2/27/09
Advantages of being over Fifty Yrs. Old
> 01. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
> 02. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
> 03. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
> 04. People call at 9 PM and ask, did I wake you?
> 05. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
> 06. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
> 07. Things you buy now won't wear out.
> 08. You can eat supper at 4PM.
> 09. You can live without sex but not your glasses.
> 10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
> 11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
> 12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
> 13. You sing along with elevator music.
> 14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
> 15 . Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
> 16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
> 17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
> 18.Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
> 19.You can't remember who sent you this list.
> And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience
> And Never, Never, Never , under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
> 02. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
> 03. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
> 04. People call at 9 PM and ask, did I wake you?
> 05. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
> 06. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
> 07. Things you buy now won't wear out.
> 08. You can eat supper at 4PM.
> 09. You can live without sex but not your glasses.
> 10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
> 11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
> 12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
> 13. You sing along with elevator music.
> 14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
> 15 . Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
> 16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
> 17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
> 18.Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
> 19.You can't remember who sent you this list.
> And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience
> And Never, Never, Never , under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2/26/09
13-year-old dad..Feeding, nappies... and PlayStation
INNOCENT-eyed Alfie Patten spent his first night acting as a 13-year-old dad and declared: “It was easier than I thought.”
The four-footer — who looks no more than eight — said: “I know I’m young, but I plan to be a good dad.”
As he went on the PlayStation with 15-year-old girlfriend Chantelle Steadman, he added: “I think we’ll be good parents.
I’ll have to work extra hard at school.” Chantelle looked up from 18-rated action game Saints Row II to admit her first night out of hospital since having 7lb 3oz daughter Maisie had been tough and had left her “in a daze”.
Story that rocked Britain ... our front page But she went on: “Alfie has been really good with her.“He made the first bottle and then we took it in turns feeding her.
He did the first bit with me. “We didn’t need any help from Mum. I didn’t really get back to sleep. I just lay there in a daze.”
She added: “It feels better to be at home than it does in hospital. I prefer it now I am at home and it is just us and our family.”Both Chantelle and Alfie change four-day-old daughter Maisie’s nappy and the baby sleeps in her mum’s bedroom in Eastbourne, East Sussex.
Parents ... Alfie and Chantelle with Maisie Lee Thompson It is a typical teenage bolthole — packed tight with cuddly toys including a giant pink teddy.
A school gymnastics certificate is proudly displayed on the wall. Mickey and Minnie Mouse hold hands, surrounded by lovehearts, on the headboard of her bed — where Maisie was conceived when Alfie was just 12 and Chantelle 14.Their story, revealed by The Sun yesterday, rocked Britain.Even Prime Minister Gordon Brown spoke out, commenting: “I think all of us would want to avoid teenage pregnancies.” Advertisement But Chantelle insisted: “When I was pregnant the police and social w orkers came to interview us and they decided that we would make good parents to Maisie.“Now we will prove to everyone that we can be, and give her a great future. When Alfie is 16 he can come and live here with me and my family.“We don’t want to get a flat because we wouldn’t have enough money and I want us both to stay in school to make the best future for Maisie.” Benefits The pair’s parents have been singled out for criticism.
Both knew Alfie and Chantelle were “dating” but said they did NOT know the relationship was sexual.Alfie lives with mum Nicola, 43, in a £395,000 detached home in nearby Hailsham.
Neighbour John Holmes, 90, said: “I have always found them very nice, but I know a lot of neighbours have complained about her noisy parties.”Nicola is separated from Alfie’s dad Dennis, a 45-year-old father of ten, including three stepkids.
He said: “How were we to know what they were up to? To us they were just kids — we’re as shocked as everyone else.”
Family ... new mum Chantelle with baby Maisie and her own mother Penny Lee Thompson He said the child couple hid the pregnancy for six weeks and added: “I feel that the doctor that told them she was pregnant should have told an adult.”Chantelle lives with mum Penny, 38, dad Steve, 43, and her five brothers in a council house.
The family survive on benefits. But Penny explained: “Steve is a fisherman and work is sparse.“I need to be at home to look after Maisie and my other children so that Chantelle can go to school in April and take her GCSEs. What’s important now is Chantelle’s career and her family and that this mistake does not mean she cannot have the same dreams as any other 15-year-old.”
The four-footer — who looks no more than eight — said: “I know I’m young, but I plan to be a good dad.”
As he went on the PlayStation with 15-year-old girlfriend Chantelle Steadman, he added: “I think we’ll be good parents.
I’ll have to work extra hard at school.” Chantelle looked up from 18-rated action game Saints Row II to admit her first night out of hospital since having 7lb 3oz daughter Maisie had been tough and had left her “in a daze”.
Story that rocked Britain ... our front page But she went on: “Alfie has been really good with her.“He made the first bottle and then we took it in turns feeding her.
He did the first bit with me. “We didn’t need any help from Mum. I didn’t really get back to sleep. I just lay there in a daze.”
She added: “It feels better to be at home than it does in hospital. I prefer it now I am at home and it is just us and our family.”Both Chantelle and Alfie change four-day-old daughter Maisie’s nappy and the baby sleeps in her mum’s bedroom in Eastbourne, East Sussex.
