 'chocolate cure' for persistent cough?: "Here's the perfect excuse to gorge on chocolate without a sense of guilt - scientists claim it can cure a persistent cough.
A team at British-based drugs company called SEEK has isolated a naturally occurring substance in cocoa which it says stops the 'root cause' of the irritating condition, 'The Daily Telegraph' reported.
At present, most medications to control the symptoms are opiate-based ones like cough syrups containing codeine, a narcotic."
A team at British-based drugs company called SEEK has isolated a naturally occurring substance in cocoa which it says stops the 'root cause' of the irritating condition, 'The Daily Telegraph' reported.
At present, most medications to control the symptoms are opiate-based ones like cough syrups containing codeine, a narcotic."
How Indira's Congress got its hand symbol
How Indira's Congress got its hand symbol: "Eighty-year-old RK Rajarathnam vividly remembers the night of February 2, 1978 when Indira Gandhi, during an election campaign, came to his house in Madanpalle, Andhra Pradesh. She had just formed the new Congress (I) and the party was still without a symbol.
'AR Antulay and Buta Singh called me on the phone, kindly convey the message to Madam. Tomorrow by 10 am, if we don't give the choice, there won't be any symbol at all. I said Madam, hand will be easily recognisable. She just saw me like this. She immediately said, select hand, that's all,' said RK Rajarathnam, Congress member."
'AR Antulay and Buta Singh called me on the phone, kindly convey the message to Madam. Tomorrow by 10 am, if we don't give the choice, there won't be any symbol at all. I said Madam, hand will be easily recognisable. She just saw me like this. She immediately said, select hand, that's all,' said RK Rajarathnam, Congress member."
Medvedev’s visit to India has every reason to be successful – expert | Features & Opinion | RIA Novosti
Medvedev’s visit to India has every reason to be successful – expert | Features & Opinion | RIA Novosti: "Tatyana Shaumyan, head of the Indian Studies Center, shares her views on Russian-Indian relations: their history, prospects, and primary areas of interaction. RIA Novosti’s Samir Shakhbaz interviews her in the days preceding President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Delhi."
The One-Paragraph Business Start-Up Plan - TheStreet
The One-Paragraph Business Start-Up Plan - TheStreet: "During the earliest stages of starting a business, the last thing you should concern yourself with is writing lengthy plans or long-winded executive summaries. It's time to kill the traditional business plan in favor of a realistic, practical tool: a one-paragraph startup plan.
You might think there's no way to write everything there is to know about your brilliant business idea in one paragraph. Guess what? You're wrong. You probably don't have much to say -- because it's likely you haven't proved a thing yet."
You might think there's no way to write everything there is to know about your brilliant business idea in one paragraph. Guess what? You're wrong. You probably don't have much to say -- because it's likely you haven't proved a thing yet."
Legal or not
While cross-dressing may be an acceptable way to unwind in many cultures, it's quite illegal in Saudi Arabia. As recently as June 2009, men were arrested in the country's capital for "imitating a woman," as well as "displaying homosexuality" and drinking alcohol. They faced up to six months imprisonment and 60 lashes.
Yes, it's currently legal to wrestle under a mask in state of New York, though this was not always the case. Up until 1972, the New York State Athletic Commission outlawed masks but changed their rule to allow famed Luchador Mil Mascaras to perform in the ring.
If you find yourself in Ulthar, then you have more to worry about than man-eating cats. The fictional town appears in the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, and while there are many laws against harming cats and other animals throughout the world, none will actually see you eaten by felines.
This one is almost fact and, according to The Straight Dope, serves as an excellent example of where those "weird law" lists on the Internet come from. Yes, a Michigan law prohibits tying anything to a fire hydrant and, technically, that covers alligators. But this doesn't mean there's an anti-gator-tying law on the books, no more than an anti-graffiti ordinance specifically forbids painting portraits of Donkey Kong on pastry shop store windows.
