While surfing I came across a site http://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/
A site for rescue and adoption of dogs who face "euthanasia" (how i hate that word) in shelter homes.
Based in San Francisco, the non-profit organization offers dogs for adoption.
The thing that is really sad is why does anyone need to kill animals in the first place. And it isn't even that these animals are sick.
Perhaps it is the fault of the kind of life-style we lead (or want to lead).
Many friends tell me about how impressed they are by the "cleanliness" they see when they visit abroad. and filth we have here in India. And i agree hundred percent that it is highly unclean here. With heaps of garbage and man and animal living in dire conditions in many quarters of cities in India, we do need a massive cleanup.
I shudder to think of the day though when we will "really" catch up with the West in terms of brandishing strays as outlaws.
I think many people around the world would be surprised to know that Indian people are the worst in the world when it comes to compassion for animals. For our much touted cultural superiority or Gandhian values; we as a people fail miserably when it comes to compassion for animals. Forget strays even pets are mal-treated here.
If we continue down the path of progress which we surely will, i just hope we have enough people out there who dont make dumb animals pay the price for what we think is progress.
Many Indians though blindly adopt all values of the West, which arent all bad. But the way we apply them here is really stark.
Innumerable times there are calls for rounding up dogs in Bombay to avoid spread of rabies and the mass growth in the dog population.
While i agree spread of rabies must be halted and dog population controlled, i havnt once read in any letters to the editors about people who would want to volunteer money or cost of rabies shots (even for strays in their own colony or locality) to the NGOs involved in vaccination and spaying/castration of animals.
Instead they cry fowl that it isnt their responsibility at all and the best solution would be to kill all the animals.
Little does anyone realise that till a few years back dogs were killed in the most horrifying manner.
Tied up in gunny bags that were doused in water and then a live wire was dropped on them! Sometimes dogs in gunny bags were bitten to death!
Very alarming indeed that we say we are progressing, educated, a country full of young people but want to go back to these barbarian ways!
And anyone who claims that this will never happen again is in for a shock, because contrary to the claims of the Municipal Corporation not much money is either allocated or worst allocated funds never reach the NGOs; the Municipal Corporation does indeed find such "low-tech, low cost and barbaric solutions" quite the norm.
Seeing the following page
http://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/availabledogs.html
I was reminded of all the strays i see around here in India and they shameful way we treat them.
I once read a quote by Gandhi in which he said
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." —Mahatma Gandhi.
In the land of the Mahatma where we have this enshrined in our constitutional Article 51A, which makes it a duty of every citizen of India "(g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures".
we still dont feel obliged to our moral and ethical duties.
Buddhism-Mahavamsa:
If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men
Friday, April 28, 2006
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Flintoff now to sing duet with Elton!!!
lol the world is really bizarre! MSN autofeed reports this.
London, April 27 : Singer Sir Elton John is set to sing a duet with cricket star Andrew Flintoff next month to raise money for charity.
According to contactmusic.com, the pair became friends when Flintoff made John's song "Rocket Man" as England's unofficial anthem for the Ashes tournament last year. The duet will take place at Flintoff's benefit event in London's Battersea Park.
Elton says: "Andrew puts bums on seats, makes the game as exciting as it can be. And he plays the game in a sporting manner, the manner in which all sports should be played."
Of the duet, Flintoff says: "Appearing with the great man, at the moment, seems far more daunting than bowling to Ricky Ponting or facing Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. I am really looking forward to Elton performing 'Rocket Man' - which became such a special part of last summer's Ashes success."
Quite funny to imagine Freddie singing. We would rather have Freddie "sing with his bat".
Picture credit: http://www.sporting-heroes.net
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Mughal-e-Azam released in Pakistan
Great news for Hindi movie lovers in Pakistan with the unreasonable ban on Indian movies being removed to screen the all time classic movie Mughal-e-Azam.
Since Hindi movies were as it is watched in Pakistan with pirated music and DVD sales eating into the movie industrie's profit margins to the tune of billions of rupees.
By recognising the genuine industry in Pakistan, we have indeed come a long way since the ban on Indian movies in Pakistan after the 1965 war.
Part of the insecurity stemmed from percieved fear that Hindi movies would swarm the Pakistani market and leave their home grown talent at sea.
Which is truly sad cause Pakistani movie makers come out with good stories. Somehow the finishing and technical part is not upto the mark. Also cheaply made movies tend to leave a bitter taste in everyone's mouth.
Many Pakistanis might be surprised to know that we make movies of those kind too which are huge flops at the box-office.
The key to success for Bollywood has been the corporatisation of our movie making business with "movie making" getting industry status.
I dont know if many people are aware of the "Official Website of Mughal-e-Azam". But if you want to know more about this ever-green classic please visit following link:
http://www.mughaleazam.com/
Sections included are: Info on Cast & Crew, History, Restoration and Colourisation, Music, Synopsis, Trivia, Downloads, Bonus
Here is a report of screenings in Lahore.
Lahoris cold to 'Mughal-e-Azam'
Source: IANS.
Islamabad, April 26: Fear of what the media has dubbed "mullah trouble" has marred the running of "Mughal-e-Azam" in Lahore, Pakistan's second largest city, though people strongly backed the move to allow Indian films to be screened in Pakistan.
The first Indian film to be released in over four decades, Mughal-e-Azam is being screened at Gulistan Cinema on amid tight security. "It's an Indian film," a policeman said, "and we don't want any trouble, like the mullas attacking."
"Surprisingly, there was a whole bunch of bearded men wearing white shalwar kameez among the audience," said a report in the Daily Times newspaper.
The paper spoke to a number of people about the screening of Mughal-e-Azam in Pakistan.
"I think it is a fabulous thing! I would much rather watch these Indian films in cinema," said prominent artist Salima Hashmi. "It's about time we let go of the hypocrisy," she said, "since we all enjoy watching Indian films."
