With Caroline Kennedy dropping out, Democratic congresswoman is set to become New York’s next Senator. Gov. David Paterson will name her to fill Hillary Clinton’s vacant seat on Frida
Source : http://buzznewsroom.com
Gov. Paterson Set to Name Kirsten Gillibrand to Senate
'Button,' 'Reader' are in the running for best picture Oscar
"The Reader"? Really?
While it was no surprise that "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" got the most Academy Award nominations Thursday - it led the way with 13 - it was something of a shock to see "The Reader" score nominations for best picture and best director (for Stephen Daldry). That Kate Winslet was nominated for playing a German woman with a dark past - you know what that means - who embarks on an affair with a teenage boy was also expected. But the category wasn't. She won a Golden Globe for supporting actress in the same role; Thursday she was nominated in the best-actress category.
Neither "The Reader" nor" Button," by the way, were as good as "The Dark Knight," which received only one nomination among the major categories: the expected and well-deserved nod for best supporting actor for the late Heath Ledger. Evidently Oscar isn't ready to recognize that sometimes a film with comic-book roots can be something more (even when it makes a mint).
"Button" was nominated for best picture, best director (David Fincher), best actor (Brad Pitt) and best supporting actress (Taraji P. Henson), among the major categories. The film, about a man (Pitt) who ages backward, is really "Forrest Gump" for grownups - which, considering the way "Gump" cleaned up at the Oscars, probably isn't a bad thing when it comes to hauling home the hardware.
Other surprises: Clint Eastwood didn't get nominations for directing or acting in "Gran Torino," his film about an aging bigot who befriends a Hmong boy. And while every actor in a major role in "Doubt" got nominated - Meryl Streep for best actress, Amy Adams and Viola Davis for best supporting actress and Philip Seymour Hoffman for best supporting actor - the film didn't get a best-picture nod, and John Patrick Shanley wasn't nominated for directing (though he was for best adapted screenplay).
Must be all about the acting then, eh?
Sally Hawkins was snubbed for her charming performance in "Happy-Go-Lucky" - certainly more deserving than Angelina Jolie in "The Changeling" - but not everything unexpected was a disappointment. Melissa Leo, for instance, was outstanding in the bleak "Frozen River"; her best-actress nomination is a welcome jolt. The same is true of Richard Jenkins, fantastic as a professor trying to help a detained man in "The Visitor." They're both really good movies whose combined audience was about the size of the line for popcorn at a showing of "The Dark Knight."
And it was nice to see Mickey Rourke's comeback officially validated, with a best-actor nomination for "The Wrestler" (Marisa Tomei got a best supporting actress nod for the same film). In fact, the best-actor category - which, in addition to Rourke, Jenkins and Pitt, includes Sean Penn for his role as Harvey Milk in "Milk" and "Frank Langella" as Richard Nixon in "Frost/Nixon" - looks to be the most competitive of the bunch.
Among the others? The smart money, alas, is on "Button" for best picture and Fincher for best director, though "Slumdog Millionaire," Danny Boyle's ultimately joyous (and better) film about a poor boy who wins big on a game show, might sneak in with the upset. ("Slumdog" got 10 nominations.) "Milk" and "Frost/Nixon" were outstanding, but don't bet the house on them.
Penn and Langella were great, but Rourke is the clear sentimental favorite for best actor. Anne Hathaway's performance carried "Rachel Getting Married," but it's folly to ever bet against Streep. Meanwhile, we'll go with Davis and Ledger in the supporting categories.
Will they win? We'll find out Feb. 22, when the ceremony is held. Of course, as the nominations for "The Reader" prove, there's no such thing as a sure bet.
Source : http://www.argusleader.com
Maestro Rahman’s music draws Oscar nominations
After becoming the first Indian to win the Golden Globe, music maestro Allah Rakha Rahman added yet another feather in his cap blazing a new trail getting a triple Oscar nomination in two categories, an unprecedented feat for any Indian.
The 43-year-old music wizard, nicknamed ‘Mozart of Madras’, who has enthralled audience in the country and abroad with his heartwarming symphonies finally got his due recognition on the international stage with his composition in the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
Rahman, born in Chennai on January 6, 1966, was nominated in the Best Original Score and Best Original Song categories for two of his compositions — ‘Jai Ho’ and ‘O Saya’.
Born as a Hindu, he changed his name to Allah Rakha Rahman from S Dileep Kumar after his family converted to Islam in 1970s.
The music genius first came to limelight with his music for a Bombay Dyeing ad in 1980s which became very popular. In 1992, he was approached by film director Mani Ratnam to compose the score and soundtrack for his Tamil film Roja.
The music of the film was a refreshing change from the run-of-the-mill renditions and gave Rahman his maiden Best Music Director trophy at the National Film Awards, the first time ever by a debutante film composer.
Rahman entered the Hindi film industry with Rangeela, directed by Ram Gopal Varma.
The music of the film became a rage and the genius continued to give some brilliant compositions for films such as Bombay, Dil Se, Taal, Lagaan and Rang De Basanti, among others.
Source: ibnlive
Former Gitmo detainee now among top dogs in Al-Qaeda in Yemen
ood thing Obama is closing the place, eh? Gitmo Recidivism Update: "Freed by U.S., Saudi Becomes a Qaeda Chief," by Robert F. Worth for the New York Times, January 22 (thanks to James):
BEIRUT, Lebanon — The emergence of a former Guantánamo Bay detainee as the deputy leader of Al Qaeda’s Yemeni branch has underscored the potential complications in carrying out the executive order President Obama signed Thursday that the detention center be shut down within a year.
The militant, Said Ali al-Shihri, is suspected of involvement in a deadly bombing of the United States Embassy in Yemen’s capital, Sana, in September. He was released to Saudi Arabia in 2007 and passed through a Saudi rehabilitation program for former jihadists before resurfacing with Al Qaeda in Yemen.
That Saudi program works great!
His status was announced in an Internet statement by the militant group and was confirmed by an American counterterrorism official.
“They’re one and the same guy,” said the official, who insisted on anonymity because he was discussing an intelligence analysis. “He returned to Saudi Arabia in 2007, but his movements to Yemen remain unclear.” [...]
“The lesson here is, whoever receives former Guantánamo detainees needs to keep a close eye on them,” the American official said....
Source : http://www.jihadwatch.org
Fight Breaks Out at the Australian Open
Defending Australian Open champion and 3rd ranked player in the world, Novak Djokovic, survived a tough match against American Amer Delic. The 21-year-old Serb, Djokovic, lost a set for the first time at the Aussie to the Bosnian-American Delic, but was still able to win 6-2,4-6,6-3,7-6(4). It was the fight that occurred after the match that had been touted as “The Battle of the Balkans,” however, that has gotten the most attention.
After the match concluded, Delic and Djokovic hugged at the net, but there was no hugging outside the stadium amongst the fans. Just moments after that warm embrace between the players, chairs and bottles were being thrown and screaming could be heard. The scuffle was over in two minutes and several fans were escorted out of the stadium. According to reports, about 45 people were ejected from the stadium.
This scuffle was likely politically motivated as the fans were predominantly of Bosnian and Serbian origian and there are ethnic tensions between the two nations to this day. Fans had been unruley in Delic’s previous matches, but the behavior was expected to be less apparent because the match between Delic and Djokovic took place on a show court.
During the match, both men played in good spirits and were very respectful towards each other. If fact, Delic had previously attempted to reach out to the more nationalistic fans of his by posting the following statement on his website: “As we all know, Bosnians and Serbs have had some differences in the past, however this is not the place nor the time to settle those differences. Novak and I are tennis players playing in of the greatest settings in the World of Tennis. I am only hoping for a fair fight that all the fans will enjoy, with the key word being ‘enjoy.’ That’s what we are all here for to enjoy moments like these…”
National Institute of Construction Management and Research
Admissions-2009
Click here to See List of Selected Candidates
Academic Programs
National Institute of Construction Management and Research (NICMAR) is a leading educational Institute established by the Indian construction industry. NICMAR is an autonomous, non-government, non-profit academic body, incorporated in India on September 1983 as a 'Society' and a public charitable 'Trust'. It is recognised by Government of India as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation - SIRO.
