The proliferation of sensor-studded cellphones could lead to a wealth of data with socially useful applications — in urban planning, epidemiology, operations research and emergency preparedness, among other things. Of course, before being released to researchers, the data would have to be stripped of identifying information. But how hard could it be to protect the identity of one unnamed cellphone user in a data set of hundreds of thousands or even millions?
According to a paper appearing this week in Scientific Reports, harder than you might think. Researchers at MIT and the Université Catholique de Louvain, in Belgium, analyzed data on 1.5 million cellphone users in a small European country over a span of 15 months and found that just four points of reference, with fairly low spatial and temporal resolution, was enough to uniquely identify 95 percent of them.
In other words, to extract the complete location information for a single person from an “anonymized” data set of more than a million people, all you would need to do is place him or her within a couple of hundred yards of a cellphone transmitter, sometime over the course of an hour, four times in one year. A few Twitter posts would probably provide all the information you needed, if they contained specific information about the person’s whereabouts.
The first author on the paper is Yves-Alexandre de Montjoye, a graduate student in the research group of Toshiba Professor of Media Arts and Science Sandy Pentland. He’s joined by César Hidalgo, an assistant professor of media arts and science; Vincent Blondel, a visiting professor at MIT and a professor of applied mathematics at Université Catholique; and Michel Verleysen, a professor of electrical engineering at Université Catholique.
Focusing the debate
Hidalgo’s group specializes in applying the tools of statistical physics to a wide range of subjects, from communications networks to genetics to economics. In this case, he and de Montjoye were able to use those tools to uncover a simple mathematical relationship between the resolution of spatiotemporal data and the likelihood of identifying a member of a data set.
According to their formula, the probability of identifying someone goes down if the resolution of the measurements decreases, but less than you might think. Reporting the time of each measurement as imprecisely as sometime within a 15-hour span, or location as imprecisely as somewhere amid 15 adjacent cell towers, would still enable the unique identification of half the people in the sample data set.
But while its initial application may be discouraging, de Montjoye and Hidalgo hope that their formula will provide a way for researchers and policy analysts to reason more rigorously about the privacy safeguards that need to be put in place when they’re working with aggregated location data.
“Both César and I deeply believe that we all have a lot to gain from this data being used,” de Montjoye says. “This formula is something that could be useful to help the debate and decide, OK, how do we balance things out, and how do we make it a fair deal for everyone to use this data?”
In the data set that the researchers analyzed, the location of a cellphone was inferred solely from that of the cell tower it was connected to, and the time of the connection was given as falling within a one-hour interval. Each cellphone had a unique, randomly generated identifying number, so that its movement could be traced over time. But there was no information connecting that number to the phone’s owner.
The researchers randomly selected a representative sampling from the set of 1.5 million cellphone traces and, for each trace, began choosing points at random. For 95 percent of the traces, just four randomly selected points was enough to distinguish them from all other traces in the database. In the worst (or, from another perspective, best) case, 11 measurements were necessary.
“There’s a concern with this data, to what extent can we preserve anonymity,” says Luis Bettencourt, a professor at the Santa Fe Institute who studies social systems. “What they are showing here, quite clearly, is that it’s very hard to preserve anonymity.”
But for Bettencourt, the uniqueness of people’s trajectories through cities is itself precisely the type of information that analysis of cellphone data is meant to uncover. “This is interesting, from a scientific point of view, to understand how people use urban space,” Bettencourt says. “It shows what kind of social systems cities are.”
The researchers suspect that similar relationships might hold for other types of data. “I would not be surprised if a similar result — maybe requiring more points — would, for example, extend to web browsing,” Hidalgo says. “The space of potential combinations is really large. When a person is, in some sense, being expressed in a space in which the total number of combinations is huge, the probability that two people would have the same exact trajectory — whether it’s walking or browsing — is almost nil.”


WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
Human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, slavery or forced commercial sex acts.
The U.S. State Department estimates that currently 27 million people live in slavery as a condition of human trafficking, and that human trafficking generates $150 billion every year.
SURVIVORS OF TRAFFICKING EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
RST's Survivors of Trafficking Empowerment Program (STEP) is designed to help survivors of trafficking throughout their transition to stable, independent lives. Serving in 6 cities across Texas, RST serves all survivors of human trafficking, labor and sex trafficking, adults and minors, foreign-born and domestic born. RST serves survivors regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.
Refugee Services of Texas also provides services to victims of crime including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic abuse, child abuse & neglect, human smuggling, kidnapping, stalking, Visa/Identification fraud, and wage theft.
WHAT WE DO
When a survivor is referred to or seeks to work with RST's STEP Program, our team will assess their basic needs. Once immediate safety and basic needs have been addressed, the STEP team works with survivors through a holistic approach to support their journey through recovery to independent, stable lives.
The following services are provided, among others:
- Human trafficking screenings
- Crisis management and safety support
- Basic needs assistance
- Employment assistance
- Counseling services
- Emotional support
- Applications for public benefits
- Community outreach and trainings
See our impact on survivors across Texas - click on link above!
Refugee Services of Texas has chaired and currently serves as a standing steering committee member for the Central Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking (CTCAHT) for fifteen years. CTCAHT brings together local government, non-profit and law enforcement professionals at all levels on a systematic basis to identify survivors, provide comprehensive services, and prevent trafficking through various means. RST STEP services are available across the state of Texas in the following cities: Amarillo, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and the Rio Grande Valley.
For referrals, please email email@example.com and our STEP team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Want to learn more about human trafficking?
RST has partnered with organizations across Texas to bring you incredible conversations with experts in the field to help YOU know more about the basics of human trafficking, how you can identify the signs and what you can do to make a difference in your community!
Dig deeper into serving survivors of trafficking in your community: learn more about RST's impact on the community here and sign up for RST's Human Trafficking 101 Volunteer Training to join the fight against human trafficking today!
In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the City of Dallas Office of Equity & Inclusion along with our community partners at New Friends, New Life and Mosaic Family Services hosted a panel to talk about human trafficking awareness.
Our friends at The Office for Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention and the University of Texas at the Rio Grande Valley Police Department hosted RST as part of their Water Cooler Discussions series to highlight the basics of human trafficking.
This session, lead by Stacie Jonas with Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, is just one from the Combatting Human Trafficking in the Valley Conference hosted by Refugee Services of Texas.
This session, lead by Bria Cottle and Gloria Newton with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, is just one from the Combatting Human Trafficking in the Valley Conference hosted by Refugee Services of Texas.


Alternative terms for "Cheoplasty"
Click the following link to bring up a new window with an automated collection of images related to the term: Cheoplasty Images
Lexicographical Neighbors of Cheoplasty
Literary usage of Cheoplasty
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. American Journal of Dental Science by American Society of Dental Surgeons (1896)
"I think about the year 1855, Dr. Blandy, of Baltimore, introduced a metal he called "cheoplasty," for making cast plates. It was similar to Watt's and ..."
2. New York Dental Journal (1859)
"BUCKINGHAM, of Philadelphia, considered the subject of the greatest importance ; advised the use of tin instead of cheoplasty ; gave his plan ..."
3. The People's Dental Journal (1863)
"cheoplasty is a plate composed of a combination of metals. It is seldom used except in peculiar cases for the lower jaw, where weight is required to ..."


"After war, the people you meet differ so from former times," wrote the Vietnamese poet Nguyen Trai in the early 15th century. Americans are still searching for answers to the Vietnam conflict, and the conflict that lives on in the collective mind and soul of this country. American writer Lady Borton is one of the few who has explored the North Vietnamese point of view in trying to reach an understanding of what happened and why. Borton was the first American journalist given permission by Vietnamese officials to speak with ordinary villagers and to live with a village family. During her time there, she met Vietnamese peasant women who played crucial and heretofore unrecognized roles in the Vietnamese victory; women who, like American veterans, "did what they had to do."
After Sorrow was produced by Lady Borton.
Home of the survivors of Vietnam's post war holocaust.
History Place: Vietnam War
An outline of the many facts and factors that were a part of the Vietnam war
Vietnam's Lost Souls
Excerpted from NEWS WATCH, this article speaks of the lost missing in action Vietnamese soldiers.
Vietnam: Yesterday and Today
Includes chronology,characteristics,and war literature pertaining to the vietnam war.
The Sorrow of War: A Novel of North Vietnam
This novel is based on the experiences of a North Vietnamese soldier who fought in the South for over ten years. Bao Ninh
Even the Women Must Fight:
The active participation of Vietnamese women in the Vietnam War.
Karen Gottschang Turner,Phan T. Hao
Twice around the World
Some Memoirs of Diplomatic Life in North Vietnam and Outer Mongolia