Almost fact! Yes, as weird as it may seem, blasphemy is technically a misdemeanor in Michigan. The statute is still there, but courts have found it inconsistent with the First Amendment, and no one has served time for it since 1938.
Sure, prostitution is legal in parts of Nevada, but only within the confines of licensed brothels. Outside those walls, it's a misdemeanor.
Yes, it's currently legal to wrestle under a mask in state of New York, though this was not always the case. Up until 1972, the New York State Athletic Commission outlawed masks but changed their rule to allow famed Luchador Mil Mascaras to perform in the ring.
If you find yourself in Ulthar, then you have more to worry about than man-eating cats. The fictional town appears in the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, and while there are many laws against harming cats and other animals throughout the world, none will actually see you eaten by felines.
This one is almost fact and, according to The Straight Dope, serves as an excellent example of where those "weird law" lists on the Internet come from. Yes, a Michigan law prohibits tying anything to a fire hydrant and, technically, that covers alligators. But this doesn't mean there's an anti-gator-tying law on the books, no more than an anti-graffiti ordinance specifically forbids painting portraits of Donkey Kong on pastry shop store windows.
Almost fact! Yes, as weird as it may seem, blasphemy is technically a misdemeanor in Michigan. The statute is still there, but courts have found it inconsistent with the First Amendment, and no one has served time for it since 1938.
Sure, prostitution is legal in parts of Nevada, but only within the confines of licensed brothels. Outside those walls, it's a misdemeanor.
Kiss rocker Gene Simmons has bedded nearly 5,000 women!
Kiss rocker Gene Simmons has bedded nearly 5,000 women!: "Kiss rocker Gene Simmons has revealed that he slept with about 5,000 women during his 37 years of touring.
In a radio interview with 'Woody and The Wake-Up Call', Simmons said that the he even took a picture of nearly every single women he slept with, reports Fox News."
In a radio interview with 'Woody and The Wake-Up Call', Simmons said that the he even took a picture of nearly every single women he slept with, reports Fox News."
Manorama Online | Infosys ranked top for retail IT services
Manorama Online | Infosys ranked top for retail IT services : "India's IT bellwether Infosys Technologies Ltd has been ranked number one among retail IT services providers worldwide for 2010 in a global evaluation, the company said Monday.
The Bangalore-based global software major emerged top in the evaluation by the US-based Retail Info Systems News (RIS) IT Services LeaderBoard when placed in a head-to-head ranking among 32 global service providers, the company said in a statement here."
The Bangalore-based global software major emerged top in the evaluation by the US-based Retail Info Systems News (RIS) IT Services LeaderBoard when placed in a head-to-head ranking among 32 global service providers, the company said in a statement here."
The Pioneer > Of science metaphysics
The Pioneer :: Home : >> Of science metaphysics: "It is no mere coincidence that I could read Michael Polanyi’s The Tacit Dimension immediately after coming to terms with Peter Brook’s The Secret Dimension —included in a book called The Inner Journey: Views from the Gurdjieff Work. Polanyi’s mind-shift from science to metaphysics had been occasioned by Soviet ideology: “The scientific outlook appeared to have produced a mechanical conception of man and history in which there was no place for science itself. This conception denied any intrinsic power to thought and thus denied also any grounds for claiming freedom of thought... scepticism and utopianism had thus fused into a new fanaticism.”"
Management Tip of the Day: Ways to Become a Thought Leader - The Economic Times
Management Tip of the Day: Ways to Become a Thought Leader - The Economic Times: "There are some key ways to build your own brand within and outside the organization, says Harvard Business Review.
The Management Tip of the Day offers quick, practical management tips and ideas from Harvard Business Review and HBR.org. Any opinions expressed are not endorsed by Reuters.
'Everyone has a personal brand these days. But if you want to move ahead you need to be more than the 'finance guy who understands the business.'"