Major academic programmes of the Institute were started with technical assistance from UNDP and academic inputs from the faculty of Loughbourgh and Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.The Institute is managed by Board of Trustees, Board of Governors and Academic Council.
The Institute is situated at Balewadi, 17 kms. away from the Pune Central Railway Station and seven kms. from Pune University and the Expressway to Bangalore runs along the Institute. It has over one lakh sq.ft. built area on 11 acre plot of land, using the latest materials and technologies having state-of-art facilities blend harmoniously with the landscaped greenery all around. Physical infrastructure of the Campus include work area for 400 support staff, classrooms, seminar rooms, tutorial rooms, faculty cabins, offices, library to hold 70,000 titles, stack areas, reference section, documentation centre, scholars cabins, computerised catalogues, inter-campus library on-line, computer centers for 50 persons each to work at a time, provision of computer on every desk and in every room in hostels with total connectivity, internet and e-mail round the clock, chatrooms, recording and transmission facilities, a guest house, a modern and well appointed kitchen with capacity to serve 1,000 meals per day, students and faculty dining rooms and staff housing units.
CTE students participate in small-biz program
The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is a non profit organization that teaches the basics of "how to start and operate your own small business." The program is a pilot program at CTE Leominster High School taught by Mrs. Robin Monaco and Mrs. Melissa Blanchard. Both teachers were sent to Babson College last summer to learn about the program and become certified to teach it. Mrs. Blanchard is the Plumbing instructor, and Mrs. Monaco is the Graphic Design/Communications instructor at CTE. Both women have operated their own small businesses before becoming teachers, which constituted them to be able to teach the program. The NFTE class is taught during the junior week shop time for the students once a day for 72 minutes. In that short period of time, the junior students learn all about the basics of starting and operating a business of their interest or choice.
Students are required at the end of semester to do a Power Point presentation on their business of interest and go to New York City where they purchase items in the mercantile district. The NFTE program "loans" them $50.00 to spend on any items that the student feels will sell when he/she returns to school. Whatever profit they make, they can keep, but the original "loan" of $50.00 goes back to the NFTE program. A binding contract is drawn up for this and the student must sign it, just as if they were borrowing money from a local bank to start their business.
This is what the students did on January 12th of this year and the photos demonstrate the students selling their wares to other classmates during lunchtime. This was the first sale ever of the wares that the students bought from New York City, and it was quite successful! Some students actually more than doubled their profits from the original $50.00 loaned to them. The lessons of good business practice was employed from marketing themselves and their goods, to the actual purchasing and selling of the goods to gain a profit. One student was quoted as saying, "I have never done so much Math in my head!"
Even if the student does not go on to start his/her own small business, they have the basics of good business practices to fall back on. This is an important to have and gives the student the competitive edge they need in the working world. All in all, the NFTE class has been a very good experience for the students as well as the instructors. Hopefully, the program will stay and be available to other students in the future.
Republic Day Republic Day India Republic Day Celebrations
Republic Day Republic Day India Republic Day Celebrations - In view of the “especially vulnerable” period in the run-up to Republic Day, the Union Home Ministry on Thursday said all states have been alerted in the backdrop of “serious threat” posed by terrorist and extremist groups.
“The period before and after the Republic Day is an especially vulnerable period. The government has sensitised states and asked them to remain at the highest level of alertness,” Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta told reporters. He said states have upgraded their Intelligence gathering machinery and undertaken a number of measures to prevent and counter terrorist threats.
“Nevertheless, there are a number of terrorist, extremist and insurgent groups which continue to pose a serious threat to the security of the country,” he said. Gupta said alerts have been issued to all states and wherever there was any specific input, it was passed on to them.
“The Home Minister has held meetings to review the security scenario,” Gupta said, adding that he had discussed arrangements with the Delhi Police in detail to ensure that the Republic Day function passes off peacefully.
Chinese New Year celebrations slated for Central Jerseyans to bring in year of the ox
One day, an old man came to the rescue, offering to subdue Nian. He suggested to the beast that it swallow other beasts of prey, rather than people. Nian followed the suggestion and eventually, people returned to enjoying peaceful lives.
But before the old man left, he told people to put up red paper decorations on their windows and doors at each year's end to keep Nian away, since the beast feared that color.
From then on, the tradition of observing the conquest of Nian is carried on from generation to generation, said John Li, spokesman for the "Chinese New Year Spectacular," which comes this weekend to the State Theatre in New Brunswick.
New Tang Dynasty TV will present the mix of traditional Chinese dance, music and ornate costumes on Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25, to celebrate the Year of the Ox, Li said.
"The custom of putting up red paper and firing firecrackers to scare away Nian should it have a chance to run loose is still around," Li said. "Because of this, color and the sound always add to the excitement of the celebration."
THE MEANING
The holiday crosses religious lines in expression of traditional Chinese culture, said Ian Ma, youth minister of Chinese Christian Church in the Somerset section of Franklin, one of several Chinese Christian churches celebrating the holiday.
The church will hold its annual celebration in its youth lounge, Ma said.
"We stay away from the superstitious elements but retain the atmosphere of newness and celebration of family," Ma said. "These are entirely compatible with the Gospel."
In non-Christian Chinese communities, Chinese New Year is on par with Christmas and Thanksgiving, but without the religious significance, Li said.
Whether by phone or in person, the holiday encourages family reunions, he said.
"It gives everyone a chance to savor the fruits of a year's labor," Li said. "Cultural activities always have played a central role in Chinese New Year celebrations. This is perhaps more so in America, where Chinese New Year is seen as a good opportunity for Chinese-Americans to foster community bonding and showcase their distinct and proud culture heritage."
Ma added, "The Chinese people are hard working and do not close shops at all during the year except for Chinese New Year, but these days we see more and more people keeping their stores open even during the festival."
SHARING CULTURES
In Central Jersey and other parts of the country with large Chinese-American populations, the holiday is meant to be shared with non-Chinese, Li said.
He said he hopes the "Spectacular" at the State Theatre will become annual tradition. The production also will come next week to New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark.
"The world has shrunk into a global village," Li said, "and the people are interested in the culture and history of China, which happens to have a quarter of its population. It makes us love America even more because it is truly a melting pot and a place that really believes in such things as diversity and freedom."
A Chinese New Year celebration for children also is coming up on Monday, Jan. 26, at Dunellen Public Library. Like many other library events that already have taken place, the festivities in Dunellen will center around crafts.
Celebrations often include crafts or dance because they best typify the color and sound of the holiday, Li said.
"This naturally makes crafts a fitting celebratory event for kids who would enjoy the fest for the eyes," he said. "Chinese classical dance emphasizes unique details and subtlety in its movement and choreography and, therefore, is best suited for recounting legendary stories in Chinese history. Since Chinese New Year was born of a legend about Nian, the Chinese people enjoy revisiting popular folklore and legends at its celebration. This explains why Chinese classical dance has been an integral part of such celebrations over the years."
MISS WORLD BRAZIL'S FINALIST, MARIANA BRIDI DA COSTA LOSES LIMBS AFTER SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH DANGEROUS INFECTION
Latest news on Mariana Bridi Costa, a 20 year old model and was also a finalist to represent Brazil in the Miss World contest had her hands and feet amputated after contracting a severe urinary infection.
Vitória, BRAZIL — In 2006, when Mariana Bridi Costa was only 18, Mariana Bridi competed for the first time in the Miss World Brazil pageant. With little money and a basic wardrobe, she traveled for over 24 hours on a bus to get from the small town of Marechal Deodoro to Curitiba, where the pageant was held.
Her natural beauty and energy, took her further than most people gave her credit for: Mariana was the 3rd runner-up, living several favorites behind.
A couple of months later, she was sent to Accra, Ghana, where she competed for the new Face of the Universe title. She was the 3rd runner-up overall and first among the contestants from the Americas.
It didn't take long for this young beauty to be noticed, and soon came an invitation from the state director of Sergipe, Alexandre Araujo: she would return to Miss World Brazil, that time with full sponsorship and proper preparation.