Healthy Oils for Deep Frying | Truweight
M-Phil, Food Science & Nutrition
The traditional Indian cuisines and desserts demand deep frying in healthy oils. And no matter how much we proclaim to eat healthy, cooking oil plays a major role in validating the assertion.
Deep fried foods are indeed unhealthy and can lead to heart diseases and high cholesterol levels.
For deep frying, we use hot oil with temperatures close to 176-190°C. When we put the food into hot oil, its surface is cooked quickly, forming a layer that filters the oil from getting inside the food, and the moisture present in the food cooks it from within.
However, if the temperature is not optimal, oil is absorbed into the food which makes it more unhealthy.
But, what if, there were healthful alternatives for deep frying the food?
“So it be”!
Traits of Healthy Oil
To choose healthier oil we need to keep in mind a few facts;
- Oil with higher smoking points are considered to be healthier.
- The components of the oil should be stable and not reactive to the oxygen, when overheated.
- It should contain saturated fats and monounsaturated fats.
- Avoid polyunsaturated fats in oil
Healthy Oils On your way!
Now, since you know the qualities of essential oil, here is a list of cooking oils with unbounding health benefits:
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut nut oil is one of the healthiest oils available in the southern part of India.
According to studies, coconut oil are highly stable even above the temperature of 180°C without losing the quality. This is due to the presence to saturated fatty acids (made up of medium-chain fatty acids) which is a more stable fat and makes it heat resistant.
The fat in coconut oil takes very less time to metabolize as well as less time to float around the blood, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
And for your information the recent studies have proved that saturated fats are innocent and not harmful for human consumption.
Coconut oil claims myriads of health benefits. as a cooking oil. It cuts down belly fats and also kills harmful bacteria in your body.
If you don’t like the smell and flavour of coconut oil, try a brand that suits your preference, also, refined coconut oil is neutral in both taste and aroma
2. Olive Oil
We all know how healthy olive oils are, we have been using it for dressing, shallow frying, sautéing etc. What we don’t know is that it can be used for deep frying purposes as well.
There has been several studies that showed olive oil can be an apt choice for deep frying, as it can withstand heat for over 24 hours before it oxidizes excessively.
Olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fatty acids, which makes highly resistant to heat.
However, heating olive oil can run down the beautiful aroma but it’s still healthy.
Olive oil is ideal for deep frying. Without overheating, in proper temperature, it will not undergo any structural change as well as its nutritional value is retained better than other oils.
This is not only because of the antioxidants but also due to its high levels of oleic acid. Its high smoking point (210ºC) is substantially higher than the ideal temperature for frying food (180ºC).
Those fats with lower critical points, such as corn and butter, break down at this temperature and form toxic products.
Food fried in olive oil has a lower fat content than food fried in other oils, making olive oil more suitable for weight control. Olive oil, therefore, is the most suitable, the lightest and the tastiest medium for frying.
3. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has higher smoking points, which is up to 270 °C. These have similar composition to that of olive oil.
However, it has monounsaturated fats, along with both saturated and polyunsaturated fats that makes it less healthy than olive oil in spite of having higher smoking point.
4. Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is also known as groundnut oil. It is a preferred essential oil for deep frying because of its high smoke point of 230°C and neutral taste.
Interestingly, it’s the only oil that can be reused several times as it does not absorb the flavour of food.
As far as the health is concerned, it contains polyunsaturated fats that makes it prone to oxidation in high temperatures.
5. Palm Oil
Palm oil is suitable for deep frying as it contains saturated and monounsaturated fats, and a little polyunsaturates. It has a neutral taste and unrefined palm oil is the healthiest version.
However, palm oils are rarely harvested.
The ‘Not So Healthy Oils’!
While we are listing the good oils for your health, it is only fair to reveal the list of edible oils that should be avoided. This shockingly includes industrial vegetable oils.
Yes, you read that right! The oils that we consume have undergone harsh processing, and do not have any healthy values.
So don’t be fooled by the fancy sounding fake claims like “cholesterol free” and “rice brand”.
The fact is these oils are rich in polyunsaturated fats and toxin trans fats with unbalanced omega-6 and omega-3 ratio.
- Sunflower oil
- Rice bran oil
- Soybean oil
- Sesame oil.
- Corn oil.
- Canola oil is
- Cottonseed oil
- Safflower oil.
- Grape seed oil
- Margarine or any fake butter substitutes.
These are a few oils that aren’t fit for deep frying or cooking at all.
However, deep-fried foods, in general, add a lot of calories and cause weight gain. So much so that a KFC chicken wing contains around 70 calories.
Also Read High-Fat Foods for Weight loss!


This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to support students with different developmental issues to participate in classroom and other school activities.
This unit applies to education support work in a variety of contexts and the work is to be undertaken with appropriate guidance, support and supervision by a nominated teacher or other education professional.
Education system/school’s policies and procedures.
Curriculum and curriculum framework.
Cultural and linguistic background of students and families.
Broad developmental stages of children/young people in the physical, Cognitive, language, social and emotional domains.
Strategies to support the stages of development in each domain.
Importance of confidentiality as it relates to information about children.
Materials and resources to support the stages of development in each domain.


Patents allow pharmaceutical companies to sell drugs at several times the price they would be able to get in a competitive market. Only a small proportion of the extra money spent by the public goes into research and development (R & D), despite the latter being the supposed benefit of the higher prices.
I looked at a sample of fourteen of the largest pharmaceutical companies.
Between them they made an average gross profit margin of 77%. Having heard the pharmaceutical companies and other advocates of patents, you might imagine that most of this 77% would go to fund research.
In fact only 16% of revenues goes into research. 33% goes into sales, general and administrative costs. A look at the few companies (Novartis and Roche) that separate sales and marketing from administrative and general costs shows that the bulk of this does go into sales and marketing.
The high expenditure on sales is defended as a means of providing doctors with information. It is hard to see how it is better than cheaper ways of providing doctors with impartial and fuller information in the form of journals, training and access to research.
Heavy expenditure on sale also encourages the use of the patented drugs that are heavily marketed rather than cheaper out of patent drugs. I have previously written about a number of other unintended consequences of relying on patents to fund drug research.
The system is so bad that it would be better simply to abolish patents and for governments to increase their funding of researchers. While state sector mechanism are not always efficient, it is hard to imagine that it would do worse than the current system that:
- costs a lot more than direct funding would,
- misdirects money, and
- creates incentives for behaviour that is actually undesirable.
The biggest problem is a zeitgeist that leads people to even consider an alternative to everything possible being done by the for-profit private sector.
Note on methodology: The companies in the sample were chosen by taking the 20 largest companies from this list and removing those whose non-pharmaceutical revenue were more than 20% of the total, unless they disclosed the relevant numbers separately for their pharmaceutical busines. All relevant reported numbers in the most recent available annual report were converted to dollars at current rates and then summed. These simplifications would have introduced small errors, but no consistent bias. The companies in the sample were: Pfizer, Glaxosmithkline, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Roche, Merck, Astrazeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Wyeth, Eli Lilly, Amgen, Takeda, Schering Plough and Astellas.


The Past Perfect Continuous Tense is used to describe:
1. something that started at some point in the past, continued for a period of time up to a certain point in the past, and was still in progress when another action took place.
a. I had been living in Chicago for three years when all my families decided to migrate to the US in 2013.
I started living in Chicago 3 years earlier (in 2010). I continued to live in the city up to 2013, and was still living there, when my families migrated to the US.
b. Rita had been waiting for half an hour when I finally arrived.
Rita started to wait half an hour earlier than my arrival, continued to wait up to my arrival time.
The Past Perfect Continuous Tense vs The Past Continuous Tense
The past perfect continuous tense is related to the past continuous tense. The past perfect continuous tense is focused on the duration of your action, i.e. for two hours, for a few minutes, for a week, etc. However, if you DO NOT INCLUDE the duration of time, the past continuous tense is used. The past continuous tense is focused on your action being in progress when another action interrupted.
2. cause and effect relation. look at the following examples.
a. I was so tired because I had been working too hard.
b. All my body got dirty. I had been playing in the mud.
c. I felt sick. I had been eating too much.