The Management Tip of the Day offers quick, practical management tips and ideas from Harvard Business Review and HBR.org. Any opinions expressed are not endorsed by Reuters.
'Everyone has a personal brand these days. But if you want to move ahead you need to be more than the 'finance guy who understands the business.'"
Young, employed and unhappy?
Young, employed and unhappy?: "Some 134 million literate youth in India are employed in some job or other; 58% of them are satisfied with their job profile while 38% are dissatisfied. A higher proportion of the employed, urban youth are satisfied (63%) than those employed in rural areas (55%). Correspondingly, a higher percentage of the employed youth in the villages (41%) are not satisfied as compared to 34% in the towns."
Beatles' Abbey Road walks into history - Hindustan Times
Beatles' Abbey Road walks into history - Hindustan Times: "The most famous pedestrian crossing in popular music, outside Abbey Road Studios in north London, was designated a site of national importance by the British government on Wednesday. Beatles fans from around the world flock to the road to pose for photographs imitating the picture"
Yearender: 2010, A revival year for Indian IT industry
Yearender: 2010, A revival year for Indian IT industry: "The year 2010 marked a period of revival for the USD 60 billion Indian IT industry, with the global economy assuming some semblance of normalcy after a period of prolonged turbulence and demand for software technology products on the rise again.
According to industry body Nasscom, the Indian IT-BPO industry is well-poised to reach the USD 70 billion-mark by the end of the current fiscal.
The year started on a positive note, with software majors like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys posting good profits, contrary to early indications of a drop in revenues."
According to industry body Nasscom, the Indian IT-BPO industry is well-poised to reach the USD 70 billion-mark by the end of the current fiscal.
The year started on a positive note, with software majors like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys posting good profits, contrary to early indications of a drop in revenues."
Tehelka Corporate wars are the symptom and not the cause
Tehelka - India's Independent Weekly News Magazine: "At the outset, please accept my belated but heartiest congratulations on your appointment as the Minister of Communications & IT.
I realize that your first few weeks in the office have been full of challenges, especially given the current controversy around 2G spectrum and the hearings / Judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
As a Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, I am deeply interested in all these issues and have been at the forefront of raising these issues both with the Hon’ble Prime Minister and your predecessor, as well as within the Parliament through debates and questions.
I wholeheartedly welcome your move and announcements to clean up the sector and bring the guilty to book. Your first step in this direction to issue Show Cause Notices to delinquent companies - as pointed out in the CAG report and the TRAI letter of 18 November, 2010 - is a welcome first step."
I realize that your first few weeks in the office have been full of challenges, especially given the current controversy around 2G spectrum and the hearings / Judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
As a Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, I am deeply interested in all these issues and have been at the forefront of raising these issues both with the Hon’ble Prime Minister and your predecessor, as well as within the Parliament through debates and questions.
I wholeheartedly welcome your move and announcements to clean up the sector and bring the guilty to book. Your first step in this direction to issue Show Cause Notices to delinquent companies - as pointed out in the CAG report and the TRAI letter of 18 November, 2010 - is a welcome first step."
6 tips for men dealing with divorce | Deccan Chronicle | 2010-08-28
6 tips for men dealing with divorce | Deccan Chronicle | 2010-08-28: "It is common for men to experience mood swings after a divorce, as thoughts can quickly change from savouring new opportunities to regret. The first year after a divorce is typically the most difficult emotionally, with improvements in the second year. But men can do some things for themselves to ease the transition."
Best Unsung Books of 2010 | Art Beat | PBS NewsHour | PBS
Conversation: Best Unsung Books of 2010 | Art Beat | PBS NewsHour | PBS: "Over the last year, as the publishing industry tried to grapple with the uncertainty brought on by monumental evolution in media and technology, publishers fell back on some sure-fire blockbusters. Jonathan Franzen's 'Freedom', the author's first book in nine years, got so much attention that it received backlash for all its attention. Movie stars James Franco and Zack Galifianakis could be seen shilling for the novels Super Sad True Love Story and Lowboy in online book trailers. For the first time in a decade, the New Yorker published a list of twenty authors to watch under forty, many of them already well-known."