The "new" Mariana didn't disappoint her fans: she was again a finalist at Miss World Brazil and won the Miss World Northeast 2007 title. Invited to compete in Miss Bikini International, in Shanghai, Bridi won the "Best in Swimsuit" award, and finished the competition in 6th place, competing with more than 50 girls from around the world.
Recently Mariana received a proposal to work as a model in a big agency in São Paulo. When she was about to move to Brazil's largest city, a tragic turn of events took place: on January 2 Mariana was taken to a hospital with an urinary tract infection, which soon became a generalized infection.
Under intensive treatment and unconscious, doctors believed Mariana wouldn't survive the next 24 hours. She did survive, but the strong medicines she had to take, stopped blood running through the extremities of her body.
The solution was the amputation of both her feet and hands.
Still at risk of dying, Mariana is conscious and made it clear that, even under such critical conditions, she wants to live.
People from around the globe have been praying for this young warrior, who in many senses has been a model for many. Her case has astonished a nation, and brought to people's attention the possible consequences of such infections.
Mariana is now recovering from yesterday's hands amputation surgery. She is in desperate need of type O negative blood. Local and national newspapers and websites have been asking people to donate blood.
Photos/Fabio Nunes: Mariana competing in Miss World Brazil 2007, as Miss Sergipe. She was the 4th runner-up to Regiane Andrade.
er hands and feet after contracting a horror urinary infection - now relatives and doctors are fearing for her life.
(Thank you and credits to http://www.news.com.au)
- Mariana Bridi da Costa develops infection
- Doctors amputate her hands, feet
- She remains in intensive care
From news that was read - Mariana Bridi da Costa was sedated in a hospital in Serra, in the southeastern state of Espirito Santo, and on artificial respiration following the procedures, according to several newspapers.
Bridi was diagnosed with an infection by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium, which can often prove fatal.
Septicemia set in in her limbs, cutting off circulation and forcing doctors to amputate.
Her boyfriend, Thiago Simoes, told the G1 news website that Bridi fell ill on December 30, but was initially misdiagnosed with kidney stones.
The infection quickly spread, causing her to go back to hospital for tests that revealed her condition. Surgeons had to act to remove her damaged hands and feet.
Her father, Agnaldo da Costa, told the Folha de S Paulo newspaper that "the concern is over her life".
Latest news on January 23, 2009 - Mariana Bridi da Costa, model and finalist of Miss World had her hands and feet amputated after contracting a killer urinary infection - Thiago Simoes, the boyfriend of model and Miss World finalist Mariana Bridi da Costa appeal for public help to save her life.
From the latest news that was read - Officials have revealed Miss Bridi has a rare blood type and needs donations as she battles to survive intense surgery.
"This is a desperately sad story and we are calling on potential donors to come forward and give blood," said Henrique Fontes, executive director of Miss World Brazil.
He dubbed her a "great fighter" and revealed how she had bravely faced challenges in her beauty career. Read more below.
Miss Bridi first fell ill in December but doctors failed to spot the infection - instead saying she had kidney stones.
The illness worsened, causing her to go back to hospital for tests that revealed her condition.
But by then septicaemia had set in her limbs, cutting off circulation and forcing doctors to amputate her hands and feet.
And after that surgery she suffered an internal haemorrhage and had another emergency operation on Wednesday afternoon.
Her boyfriend Thiago Simoes said Miss Bridi could die, despite the drastic surgery.
"We are all absolutely distraught and are just praying now that she can pull through," he said.
"She fell ill on December 30 and we took her to hospital where she was misdiagnosed with a kidney stone.
"They gave her some medicine and sent her home. But two days later she started getting worse.
"We took her back to hospital and they said she had a very serious infection.
"She got more and more sick, and had no blood circulation to her limbs.
"First she lost her feet, then on Tuesday she lost both her hands.
"But she is a very strong person and we just want her to survive."
Miss Bridi is on a ventilation machine in hospital in Serra, in the southeastern state of Espirito Santo.
The infection was caused by the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.
Her father, Agnaldo da Costa, told a Brazilian newspaper that "the concern is over her life".
Miss Bridi was a finalist in the search for Brazil's Miss World contestant in 2006 and 2007.
In 2007 she flew to China to represent her country in the Miss Bikini international competition.
She won a prize there for the most beautiful body, and came sixth out of 50 candidates.
Mr Fontes said Miss Bridi badly needs a transfusion of the uncommon blood type O negative.
He added: "She has always been a great fighter and has a history of perseverance.
"The first time she took part in a beauty contest, in 2006, she travelled for 20 hours on a bus in very plain clothes, and without any preparation, and she ended up coming fourth.
"We need her to show that same kind of fight now.
"In China she took on girls from 50 countries, and came sixth and won the prize for best body.
"This is a desperately sad story and we are calling on potential donors to come forward and give blood."
(News source from: http://www.news.com.au)
(Thank you and credits to http://www.news.com.au and all sources for the information and pictures)
5th-seeded Ivanovic ousted from Australian Open
Fifth-seeded Ana Ivanovic of Serbia has been ousted from the Australia Open, the 2008 runner-up losing to Russia's Alisa Kleybanova in the third round.
Kleybanova was the aggressor Friday against the error-prone Ivanovic and won 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-2. Ivanovic dropped serve nine times and finished with 50 unforced errors to just 23 winners.
Ivanovic, who lost the final to Maria Sharapova here last year and went on to win the French Open, briefly held the No. 1 ranking in 2008.
Nation remembers Netaji on his 112th birth anniversary
Some people write history with a pen, some by their might, and some simply by virtue of being associated with someone. But if ever there was a man, who wrote history by his blood, courage and sheer determination, it was Subhash Chandra Bose. His motivational leadership inspired thousands of Indians to die for the motherland, and his Indian National Army shook the foundations of the mighty British Empire.
“Never for a moment falter in your faith in India’s destiny. There is no power on earth that can keep India enslaved. India shall be free and before long.”
“Give me blood and I’ll give you freedom”.
These were the words, which Subhash Chandra Bose, famously known as Netaji, spoke to prepare the youth for a revolution, when our country was under the imperialistic British regime. He not only brought the youth together, but also revolutionized their thoughts to enable them to come to the forefront in the war of Independence.
Netaji was a man who dared to dream a dream that appeared more of a mirage to the hapless millions, who had forgotten what it meant to breathe in free air. He played a vital role in the student and youth movements and advocated an aggressive and violent fight to counter the British. The formation of the All India Forward Bloc in 1939, a political party and later the INA in 1943 is a true example of his revolutionary ideas.
A great leader in the making
Subhash Chandra Bose was not only a leader of revolutionary ideas, but was also way ahead of his contemporaries in India’s freedom struggle. His demand of “complete independence” at the Calcutta Congress of 1928 instead of “dominion status” is a case in point.
Deeply influenced by Chittaranjan Das, Netaji accepted him as his mentor. Bose’s support to the Non Cooperation and Khilafat movements reflects his dedication to the cause of India’s freedom based on Hindu-Muslim unity.
Subhash Chandra was one of India’s greatest nationalist leaders of the 20th century. He was born on Jan 23, 1897, at Cuttack, Orissa. He was the ninth child of a lawyer of Kayasth caste. Netaji dedicated himself for the cause of India’s independence at a very early stage of his life. After securing a Cambridge University honours degree, he returned to India and involved himself in Left-wing politics.
The Bose-Gandhian conflict
In 1938 he was elected as the president of Indian National Congress. But slowly ideological differences with Gandhiji began to creep in. Netaji was a strong believer in a militant overthrow of British rule, whereas Gandhiji preferred non-violent resistance.
So in 1939 when he decided to stand again – this time as the spokesperson of radical groups, he was opposed by many senior leaders including Sardar Patel, Rajendra Prasad, JB Kripalani, who put up Pattabhi Sitaramayya as their candidate for the post. However, Subhash Bose was elected on 29 January by a thumping majority
However, at the Tripuri session of the Congress (8-12 March 1939), Bose completely misjudged his support and the meaning of his majority in the presidential election. He believed that the Congress was strong enough to launch an immediate struggle and that the masses were ready for such action. He wanted to be the leader of the movement and wanted Gandhiji to follow the strategy and tactics laid down by him and the Left wing parties and groups. But Gandhiji would have none of this and believed in following his own priciples.