She said she remembered when President Pervez Musharraf went to India, he specifically wanted to meet the stars of film Veer Zara. "We all know who Rani Mukherjee or Shah Rukh Khan is!"
"It's a brilliant idea," said cultural icon Yousaf Salahuddin.
"It will help improve our standards of filmmaking and be an incentive to build more and improved cinemas. I don't think it will affect our Punjabi cinema," he said. Mughal-e-Azam is an immortal love story which can be enjoyed at any age or era."
Rock star Ali Azmat said allowing Indian films in Pakistan would give all producers a wake-up call.Mughal-e-Azam is a love story that represents the shared history of the subcontinent," he said.
However, Munaza Abbas, a beauty salon owner, said she knew the film was being screened but would not watch it because her family did not approve of going to cinemas. In any case, she preferred films with 'mirch masala'," she said.
"It was not given the publicity it should have been," the Gulistan Cinema gatekeeper said. "Most people have no clue it's being played but those who came have left raving about it."
"I would not go to watch it," said Muhammad Naveed, a candy vendor. "I prefer fun, love stories. Its not about money, I would spend 500 if I thought the movie was worth watching."
But Manat, a balloon vendor, said: "It's great that Indian films are being shown in Pakistan," he said. "I love Indian cinema and will definitely watch Mughal-e-Azam on a Sunday, when I'm free."
A family at the cinema hall was delighted at the film's screening.
"It's wonderful that the ban has been lifted for this movie," said a woman. "I hope we can finally enjoy Indian movies in our own cinemas, instead of buying DVDs."
"We wanted to see Madhubala and Dilip Kumar on the big screen. Not a single actress of today can compete with the stunning, classic Madhubala," she added.
The hall fell into silence as soon as the curtain rose and the movie began. The appearance of the enigmatic Madhubala with her gorgeous smile brought loud applause from the audience.
The audience sang along with the popular songs Pyar kiya to darna kya and Mohabat ka asar dekheingay.
More about the movie on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal-e-Azam
on Internet Movie Database (IMDb)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054098/
Since Hindi movies were as it is watched in Pakistan with pirated music and DVD sales eating into the movie industrie's profit margins to the tune of billions of rupees.
By recognising the genuine industry in Pakistan, we have indeed come a long way since the ban on Indian movies in Pakistan after the 1965 war.
Part of the insecurity stemmed from percieved fear that Hindi movies would swarm the Pakistani market and leave their home grown talent at sea.
Which is truly sad cause Pakistani movie makers come out with good stories. Somehow the finishing and technical part is not upto the mark. Also cheaply made movies tend to leave a bitter taste in everyone's mouth.
Many Pakistanis might be surprised to know that we make movies of those kind too which are huge flops at the box-office.
The key to success for Bollywood has been the corporatisation of our movie making business with "movie making" getting industry status.
I dont know if many people are aware of the "Official Website of Mughal-e-Azam". But if you want to know more about this ever-green classic please visit following link:
http://www.mughaleazam.com/
Sections included are: Info on Cast & Crew, History, Restoration and Colourisation, Music, Synopsis, Trivia, Downloads, Bonus
Here is a report of screenings in Lahore.
Lahoris cold to 'Mughal-e-Azam'
Source: IANS.
Islamabad, April 26: Fear of what the media has dubbed "mullah trouble" has marred the running of "Mughal-e-Azam" in Lahore, Pakistan's second largest city, though people strongly backed the move to allow Indian films to be screened in Pakistan.
The first Indian film to be released in over four decades, Mughal-e-Azam is being screened at Gulistan Cinema on amid tight security. "It's an Indian film," a policeman said, "and we don't want any trouble, like the mullas attacking."
"Surprisingly, there was a whole bunch of bearded men wearing white shalwar kameez among the audience," said a report in the Daily Times newspaper.
The paper spoke to a number of people about the screening of Mughal-e-Azam in Pakistan.
"I think it is a fabulous thing! I would much rather watch these Indian films in cinema," said prominent artist Salima Hashmi. "It's about time we let go of the hypocrisy," she said, "since we all enjoy watching Indian films."
She said she remembered when President Pervez Musharraf went to India, he specifically wanted to meet the stars of film Veer Zara. "We all know who Rani Mukherjee or Shah Rukh Khan is!"
"It's a brilliant idea," said cultural icon Yousaf Salahuddin.
"It will help improve our standards of filmmaking and be an incentive to build more and improved cinemas. I don't think it will affect our Punjabi cinema," he said. Mughal-e-Azam is an immortal love story which can be enjoyed at any age or era."
Rock star Ali Azmat said allowing Indian films in Pakistan would give all producers a wake-up call.Mughal-e-Azam is a love story that represents the shared history of the subcontinent," he said.
However, Munaza Abbas, a beauty salon owner, said she knew the film was being screened but would not watch it because her family did not approve of going to cinemas. In any case, she preferred films with 'mirch masala'," she said.
"It was not given the publicity it should have been," the Gulistan Cinema gatekeeper said. "Most people have no clue it's being played but those who came have left raving about it."
"I would not go to watch it," said Muhammad Naveed, a candy vendor. "I prefer fun, love stories. Its not about money, I would spend 500 if I thought the movie was worth watching."
But Manat, a balloon vendor, said: "It's great that Indian films are being shown in Pakistan," he said. "I love Indian cinema and will definitely watch Mughal-e-Azam on a Sunday, when I'm free."
A family at the cinema hall was delighted at the film's screening.
"It's wonderful that the ban has been lifted for this movie," said a woman. "I hope we can finally enjoy Indian movies in our own cinemas, instead of buying DVDs."