Maratha Empire Peshwa
A selection of articles related to maratha empire peshwa.
Original articles from our library related to the Maratha Empire Peshwa. See Table of Contents for further available material (downloadable resources) on Maratha Empire Peshwa.
- Astronomy in Ancient Civilisations
- It is a pity that the myths of ancient civilisations are so easily dismissed as the musings of savage minds, as it is subsequently easy to overlook the fact that many of their myths were encryptions of their astronomical knowledge. The best example of this...
Modern Science >> Astronomy
- Story of the Celts: The Ancient Celts
- The Ancient Celts [ 8 ] What is surprising to most modern readers is just how widespread across Europe the Celts once were. The Celts have been called the "Fathers of Europe," that is north of the Greco-Roman Mediterranean. Long before the Germanic...
History & Anthropology >> Celtic & Irish
- The Pagan Origins Of Christian Mythology
- The Judeo-Christian religions were founded in a region of the world where savior religions existed for thousands of years. Much of the symbolism and many of the stories in the Bible may be traced to earlier myths of the Persians, Egyptians, and other people...
Religions >> Christianity & Paganism
- The Pagan Roots of Democracy
- I stepped into the voting booth with civic pride and religious inspiration. The pastors urged the congregation to renew America and vote for a good Christian man, Ronald Reagan. I voted a straight Republican ticket. Those godless Democrats were no better than...
Saga of Times Past >> History & Anthropology
- Who Were the Celts?
- The Celts were a group of people that occupied lands stretching from the British Isles to Galatia. The Celts had many dealings with other cultures that bordered the lands occupied by these people, and even though there is no written record of the Celts...
History & Anthropology >> Celtic & Irish
- Historical Christian Jewelry
- The art of jewelry making evolved though the centuries. In a sense, jewelry is any ornamentation or adornment on the body. Jewelry has been used not only for aesthetic reasons but also as an indication of a person’s status in life.
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Maratha Empire Peshwa is described in multiple online sources, as addition to our editors' articles, see section below for printable documents, Maratha Empire Peshwa books and related discussion.
Suggested Pdf Resources
- INDIAN STATES AND SOCIETY IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY
- But he made no attempt to check the dangerous feudal tendency which in the end proved ruinous to the Maratha Kingdom.
- INDIAN HISTORY ( CODE NO. 14 ) PART - I (1) Sources of Ancient
- of Mughal Empire. 7. Rise of Marathas - Shivaji, Shambhaji, RajaRam, Tarabai and.
- Adapting the Eye_image sheet_08_2_2011.indd
- Maratha Empire, 1805, oil on canvas, © Tate, London 2011. 3. James Gangaram Chintaman Tambat, A Rhinoceros in the Peshwa's Menagerie at Poona, Nov.
- Savarkar – A poetic genius or a psychotic?- Response to Ashok
- Dec 31, 2010 with the defeat at Panipat battle which proved to be fatal for Maratha Kingdom under Peshwas.
Suggested News Resources
- Saroj Khan teams up with Aditi Rao Hydari for song in Marathi movie
- Set in the 17th century, based on the love story of legendary warrior of Maratha empire Peshwa Madhavrao and his wife Ramabai, the film has historic, old world appeal.
Suggested Web Resources
- Maratha Empire - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- 23 Jun.1761); Madhavrao Peshwa (1761-18 Nov.1772) (b.
- Maharashtra, Maharashtra Maratha Empire, Maharashtra History
- Map of India Provides Information about the Maratha Empire of Maharashtra. Also a Detailed Study of the Shivaji and Peshwa Rule Provided in the Website.
- Kingdoms of South Asia - Indian Kingdom of Marathas (Peshwas)
- The Maratha losses at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 has already halted the expansion of the empire and reduced the power of Peshwa.
- Indian History - Rise of Marathas and Sikh Kingdoms in India
- Balaji Vishwanath - (1713 to 1721) - In 1713, Peshwa, its status as capital of Maratha Kingdom from Rajgad.
Great care has been taken to prepare the information on this page. Elements of the content come from factual and lexical knowledge databases, realmagick.com library and third-party sources. We appreciate your suggestions and comments on further improvements of the site.
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7 Tips for Avoiding the Flu and Other Illnesses at Work
UL’s environmental health and safety advisor weighs in
As compared to all the years since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began its current influenza tracking system back in 2010, this year’s influenza season ranks among the worst for numbers sick, hospitalizations and deaths.
“The numbers are astronomical,” says Langdon Dement, environmental health and safety (EHS) advisor for UL EHS Sustainability. “We’re barely embarking on the height of flu season, meaning there are still several more weeks to go. It’s important to take workplace measures to protect yourself, your family and your coworkers, even if you already had the flu this year, as there’s a risk of contracting a different strain.”
These steps can help you reduce the
risk of getting sick with influenza, norovirus (often responsible for stomach bugs), colds, and other communicable
illnesses that can be passed easily from one person to several.
1. Get vaccinated against influenza, even this late in the season, says Dement. “It’s pivotal in reducing your risk of
2. Stay home if you’re sick. These illnesses spread easily through direct and indirect contact, droplet and airborne methods,
Dement explains. Direct contact is when you touch a person’s hand who
sneezed/coughed into it and then touch your own face. Indirect means touching a
surface that harbors the virus and then your face. Airborne transmission is
inhalation of tiny airborne virus particles.
“Most experts believe flu is
transmitted by droplet form – when infectious agents are released when a person
coughs, sneezes or talks, and come into direct contact with the mucosal
surfaces (eyes, nose or mouth) of another individual,” says Dement. This is why
a sick person can spread the flu to someone as far away as 6
when you’re showing symptoms is pivotal. If workers don’t have enough sick days
or make light of sickness and go to work, they risk passing it onto the rest of
the workplace,” Dement says.
always cover your mouth or cough/sneeze into the crock of your elbow or into a
tissue. Then wash your hands, Dement advises.
3. Use a sanitizing cloth to wipe down your workstation
multiple times a day, such as when you first get to work and before and after
snacking. If an infectious particle resides on
these surfaces, sanitizing them before you accidently touch your
nose/mouth/eyes reduces your risk of getting sick, says Dement. Pay particular
attention to areas such as keyboard, mouse, desk, telephone, and cellphone.
4. Wash your hands with soap and water often throughout the
day. “It’s going to get redundant, but
it’s a key way to reduce your risk of getting sick,” says Dement.
5. A healthcare setting that treats patients will need to
use even more precautions, such as personal protective equipment (gloves, gowns, face masks, respirators, goggles, and face
shields) when needed, adds Dement.
6. Know when to
get to a doctor. Flu symptoms include:
- Fever or a feeling of chills/feverish (though not everyone will have a fever)
- Sore throat
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Muscle/body aches
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
Although healthy people usually get better without medical intervention, the CDC urges adults to see a healthcare professional if symptoms escalate to a persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, significant tiredness or confusion. “Or if you start to get better, and then suddenly feel much worse. That could indicate a secondary bacterial pneumonia, and you should seek medical attention immediately,” says Dr. Anne Schuchat, CDC Acting Director.
Emergency symptoms in kids differ.
7. A few additional
tips for workplace leaders and HR specifically include:
- Make sure your company places sanitizing wipes and sanitizer around the workplace.
- Post signs around the workplace to reinforce and demonstrate proper handwashing.
- Post flyers showing how to properly sneeze, cough and blow the nose.
- Empower people to stay home when sick.
of everything, it’s vital to ensure that sick people stay home. That’s one of
the best ways to reduce the risk of sickness spreading throughout the
workforce,” Dement says.
these steps together can help you remain healthy during flu season and all year


MANILA — Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio on Monday debunked the territorial claim of China over almost the entire South China Sea by citing historical facts.
The statement was made by Carpio during his lecture in the De La Salle University on Monday.
According to Carpio, if the ancient maps of China will be the basis, particularly the first map of China, the Hainan Island is its southern tip territory which had the ancient name of Zhuya, Qiongya and Qiongzhou.
The Hainan Island, Carpio said, in the last many centuries is part of Guangdong Province before it became a separate province in 1988.
Carpio added that the sea expedition of Chinese Imperial Admiral Zheng He from 1405 to 1433 cannot be made as basis for the territorial claim over the South China Sea.
He stressed that Spain and Portugal also cannot revive their 15th century claim over all the seas of the world despite the 1481 Papal Bull confirming the partition of the still undiscovered territories between Spain and Portugal.
Carpio pointed out that even the historical name cannot also be made as a basis for the territorial claim because in fact, the name of South China Sea did not originate from the Chinese sea voyagers, but rather, it emanated from the European sea voyagers.
He cited that the Indian Ocean cannot be claimed by India, the Gulf of Mexico also cannot be claimed by Mexico and the Philippine Sea cannot be claimed by the Philippines as well.