Hurley Warne-ings - The Economic Times
Hurley Warne-ings - The Economic Times
For many, flirtatious behaviour is evidence of lack of character. Now it has been reduced to just 140 of them, it is not surprising that the terms of endearment have become shorter as well.
The romantic twitters between Liz Hurley and Shane Warne exchanged over a summer have reportedly not lasted beyond a single hotel interlude, lending credence to the theory that in the virtual world of techno-love, affairs can come and go without the twain having ever met.
For many, flirtatious behaviour is evidence of lack of character. Now it has been reduced to just 140 of them, it is not surprising that the terms of endearment have become shorter as well.
The romantic twitters between Liz Hurley and Shane Warne exchanged over a summer have reportedly not lasted beyond a single hotel interlude, lending credence to the theory that in the virtual world of techno-love, affairs can come and go without the twain having ever met.
Awards honour innovation in resurgent online tech space - Page 1
Awards honour innovation in resurgent online tech space - Page 1: "After the dot-com bust, Michael Hyatt recalls, the conventional wisdom was that nobody would invest in the Internet any more. He wasn't convinced.
“I didn't think people would give up their e-mail addresses,” says the co-founder and chief executive of Toronto-based BlueCat Networks. “And they didn't.”"
“I didn't think people would give up their e-mail addresses,” says the co-founder and chief executive of Toronto-based BlueCat Networks. “And they didn't.”"
A force behind the lower teen birthrate: MTV's '16 and Pregnant' - CSMonitor.com
A force behind the lower teen birthrate: MTV's '16 and Pregnant' - CSMonitor.com: "But according to a new government study that shows the US teen birthrate falling dramatically in 2009 after a five percent increase from 2005 to 2007, experts say the network may have redeemed itself with its gritty '16 and Pregnant' documentary series, which many teens credit with opening their eyes to the consequences of unprotected sex and early parenthood."
Best Video Games of 2010 | FactPile
Best Video Games of 2010 | FactPile: "So, we’ve reached the end of another year, and looking back, there were a ton of great games that came out in 2010. So much that I’m not sure we will see this type of thing happen again for a few years. With all the consoles reaching maturity, developers have had time to really know the limits of the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and the Wii.
While some one this list are exclusive to particular consoles, they have the influence to obtain many players despite only appearing for one audience."
While some one this list are exclusive to particular consoles, they have the influence to obtain many players despite only appearing for one audience."
The Pioneer Makers of Modern India > Past and prejudice
The Pioneer :: Home : >> Past and prejudice: "In post-Independent India, conformism to the received wisdom is the key to “glory” in social sciences/historical studies, and deviation leads to guillotine. Ramachandra Guha is fully conscious of this truism. His book, Makers of Modern India, deals with 19 mainly well-known, and a few lesser-known, personalities; many of them were titans of our national resurgence.
Short biographical sketches are supplemented with their speeches, writings, etc, without any interrogation. While Jyotiba Phule, rightly, gets 20 pages, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, considered by Guha among the “makers” of modern India, has about 16 pages on his speeches; Bal Gangadhar Tilak, in contrast, gets just nine pages. And, Lala Lajpat Rai is mentioned only in the foot-note. Guha, indeed, has a unique vision of history!"
Short biographical sketches are supplemented with their speeches, writings, etc, without any interrogation. While Jyotiba Phule, rightly, gets 20 pages, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, considered by Guha among the “makers” of modern India, has about 16 pages on his speeches; Bal Gangadhar Tilak, in contrast, gets just nine pages. And, Lala Lajpat Rai is mentioned only in the foot-note. Guha, indeed, has a unique vision of history!"