"We wanted to see Madhubala and Dilip Kumar on the big screen. Not a single actress of today can compete with the stunning, classic Madhubala," she added.
The hall fell into silence as soon as the curtain rose and the movie began. The appearance of the enigmatic Madhubala with her gorgeous smile brought loud applause from the audience.
The audience sang along with the popular songs Pyar kiya to darna kya and Mohabat ka asar dekheingay.
More about the movie on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal-e-Azam
on Internet Movie Database (IMDb)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054098/
What your "sneeze" can reveal about you!
Look what the world is coming to. Now we have studies to observe our styles of "sneezing"???!!!
A sneeze could give away your personality traits
Source: IANS.
New York, April 26 : "A-choo!" the sound that comes when you sneeze could reveal details about your personality, said a US body language expert.
Patti A. Wood, an Atlanta-based consultant who created the Achoo IQ Study for Benadryl, said a sneeze could offer a revealing look at someone's
personality, reported the online edition of ABC News.
Wood categorised sneezers into four categories: nice, be right, get it done and enthusiastic.
Wood classifies you as a "nice sneezer" if you are a single sneezer and turn away when you do so. People in the category are characterised as being warm, helpful, supportive and nurturing of others.
Or are you the type to let a big loud sneeze out? These sneezers, or "get it done" sneezers, are found to be fast, decisive and to the point. They typically make the best leaders.
Do you always keep tissues handy and cover your mouth when you feel a sneeze coming? These are the "be right" sneezers and are typically the careful, accurate, deep-thinking type, said Wood.
The last group are the enthusiastic sneezers. These are the people with sneezes you notice - such as your grandfather whose sneezes perhaps terrify you, or your co-worker who always sneezes five times.
The enthusiastic sneezers were found to be charismatic and social and have the ability to motivate others.
source:
http://autofeed.msn.co.in/pandorav3/output/News/df261a09-c9ff-4635-ad74-120478703825.aspx
lol all this talk about "Achoo IQ" is making me yawn. oops Better close my mouth fast otherwise soon someone might come out with "Yawn IQ"
1st Indian to ski to North Pole:Ajeet Bajaj
Ajeet Bajaj is first Indian to ski to North Pole
Source: IANS.
Bajaj, 40, skied for nine days from a Russian weather camp in the Artic Ocean to reach the North Pole early morning (IST).
"He reached the North Pole at around 4.50 a.m. Wednesday and called us on satellite phone to give us the good news," said his wife Shirly Thomas Bajaj.
"He has overcome the sub-zero atmosphere and the rough terrain and we are really happy for him. Calls have poured in from relatives to congratulate us," Shirly told.
North Pole is close to the northern point at which the Earth's axis of rotation meets the surface. The pole is located in the Arctic Ocean.
Ajeet, the managing director of Snow Leopards adventure sports, had left India April 14 for Norway and later underwent three days of training in Russia.
He is part of a five-member cross-country skiing expedition team that has three Americans and a Briton.
source:
http://autofeed.msn.co.in/pandorav3/output/News/5f281df4-c681-406d-b61c-54b1e0719422.aspx
Congratulations to Mr. Bajaj for doing India proud.
3 cheers for Team India!!! hip hip hurrah!!!
Source: IANS.
Bajaj, 40, skied for nine days from a Russian weather camp in the Artic Ocean to reach the North Pole early morning (IST).
"He reached the North Pole at around 4.50 a.m. Wednesday and called us on satellite phone to give us the good news," said his wife Shirly Thomas Bajaj.
"He has overcome the sub-zero atmosphere and the rough terrain and we are really happy for him. Calls have poured in from relatives to congratulate us," Shirly told.
North Pole is close to the northern point at which the Earth's axis of rotation meets the surface. The pole is located in the Arctic Ocean.
Ajeet, the managing director of Snow Leopards adventure sports, had left India April 14 for Norway and later underwent three days of training in Russia.
He is part of a five-member cross-country skiing expedition team that has three Americans and a Briton.
source:
http://autofeed.msn.co.in/pandorav3/output/News/5f281df4-c681-406d-b61c-54b1e0719422.aspx
Congratulations to Mr. Bajaj for doing India proud.
3 cheers for Team India!!! hip hip hurrah!!!
Music Directors Jatin-Lalit Depart
Music directors Jatin-Lalit have decided to part ways and "Fanaa" will be their last movie together.
In an interview to HT the duo speak about their music, Fanaa and life after.
Visit the link below for Jain and Lalit's interviews.
http://autofeed.msn.co.in/pandorav3/output/Cinema/d8dc2426-f970-4610-baa4-98cb97227a1c.aspx
In an interview to HT the duo speak about their music, Fanaa and life after.
Visit the link below for Jain and Lalit's interviews.
http://autofeed.msn.co.in/pandorav3/output/Cinema/d8dc2426-f970-4610-baa4-98cb97227a1c.aspx
Internet Explorer 7
2:36 PM 4/26/2006
Vidhyut Kargutkar
In the latest attempt by Microsoft to revamp IE so that it isnt vulnerable to viruses and hackers (a big claim!); Microsoft will soon come out with the latest ver 7 of IE.
Facing stiff competition from Firefox, Netscape and Opera, the company has now made a test version available.
The new version is set for release by the end of the year.
Read about it here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/25/AR2006042501910.html
It remains to be seen however if Microsoft can now match its claims by its performance. Otherwise this could soon be just another "no show" in a long list of past failures and more updates to fix never ending problems.
Part of the problem also stems from Microsoft's need for domination and hegemony of the browser market as with other softwares including Operating Systems.
With a greater share of the market and vast numbers of users relying on IE, it becomes all the more vulnerable to mass attacks by viruses that now spread faster than anti-virus updates!
Vidhyut Kargutkar
In the latest attempt by Microsoft to revamp IE so that it isnt vulnerable to viruses and hackers (a big claim!); Microsoft will soon come out with the latest ver 7 of IE.