Many people are aware that vitamin C can help them recover from a cold or flu, but there’s much more to understand about how vitamin C supports our health. Vitamin C is essential to good health year-round, not just when we are ill. In fact, it’s critical for our overall health and survival. Unfortunately, vitamin C deficiencies are rife today and lacking enough of this important vitamin can contribute to almost any disease.
Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory, helps increase our blood’s white count by strengthening our neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and macrophages; and generally boosts the immune system against viruses, bacteria, yeast, mold, and other unwanted fungi. This makes getting an adequate amount of vitamin C essential if you are battling a chronic illness or symptom.
The right kind of vitamin C also helps to cleanse the liver, blood, and lymph, strengthen the adrenal glands, and repair damaged neurotransmitters. It also helps the body to detox effectively, which is a challenge many chronically ill people face until they get the right detox-supporting nutrients.
The Best Sources Of Vitamin C
Different forms of vitamin C support our health in varying ways, so it’s important to know which high-quality sources of vitamin C to turn toward. Some of the best food sources of vitamin C are rosehips, kiwi, oranges, and tangerines.
Another great source of one essential form of vitamin C (there are many) is from freshly juiced fennel. Drinking 16oz of straight fennel juice on an empty stomach daily can offer many wonderful health benefits over time. All fruits and vegetables contain some vitamin C, so focusing your diet largely on fresh produce will naturally help to boost your vitamin C intake.
Your Nutrient-Enhancing Friend
One way you or a loved one can amplify the vitamin C you absorb is to get direct sunlight on your skin when possible. The sun strengthens and enhances the absorption and function of every single nutrient, vitamin C included. Think of the sunshine as a vehicle for getting a multivitamin and multimineral support to all your body systems! You don’t need to spend long in the sunshine, and sunburn should always be carefully avoided. Even five minutes in the sun early or late in the day when the sun is not full force can be very helpful.
As you can see, vitamin C is a critical mineral for our health and it deserves consideration as part of a health protocol.


So this Sunday is referred to in the lectionary cycle as "Christ the King" or "The Reign Of Christ" Sunday. With that in mind and looking at this week's scriptures, there are three things we feel are important to think about: How this Sunday fits in to the Liturgical year; The relationship between Sheep and Shepherd; And what does it mean to be subject to a King?
Christ the King Sunday is the very last Sunday of the Liturgical year. The next Sunday marks the beginning of Advent and a change in the tone and direction of our reading and our attention. This Sunday celebrates the role of Christ as the ultimate ruler. If you think about where we have come, both in terms of the Hebrew scriptures and the teachings and miracles and parables of Jesus throughout the gospel of Matthew read throughout ordinary time, we've learned a lot about leadership. Along the way, we've learned a lot about who the ancestors were as human beings, and we can probably draw some conclusions about who we are as well. And, even in our popular political culture, we've just spent a full year trying to determine what makes a good leader. We've got definite ideas of what works and what doesn't...and perhaps of the limitations of our humanness to lead, to reign, to be supreme. Christ the King Sunday is a reminder that no human leader draws near the divinity or supremacy God's incarnate Son. This is a bridge Sunday – the bridge between our Ordinary time journey through history and teachings to a season where we watch and wait for incarnation...for God with us.
Important to gaining insight to the Ezekiel passage is understanding the relationship between Sheep and Shepherd. Because of the inherent natures of sheep and humans, this is not a democratic relationship. Sheep, while possessing many endearing qualities, are not "smart" (at least according to traditional human standards). They are almost completely defenseless (they can jump, but they have no upper teeth), they are prone to disease and infection, they do not have a good sense of direction, and they cannot even lay down on their sides and get back up again easily (they mostly crouch down). Especially in the arena of sheep being domesticated by humans for their wool and meat, sheep are heavily dependant on human care and intervention. Sheep need someone to look out for them and help them find food, water, and a safe place to rest. When they are given a Shepherd, Sheep loyally respond and follow; but without one, they often find themselves lost and unsafe.
With all of this in mind, read the description Ezekiel offers of how God will be a Shepherd for God's people--God's sheep. It reads like a paternalistic love story. Ezekiel is writing to the Israelites as they are in exile in Babylon. He is reminding them God will not leave them lost and on their own, but will search them out and offer protection. However this will evidently not be blindly offered because there will be a judgment between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. This likely refers to the folks who, as they were conquered by Babylon, chose to side with the Babylonians and prospered while the bulk of Israel went in to exile.
In the Matthew passage we get more sheep references, but this time to being separated from the goats in a time of judgment. We are told that one of the primary reasons this division falls along these lines is because of the willingness to follow found in sheep. Now part of this has also to do with the greater intelligence (and as a result, greater stubbornness) of goats. Another way to read the passage is, "those who heard my voice and followed me will be at my right hand, and those who heard my voice and did not follow me and chose to go their own way will be at my left hand."
Another important part to understanding this passage is the power / dominance / authority / judgment offered by a King. We do not have much experience with Kings / Queens / Ultimate Authorities in our day. It is hard to imagine (for most of us) what it is like to be completely under the power of someone who can decide if we live or die. Jesus was sharing this teaching in a time and place where folks understood what it meant to be under an authority (the Romans) and their families had recent histories of what it meant to be under the authority of a King. The deeper explanation of this judgment that we get from the mouth of Jesus does not need much interpretation--the ones who fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, and visited the imprisoned will be blessed by the Father and inherit the Kingdom; those that offered no food, no water, no welcome, no clothing, and no visitation will be sent into the eternal fire.
Are we willing to be subjects? Are we willing to let a Shepherd guard the flock to which we belong?
This week, how do these readings and their topics / concepts / ideas work together? What do they tell us?
Do you feel the changing of the season? What are you anticipating?
What potential will rest under the surface until a warmer day?
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.