Bose had no other option but to resign. Nehru tried to mediate between the two sides, but Netaji did not waver from his stand. He founded the All India Forward Bloc in 1939, a political party, and went ahead with his battle for freedom to overthrow the British Empire.
Bose and INA
Miffed at his friendly attitude towards the axis powers, the British put Netaji under house arrest in 1941. He, however, managed to flee. The first Indian National Army(INA) formed in early 1942 collapsed in the same year in December. But was soon revived by Bose in 1943. In World War II, he saw an opportunity to free India from the clutches of British rule.
After escaping the house arrest he reached Germany and sought help from Hitler. Though the dictator was initially not inclined to help Bose, as was evident when he said, “I, as a man of Germanic blood, would, in spite of everything, rather see India under English rule than under any other”, but he later allowed Netaji to set up a Free India Centre in Berlin and induct, for an ‘Indian Legion’, Indians in British uniform captured by the Germans.
But Nazi racism got in the way of Bose’s grand plans for an Axis-Indian Army. So he next turned to the Japanese.
With the help of the Japanese, he came back to Singapore via sea route. This was the time when he broadcast an inspiring appeal to Indians through the Japanese-controlled Radio Singapore ‘Give me blood and I will give you freedom!’
On Oct 21, 1943 in Capitol Theatre he organised the ‘Indian National Army’ (Azad Hind Fauj) with the help of Japan. A women’s regiment by the name of ‘Rani Jhansi’ was also formed.
Addressing the members of the force, Bose urged, “It is our duty to pay for our liberty with our own blood. The freedom that we shall win through our sacrifice and exertions, we shall be able to preserve with our own strength.’ …..”
In November 1943, the INA, helped by the Japanese Army, captured Andaman and Nicobar Islands and freed nearly two million Indian. Netaji then moved his headquarters to Yangon. From there, he gave the slogan Chalo Delhi. The INA continued its march and later crossed the Myanmar border and raised the national flag on the Indian soil.
Despite their ideological differences, Bose had high regard for Mahatma Gandhi. This becomes evident in his address on July 6, 1944 when in a broadcast on Azad Hind Radio he addressed Gandhiji and said, “’India’s last war of independence has begun . . . Father of our Nation! In this holy war of India’s liberation, we ask for your blessing and good wishes.’
On July 8, 1945, Bose laid the foundation stone of the INA War Memorial at the Esplanade in Singapore to commemorate the “Unknown Warrior” of the INA. The words inscribed upon the War Memorial were the motto of the INA: Unity (Ittefaq), Faith (Ehtmad) and Sacrifice (Kurbani).
However, INA’s success was short lived, as the defeat of the Japanese Army in the War dealt a severe blow to its march and they soon began losing ground.
Adieu
Netaji’s death has been wrapped in mystery. Though his death was officially announced by Radio Tokyo on August 18, 1945, many disagreed and said that he might have forged the accident in order to escape the British and team up with Stalin, the then Russian President to carry on the fight against the British.
Bose’s death has occupied the Indian mindscape in the same way as the American President Kennedy’s killing has occupied that of Americans. The mystery is still unresolved.
His greatness can be judged by the fact that few years back a BBC online poll named Bose the third greatest-ever leader in South Asia after Gandhi and Jinnah. Despite being a great nationalist Bose has been denied his rightful place in the annals of India history.
Source : http://janamejayan.wordpress.com
Raaz 2 Movie Review | Raaz2 of Emraan Hashmi
Raaz - The Mystery Continues movie Story Synopsis with Complete cast and Credits. Raaz 2 movie Songs video and Trailer with Exclusive Wallpapers. Emrram Hashmi back with New movie Raaz 2.
Raaz will change the way people look at horror films. Raaz mystery still be said to have been inspired by Indian myths and legends, which focuses on the relationship between good and evil. The film has a great love story and superb music. The film has a very patent and favorite actor of the Bhatt camp as Emraan Hashmi along with Kangana Ranaut.
Movie Detail
Movie Name : Raaz - The Mystery Continues
Director : Mohit Suri
Producer : Mukesh Bhatt
Starring : Emrram Hashmi ( Prithvi ), Kangna Ranaut ( Nandita ), Adhyayan Suman ( Yash )
Lyricist : Sayeed Qadri, Kumaar
Music Director : Sharib Sabri, Toshi, Gourov Dasgupta, Raju Singh
Writer : Shagufta Rafique
Genre : Thriller
Rating : ***/5
Release Date : January 23, 2009
Raaz 2 - The Mystery Continues Story Line and Synopsis
A brooding artist Prithvi mystical experiences and grayling owing vision Nandita, a woman he never met, as he paints on a canvas. At first Nandita refuses to believe him or reject him as an eccentric STALKER. Plagued by a series of deadly and Paranormal experiences, her reason crumbles in the face of fear. Now is one of the Prithvi paintings has revealed that her death. Read More Information Click Here
Raaz - The Mystery Continues Movie Songs List
Bandaa Re
Maahi
O Jaana
Soniyo
Kaisa Ye Raaz Hai
Maahi - 1
Soniyo - 1
O Jaana - Remix
Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj will perform in Pune
Kathak ghungroos’ across Pune should now ring with added zing, considering that India’s foremost kathak exponent, Pandit Birju Maharaj, will perform in the city early next week.
The maestro will perform at the two-day Khushbhoo Lucknowi’ kathak fest organised by Kalachhaya at the Kalachhaya auditorium in Gokhalenagar on December 29 and 30, along with his children Jaikishan, Deepak, Mamta and granddaughter Shruti Shukla.
Speaking to TOI from Kolkata, the maestro seems excited about the event. “A very good kathak festival is being organised and I am looking forward to performing in Pune. My disciple Saswati Sen and my children and granddaughter will also perform on both days.”
Heaping praise on Kalachhaya’s founder director Prabha Marathe, the organiser of the festival, Birju Maharaj says, “Prabhaji’s bhakti’ (devotion) for the Lucknowi style of kathak is remarkable. She began teaching kathak in Pune several decades ago. I still remember teaching at Kalachhaya in the early years. Prabhaji apne iraadon pein majboot hain’ ( Prabhaji is focused on her goals).”
Explaining why men have made a mark in kathak, he says, “Two of our most popular gods, Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, were both excellent dancers. Also, in many parts of Uttar Pradesh, where the kathak style of dance originated, it was impossible for women to travel to faraway places to perform. It was simpler for men to travel by cycle, bullock cart and horseback to distant villages. Hence, men began performing kathak in temples and palaces to support their wives and children. In fact, even today, in many villages of Uttar Pradesh, the menfolk pursue kathak and farming as parallel occupations. My own uncle is a dancer and farmer rolled into one!”
According to the maestro, in later years, kings and princes promoted the dance form among women. Singling out the states of Maharashtra and Bengal, Birju Maharaj says, “It was these two states that added the devotional touch to kathak. The teachers in these states highlighted the importance of riyaaz’ (practice) and abhyas’ (study).”
The Lucknow gharana doyen is happy that the younger generation is still learning kathak, but he is worried about the western winds blowing across the world of music and entertainment in the country. “There is too much emphasis on Bollywood music on our television channels and too little of good quality Indian classical music and dance on prime-time television. There should be a balance,” he asserts.
However, he is happy that Indian artistes continue to woo western audiences. Says the ace dancer, “I have just returned from a one-month tour of Europe with singers Rajan and Sajan Mishra. We received a standing ovation at almost every venue across Europe. That is a compliment for Indian classical music and dance.”
Date: December 29 and 30
Time: 6.30 pm
Venue: Kalachhaya auditorium, Gokhalenagar, off Senapati Bapat road
Festival schedule
December 29:
Kathak solo by Shruti Shukla
Performances by Kalachhaya students
December 30:
Solo performances by Jaikishan, Deepak and Mamta Maharaj
Solo by Saswati Sen
Bhaav Rang’ by Pandit Birju Maharaj.