Facing stiff competition from Firefox, Netscape and Opera, the company has now made a test version available.
The new version is set for release by the end of the year.
Read about it here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/25/AR2006042501910.html
It remains to be seen however if Microsoft can now match its claims by its performance. Otherwise this could soon be just another "no show" in a long list of past failures and more updates to fix never ending problems.
Part of the problem also stems from Microsoft's need for domination and hegemony of the browser market as with other softwares including Operating Systems.
With a greater share of the market and vast numbers of users relying on IE, it becomes all the more vulnerable to mass attacks by viruses that now spread faster than anti-virus updates!
Adidas Logo War Against ITF and the 4 Slams
The Tennis World may be abuzz with news about the "inequality in pay at Wimbledon" but i think this piece of news warranted atleast a little view.
Henman, Sir Cliff and Wimbledon sued in logo war
By Paul Newman
Published: 26 April 2006
Tim Henman is used to receiving substantial backing from adidas, but if his sponsors have their way the four-times Wimbledon semi-finalist will soon be writing out a cheque to them.
Henman, along with Roger Federer, Venus Williams, Sir Cliff Richard, the Duke of Kent and their 1,000 fellow members of the All England Club, are being sued by adidas in a dispute over the use of the distinctive "three stripes" which the kit manufacturer uses on its sportswear.
In London next month adidas will go to the High Court to challenge a decision by Wimbledon and the French, Australian and US Opens to restrict the size of the three stripes on kit worn by players. Henman, Andre Agassi, Martina Hingis and Justine Henin-Hardenne are among the leading players sponsored by adidas, which is suing the International Tennis Federation, the four Grand Slam tournaments and the individual members of the All England Club.
Tim Phillips, the Wimbledon chairman, is sending out a letter this week to the club's 375 full members and 600-plus associate members informing them that adidas is seeking both an injunction to prevent the new rule being applied at this year's championships and damages incurred as a consequence of the rule. Henman is a Wimbledon member, as are all the men's and women's champions, including his fellow adidas players Hingis and Agassi.
Some other manufacturers have felt that adidas has enjoyed an unfair advantage. At last year's Masters Series tournament in Rome, Nike made a point when one of its players, Rafael Nadal, wore a shirt with a logo - the "swoosh" - many times larger than permitted.
Originally notified of the change in May last year, adidas were eventually given until 26 June this year - the first day of the Wimbledon championships - to comply. However, the company has now decided to go to court.
The company claims that the rule "discriminates against adidas and infringes elementary EU competition rights". The company said the three stripes running down shirt sleeves and shorts were not a standard logo. It said its official logo consisted of three stripes in a pyramid with "adidas" written underneath.
source: http://sport.independent.co.uk/tennis/article360113.ece
Henman, Sir Cliff and Wimbledon sued in logo war
By Paul Newman
Published: 26 April 2006
Tim Henman is used to receiving substantial backing from adidas, but if his sponsors have their way the four-times Wimbledon semi-finalist will soon be writing out a cheque to them.
Henman, along with Roger Federer, Venus Williams, Sir Cliff Richard, the Duke of Kent and their 1,000 fellow members of the All England Club, are being sued by adidas in a dispute over the use of the distinctive "three stripes" which the kit manufacturer uses on its sportswear.
In London next month adidas will go to the High Court to challenge a decision by Wimbledon and the French, Australian and US Opens to restrict the size of the three stripes on kit worn by players. Henman, Andre Agassi, Martina Hingis and Justine Henin-Hardenne are among the leading players sponsored by adidas, which is suing the International Tennis Federation, the four Grand Slam tournaments and the individual members of the All England Club.
Tim Phillips, the Wimbledon chairman, is sending out a letter this week to the club's 375 full members and 600-plus associate members informing them that adidas is seeking both an injunction to prevent the new rule being applied at this year's championships and damages incurred as a consequence of the rule. Henman is a Wimbledon member, as are all the men's and women's champions, including his fellow adidas players Hingis and Agassi.
Some other manufacturers have felt that adidas has enjoyed an unfair advantage. At last year's Masters Series tournament in Rome, Nike made a point when one of its players, Rafael Nadal, wore a shirt with a logo - the "swoosh" - many times larger than permitted.
Originally notified of the change in May last year, adidas were eventually given until 26 June this year - the first day of the Wimbledon championships - to comply. However, the company has now decided to go to court.
The company claims that the rule "discriminates against adidas and infringes elementary EU competition rights". The company said the three stripes running down shirt sleeves and shorts were not a standard logo. It said its official logo consisted of three stripes in a pyramid with "adidas" written underneath.
source: http://sport.independent.co.uk/tennis/article360113.ece
Maria Sharapova 19th birthday pictures
The pictures doing the round of the net these days.
pictures by: Todd Plitt
pictures by: Todd Plitt
Message for Manny
hey Manfred check the links ;)
So i kept my promise. btw i wont login at night. i am busy for a few days now, so might not be online even.
i have to go shopping today.
So i kept my promise. btw i wont login at night. i am busy for a few days now, so might not be online even.
i have to go shopping today.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Martina Hingis at Magdalena Maleeva's farewell event in Sofia
From Magdalena Maleeva's official site:
20 April 2006
A farewell event for Maggie to be held in Sofia
After 16 succesfull seasons in the tennis elite, Maggie has decided to retire from professional sport. Her last tournament was in Zurich in October 2005.
On April 28, in the Winter palace of sports in her home town Sofia, she will be the host of a great one night event celebrating her tennis career. Her guests for the big night will be her sisters Manuela and Katerina, Martina Hingis, Conchita Martines, Elena Likhovtseva, Natasha Zvereva, Liezel Huber.