Friday, December 31, 2010
In the first centuries the Merovingian kings of Gaul conquered many German tribes, these Colonists of Gaul were also focused in change the religion. The missionary activity funded monasteries at Würzburg, Regensburg, Reichenau, and other places. Many years later, from 772 to 814, the king Charlemagne extended his empire into northern Italy and the territories of all west of Germany, including Saxons and Bavarians. When Charlemagne was confirmed as emperor of Rome, the “Holy Roma Empire” was established. The years passed and the empire was divided into several parts because of the many fights between Charlemagne’s grandchildren, this division gave place to the beginning of the Frankish Kingdom under the government of Duke Henry of Saxony. The time between 1096 and 1291 was the age of the crusades and knightly religious orders were established: The Templars, the Knights of St. John and the Teutonic Order, many towns, castles, bishops’ palaces and monasteries were founded in this age. But from 1300 The Empire started to lose territory on all its frontiers. In the 15th century the king Maximilian I tried to reform the Empire but it was frustrated by the continued territorial fragmentation of the Empire.
In the 16th century began the Germany reformation under the philosophy of Martin Luther and his “95 theses” against the abuse of indulgences to the church. Luther translated the Bible establishing the basis of modern German. By 1555 the era of religious tensions seemed to end with the Peace of Augsburg. In the 17th century the Thirty Year’s War devastated Germany, and the religious tensions continued, and the conflict was widened into a European War by the intervention of King Christian IV of Denmark, Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden and France under Cardinal Richelieu, the regent of the young Louis XIV. Germany became the main theatre of war and the scene of the final conflict between France and the Habsburgs for the predominance of Europe. The war resulted in large areas of Germany being laid waste, in a loss of something like a third of its population, and in a general impoverishment. Finally, the war ended with the Peace of Westphalia and the German territory was lost to France and Sweden; Netherlands also left the Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Empire was formally dissolved on 6 August 1806 when the last Holy Roman Emperor Francis II resigned and the Confederation of the Rhine was established under Napoleon's protection. Later with the Wars of Liberation began the destruction of Napoleon’s army and Germany was liberated from French rule.
After the fall of Napoleon, European monarchs and statesmen convened in the Vienna in 1814 for the reorganization of European affairs. On the territory of the former "Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation", the German Confederation (Deutscher Bund) was founded, a loose union of 39 states (35 ruling princes and 4 free cities) under Austrian leadership, with a Federal Diet (Bundestag) meeting in Frankfurt am Main. In 1867 the German Confederation was dissolved. In its place the North German Confederation (German Norddeutscher Bund) was established, under the leadership of Prussia. Austria was excluded, and would remain outside German affairs for most of the remaining 19th and the 20th centuries. The North German Confederation was a transitory group that existed from 1867 to 1871, between the dissolution of the German Confederation and the founding of the German Empire, led by Otto Von Bismarck who was declared chancellor. With it, Prussia established control over the 22 states of northern Germany and, via the Zollverein, southern Germany.
In 1871 The German Empire was funded with 25 states, three of which were Hanseatic free cities, and the Chancellor was Bismarck. It was dubbed the "Little German" solution, since Austria was not included. Bismarck's domestic policies as Chancellor of Germany were characterized by his fight against perceived enemies of the Protestant Prussian state. Other Bismarck's priority was to protect Germany's expanding power through a system of alliances and an attempt to contain crises until Germany was fully prepared to initiate them, then in 1879 Bismarck formed a Dual Alliance if Germany and Austria-Hungary, later Italy joined to the Dual Alliance to form a Triple Alliance against France colonial policy. In spite of Bismarck policies, the 29 year old Wilhelm II removed Bismarck of his chancellor position. In 1898 the Triple Alliance was dissolved by differences between Austria and Italy and Germany was increasingly isolated.
First World War
Imperialist power politics and the determined pursuit of national interests ultimately led to the outbreak in 1914 of the First World War, sparked by the assassination of the Austrian heir-apparent Franz Ferdinand and his wife. Germany fought on the side of Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire against Russia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and several other smaller states. Fighting also spread to the Near East and the German colonies. The entry of the United States into the war in 1917 following Germany’s declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare marked a decisive turning-point against Germany. On November Kaiser Wilhelm II and all German ruling princes abdicated and the Social Democrat Philipp Scheidemann proclaimed a Republic who signed the end of the war at Compiègne. After First World War, Germany was obligated to cede many areas, allied troops occupied the left German Bank of the Rhine for a period of 5-15 years, and the German army was to be limited to 100,000 officers. Furthermore, Germany and its allies were to accept the sole responsibility of the war, and were to pay financial reparations for all loss and damage suffered by the Allies. The humiliating peace terms provoked bitter indignation throughout Germany, and seriously weakened the new democratic regime.
In 1919, under the Weimar constitution, Friedrich Ebert was named as the first German President, but the Weimar republic was not accepted by the National Socialist German Workers' Party and German Communist Party. In 1923 began other the problems when Germany defaulted on its reparation payments French and Belgian troops occupied the heavily industrialized Ruhr district. The German government encouraged the population to passive resistance and later the occupation became a loss-making deal for French government. As consequence of this, many lost all their fortune and they would become bitter enemies of the Weimar Republic. Fortunately, in 1928 Germany’s industrial production improved. At this time, Hitler made his first appearance with storm troopers in Munich and after the national elections in 1932, the new president Hindenburg appointed him Chancellor.
With Hitler, the Communism was begun. He also formed a slim majority government and obtained the full legislative power with the Enabling Act of 1933, only the Social Democrats were against this act. The Enabling Act formed the basis for the dictatorship, dissolution of the trade unions and all political parties other than the Nazi party were suppressed. A centralized totalitarian state was established, no longer based on the liberal Weimar constitution. In 1938, Hitler entered into Austria and he was acclaimed, many Austrians voted for the annexation of their country to Germany.
Second World War
In 1939, after six years, The Nazi regime prepared the country for World War II. The Nazi leadership occupied countries through forced deportation and genocide, now knows as the Holocaust. By 1945, Germany and its partners (Italy and Japan) had been defeated, chiefly by the forces of the Soviet Union, the USA, Britain, and Canada. Many people had been killed between six million Jews and five million non-Jews, and much of Europe lay in ruins. World War II resulted in the destruction of Germany's political and economic infrastructure and led directly to its partition, considerable loss of territory, and historical legacy of guilt and shame. Germany was divided into four military occupation zones by the Allies; the three western zones would form the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) while part of the Soviet Zone became the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). The Germans were repatriated to the Eastern Europe (German exodus). In this process of expulsion, millions of Germans died.
After war, Germany population lived on near starvation levels. In the early 1950s, West Germany eventually came to enjoy prolonged economic growth. The recovery occurred largely because of the previously forbidden currency reform of June 1948 and from 1949 on partly by U.S. assistance through Marshall Plan loans. Across the border, East Germany soon became the richest, most advanced country in the Warsaw Pact, but many of its citizens looked to the West for political freedoms and economic prosperity. In 1970, West Germany under Brandt's Ostpolitik was intent on holding to its concept of "two German states in one German nation." Relations improved, and in 1973, East Germany and West Germany were admitted to the United Nations. German reunification happened in 1990 when East German authorities suddenly allowed East German citizens to enter West Berlin and West Germany. Hundreds of thousands of people took advantage of the opportunity; new crossing points were opened in the Berlin Wall and along the border with West Germany.
New Germany, France and other European countries formed the European Union. After all, Germany became into a country of remarkable diversity, with cultural differences, although Germans will never forget the dark past.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
But Changi is not content. It is going all out to add more attractions: The newest terminal has spacious art deco styled powder rooms for women, and for those with time on their hands, a butterfly park and movie theatres. And adding a completely new dimension, the airport, will also offer an exclusive area for storing and trading gold, diamonds and high value art. In the process, Changi, or at least a part of it, will turn into Fort Knox.
Changi’s latest addition is being built by Singapore Airport Freeport, a company co-founded by private investors from Singapore and Switzerland. “It will operate as a round-the-clock free trade zone that customers can use for tax-free storage and trading,” says Alain Vandenborre, vice-chairman of the company. Auction house Christie’s has taken up 40 percent of the space in the first phase; the rest is likely to be booked by art dealers, sovereign institutions, and companies active in the storage or trading of fine art and physical gold.
The Freeport is part of Changi’s attempts to increase activity that attracts more traffic into the airport. It has shielded airline users from increase in landing fees and offers incentives to those who bring in more traffic or use Singapore as a hub to link up with other carriers. Three Indian airlines — Jet Airways, Kingfisher and Air India (as well as its low cost subsidiary AI Express) — currently connect to Changi from about half a dozen points in India. These airlines have had to face huge increase in fees at airports back home over the past two years. As airline losses grew to $9 billion in 2009, most were grateful for any reductions that came their way.
Changi was able to freeze fees and offer airlines discounts on various airport services thanks to a revenue buffer created from non-aeronautical income (from shops, food and beverage sales, hotels and parking) — which was 55 percent of the total revenues earned in 2009. In the year ended March 31, 2009, the airport’s operations generated revenues of S$1.23 billion and a net surplus of S$284 million.
As traffic picks up, the discounts are slowly being scaled back for passenger carriers, though they are still in place for cargo airlines where recovery is much slower. Few airports in the region have been able to match this. Airports in India, for instance, have increased landing charges by about 10 percent during the period.
The ability to take the unconventional route to increasing traffic to the city-state, has put Changi in the lead as one of Asia’s biggest hubs. Thirty-seven million passengers used its three terminals in 2009, despite there being virtually no domestic flights in the single-city state. Contrast this with Mumbai airport that handled about 25 million passengers in the same period, counting both domestic and international flights.
Competition is stiff and every new scheme is directed at attracting more airlines. With a capacity of 70 million passengers, Changi is well-provided for growth, a trait not very evident at airports in India.
“The Bangalore international airport that opened in 2008 was saturated from day one. It was built for 11 million passengers, and traffic was already over 10 million the year it opened,” says D.P. Singh, general manager, corporate planning, at the Airport Authority of India.
At Changi they are already taking the next step. Last year the airport structure changed from a government to a corporate entity. The Temasek-led Changi Airport Group (CAG) is the new owner that bought the airport from the ministry of civil aviation. (Temasek owns and manages the Singapore government’s direct investments.) This has been followed by better salaries and hiring from the non-aviation sectors like retail. This will allow the airport to improve revenues, says a report by the Sydney-based think tank Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation which closely monitors airlines and airports in the region.
One way that Changi manages to keep its edge is by providing for the entire spectrum of airline traffic. High-value passengers, whether they are flying by a commercial airline or a business jet, can pay about S$500 to be met at the aircraft and whisked away to JetQuay, a small exclusive terminal. The service is available for arrival and departure, and the JetQuay team helps with immigration and other travel formalities.
On the other end of the band is the budget terminal that caters to the no-frills customer. Though only 20 percent of Changi’s passengers use the terminal, it allows airlines to save on aerobridge and office rental charges. There are no aerobridges or escalators and passengers have to walk on the tarmac to reach the aircraft. They are charged S$15 for using the budget terminal as opposed to S$28 for the ones with frills. “Three airlines — Tiger, Sebu-Pacific and Firefly — operate from it, even as others like AirAsia and Jetstar choose to use the main terminals so that they can interline with carriers like Qantas,” says Ivan Tan, director communications, CAG.
One formal way devised to funnel the changes needed to keep ahead is the Changi Airport Growth initiative, launched this year. Yam Kum Weng, executive vice president, Air Hub Development, says incentive programmes and joint collaborations are tailored according to the airline’s business model and needs.
Yet competition is creeping up fast in the form of other very aggressive regional airports like Kuala Lumpur and others in the Middle East like Dubai and Doha. CAG will have to think on its feet to keep ahead. The most recent case of a tough fight over a customer was for Australian budget carrier Jetstar. The Aussie carrier committed to make Changi its largest air hub in Asia. The choice was made over Kuala Lumpur airport, after much negotiation. Changi airport is the sixth largest in the world now, but keeping ahead in the future will not be easy.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
And Waugh says his time will come sooner or later. Ponting has taken time to mature into the role of skipper, but Waugh insists that there are two factors that have sharpened him from the rather blunt blade that failed to cut the mustard four years ago – namely fatherhood and then the moulding of his own side.
The birth of Waugh’s own daughter 13 years ago proved the catalyst that gave the former skipper the perspective needed to start improving as a captain.
“Becoming a parent was the key for me,” he said.
“It gave me the ability to stop thinking about cricket 24-7 and that’s important.
“It changes a lot of things in your life and maybe that was what changed Ricky’s captaincy, becoming a father.
“You see things from a different perspective. It’s not so much about yourself anymore. You have to look after your own family and your kids and you see things differently.”
A year after the birth of his first daughter, Waugh became involved with an orphanage in Calcutta called Udayan that helped girls with leprosy. And following the birth of Ponting’s fi rst daughter, Emmy Charlotte in July last year, Waugh detected a similar shift in Ponting’s focus.
“In some ways he has probably appreciated having some young guys in there who he can infl uence. It is easier when you have a team you can mould, rather than experienced players.”
Waugh was not at Cardiff yesterday and instead was saddle sore having completed 40 miles on a bicycle supporting Daley Thompson’s Laureus knife crime initiative.
Like Ponting, Waugh endured a signifi cant amount of criticism during his fi ve-year stint as captain. He maintained it is something that goes with the territory.
“Everyone in a position of leadership is going to get criticism,” he said.
“People will always have opinions. But you just have to look in the mirror and work out whether you are doing the best job you could possibly be doing. Most importantly, you have to realise you are never going to please everyone.
“When you are fresh you take all the criticism home but the longer you play the easier it gets. As a young kid you take everything on board and you think the world is against you but, later on, while you are still under pressure, you have a better perspective.”
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The biggest mistake by people wanting to start in golf is to rush out and buy a brand new set of shiny and expensive golf clubs. While they are nice to look at you should keep in mind that today's golf equipment comes in great varieties to cater for different golfing types and abilities. Since you're just starting out you do not know which set fits you best. Just imagine the envious looks you get at the driving range when you come with your $2000 set, and the subsequent laughter when you try and just 'hack away' - not worth the embarrassment! Once you spend a few hundred or even thousand $$ on a set that doesn't suit your style you're stuck with it or you have to sell it to somebody else at a loss.
GOLF COURSES IN GERMANY
Taking a Golf courses can be very expensive, time-consuming effort. And like any good or service that will cost money and require time, you should be careful before you buy. It's OK to shop around for a golf instructor, it's recommended in order to find the best fit. Here you can find some things to consider before you commit to golf lessons.
Know your Price Limit
Golf lessons are expensive. But some are more expensive than others. Generally, the more expensive instructors are the ones with more experience, more accolades and who are attached to a more upscale golf facility. But there are lots of teaching pros out there who are less expensive but still very good. Decide how much you are willing to spend before you start shopping, and stick to it.
Make Sure Your Goals and Commitment Match
A golf instructor can do wonders with your game, but he can't do it alone. To make golf lessons worthwhile, you must be able to follow up on them by continuing to work on the instructor's suggestions on your own time. The higher your goals, the more work will be required. Be realistic in your goals and make sure you can offer the commitment necessary to meet those goals.
Private Lessons vs. Golf Schools
Private lessons and Golf schools are the two typical ways to receive golf instruction. Both have strengths. Private lessons allow for follow-up visits over a period of time - a building block approach to learning golf. Schools offer an intensive amount of learning in a short time, but can also offer too much information and without follow-up. But private lessons can take months to complete.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala, Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Monikangana Dutta, Rajit Kapoor, Shernaz Patel,Nafisa Ali, Sanjay Lafont
Music: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Lyrics: A.M. Turaz, Vibhu Puri
Recommended Audience: General
Film Released on: 19 November 2010
Hrithik Roshan. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Three powerhouse names in a single film, and the potential viewer has nothing but the universe to expect for the film. And yet, there will be some skeptics who have lost faith in Bhansali a la Saawariya. The questions that now remain on the mind are: Does Guzaarish score? Has Bhansali made a gem? Do Hrithik and Aishwarya get it right again with their chemistry?