Art show: Birju Maharaj’s paintings will be on display at the Indiaart Gallery in Gokhalenagar from December 30 - January 4.
Birthday felicitation: Birju Maharaj and Prabha Marathe will be felicitated on their respective 71st birthdays.
Source : http://punekar.in
Wanted: Future Business Stars for NFTE/Network Solutions Web Site Challenge
Network Solutions® and The National Foundation of Teaching Entrepreneurship® (NFTE) partner to promote entrepreneurism in urban youth with the NFTE®/Network Solutions Web Site Challenge.
NEW YORK, NY, and HERNDON, VA — November 19, 2008 – Today, in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, Network Solutions and the National Foundation of Teaching Entrepreneurism (NFTE) announce the launch of the NFTE/Network Solutions Web Site Challenge.
As part of its ongoing commitment to help entrepreneurs succeed online, Network Solutions has partnered with NFTE, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide entrepreneurship education programs to young people from low-income communities, to help support future business stars through a nationwide web site design competition. This contest allows registered NFTE students and alumni to design web sites that support their business plans using Network Solutions’ Web Site Starter package. The students will submit their completed Web sites for the chance to win $500 cash from Network Solutions.
Contest participants will have until January 31, 2009, to complete their web sites for the competition. A panel of judges that will include small business owners, NFTE and Network Solutions employees, will evaluate the sites based on aesthetic appeal and functionality, as well as achievement of overall business goals, based on the student’s business plan. The winner of the competition will be announced after March 20, 2009.
About The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship:
The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, whose mission is to teach entrepreneurship to young people from low-income communities. Since 1987, NFTE has reached over 230,000 young people. Currently, NFTE has more than 1,300 active Certified Entrepreneurship Teachers in 22 states and 13 countries. For more information, visit www.nfte.com.
Source : http://about.networksolutions.com/
BSNLEU BSNL Employees Union SSA Results Updates
BSNLEU was the first union to be registered in BSNL with Registration. No. 4896 dated 15th June 2001, within 3 months of its formation, a record in itself. BSNLEU is The following existing six All India telecom unions merged to form the new union: All India Telecom Employees Union Class –III (Namboodiri), All India Telegraph Traffic Employees Union Class-III, All India Telecom Administrative Offices Employees Union, All India Telecom Civil Wing Employees Union Group C & D, Indian Telecom Employees Union, Line Staff &Group D and All India P&T Industrial Workers Union. Many circle unions of the following two All India Unions also merged: All India Telecom Employees Union, Line Staff & Group D and All India Telegraph Traffic Employees Union, Group D.
BSNLEU declared RESULTS SSA WISE BSNL EMPLOYEES UNION / UNITED FORUM LEADS.
BSNLEU (CHQ)DADA GHOSH BHAWAN NEW DELHI
23rd January,2009 [09:45 Hrs]
IDA EXPECTED TO BE INCREASED BY MORE THAN 6% w.e.f.01.01.2009.
RESULTS SSA WISE BSNL EMPLOYEES UNION / UNITED FORUM LEADS
source BSNL Employees Union...
Exodus from NFTE & FNTO:- Once the Fourth Membership Verification has started, large number of members of NFTE & FNTO has started migrating to BSNLEU. ...
MOZ TO PLAY JIMMY KIMMEL OUTDOOR MINI-CONCERT FEB 5TH '09
Morrissey is going to play an outdoor mini-concert for Jimmy Kimmel Live on Feb 5th '09. I just got my tix and as of the writing of this, there are still free tix available at 1iota.com.
1iota Events: Jimmy Kimmel Live MORRISSEY outdoor mini-concert
When: Thu Feb 05, 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Arrival Time: 6:45 PM
[Note: In one place on that page it says "indoor stage", but everywhere else it says "outdoor"]
Last time Moz was on Jimmy Kimmel I was there too:
Veatrice's Excellent Cooking Adventure...Ok, Maybe Not That Excellent
It happened again. Jimmy Kimmel featured the "winning" personality of Veatrice, his security guard, doing a cooking segment. Luckily, I have people that tell me things like this, because I didn't see it. I have seen Veatrice before, however, and she is a woman of RARE warmth - meaning none whatsoever.
Apparently, she took a can of beef stew, opened it and put it in a bowl. That was probably complicated enough for Jimmy. You have to know your audience when you do a cooking demonstration, and I bet that was pretty much what he was up to. Kudos to Veatrice. I'm just glad it didn't involve any instant rice. That would have been just plain wrong.
Here's the video of Veatrice's first appearance as a cooking show chef. Hopefully the beef stew extravaganza will be on soon. I think Jimmy should start giving the recipes on his website.
8x8, Inc.
8x8, Inc. (NASDAQ: EGHT) offers voice and video internet-based telephony services for business and residential customers. Marketed under the Packet8 brand name, these hosted communications solutions enhance the value and functionality of existing high speed Internet connections by delivering advanced communications features and digital quality phone service at a fraction of the cost of legacy, copper wire alternatives.
Originally introduced in November 2002 for residential subscribers, the Packet8 VoIP phone service incorporates internally developed communications technologies for which the company has received 73 U.S. patents. Soon after the Packet8 residential service was launched, 8x8 introduced the Packet8 videophone service followed by the Packet8 Virtual Office hosted business phone system for small to medium sized businesses, the Packet8 Complete Contact Center call center solution, the Packet8 MobileTalk mobile international calling service and, most recently, Packet8 Virtual Trunking and Hosted Key System business phone services.
The Packet8 Virtual Office solution, 8x8's flagship offering currently in use by over 12,000 U.S. businesses, eliminates the need for traditional business phone systems by delivering all telephony services over managed or unmanaged Internet connections. This affordable, easy-to-use alternative to traditional PBX systems or Centrex class services allows high-speed Internet users anywhere in the world to be part of a virtual PBX that includes automated attendants, conference bridges, extension-to-extension dialing and ring groups, in addition to a rich variety of other business class features normally found on dedicated PBX equipment. Packet8 Virtual Office extensions do not require dedicated communications infrastructure. The service is received through an office's existing Internet connection, thus eliminating the need for additional phone lines or digital subscriber lines for extensions, in contrast to traditional Centrex or PBX products.
Other Packet8 business phone services include the fully integrated Packet8 Complete Contact Center for businesses with call center operations consisting of less than 100 seats, Packet8 Virtual Trunking service for larger enterprises who wish to reap the cost benefits of VoIP phone service while retaining previously acquired on-premise equipment and Packet8 Hosted Key System service for companies whose size or structure dictate the sharing of multiple phone lines.
Introduced in late 2007, the Packet8 MobileTalk service seamlessly connects overseas calls from the mobile phone to the Packet8 digital VoIP network, enabling cell phone users to significantly reduce their international phone bills and maintain high digital voice quality while still enjoying the convenience and flexibility of mobile calling. Users can dial calls directly and natively from their mobile handset, contact list or speed dial directory without the additional keystrokes required by calling card and other reduced rate international calling services. Once the destination number is dialed or selected, the Packet8 MobileTalk software application identifies the international prefix being called and redirects the call to a local Packet8 network access number.
Packet8 residential Internet phone services enable consumers to add digital voice and video communications services to their high-speed Internet connections. Customers can choose a direct-dial phone number from any of the rate centers offered by the service, and then use an 8x8-supplied terminal adapter to connect any telephone to a broadband Internet connection. All Packet8 residential accounts come with voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, call waiting caller ID, call forwarding, hold, line-alternate, 3-way conferencing, web and voice-prompt access to account controls, and online billing. In addition to digital voice solutions, 8x8 offers videophones and video telephony software that connects to a customer's high-speed Internet connection to deliver all of the voice features above, as well as unlimited video calls to any other Packet8 videophone customer in the world.
Packet8 Product summary
The good:
Excellent price for unlimited long distance; flat-rate international plans; superb coverage across the United States; Enhanced 911 support.
The bad:
Enhanced 911 service costs extra; voice quality degrades during Internet uploads.
The bottom line :
Packet8's support for E911 calling sets it apart from the rest of the VoIP crowd and makes it the safest VoIP service for replacing your current phone service.