The event's web site is here (in bulgarian only).Sponors of the event are vivatel and Toyota. All the profits will be used by Maggie for charity.
source:
http://www.magdalena-maleeva.net/index.php?p=shownews&date=2006-04-20&title=A
20 April 2006
A farewell event for Maggie to be held in Sofia
After 16 succesfull seasons in the tennis elite, Maggie has decided to retire from professional sport. Her last tournament was in Zurich in October 2005.
On April 28, in the Winter palace of sports in her home town Sofia, she will be the host of a great one night event celebrating her tennis career. Her guests for the big night will be her sisters Manuela and Katerina, Martina Hingis, Conchita Martines, Elena Likhovtseva, Natasha Zvereva, Liezel Huber.
The event's web site is here (in bulgarian only).Sponors of the event are vivatel and Toyota. All the profits will be used by Maggie for charity.
source:
http://www.magdalena-maleeva.net/index.php?p=shownews&date=2006-04-20&title=A
Upcoming sports season
A nice article i came across regarding what to look forward to this sporting season.
Here:
http://www.nineronline.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/04/18/44450942577c7
Here:
http://www.nineronline.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/04/18/44450942577c7
Manmohan Singh in Germany
Another DNA Article:
PM to flag off year of India in Germany
Arati R Jerath
Thursday, April 20, 2006 22:47 IST
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will flag off an “India Year” in Germany when he opens the Hannover Trade Fair with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday.
India is the partner country in the Fair and with participation by 300 top engineering firms, it intends to make a huge splash at the world’s biggest industrial exhibition.
But it’s not only the famed Hannover Fair that will fete India this year. In May, India will be the flavour at Bonn’s cultural festival. Then comes the Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest exhibition of books. And India will be the focus country.
Finally, India will feature as a major destination at the World Travel Mart. Showcasing India will be at the top of the PM’s agenda on his three-day visit to Germany, beginning Saturday. He will also take the opportunity to further India’s strategic partnership with Germany.
The Indo-US nuclear deal will figure in his talks with Merkel. Germany has privately expressed some reservations on India’s efforts to join the elite nuclear club. Most of its queries revolve around the Iran nuclear controversy and India’s position on the issue.
MEA officials said the PM will use the trip to explain India’s position. He will particularly stress on India’s galloping energy needs while reiterating that India cannot support nuclear proliferation in the Iran context. On his way back, he will stop for a day in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
source:
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1025237
PM to flag off year of India in Germany
Arati R Jerath
Thursday, April 20, 2006 22:47 IST
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will flag off an “India Year” in Germany when he opens the Hannover Trade Fair with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday.
India is the partner country in the Fair and with participation by 300 top engineering firms, it intends to make a huge splash at the world’s biggest industrial exhibition.
But it’s not only the famed Hannover Fair that will fete India this year. In May, India will be the flavour at Bonn’s cultural festival. Then comes the Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest exhibition of books. And India will be the focus country.
Finally, India will feature as a major destination at the World Travel Mart. Showcasing India will be at the top of the PM’s agenda on his three-day visit to Germany, beginning Saturday. He will also take the opportunity to further India’s strategic partnership with Germany.
The Indo-US nuclear deal will figure in his talks with Merkel. Germany has privately expressed some reservations on India’s efforts to join the elite nuclear club. Most of its queries revolve around the Iran nuclear controversy and India’s position on the issue.
MEA officials said the PM will use the trip to explain India’s position. He will particularly stress on India’s galloping energy needs while reiterating that India cannot support nuclear proliferation in the Iran context. On his way back, he will stop for a day in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
source:
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1025237
DNA article on Anna Kournikova
Some Russian sight-seeing
DNA
Tuesday, April 18, 2006 20:50 IST
The sad bit about Anna Kournikova’s legacy is that no one really remembers her for her tennis. In the self proclaimed “I am beautiful, famous and gorgeous” typecasting, Anna made for better copy on account of her lissome legs and pop singer boyfriend Enrique Iglesias.
The ironic bit is that, beyond the fluff, this woman helped propel a revolution that has borne 11 Russian women in the top 50 of the women’s tour for the first time ever.
Anna proved to be a shining beacon that lit the way to stardom for hundreds of Russian girls.
Dinara Safina, the sister of men’s star Marat and presently ranked 18 in the world said: “Women’s tennis, in Russia and around the world, is popular because of Kournikova. A lot of players want to be like her.”
But somehow, in being part of the 1998 People magazine “50 Most Beautiful People” list and close to the top 50 in the Forbes Power list which measures celebrity power vis-a-vis their visibility in the media, Kournikova the pioneer tennis player got lost. She became a victim of her own adulation and, since a 305 year-end ranking on the 2003 Tour list, has not figured on the tennis registers.
Wonder years
Sergei Kournikova was a former wrestler earning in the vicinity of $140 a month as a teacher in the Russian Physical Culture Ministry. Sergei and mom Alla chose to sell their TV to get their five-year-old a racquet so that she could attend a weekly tennis programme in Moscow.
By nine, the talent was obvious enough to be spotted by a sports agent who had discovered the agency’s youngest signatory.
The Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida followed where the coach, who had shaped the arsenal of Andre Agassi and Jim Courier, would groom her potence. “The only person I could compare her to is John McEnroe,” said the ex-paratrooper.
By end 1995, Anna was the number one ranked junior in the world. She was 14. On a surprising high of 57 on the WTA rankings, she was voted the most improved player next year. In 1997, she became only the second woman in the Open Era to reach Wimbledon semifinals on her debut.
Early autumn however, the initial promise failed to flower. Despite 16 doubles titles, Anna failed to win even one singles crown on the Tour. She would stoop to the lowly $400,000 events too to jettison the pesky monkey, but it persisted in keeping her back.