Set in Goa, Guzaarish traces the lives of a paraplegic Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik Roshan), once a famed magician who lost his ability to feel or work with anything below his neck level. He is now a radio show host of the program Radio Zindagi – a show that speaks about life and living it to the fullest – in an unknown radio station, and is taken care of by his nurse, Sofia D’Souza (Aishwarya Rai), who shares a strong but silent bond with him. One fine day, he calls his lawyer friend, Devyani Dutta (Shernaz Patel) and asks her to file a petition in the court for his own death, leaving Devyani and Sofia stunned. In this time, an eager magician, Omar Siddiqui (Aditya Roy Kapoor), comes into his life to learn magic – and it is here that Ethan decides to hand over his entire knowedge to him. Slowly, he learns to live, to absorb and to love… all in more ways than one!
Now we all know that Bhansali films are unique in their own, regardless of how good or bad the box office collections or critical reactions may be may be. While Khamoshi is still the standpoint of his career, the only film in which he has given a glimmer of hope to see more of the filmmaker’s potential was in Black. And when Saawariya released, most felt the hope was diminished, as though it was made on a large scale, the movie was slow, and the screenplay of the story lacked punch to attract a universal crowd; hence the extremely mixed buzz for Guzaarish. In fact, many people stated that the promos and trailers of Guzaarish had a certain déjà vu from Saawariya.
Guzaarish is not only different from Saawariya; in fact, here, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has finally outdone Khamoshi and has given us a moving storyline with an equally sensational screenplay (Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Bhavani Iyer), having fantastic dialogues (Vibhu Puri, Bhavani Iyer) that will sting your mind long after the movie’s over. Post Black and Saawariya, we already know that Bhansali is a fan of the bluish color tone, and here too, though it hasn’t been added in dollops, there’s just the right amount of it with subtlety all over it. Even if there’s so much pain and tragedy in display in the lives of the protagonists, each frame looks picturesque; thereby forming an ironical correlation between pulchritude and desolation.
Production design and styling of the characters give the movie and the protagonists an old-world feel. Sudeep Chatterjee’s cinematography captures each frame with a hauntingly dark aesthetic that will not just seduce the viewer, but arouse a lot of curiosity in one’s mind concerning the lives and the incidents of the protagonists.
Tubby and Parik’s background score is absolutely breathtaking, and one of the best since Love Aaj Kal. The score is something not to be listened, but to be experienced deep within while watching the film. Camerawork is smooth and consistent throughout, keeping the overall pace uniform. Hemal Kothari’s edit is excellent. Music by the auteur, Bhansali, himself, is terrific, and the visuals totally support the lyrics and the compositions.
Moving on to the performances, Hrithik Roshan is the showstealer. Here he takes the whole movie forward with the varied emotions he exhibits, whether it’s the awkward laugh, or the tears when he cries hearing the voice of his muse Estelle after fourteen long years. His aggressiveness and the way he reacts like an excited 10-year old while touching upon matters of sexual arousal.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gets back at her detractors like a raging tigress after the failure of Raavan, and performs stupendously. She impresses with her absolutely restrained performance, her aura and her overall controlled self. She plays the part of the nurse more like she is the nurse. The chemistry they both display, as usual, is phenomenal. Each scene they’ve shared with each other has a certain uniqueness of intensity attached to it.
Aditya Roy Kapoor shines. He’s already proved himself in London Dreams and Action Replayy, and he’s continuing to do so in his own inimitable style. This guy’s got a lot of potential. Shernaz Patel is a natural. Nafisa Ali charms, even though it is in a small role. Ash Chandler enacts his part efficiently. Others are laudable.
Overall, I’ll have to say that never since Khamoshi, have I seen something Bhansali has done better till Guzaarish came along. Guzaarish is easily the best film of Bhansali, and the best film of the year so far. In a year where we’ve seen a lot of masala moneymakers, the audience has always thirsted for something far different and meaningful. Guzaarish is not just those, it’s THE actual, genuine, bona fide deal. It’s food for the mind and the soul. It’s relish for each of the body’s senses. It’s well-worth the big screen experience, and is to be appreciated in a whole new way!
Producer: Kunal Kohli
Director: Danish Aslam
Starring: Imran Khan,Deepika Padukone,Shahana Goswami,Yudishtir Urs,Navin Nischol, Lillete Dubey
Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi
Recommended Audience: General
Film Released on: 26 November 2010
Kunal Kohli has, and will always be known for his surprise hit Hum Tum, for which actor Saif Ali Khan became a star overnight. Post Hum Tum’s success, Kohli directed an average Fanaa, and followed it up with a decent Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, which also announced the debut of his production cell, Kunal Kohli Productions. More than two years later, Kohli is back, albeit only to produce debutant director Danish Aslam’s film under his banner. This movie has a lot going for it – Vishal-Shekhar’s excellent music, Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone’s extra-promising pair, and a genre (romantic comedy) that has proven to be a success more often than not.
But there are times when the genre doesn’t work, and when the formula fails to generate success. Does Break Ke Baad succeed or does Danish Aslam fail to execute a good product? Let me analyse.
They grew up together, they became the closest of friends, and then they decided to be in a relationship for around eight years, till she finally gets to achieve her dream of being an actress, post getting elected in a scholarship for acting in Australia, and this is when Abhay (Imran Khan) and Aaliya (Deepika Padukone) decide to “take a break” in their relationship. And then life changes for them…
I’ve always said that, and I repeat, that story and screenplay is very important for the viewers to hold their attention, but here, the screenplay (Renuka Kunzru, Danish Aslam) is full of glitches. Most of the movie borrows from the attitude of Love Aaj Kal, which was a far superior product, which successfully conveyed the confusion in relationships and kept it far more real than any other. While the character development is something viewers must watch out for, the story fails to grip post interval – it just goes all slow, and the viewer wonders why did they come to see the film.
The pre-interval portions hold some interest due to the imaginative writing of the lead characters and engaging chemistry between the two; along with some witty realistic one-liners and some scenes you could relate to. But post-intermission, the movie drags and goes into various subplots such as the two trying to make a secure life out of their ambitions and dreams, which for most part makes the story drab and boring. What makes the movie worse is the random climax, which makes the viewer feel it was as if the movie was written in a hurry. Though Imran Khan’s previous film had nothing new to say, it was far more entertaining because of some smart writing, something that’s only shown in bits and spurts here. I’d like to mention, however, that though Danish the screenwriter requires a lot more to work on, Danish the director has a lot of potential and is here to stay, provided he gets better scripts to work on.
It seems the makers try very hard to cover their screenplay by trying to gloss it up with technically superior stuff. The movie boasts of amazing cinematography, where each frame looks beautiful, and with the help of some neat camerawork, makes it look on par with international films. Background score gels well with the scene. Music by Vishal-Shekhar is absolutely fresh, and the visuals complement the song terrifically. Lyrics by Prasoon Joshi have been well written and fit the songs and the situations they support well. What’s good about it is that the songs don’t have lip-sync, which make it pretty grounded. Styling for the lead characters is spot-on. Editing by Anand Subaya is phenomenal; especially noteworthy is the split-screen scene where the two are leading separate lives, feeling the same way.
Moving on to the performances, Imran Khan does really well, but he seems repetitive, just like Deepika Padukone’s character graph looks like. Imran Khan played a similar “understanding” guy in Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, but when actors look repetitive in their roles, the future doesn’t look good unless they get more versatile even though they want to stick to the same genre. Nevertheless, he hooks you because of the slightly different mould of the character he’s playing.
Deepika Padukone has spunk, but her role reminds you of both Bachna Ae Haseeno and Love Aaj Kal. While her commitment phobia reminds you of Bachna Ae Haseeno, the bold, thinking attitude of her character reminds you a bit of Love Aaj Kal. While Deepika’s mad act is probably the only reason one might stay to watch how the film unfolds, post her gripping act in Lafangey Parindey, one expected her to reach new heights, and with the promising promos, it looked quite like it, but apparently all that glitters isn’t always gold!
Lillette Dubey is a far more gripping character to look out for, and when supporting characters like herself and Sharmila Tagore (playing Ayesha Khan, Aaliya’s ex-star mom) become more interesting than the lead characters themselves, you know there’s something wrong. Navin Nischol is good. Yudhishtir Urs, otherwise known as the host of Channel [V]’s hatke show Truth/Love/Cash, is hilarious! Shahana Goswami is amazing! She is one actress to look out for! Her body language as the no nonsense person is perfect! Others are good.
Overall, Break Ke Baad tries to hard to be cool and modern, but also tries to pack in too many subplots and shaadis and over-exaggerated coolness, that it gets difficult to view the movie as a romantic comedy anymore! This is a clear case of the trailers giving dubious promise! Watch this film only if you’ve got nothing to do! Disappointing.
Producer: Sunita Gowariker, Ajay Bijli, Sanjeev K Bijli
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Starring: Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Vishakha Singh, Sikandar Kher
Music: Sohail Sen
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Recommended Audience: Parental Guidance
Film Released on: 03 December 2010
Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey is a book to movie adaptation by the gifted film-maker Ashutosh Gowariker. The film is based on the book 'Do And Die: The Chittagong Uprising 1930-34' by Manini Chatterjee. Once again Ashutosh Gowariker has returned to the forgotten era. And once again he has shown that this most definitely his forte, previously with Lagaan , Jodhaa Akbar, and now Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey. Speaking with Ashutosh Gowariker he spoke about the difficulties which arose whilst shooting this film and the most difficult hurdle by far was in re-creating the 1930s in Chittagong. Not only is this demanding and a lengthy process, but Gowariker sure convinces the audiences of the realities of the 1930s.
The film is set in the 1930s British India: In the province of undivided Bengal lies the sleepy, peaceful port of Chittagong. In this unassuming little town a revolution is about to begin; a revolution which will forever wake all of Chittagong and inspire the entire nation. The plot of the movie is based on a real incident...April 18. One night. Five simultaneous attacks. A band of 64 people; 56 innocent yet fearless young boys, five defiant revolutionaries, two determined young women, and an idealistic leader - Suriya Sen, a school teacher by profession.
This group of 64 represents a little-known chapter in history; a forgotten night that reigned terror on the British through a series of calculated attacks. Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey is a true story of these forgotten heroes and the narrative takes us through every step of the action from the initial trepidation, to the thrill of the attack, to the underground movement, daring escapes and tragic captures, and most importantly, their undying legacy. The film has been shot in Goa and not in Chittagong as some may think, Despite not shooting in the original locations of the 1930 revolution; the film most certainly captures the feel and spirit of the youth in that era.
Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey is embroidered with some beautifully soft instrumental pieces alongside two songs “Naiyn Tere” [Pamela Jain and Rajini Jose] and “Sapney Saloney” [Sohail Sen and Pamela Jain] hit a chord with me besides the patriotic number “Vande Mataram” [Revised Sanskrit To Hindi] by Cine Singers Association Chorus Group. The music was impactful in every scene and added to the screenplay.
And now coming to the crunch time, Abhishek Bachchan suited the character of Suriya Sen. His character appears very passionate, but at the same time very composed and it was great to see that contradiction. Abhishek emerges into the character very well. The cool, calm collected teacher to the successful revolutionary he really is. After Guru this has to be Abhishek’s most memorable performance to date. Let's hope he receives some accolades for this role. He portrayed the character to the fullest.
Deepika Padukone discards her glamorous looks that we usually see her sport in films. For accepting a role like this so early on in her career, she should be commended. She lived up to the strong, determined and ambitious character of Kalpana Datta and brought her own elements in to the role. She looked stunning in simple sarees draped in a Bengali manner.
Sikander Kher who essays the role of Suriya Sen’s friend Nirmal Sen, left me with a lasting impression. He stood out in most of the scenes he was in. Kudos to Sikander for pulling off a supporting actor role so brilliantly. The rest of the supporting cast and comrades of Suriya Sen were played by Samrat Mukerji, Vishakha Singh, Maninder and Feroz Wahid Khan, each actor gave an honest and natural performance. I would not want to forget the teenage actors, some whose faces I did recognise from television serials. Each youth artist gave an honest performance; all of them looked the part, showed enthusiasm and charisma.
One must mention the production design by Nitin Desai and costume design by Neeta Lulla which proves to be very authentic and transports you to the 1930s era in India.
Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey is truly an enlightening and enriching experience especially as this revolution was almost unheard of within our Indian history. It certainly evoked the Indian in me and brought me to tears in many scenes. The only flaw with the film (as with all Gowariker's films) is the length. It is approximately 2:50 hours long and there are parts that could have been condensed. It may not rake in the coins at the box office, but it’s by far one of this year’s epics and runaway success in terms of creativity. It is a film that needs to be encouraged and appreciated by all.
Friday, December 3, 2010
KOFFEE WITH KARAN
|Karan Johar’s ‘Koffee With Karan’ third season is undoubtedly spicier than the previous ones. Each episode throws up surprises. This weekend, it’s the smashing Bollywood couple Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan on the couch.|
What so special about this episode? Read on...
On the show, Saif looked dashing, and Kareena quite saucy in a saree. Saif once again proved he is one of the best in clever quips and ripostes. He sure does impress with his wit and humour. When asked by Karan, what his advertising punchline would be, he replied, “Reliable, strong and very long!”
Here are the stills of the duo with Karan:
The director of films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Black and Guzaarish is now planning to revive his once-shelved film which will star Salman Khanand Kareena Kapoor in lead roles.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali has recently admitted that he makes films, not money, so reviving an old film requires courage. If the recent buzz is to be believed than the director has started thinking again about his magnum opus Bajirao Mastani with Salman and Kareena. The movie was planned in the year 2003 and Sanjay was eager to have Aishwarya Rai in the lead role of Mastani opposite Salman. But because of the Salman and Aishwarya break-up, the director abandoned the thought of making the film with the couple.
Later he went on to make other films but he couldn’t actually part withBajirao Mastani. Sanjay even thought of Kareena at that time for the role but nothing could materialize. Afterwards, Bajirao Mastani was tagged as a jinxed film.
The film narrates the love story of Peshwa Bajirao and his second wife Mastani, who was a Muslim. Their relationship was also the reason of much rift in the orthodox Marathi society of that time and led to a major crisis within the royal Peshwa family. Mastani was a brave lady; she was a skilled horse-rider and used to go to the battlefield with her valiant husband.
With a skilled director like Sanjay, we can expect Bajirao Mastani to be another grandiose, epic film.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The ocean’s waves often break over the side of the Icebergs swimming pool, located in the corner of the famed Bondi Beach. This beautiful full-sized 8 lane, 50m swimming pool is open to the public and the fee is only 5 AUD.
Unlike the Icebergs, you would have to be a millionaire to immerse yourself in the waters of the Neptune Pool. The pool, located at Hearst Castle, was originally constructed in 1920s for William Randolph Hearst, an American magnate, and has, since, been rebuilt twice.
This twisting swimming pool projects eight feet over the sidewalk, at the edge of the 10th floor of the Joule Hotel in Dallas. The five-star complex, located in the building since 1927, was designed by a famed architect, Adam D. Tihany.
The calm, emerald-green swimming pool is floating above the Ayung River valley in Bali’s lush foothills. The pool’s home is the Alila Udubu resort, Payangan, a traditional Balinese hill village, near Ubud.
All we know about this swimming pool is that it is located somewhere in Iceland, and to swim in it you have to drive to the farm next door to ask for a key. If you find it, let me know…
This is the world’s largest swimming pool. It is 1,013 m (3,324 ft) long and has an area of 8 ha (19.77 acre), which is equivalent to 6,000 8-meter-long pools. The water is pumped from the Pacific Ocean, then filtered and treated before it is supplied to the pool.
Gellert Baths and Swimming Pool complex looks more like a cathedral than a pool. The famed Budapest’s bath was constructed between 1912 and 1918 and it features chic Art Nouveau style. The temperature of water exceeds 40°C (110°F), so visiting the baths is a perfect way to kill the time on a rainy day.
Harbour Grand Hong Kong, an icon of luxury in Hong Kong, is home to an amazing outdoor swimming pool that sits on the 23th floor of the hotel. The pool, facing the Victoria Harbour, has some truly stunning views of the city’s countless skyscrapers.
Badeschiff or “bathing ship” is the most unusual swimming pool in Berlin. It is an old cargo container converted into a pool on Spree River. During the summer it is an outdoor pool with the beach, bar and DJs. In the winter the whole thing is covered, and a few extra saunas are added.
This amazing swimming pool in Pimalai Resort & Spa on Koh Lanta looks more like some kind of a temple site. In fact, it is a fresh-water, infinity-edge pool, which is set around 50 meters above sea level – so while swimming you can admire the spectacular views of the beach and the sea below.
Water cycle is one of the most interesting environmental cycles to learn about. One can always experiment with simple projects on water cycle and observe this cycle practically. This article will provide you with an explanation of the water cycle for kids with the different stages of the water cycle and some interesting projects to perform and observe the water cycle.