CNET editors' review
* Reviewed by: Neil Randall
* Edited by: Matthew Elliott
* Reviewed on: 07/16/2004
* Updated on: 03/25/2005
* Released on: 03/12/2004
You need to know two things about the Packet8 VoIP service. First, its unlimited-minutes residential plan, priced at $19.95 per month, is among the cheapest you'll find. And second, it's the first VoIP service to offer 911 that's close to what you get with a traditional landline phone (it's the same 911 service that cell phone callers receive). Dubbed Enhanced 911, the service provides that an emergency operator will receive caller information on his or her screen when you call. (With other VoIP services, calls to 911 aren't always treated as emergencies, and they rely on callers to provide their name and location.) In addition to its residential plans, Packet8 offers plans tailored to businesses, videophone service plans, and flat-rate plans for callers to Europe and Asia. You can transfer your current number to Packet8 service (area codes are available in all but four states in the United States), and you can also purchase a second virtual number in another area code. Under light network traffic conditions, Packet8's voice quality is comparable to that of landline phones, but like many VoIP services, conversations proved difficult when we were uploading files to the Web during calls. Still, with its low rates, excellent geographical coverage, and E911 support, Packet8 has plenty to offer as a replacement for your current phone service.As with other VoIP services, setting up Packet8 is simple: plug in the phone adapter to your network router, connect the power cord to a wall outlet, connect your home phone to the adapter, and you're ready to go. If you have a cable modem without a router, the setup is equally easy, but DSL subscribers without routers will need to configure the adapter to supply the DSL username and password. (The same is true of all other VoIP services we tested, of course.)
Packet8 recently introduced a dual-port adapter. Available at retail for around $70, the Packet8 BPA-410 adapter has two phone ports for dual lines. You pay the standard $29.95 activation fee for the first line and a $9.95 activation fee for the second line. Each line carries its own monthly service charge. For example, you'll pay $19.95 for each line if you want unlimited monthly minutes for each.
Once the service is working, you control your account through a Web-based interface. Everything you need is included here, particularly under the Edit Setting portion of the Account Details screen. You can change your personal information, upgrade your rate plan, view your call activity and past bills, forward calls, set anonymous call blocking, change your voicemail password and the answering speed, and disable or enable international calling. You can also manage many call settings via the phone instead of PC should you be away from home and decide, for example, you want to forward calls to your cell phone.
Packet8 offers two residential calling plans. The Freedom Unlimited plan costs $19.95 per month and offers unlimited local and long-distance calling in the United States and Canada. You won't find a cheaper unlimited-minutes plan, although Lingo and BroadVoice offer comparable plans at this price level. For callers outside the States, the Freedom International plan also costs $19.95 per month and provides a number in a U.S. area code and 1,000 minutes to U.S. and Canadian numbers. Each plan includes a $29.95 activation fee.
Should you feel the need to see the people on the other end of the line (and have them see you), there's also a videophone-calling plan between similarly equipped subscribers. It's only $19.95 per month, but you're hit with a hefty $499 equipment charge for the videophone itself; plus, Packet8 adds the $29.95 activation fee on top of that. There is a $250 mail-in rebate that's good through June 2005, but if you cancel before the first year, you'll be charged a $200 early termination fee. At the time of this writing, Packet8 supports only its own videophone, so for now, early adopters with their own videophones are out of luck.
Unlike most VoIP services that offer low, pay-as-you-go calling-card rates to international destinations, Packet8 offers four flat-rate monthly packages, ranging from $39.95 to $79.95 per month, for unlimited calling to Europe, Asia, or the Philippines. These monthly plans are a boon for frequent overseas callers. Lingo is the only other service we know that offers flat-rate international monthly plans, and Packet8 performed much better than Lingo on our voice-quality tests.
Regardless of the plan you choose, you'll get features that include voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, three-way calling, call forwarding, and a choice of area codes within the large Packet8 coverage area (Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, and Maine are the only states not included). Since we first looked at the service, Packet8 has added a number of other cool VoIP features. It now offers local number portability, which means you can transfer your current number to Packet8 service. You can also sign up for a virtual number, which is a second number in another area code. It'll cost you a $9.95 activation fee and $4.95 per month after that, but callers in the area code you choose will like you because they'll be able to make local calls to you. You can also now call 411 for information at 75 cents per call.
Most impressive, Packet8 is the first VoIP service to offer true 911 support. With Enhanced 911 (E911), emergency calls made with the Packet8 service are treated the same as those made with a regular landline phone. (E911 was created so that a cell phone caller's location could be determined.) While most VoIP services will connect 911 calls to a public safety answering point, or PSAP, like a standard landline phone, the calls aren't always routed to an emergency line at the PSAP, and you need to tell the operator your location over the phone. With Packet8, 911 calls provide a screen pop so that the emergency contact will automatically have your phone number and address in front of them. Packet8 charges $1.50 per month for E911, plus a $9.95 activation fee. And you need to enter your address on Packet8's Web site so that any 911 calls will be routed to the closest PSAP. We wish that E911 was free and didn't require the extra step of signing up for it, but we'd recommend doing so for anyone planning on replacing their current phone service with Packet8. E911 is offered in all but four states where Packet8 has service.
Two business plans are offered, as well. We're not sold on the Business 2000 plan, which costs $15 more per month than the unlimited residential plan and provides only one line and only 2,000 minutes per month. What business wants to count its minutes? The Virtual Office plan works on an extension-by-extension basis. For each extension, you'll need the Virtual Office kit, which includes a business speakerphone, and each extension costs $39.95 per month. You get unlimited minutes within the United States and Canada with this plan, as well as advanced voicemail, extension-to-extension dialing, three-way conferencing, and an autoattendant. Each extension can have a different area code if you wish, but unfortunately, as with the residential plans, there is no fax option yet. Fax is another feature that Packet8 intends to add in the near future yet doesn't currently offer--an important consideration for business users.
All plans are paid month to month, with no contract, although all include an activation fee or a hardware charge. Packet8 includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for all of its plans.
We judge a VoIP service's performance on how calls sound under baseline conditions, as well as during data uploads and data downloads. The overall weighted average is based on calls made under these three conditions. Baseline conditions are given the highest weight of 66 percent; audio quality during data uploads and data downloads each factor 17 percent of the weightings. The scale for the voice-quality ratings is from 0 to 10.0, with a perfect score of 10.0 equaling our reference analog connection
SNL Alum Horatio Sanz Drops 100 Lbs
When we ran into Saturday Night Live alum Horatio Sanz at the Montblanc-sponsored "24-Hour Plays" last week, we couldn't help but notice how trim he looked! We asked him if he'd lost weight. "I’ve been eating better," he admitted. "I’ve been trying to come up with a joke about how I’ve lost weight and I was going to say, 'I stopped putting nuts in my sundaes.'" Apparently, he's lost about 100 pounds. Roughly. "I never weighed myself when I was at my fattest, because I was scared I might die," he said. He's been working out, too. Now, if he goes back on SNL to play new Commerce secretary Bill Richardson (the invitation's still open, we hear), he'll have to wear a pillow on his belly!
Source :http://nymag.com
Grey's Anatomy Spoilers: Izzie, Denny and Arizona
Michael Ausiello has the lastest in spoilerish news for us Grey’s fans. We begin with a question I asked myself when watching the last episode: How come Denny appears in scenes where Izzie isn’t there?
The moment Denny started talking to Alex, I grew very confused. If he’s a side-effect of Izzie’s condition, then how exactly…? But then I remembered what show I was watching and pushed my disbelief a little further away.
Ausiello doesn’t have an answer either, and my guess is that it was done because it sounded good in theory and not because it made any sort of sense.
Moving on to some concrete spoilers, though:
Jeffrey Dean morgan will “be around at least through March.” So if you’re looking forward to his departure, there’s still a bit to go before not-ghost Denny walks into the not-light.
And if you’ve grown fond of Jessica Capshaw as new doc Arizona Robbins, good news: Ausiello confirms that she’s being “groomed” to be Callie’s next love interest. So, we should be seeing her for a little while longer.