Google Anna Kournikova and you get 58 lakh plus hits.
The game became secondary for her largely male fans who made her picture one of the most sought-after on the net. In her book Hidden Side of Women’s Tennis, Nathalie Tauziat points to new found motivation amongst the ranks the queen had ruffled.
“Everybody in women’s tennis plays their hardest so they can beat her and prove her looks are useless,” she wrote. Pam Shriver found her attention to looking good irritating enough to suggest that Anna should focus on her game rather that at wearing down the locker room mirror.
Even as the game refused to sizzle, off court Anna certainly did. An alleged affair with NHL star Sergei Federov at 16 had her saying: “He wishes.” On the Jay Leno show she explained away her micro-minis: “It’s not that my skirts are any shorter than other players; my legs are longer. You cannot disagree with that, can you?”
Still only 24
A self-imposed withdrawal from the sport has left in Anna’s wake a lingering question mark. The sex symbol image by far outweighs her tennis exploits. But then she is all of 24. If Martina Hingis can have a second innings, why not Anna?
The prod of Russia’s miserable living conditions immediately after the end of Communism is but a far memory for Anna now; $3.5 million in prize money and much more from endorsements has ensured that. The years have not flown away but Anna’s spark sure has. Her millions of fans await a rekindling.
source:
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1024814&CatID=6
DNA
Tuesday, April 18, 2006 20:50 IST
The sad bit about Anna Kournikova’s legacy is that no one really remembers her for her tennis. In the self proclaimed “I am beautiful, famous and gorgeous” typecasting, Anna made for better copy on account of her lissome legs and pop singer boyfriend Enrique Iglesias.
The ironic bit is that, beyond the fluff, this woman helped propel a revolution that has borne 11 Russian women in the top 50 of the women’s tour for the first time ever.
Anna proved to be a shining beacon that lit the way to stardom for hundreds of Russian girls.
Dinara Safina, the sister of men’s star Marat and presently ranked 18 in the world said: “Women’s tennis, in Russia and around the world, is popular because of Kournikova. A lot of players want to be like her.”
But somehow, in being part of the 1998 People magazine “50 Most Beautiful People” list and close to the top 50 in the Forbes Power list which measures celebrity power vis-a-vis their visibility in the media, Kournikova the pioneer tennis player got lost. She became a victim of her own adulation and, since a 305 year-end ranking on the 2003 Tour list, has not figured on the tennis registers.
Wonder years
Sergei Kournikova was a former wrestler earning in the vicinity of $140 a month as a teacher in the Russian Physical Culture Ministry. Sergei and mom Alla chose to sell their TV to get their five-year-old a racquet so that she could attend a weekly tennis programme in Moscow.
By nine, the talent was obvious enough to be spotted by a sports agent who had discovered the agency’s youngest signatory.
The Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida followed where the coach, who had shaped the arsenal of Andre Agassi and Jim Courier, would groom her potence. “The only person I could compare her to is John McEnroe,” said the ex-paratrooper.
By end 1995, Anna was the number one ranked junior in the world. She was 14. On a surprising high of 57 on the WTA rankings, she was voted the most improved player next year. In 1997, she became only the second woman in the Open Era to reach Wimbledon semifinals on her debut.
Early autumn however, the initial promise failed to flower. Despite 16 doubles titles, Anna failed to win even one singles crown on the Tour. She would stoop to the lowly $400,000 events too to jettison the pesky monkey, but it persisted in keeping her back.
Google Anna Kournikova and you get 58 lakh plus hits.
The game became secondary for her largely male fans who made her picture one of the most sought-after on the net. In her book Hidden Side of Women’s Tennis, Nathalie Tauziat points to new found motivation amongst the ranks the queen had ruffled.
“Everybody in women’s tennis plays their hardest so they can beat her and prove her looks are useless,” she wrote. Pam Shriver found her attention to looking good irritating enough to suggest that Anna should focus on her game rather that at wearing down the locker room mirror.
Even as the game refused to sizzle, off court Anna certainly did. An alleged affair with NHL star Sergei Federov at 16 had her saying: “He wishes.” On the Jay Leno show she explained away her micro-minis: “It’s not that my skirts are any shorter than other players; my legs are longer. You cannot disagree with that, can you?”
Still only 24
A self-imposed withdrawal from the sport has left in Anna’s wake a lingering question mark. The sex symbol image by far outweighs her tennis exploits. But then she is all of 24. If Martina Hingis can have a second innings, why not Anna?
The prod of Russia’s miserable living conditions immediately after the end of Communism is but a far memory for Anna now; $3.5 million in prize money and much more from endorsements has ensured that. The years have not flown away but Anna’s spark sure has. Her millions of fans await a rekindling.
source:
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1024814&CatID=6
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Silver fillings found kid-safe
Silver fillings found kid-safe
Traditional tooth care contains mercury but doesn't harm children, major studies indicate
By Jonathan Bor
Sun reporter
Originally published April 19, 2006
Wading into a dispute that is unlikely to die, two scientific teams have concluded that silver dental fillings containing mercury do not harm the memory, attention, coordination or kidney function of children who receive them.
Scientists who in each case randomly assigned about 500 children to receive traditional fillings with mercury or white "composite" fillings found that those receiving the old-style material excreted slightly more mercury in their urine -- showing that they had greater exposure to the potentially toxic metal.
But scientists found no differences between the two groups on a variety of tests.
"We can eliminate the hypothesis that there are large effects on the central nervous system and the renal systems from amounts that were used in these children," said Dr. David C. Bellinger, a neurologist with Children's Hospital of Boston and lead author of one of the studies.
The studies, appearing in today's Journal of the American Medical Association, "should be reassuring for parents, children and dental professionals," said Sonja McKinlay, an epidemiologist with the New England Research Institute and principal investigator of the Boston-based study.