Gratitude: It's an attitude that can boost life » Evansville Courier & Press
Gratitude: It's an attitude that can boost life » Evansville Courier & Press: "Gratitude as an attitude is making news. Researchers are reporting that the words “thank you” might be the secret to good health and a long life. With holiday stress upon us, a positive attitude is a relationship challenge. However, The Journal of Happiness Studies makes a convincing argument for gratitude."
Science tip from Nobel laureate: sip and gossip
The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Frontpage | Science tip from Nobel laureate: sip and gossip: "“There is no magic formula for winning the Nobel Prize,” said Ramakrishnan, the head of the structural studies division at the Laboratory for Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK, who shared the 2009 chemistry Nobel for his studies of a biological machine in cells called the ribosome."
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Karnataka is 'hottest' investment hub
Karnataka is 'hottest' investment hub: "Among the top 20 investment attracting states, Karnataka has emerged as most preferred destination with the highest share of 9.1 per cent in domestic investment plans in April-September 2010, as per 'Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India Investment Meter (AIM).'
Karnataka clocked an year-on-year growth of 73.8 per cent and attracted investments of Rs 3,88,578 crore."
Karnataka clocked an year-on-year growth of 73.8 per cent and attracted investments of Rs 3,88,578 crore."
Indian-origin air hostess sentenced to 8-yr jail term - Express India
Indian-origin air hostess sentenced to 8-yr jail term - Express India: "An Indian-origin former Air Canada air hostess has been jailed for eight years for trafficking almost USD 400,000 worth of drugs into UK, in what police described as a 'cocaine conspiracy'."
Engaging Global Indian
The ninth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in New Delhi from 7th to 9th next month. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the event on 8th of January while President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will deliver valedictory address on January 9th. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, overseas affairs minister Vyalar Ravi today said the theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011 is Engaging Global Indian.
The Rise of the Idea Entrepreneurs | Motherboard
The Rise of the Idea Entrepreneurs | Motherboard: "This, of course, is the animated and slightly chaotic sound of brainstorming, the term popularized by Alex F. Osborn. In 1948, Osborn, the man who put the O in BBDO, the legendary advertising firm, wrote “Your Creative Power,” a jaunty, history-filled book that argued that creativity was essentially a muscle that, with enough exercise, anyone could develop. Especially if that exercise happened in groups, like the ones he started organizing at BBDO in 1939. The key to these sessions, he stated, was creating an atmosphere in which judgment about the quality of any idea is suspended. If participants worry about criticism, they edit themselves, which undermines the process. “The crazier the idea, the better; it’s easier to tone down than to think up.”"
Opening of Bank Accounts using AADHAR number
A Ministry of Finance, Government of India, notification dated the 16 of December 2010 has recognized Aadhaar number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) as an “officially valid document” to satisfy the Know Your Customer (KYC) norms for opening bank accounts.
This notification is expected to promote the financial inclusion of the poor and the hitherto excluded by making it possible for them to easily establish their identity and open bank accounts.
The UIDAI is facilitating opening of bank accounts for the residents at the time of enrolment for Aadhaar through partner banks and acceptance of Aadhaar as a valid KYC will make the process seamless.
Amitabh Bachchan hates the word 'filmy'?
bigb.bigadda.com
There are as always, many reasons for this. Firstly, I am amused by the thought that every time there is a topic that comes up in which the media shows interest, they seek reactions from us common folk. And I have often wondered, why would they believe that we in the film industry would ever be in possession of such wisdom, which would give inputs of any value. We are the ‘film industry’ as we all know ! We are ‘filmy’ - an almost derogatory terminology used by the media often - and therefore less possessed of any semblance of what is right, what is fashionable, what is politically correct, what ails society, what compromises our morals, and a host of other similar issues that plague our systems. So why come to us ?
IPhone and Android Apps Breach Privacy - WSJ.com
IPhone and Android Apps Breach Privacy - WSJ.com: "Few devices know more personal details about people than the smartphones in their pockets: phone numbers, current location, often the owner's real name—even a unique ID number that can never be changed or turned off."