I honestly expected not to like Arizona Robbins, but I actually love her. So, I look forward to this upcoming storyline, while still expecting something extremely disappointing to come out of it.
Regarding Callie/Arizona, he tells us that Callie will be seeking advice from one Addison regarding her feelings for the new Pediatritian. Look for that on February 12 during the Big Private Practice/Grey’s Anatomy Crossover Extravaganza.
Sorry to fans of Mark/Callie: I don’t think that’s happening any time soon, or even at all. But keep the hope alive, you never know.
Source : http://www.greysanatomynews.com
Winter X Games 2009 Schedules Times and Volunteer Lodging
Winter X Games 2009 : Volunteer Lodging , Tickets Online and Schedule
Winter X Games 2009 Volunteer List:
The Winter X Games, the premier winter action sports event in the world, will be held January 22-25, 2009 from Aspen,Snowmass, Colorado. The annual event features athletes from across the globe competing for medals and prize money in the following sports, Skiing, Snowboard and Snowmobile. January 20-21 will serve as practice and elimination days. All Winter X Games competitions will take place at the resort's Buttermilk Mountain. Winter X Games 13 will air live on ESPN and ABC and will feature nighttime events. The event will remain at Aspen,Snowmass through 2010, for a total of nine consecutive years 2002-2010.
Winter X Games 2009 Concert Lodging:
Lodging for the ASPEN WINTER X GAMES books up quick here at Aspen Snowmass Resort in Aspen Colorado . There is usually nothing left 4 to 6 months out. We get multiple last minute requests for lodging accommodations that we just can't fulfill as the availability just isn't there We create custom packages for your X GAMES lodging vacation needs you just need to book as early as possible.clients by getting you to book your reservations as soon as possible. If your considering visitng the X games in Aspen Colorado in 2009, it won't hurt to start looking for and booking your accommodations. Working with our professional travel agents and getting things reserved as soon as possible is the best way to secure your vacation rentals and reservations.
Buy Winter X Games 2009 Tickets Online:
ESPN's Winter X Games is the premier action winter sports event in the world and showcases more than 250 of the world’s top athletes including 28 Olympians who competed in last year’s Winter X Games.Sponsors for the event include: Dickies Girl, SoBe Life Water,and Zsweet.Tickets for show are on sale now and they're going fast! So,don't miss out.
Buy your tickets.For more info and complete coverage on WinterXGames http://www.expn.com
Winter X Games 2009 Dates, Timing and Schedule:Here
Source : http://web-pedia.blogspot.com
Packet8, Others, Picking up the SunRocket Pieces
SunRocket generates more interest dead than alive. The VoIP pure-play’s skulking exit has garnered attention from MSNBC, the International Herald Tribune, The New York Times and the Washington Post, just to name a few.
Other VoIP companies are wasting no time offering special packages to stranded SunRocket subscribers. Vonage is offering two months free service. Nuvio today announced a special $199.99 plan for former SunRocket customers. As I wrote yesterday, VoicePulse has been quietly helping SunRocket subscribers stay online.
Packet8 is also rolling out its own “no startup cost” plan for SunRocket customers — offering equipment, start-up, shipping and one month of service at no cost with its $24.99/month unlimited calling plan.
“We think we can port those customers fairly quickly because we use many of the same underlying carriers,” says Huw Rees, Packet8 Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
I confess, I like this story because it contradicts the Silicon Valley catechism, where it’s an article of faith that the race is to the swift despite the received wisdom of our ancestors.
In fact, it’s looking more and more like our ancestors were right, and the fastest and most aggressive don’t necessarily get the trophy. And they don’t for reasons that are yawningly simple and straightforward.
The first is that other people’s money is not a substitute for revenue — you need to sell your product for at least as much as it costs to deliver it. The second is that controlling your own product is a more secure foundation than reselling other people’s technology.
VoIP pioneer Packet8 presents an object study in these pedestrian principles, and it’s apt that SunRocket’s sunset coincides with the dawn of Packet8’s 20th year in business and its 10th year as a publicly traded company (NASDAQ (CM): EGHT).
A longtime developer of communications chips — Packet8 components were used in AT&T ’s Picturephone — Packet8 offered one of the first consumer VoIP services in 2002.
“Since we launched our service, we charged customers a fair price, one that lets us cover our costs and make a small profit,” explains Rees. “We priced it so it’s a self-supporting business.”
Faced with cut-throat competition like SunRocket’s $199 pre-paid two-year service deal, “we decided not to compete,” continues Rees. “We know the costs of delivering service and it was obvious that the costs were greater than that.
“We focused more marketing effort on the small business market. Once you get that right, it’s a higher margin of profit. It really bolsters the bottom line.”
That strategy paid off. With about 8,000 Virtual Office subscribers, Packet8 is the number one U.S. provider of hosted PBX services for small businesses, according to a 2007 study by telecom analyst AMI Partners.
At the same time, Packet8 never lost sight of the consumer side of the business.
“We have 100,000 consumer [accounts] and those are key because that base provides us with economies of scale — for example, PSTN termination.
Internally-developed technology is another key to Packet8’s stability — a contrast to SunRocket which licensed its technology from other companies.
“We have 68 patents in this [VoIP] technology,” Rees explains. “We co-invented the technology. Because we control the technology, [we control] quality, reliability, scalability. Over the long term, it’s helped us reduce our cost base because we don’t have to pay anybody for anything.”
All of which leaves Packet8 sitting pretty. “Last March we were close to cash flow breakeven and we’ve been improving that quarter-by-quarter,” Rees reports. “We’ve got over $12 million in the bank, $54 million in revenue last fiscal year — 67 percent over the previous year.”
Even with the SunRocket promo, Rees adds, “we’ll still make a profit and that should be good news for customers because we’ll still be in business.”
Source : http://voxilla.com
CUBS’ PREFERRED BIDDER IS TOM RICKETTS
n the long, exasperating process of the Cubs sale, Tom Ricketts has always been the front-runner to take over ownership. So it should come as little shock that the Sun-Times has a source saying that the Tribune Co.’s preferred bidder is indeed Ricketts.
And, it’s pretty much for all the reasons people have pointed to in the past:
Ricketts is believed to have offered around $900 million.
“They want Ricketts, and it’s always been Ricketts,” a source said.
While the others might have bid a higher price for the team, the source said the Ricketts offer had more conservative financing, an important factor when credit is extremely tight.
Also, Ricketts lives in the Chicago suburbs and represents what it essentially a family bid. Baseball owners, who must approve any Cubs sale, are known to favor tight-knit groups of owners with local ties.
It’s interesting to note that even if the two other bidders actually threw down more money than Ricketts, it might not have mattered. And this is coming from a company that just filed for bankruptcy. Funny how that works out, eh?
But yeah: Ricketts has all the other important factors that other MLB owners just love. Namely, he’s got that conservative attitude, family appeal and is a local guy. Tom Ricketts is pretty much Wilson from “Home Improvement,” if Wilson had a family, was rich, didn’t drop philosophy all the time and lived in Chicago instead of the Michigan.
Source : http://www.chron.com
Paterson to choose Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand to replace Hillary Clinton
Now that the nanny and taxes have convinced Carolyn Kennedy of dropping her ridiculous bid for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat, PIX News is confirming that Governor Patterson's choice to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate is Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman to New York's 20th District.
She is what I call a right-wingish Democrat for her opposition to gun-control. It's because of her support of the NRA that Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy has vowed to primary Gillibrand in 2010 if Paterson appoints her to the Senate.
Yet it's Wayne Barrett who plunges the knife and kills the Congresswoman's "fairy tale" political ascent, which is often times used to explain her political currency :
The irony is that Paterson may be swinging from the nation's most prominent Democratic family to one with strong Republican ties. Gillibrand's father, Doug Rutnik, is an Albany insider and lobbyist whose ties to former GOP powerhouses Joe Bruno, George Pataki and Al D'Amato are legendary. In fact, Gillibrand won her seat when a state police domestic violence report about the GOP incumbent, John Sweeney, was mysteriously leaked, ostensibly with the acquiescence of the Pataki administration, which had its own reasons to oppose Sweeney. Bruno is under federal investigation now, and some of the subpoenas in the case involved a real estate deal that partnered Rutnik with Bruno and another lobbyist. Rutnik dated, and eventually lived with, a top Pataki and D'Amato aide for many years, until he broke up with her in 2006 to marry a cousin of his, Gwen Lee, who'd worked in high-paying state jobs secured by the same aide. Rutnik and D'Amato have been registered lobbyists for some of the same clients.