The International Potato Center (CIP) announces the launch of its free online mobile accessible Pest Risk Atlas for Africa that assesses potential pest risks under current and potential future climate conditions for a number of important pests that effect African agricultural and horticultural crops like potato, sweetpotato, vegetables, and maize.
“African communities are highly dependent on agriculture, which is vulnerable to unpredictable changes in climatic conditions,” said Dr. Jürgen Kroschel, CIP’s Agroecology and Integrated Pest Management science leader. “Any increase in temperature caused by climate change will have drastic effects on pest invasions and outbreaks affecting pest management, crop production and food security.”
Climate change will exacerbate existing vulnerabilities of resource-constrained farmers who depend on agriculture for a living. CIP launched the Pest Risk Atlas for Africa to benefit researchers and extension workers involved in pest risk analysis and pest management. Ultimately, this information will create better awareness of current and future pest risks under climate change and promote the inclusion of pest risk adaptation plans at country level. Consequently, it may lead to the adaptation of sustainable pest control methods that are not overly dependent on pesticides and therefore are best suited for farmers in Africa to improve their food security and daily lives under future climates.
In its global pest management research efforts, CIP’s Agroecology and Integrated Pest Management program developed a scientific framework based on advanced pest phenology modeling and Geographic Information System risk mapping to better understand future pest risks on global, regional, and local scales and to use this information for adaptation planning.
The Pest Risk Atlas for Africa provides detailed information for pest risk analysis including:
- Detection and identification, morphology, and biology with an emphasis on temperature-dependent development
- Means of movement and dispersal, economic impact, geographical distribution, and phytosanitary risks
- Risk mapping under current and future climates: global risk and regional risks for Africa with individual country risk maps
- Phytosanitary measures and adaptation to risk avoidance at farm level.
On average, 30–50% of the yield losses in agricultural crops are caused by pests, despite the application of pesticides to control them. Climate, especially temperature, has a strong and direct influence on the development and growth of insect pest populations. A rise in temperature due to climate change may both increase or decrease pest development rates. Hence, an increase in temperature can potentially affect range expansion and outbreaks of many insect pests. Therefore, if adequate integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are not developed and made available to farmers, greater losses in crop yield and quality could ultimately result.
Natural enemies play an important role in managing pests and are often used in classical biocontrol programs to manage invasive non-indigenous pests. It is important to better understand how climate change will affect this trophic level and how crop management can build and rely on biocontrol strategies. The Pest Atlas for Africa includes important data and mapping information to better use this powerful pest management option.
The Pest Risk Atlas for Africa is now available online at https://cipotato.org/riskatlasforafrica/ and will be periodically updated and enriched with new pest chapters. All individual pest and biocontrol agent chapters can be downloaded for free. It also contains interactivity that allows users to zoom into maps, and do quick searches for specific information.
The International Potato Center, known by its Spanish acronym CIP, was founded in 1971 as a root and tuber research-for-development institution delivering sustainable solutions to the pressing world problems of hunger, poverty, and the degradation of natural resources. CIP is truly a global center, with headquarters in Lima, Peru and offices in 20 developing countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Working closely with our partners, CIP seeks to achieve food security, increased well-being, and gender equity for poor people in the developing world. CIP furthers its mission through rigorous research, innovation in science and technology, and capacity strengthening regarding root and tuber farming and food systems.
CIP is part of the CGIAR Systems Organization, a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food secure future. CGIAR research is dedicated to reducing rural poverty, increasing food security, improving human health and nutrition, and ensuring more sustainable management of natural resources. Donors include individual countries, major foundations, and international entities.