But long-standing opponents of so-called silver amalgam fillings said the studies were unethical and not designed to detect problems that could take decades to emerge.
"To take a vulnerable subset of people and intentionally insult them with a known neurotoxin -- I don't think it's ethical to do that study," said Dr. David Kennedy, past president of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, a 500-member group that opposes amalgam fillings.
The group has filed complaints with officials at Harvard University and the University of Washington in Seattle, which oversaw the studies. Scientists who conducted the research said they did nothing unethical because they offered treatments that meet accepted standards of care.
Composite fillings, made of an epoxy resin and silica particles, have come into widespread use because they are white and blend into a person's smile. Fillings containing mercury have been used for at least 150 years, and scientists long assumed that a patient's only exposure occurred when the dentist packed a cavity with the material.
In the 1970s, however, scientists using more sensitive laboratory equipment discovered that the exposure continues, with people emitting minute amounts of mercury vapor each time they chew. Patients inhale some of the vapor into their lungs, and the metal enters the bloodstream.
Studies over the years have reached different conclusions about the possible health effects, with some finding a link to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis, and others finding no harm at all. Some have shown that dentists who handle the material in the course of their work suffer cognitive declines.
Mercury is one of the most toxic metals studied, and exposure can cause dementia, kidney failure, swelling and other health problems, experts say.
In recent years, controversy has swirled around the use of a mercury preservative in childhood vaccines, with some parents alleging that the vaccines triggered their children's autism. A recent review by the prestigious Institute of Medicine found no such link.
The studies appearing today are the first large, randomized safety trials of amalgam and composite fillings ever done. Considered the "gold standard" in medical research, such trials compare research subjects who are similar in every way except for the treatments being studied.
In the New England study, researchers enrolled 534 children ages 6 to 10 who had untreated decay in their rear permanent teeth and no previous amalgam fillings. The scientists, who designed their study to detect an IQ drop of at least 3 points, found no differences during five years of follow-up.
The scientists also looked for changes in memory, learning and motor skills -- finding none.
In the other study, scientists led by Dr. Tim DeRouen of the University of Washington in Seattle recruited 507 children ages 8 to 10 in Lisbon, Portugal, and tested them over the course of seven years. The scientists said they chose the region because children there have lots of untreated tooth decay and tend not to move out of the area, making their cases easy to track.
The scientists found no differences in memory, attention and physical coordination, as well as the ability of nerves in the legs to conduct signals.
In an editorial also appearing in JAMA, Dr. Herbert L. Needleman of the University of Pittsburgh wrote that the studies were limited in scope, because they were not designed to detect subtle changes that could occur over many years. He said some children might be genetically predisposed to react badly to small exposures to mercury.
Dr. Michael Baylin, a Pikesville dentist, said the studies won't change his belief that small amounts of mercury leaching into a patient's bloodstream over a lifetime can be injurious. He noted that dentists are urged to handle and dispose of the substance carefully so they don't harm themselves or the public.
"You can't throw it down the toilet, you can't pour it down the drain and you have to be very careful in the way you handle it," said Baylin, who stopped using amalgam 30 years ago. "I don't think I'd want to have mercury put in anybody's mouth I cared about."
But J. Anthony von Fraunhofer, director of biomaterials research at the University of Maryland Dental School, said he is convinced that the amount of mercury vapor released as a person chews is too small to hurt anyone. By his calculations, it would take 350 years for enough mercury from a single filling to reach concentrations capable of doing harm.
"In other words, we're talking about an unbelievably long time scale," he said. "Even then, you're not too sure you'd reach anything like a level of concern."
source:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/bal-te.mercury19apr19,0,6365373.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines
Traditional tooth care contains mercury but doesn't harm children, major studies indicate
By Jonathan Bor
Sun reporter
Originally published April 19, 2006
Wading into a dispute that is unlikely to die, two scientific teams have concluded that silver dental fillings containing mercury do not harm the memory, attention, coordination or kidney function of children who receive them.
Scientists who in each case randomly assigned about 500 children to receive traditional fillings with mercury or white "composite" fillings found that those receiving the old-style material excreted slightly more mercury in their urine -- showing that they had greater exposure to the potentially toxic metal.
But scientists found no differences between the two groups on a variety of tests.
"We can eliminate the hypothesis that there are large effects on the central nervous system and the renal systems from amounts that were used in these children," said Dr. David C. Bellinger, a neurologist with Children's Hospital of Boston and lead author of one of the studies.
The studies, appearing in today's Journal of the American Medical Association, "should be reassuring for parents, children and dental professionals," said Sonja McKinlay, an epidemiologist with the New England Research Institute and principal investigator of the Boston-based study.
But long-standing opponents of so-called silver amalgam fillings said the studies were unethical and not designed to detect problems that could take decades to emerge.
"To take a vulnerable subset of people and intentionally insult them with a known neurotoxin -- I don't think it's ethical to do that study," said Dr. David Kennedy, past president of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, a 500-member group that opposes amalgam fillings.
The group has filed complaints with officials at Harvard University and the University of Washington in Seattle, which oversaw the studies. Scientists who conducted the research said they did nothing unethical because they offered treatments that meet accepted standards of care.
Composite fillings, made of an epoxy resin and silica particles, have come into widespread use because they are white and blend into a person's smile. Fillings containing mercury have been used for at least 150 years, and scientists long assumed that a patient's only exposure occurred when the dentist packed a cavity with the material.
In the 1970s, however, scientists using more sensitive laboratory equipment discovered that the exposure continues, with people emitting minute amounts of mercury vapor each time they chew. Patients inhale some of the vapor into their lungs, and the metal enters the bloodstream.
Studies over the years have reached different conclusions about the possible health effects, with some finding a link to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis, and others finding no harm at all. Some have shown that dentists who handle the material in the course of their work suffer cognitive declines.