Yet my favorite bit of trivia about the woman is that, if indeed she will be appointed, she would have beaten her former boss, Andrew Cuomo, for the open seat. A low blow for a guy that should have had it in the basket with his solid Democratic "political dynasty" pedigree vis-a-vis her Republican background.
That has got to hurt.
Carolyn Kennedy's bid was nepotistically stupid while the "informal" opposition to Congresswoman's Nydia Velazquez' appointment is thisclose to racist. Then you have Congresswomen McCarthy, Carolyn Maloney and Nita Lowey as good choices but ageism always wins out.
If Cuomo weren't such a douche, he probably would have been appointed a long time ago. So Gillibrand is like sloppy seconds : Blonde, young and from a (minor) political dynasty albeit a Republican one.
That's how petty and provincial New York politics are. No, let me correct myself : New York Democrats.
Source : http://culturekitchen.com
Dr. Shakur Scheduled for BET/Letter to Tupac
There is a segment of the "American Gangster" series scheduled to air on Dr. Shakur this coming Thursday on BET (check your local listings)
To My Son by Mutulu Shakur
This letter was written the night of Tupac's death from the cell of his stepfather, Mutulu Shakur, inside the federal penitentiary in Florence, Colo.
I love you whenever....forever. Tupac, so much I needed to say, so much you wanted to say. Many conversations between us within the ether, whenever forever. The pain inflicted that scarred your soul but not your spirit gave force to the rebellion. Many couldn't see your dreams or understand your nightmares. How could they, Tupac? I knew your love and understood your passion. But you knew of your beginning and saw your end....racing towards it. You taught and fought through your songs and deeds. RATT-TATT-TATT of words penetrating the contradiction of our existence.
Whenever....forever Who cares? We cared, Tupac. The Shakurs have been guided by struggle, prepared or not, whenever....forever. We've exposed our existence, naked from fear, to those who would hear the positive. Who would witness the stress, wear and tear of this lonely path. You couldn't have evaded the effect or the changes. You inherited it, it was in your genes. But still, you danced your dance, you lived your life. You forced loyality on those who would fake and shake at the true vision. You were Tupac Like the four seasons, we come to this planet taking form, becoming elements of nature, Some of us are only one season, and others like you were part of many seasons. This dynamic will scare most anyone who realized the burden at such an early stage of life. You fought well. We love you. We understand....forever, whenever. Please give my love to our family. Ask them to help you on the other side. Tell Zayd, Lumumba, Aby, Brother Leggs, Mtaryi, Attallah, that they are to continue to help us down here. Shakur's love is strong. Whenever....forever Friday 13th didn't mean a thing. Life is for living and dying well. Whenever.....forever.
Allah knows best. We choose the quality of our life. You understand the pain of disappointment in the ones we love. You pushed so many away. Burnt so many bridges so they wouldn't follow you into battles against the demons you were facing. Knowing well to what lengths you would go. This battlefield of reality is littered with many meaningless casualties You never yelled out "Somebody, save me!" You only asked for your soul to be free, whenever....forever. You told us to keep our head up, knowing the pain was coming. Knowing to look for the strength in the heavens. Set your soul free, Tupac Amaru. We keep waiting in vain for their love Will your levitation be awakening of us all? The division unsettling to our dreams and goals? You passing demanding repentance and resistance? We keep waiting, not in vain. We give you love. Give us love. To my brother and son, these emotions are hell. I wish you well in the next journey. My soul aches for comfort. In our next life we will finish our unfinished journey. Whenever.....forever For now Tupac, we will hold our heads up. This journey is at an end, your ashes are in the wind. Friends and enimies will have to look to the stars. You are truly a star. A star navigating through the dynamics of this, your path chosen before you arrived. Lessions we've gained will materialize after you're gone. Whenever....forever Your family will keep the spirit high, for we are Shakurs. We are thankful for what life gives us. Through the pain and the struggle we are blessed by the victory. Go forward, Tupac. The victories---we will teach your mission, we are thankful for you. We love you, Tupac Shakur. We ain't mad at you, we'll be better because of you. So now I give you my tears so I might assimilate your loss and I can live on in peace. Knowing I will feed your spirit with my unconditional love, knowing you will need it on your next journey.
May Allah bless you for your deeds and forgive your errors. Tupac come to me and give me strength. Love always. Your father, friend, comrade,
Mutulu
There is a segment of the "American Gangster" series scheduled to air on Dr. Shakur this coming Thursday on BET (check your local listings)
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To My Son by Mutulu Shakur
This letter was written the night of Tupac's death from the cell of his stepfather, Mutulu Shakur, inside the federal penitentiary in Florence, Colo.
I love you whenever....forever. Tupac, so much I needed to say, so much you wanted to say. Many conversations between us within the ether, whenever forever. The pain inflicted that scarred your soul but not your spirit gave force to the rebellion. Many couldn't see your dreams or understand your nightmares. How could they, Tupac? I knew your love and understood your passion. But you knew of your beginning and saw your end....racing towards it. You taught and fought through your songs and deeds. RATT-TATT-TATT of words penetrating the contradiction of our existence. Whenever....forever Who cares? We cared, Tupac. The Shakurs have been guided by struggle, prepared or not, whenever....forever. We've exposed our existence, naked from fear, to those who would hear the positive. Who would witness the stress, wear and tear of this lonely path. You couldn't have evaded the effect or the changes. You inherited it, it was in your genes. But still, you danced your dance, you lived your life. You forced loyality on those who would fake and shake at the true vision. You were Tupac Like the four seasons, we come to this planet taking form, becoming elements of nature, Some of us are only one season, and others like you were part of many seasons. This dynamic will scare most anyone who realized the burden at such an early stage of life. You fought well. We love you. We understand....forever, whenever. Please give my love to our family. Ask them to help you on the other side. Tell Zayd, Lumumba, Aby, Brother Leggs, Mtaryi, Attallah, that they are to continue to help us down here. Shakur's love is strong. Whenever....forever Friday 13th didn't mean a thing. Life is for living and dying well. Whenever.....forever.
Allah knows best. We choose the quality of our life. You understand the pain of disappointment in the ones we love. You pushed so many away. Burnt so many bridges so they wouldn't follow you into battles against the demons you were facing. Knowing well to what lengths you would go. This battlefield of reality is littered with many meaningless casualties You never yelled out "Somebody, save me!" You only asked for your soul to be free, whenever....forever. You told us to keep our head up, knowing the pain was coming. Knowing to look for the strength in the heavens. Set your soul free, Tupac Amaru. We keep waiting in vain for their love Will your levitation be awakening of us all? The division unsettling to our dreams and goals? You passing demanding repentance and resistance? We keep waiting, not in vain. We give you love. Give us love. To my brother and son, these emotions are hell. I wish you well in the next journey. My soul aches for comfort. In our next life we will finish our unfinished journey. Whenever.....forever For now Tupac, we will hold our heads up. This journey is at an end, your ashes are in the wind. Friends and enimies will have to look to the stars. You are truly a star. A star navigating through the dynamics of this, your path chosen before you arrived. Lessions we've gained will materialize after you're gone. Whenever....forever Your family will keep the spirit high, for we are Shakurs. We are thankful for what life gives us. Through the pain and the struggle we are blessed by the victory. Go forward, Tupac. The victories---we will teach your mission, we are thankful for you. We love you, Tupac Shakur. We ain't mad at you, we'll be better because of you. So now I give you my tears so I might assimilate your loss and I can live on in peace. Knowing I will feed your spirit with my unconditional love, knowing you will need it on your next journey.
May Allah bless you for your deeds and forgive your errors. Tupac come to me and give me strength. Love always. Your father, friend, comrade,
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