I saw two kangaroos; but it was when we were among the rocks, and they in the plains below. Juno stood on a jutting precipitous rock, aud pointed them, a little frightened, yet half inclined to take a bound after them. Carlo had a run after a wallabee; but it requires a practised dog to kill one, and he is yet inexperienced.
May 1st.—Some natives—seven men, one pretty young woman, and two boys—have been here. I gave them some wheat, but they wanted bread very much, and stayed with me for it half an hour, then went to Mr. Shaw's, thence to the barracks, where shots were fired to frighten them; they were unarmed;—I hope we shall not suffer for the indiscretion of the soldiers.
2nd.—Captain Irwin came here to-day, and instituted an inquiry into this unprovoked and causeless firing at the unarmed natives, and issued strict orders.
A murder was committed by the natives the day before yesterday, on the road between Fremantle and the Canning, in consequence of the following provocation. Some time ago, a man who had come from Van Diemen's Land, when escorting a cart to the house of Mr. Phillips, on the Canning, saw some unoffending natives in the way. "D—n the rascals," said he, "I'll show you how we treat them in Van Diemen's Land," and immediately fired on them. That very cart, with two men who had been present at the transaction, was passing near the same spot the day before yesterday, when they were met by about fifty natives, who had lain in ambush, and the two men were deprived of life so suddenly, that Mr. Phillips (who was accompanying other carts about two hundred yards behind) was hardly in time to see Ya-gan thrust a spear into one of them as he lay on the ground. A reward has been offered for the head of this Ya-gan, whether dead or alive; and several others who were active in the affair, will probably be proclaimed also. A native was shot a few days since at Fremantle, in the act of breaking into a store at night.


A monument to a forgotten war’s soldiers awaits restoration on the National Mall.
By Donna Evers
The First World War left an indelible impression on all of those who experienced its horrors. Ernest Hemingway, one of many young writers who volunteered to drive ambulances on the battlefields, borrowed an expression coined by his friend, Gertrude Stein, to describe those who came of age during and shortly after the conflict as the “Lost Generation.” To those who witnessed the death and devastation, the war signaled the end of optimism about the future. At the same time, they marveled at the courage of the soldiers who gave their lives.