Mercury is one of the most toxic metals studied, and exposure can cause dementia, kidney failure, swelling and other health problems, experts say.
In recent years, controversy has swirled around the use of a mercury preservative in childhood vaccines, with some parents alleging that the vaccines triggered their children's autism. A recent review by the prestigious Institute of Medicine found no such link.
The studies appearing today are the first large, randomized safety trials of amalgam and composite fillings ever done. Considered the "gold standard" in medical research, such trials compare research subjects who are similar in every way except for the treatments being studied.
In the New England study, researchers enrolled 534 children ages 6 to 10 who had untreated decay in their rear permanent teeth and no previous amalgam fillings. The scientists, who designed their study to detect an IQ drop of at least 3 points, found no differences during five years of follow-up.
The scientists also looked for changes in memory, learning and motor skills -- finding none.
In the other study, scientists led by Dr. Tim DeRouen of the University of Washington in Seattle recruited 507 children ages 8 to 10 in Lisbon, Portugal, and tested them over the course of seven years. The scientists said they chose the region because children there have lots of untreated tooth decay and tend not to move out of the area, making their cases easy to track.
The scientists found no differences in memory, attention and physical coordination, as well as the ability of nerves in the legs to conduct signals.
In an editorial also appearing in JAMA, Dr. Herbert L. Needleman of the University of Pittsburgh wrote that the studies were limited in scope, because they were not designed to detect subtle changes that could occur over many years. He said some children might be genetically predisposed to react badly to small exposures to mercury.
Dr. Michael Baylin, a Pikesville dentist, said the studies won't change his belief that small amounts of mercury leaching into a patient's bloodstream over a lifetime can be injurious. He noted that dentists are urged to handle and dispose of the substance carefully so they don't harm themselves or the public.
"You can't throw it down the toilet, you can't pour it down the drain and you have to be very careful in the way you handle it," said Baylin, who stopped using amalgam 30 years ago. "I don't think I'd want to have mercury put in anybody's mouth I cared about."
But J. Anthony von Fraunhofer, director of biomaterials research at the University of Maryland Dental School, said he is convinced that the amount of mercury vapor released as a person chews is too small to hurt anyone. By his calculations, it would take 350 years for enough mercury from a single filling to reach concentrations capable of doing harm.
"In other words, we're talking about an unbelievably long time scale," he said. "Even then, you're not too sure you'd reach anything like a level of concern."
source:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/bal-te.mercury19apr19,0,6365373.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
An MSN Special: Totally Tennis
"Totally Tennis" on MSN India
http://tennis06.msnspecials.in/
Sections included:
News
Rankings
Calendar
Player Profiles
Trivia
Quiz
Memorable Matches
Slideshow
http://tennis06.msnspecials.in/
Sections included:
News
Rankings
Calendar
Player Profiles
Trivia
Quiz
Memorable Matches
Slideshow
Monday, April 17, 2006
Indian govt set to release regulatory codes for T.V. industry
1:46 AM 4/18/2006
Bombay, Maharashtra
Vidhyut Kargutkar
In a move planned to curb obscenity, vulgarity and violence on T.V. the Indian government is in the process of coming out with strict rules governing content shown on t.v.
While this is a welcome move as there isnt any self-regulation on the part of cable operators and t.v. channels wherein even adult content is sometimes shown during prime time hours.
The government is thinking pf appointing a separate content regulator to excute the task. The government will soon be coming out with a "broadcast regulatory bill".
Channels failing to comply with the new regime will face penalties or in extreme cases have their licenses revoked.
One point to note here will be that even "news channels" will come under the gambit.
Which could imply a so called stranglehold on the infamous "sting operations" which highlight government corruption and bigotry in bold terms and without fear of repercussions.
With a bill such as this one in the hands of the lawmakers; it could easily be misused to prevent flow of info about government activities.
Ban of violence from news channels could mean no or limited live coverage of terror attacks.
The need for flow of free and fair information is infact greater now instead of some half baked measures to curb it where it isnt needed substantially.
Bombay, Maharashtra
Vidhyut Kargutkar
In a move planned to curb obscenity, vulgarity and violence on T.V. the Indian government is in the process of coming out with strict rules governing content shown on t.v.
While this is a welcome move as there isnt any self-regulation on the part of cable operators and t.v. channels wherein even adult content is sometimes shown during prime time hours.
The government is thinking pf appointing a separate content regulator to excute the task. The government will soon be coming out with a "broadcast regulatory bill".
Channels failing to comply with the new regime will face penalties or in extreme cases have their licenses revoked.
One point to note here will be that even "news channels" will come under the gambit.
Which could imply a so called stranglehold on the infamous "sting operations" which highlight government corruption and bigotry in bold terms and without fear of repercussions.
With a bill such as this one in the hands of the lawmakers; it could easily be misused to prevent flow of info about government activities.
Ban of violence from news channels could mean no or limited live coverage of terror attacks.
The need for flow of free and fair information is infact greater now instead of some half baked measures to curb it where it isnt needed substantially.
Maths now optional in Mumbai Schools?
Education Minster Prof Vasant Purke has come up with this "weird" proposal of making maths optional for students in school.
Maths for Std VIII, IX and X students
• Sets
• Real numbers
• Surds
• Algebraic expressions
• Linear equations
• Factorisations
• Polynomials
• Logarithms
• Indices
Mumbai Mirror article will shed more light on this:
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=2&articleid=4172006018203141720060145359
Maths for Std VIII, IX and X students
• Sets
• Real numbers
• Surds
• Algebraic expressions
• Linear equations
• Factorisations
• Polynomials
• Logarithms
• Indices
Mumbai Mirror article will shed more light on this:
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=2&articleid=4172006018203141720060145359
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