In a rarity, both lunar eclipse and winter solstice to occur Tuesday
In a rarity, both lunar eclipse and winter solstice to occur Tuesday: "There are not many days like Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010. Take it from people who know - astronomers. There was maybe one day like this Tuesday in the past 2,000 years."
Chilled Out People Have Increased Health Risks
Asylum | Men's Lifestyle | Humor, weird news, sex tips, fashion, dating, food and gadgets: "Researchers from the University of Birmingham in England collected health data for 1,300 people over a 14-year period. They also gave them each a stress test, which determines how a person's blood pressure and heart rate respond to stressful situations."
The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : Those other problems in Andhra Pradesh
The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : Those other problems in Andhra Pradesh: "When Chandrababu Naidu sits on a hunger fast for suffering farmers, you know something is afoot in Andhra Pradesh. Excessive rains have devastated the crops in the State. And losses have been enormous. But a farmer losing over Rs.15,000 on an acre of paddy will get less than Rs.2500 in compensation. And the nature of land relations in Andhra Pradesh ensures that most tenant farmers won't get even that."
C-sections hit record high - Chicago Sun-Times
C-sections hit record high - Chicago Sun-Times: "Though fewer babies were born in the United States in 2008 than the all-time high reached the year before, rates of births by Caesarean section continued to climb, new data released today shows.
Of 4.3 million babies born in 2008, a record 32.3 percent were delivered by Caesarean section, marking the 12th consecutive increase in C-section birth rates in the United States.
Likewise, Caesarean deliveries in Illinois hospitals inched up to 30.5 percent in 2008, topping the record high set in 2007."
Of 4.3 million babies born in 2008, a record 32.3 percent were delivered by Caesarean section, marking the 12th consecutive increase in C-section birth rates in the United States.
Likewise, Caesarean deliveries in Illinois hospitals inched up to 30.5 percent in 2008, topping the record high set in 2007."
The Nation's BBQ Capital According to Google, and It Ain't Texas - Houston Restaurants and Dining - Eating Our Words
The Nation's BBQ Capital According to Google, and It Ain't Texas - Houston Restaurants and Dining - Eating Our Words: "Last week, we showed you how Google has been actively tracking food and drink trends since at least 2004 and how 2010 was the year of pizza (at least according to your search patterns and the number of times people have Googled 'Pizza Hut'). But that's not the only thing that Google Insight lets you track.
You can also track the popularity of certain search terms on a geographical basis. This is the same data that led to such hilarious discoveries as the fact that 'men kissing' as a search term is most popular in highly conservative Utah."
You can also track the popularity of certain search terms on a geographical basis. This is the same data that led to such hilarious discoveries as the fact that 'men kissing' as a search term is most popular in highly conservative Utah."
All internet porn will be blocked to protect children, under UK government plan | News.com.au
All internet porn will be blocked to protect children, under UK government plan | News.com.au: "THE UK Government is to combat the early sexualization of children by blocking internet pornography unless parents request it, it was revealed today.
The move is intended to ensure that children are not exposed to sex as a routine by-product of the internet. It follows warnings about the hidden damage being done to children by sex sites.
The biggest broadband providers, including BT, Virgin Media and TalkTalk, are being called to a meeting next month by Ed Vaizey, the communications minister, and will be asked to change how pornography gets into homes."
The move is intended to ensure that children are not exposed to sex as a routine by-product of the internet. It follows warnings about the hidden damage being done to children by sex sites.
The biggest broadband providers, including BT, Virgin Media and TalkTalk, are being called to a meeting next month by Ed Vaizey, the communications minister, and will be asked to change how pornography gets into homes."
The Year in Six Words: The Year in Six Words - BusinessWeek
The Year in Six Words: The Year in Six Words - BusinessWeek: "Normal, Jobs, Stuck, Currency, Spills and Gaga say all that needs to be said about 2010"
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