Parents ... Alfie and Chantelle with Maisie Lee Thompson It is a typical teenage bolthole — packed tight with cuddly toys including a giant pink teddy.
A school gymnastics certificate is proudly displayed on the wall. Mickey and Minnie Mouse hold hands, surrounded by lovehearts, on the headboard of her bed — where Maisie was conceived when Alfie was just 12 and Chantelle 14.Their story, revealed by The Sun yesterday, rocked Britain.Even Prime Minister Gordon Brown spoke out, commenting: “I think all of us would want to avoid teenage pregnancies.” Advertisement But Chantelle insisted: “When I was pregnant the police and social w orkers came to interview us and they decided that we would make good parents to Maisie.“Now we will prove to everyone that we can be, and give her a great future. When Alfie is 16 he can come and live here with me and my family.“We don’t want to get a flat because we wouldn’t have enough money and I want us both to stay in school to make the best future for Maisie.” Benefits The pair’s parents have been singled out for criticism.
Both knew Alfie and Chantelle were “dating” but said they did NOT know the relationship was sexual.Alfie lives with mum Nicola, 43, in a £395,000 detached home in nearby Hailsham.
Neighbour John Holmes, 90, said: “I have always found them very nice, but I know a lot of neighbours have complained about her noisy parties.”Nicola is separated from Alfie’s dad Dennis, a 45-year-old father of ten, including three stepkids.
He said: “How were we to know what they were up to? To us they were just kids — we’re as shocked as everyone else.”
Family ... new mum Chantelle with baby Maisie and her own mother Penny Lee Thompson He said the child couple hid the pregnancy for six weeks and added: “I feel that the doctor that told them she was pregnant should have told an adult.”Chantelle lives with mum Penny, 38, dad Steve, 43, and her five brothers in a council house.
The family survive on benefits. But Penny explained: “Steve is a fisherman and work is sparse.“I need to be at home to look after Maisie and my other children so that Chantelle can go to school in April and take her GCSEs. What’s important now is Chantelle’s career and her family and that this mistake does not mean she cannot have the same dreams as any other 15-year-old.”
A Sprightly Explanation For UFO Sightings
From their unique vantage point in Israel, the researchers are leading the world in the study of winter sprites. Prof. Price's new camera techniques, in particular, have revealed the sprites' circular structures, which are much like those of candles on a birthday cake.
In legend, sprites are trolls, elves and other spirits that dance high above our ozone layer. But scientists at Tel Aviv University have discovered that some very real "sprites" are zipping across the atmosphere as well, providing a possible explanation for those other legendary denizens of the skies, UFOs.
Thunderstorms, says Prof. Colin Price, head of the Geophysics and Planetary Sciences Department at Tel Aviv University, are the catalyst for a newly discovered natural phenomenon he calls "sprites." He and his colleagues are one of the leading teams in the world studying the phenomenon, and Prof. Price leads the study of "winter sprites" - those that appear only in the northern hemisphere's winter months.
"Sprites appear above most thunderstorms," explains Prof. Price, "but we didn't see them until recently. They are high in the sky and last for only a fraction of a second." While there is much debate over the cause or function of these mysterious flashes in the sky, they may, Prof. Price says, explain some bizarre reports of UFO sightings.
An Electrifying DiscoverySprites are described as flashes high in the atmosphere, between 35 and 80 miles from the ground, much higher than the 7 to 10 miles where regular lightning bolts usually occur.
"Lightning from the thunderstorm excites the electric field above, producing a flash of light called a sprite," explains Prof. Price. "We now understand that only a specific type of lightning is the trigger that initiates sprites aloft."
Though sprites have existed for millions of years, they were first discovered and documented only by accident in 1989 when a researcher studying stars was calibrating a camera pointed at the distant atmosphere where sprites occur.
"Sprites, which only occur in conjunction with thunderstorms, never occur on their own, and are cousins to similar natural phenomenon dubbed by atmospheric electricians as 'elves,' 'goblins' and 'trolls,'" Prof. Price says. These flashes are so named because they appear to "dance" in the sky, which may explain some UFO sightings.
Candles on a Celestial Birthday Cake Tel Aviv University's research team is one of the leading global groups studying the phenomenon. But Prof. Price and his students are now working in collaboration with other Israeli scientists from The Open University and The Hebrew University to take three-dimensional pictures of sprites to gain a better understanding of their structure.
Using remote-controlled roof-mounted cameras, the researchers are able to look at the thunderstorms that produce sprites when they are still over the Mediterranean Sea.
From their unique vantage point in Israel, the researchers are leading the world in the study of winter sprites. Prof. Price's new camera techniques, in particular, have revealed the sprites' circular structures, which are much like those of candles on a birthday cake.
Using triangulation, Prof. Price and his team have also been able to calculate the dimensions of the sprites' features. "The candles in the sprites are up to 15 miles high, with the cluster of candles 45 miles wide - it looks like a huge birthday celebration!"
Because of their high altitude, sprites may also have an impact on the chemistry of the Earth's ozone layer. "Since they are relatively infrequent, the global impact is likely small," says Prof. Price. "But we're researching that now".
SKY NIGHTLY
In legend, sprites are trolls, elves and other spirits that dance high above our ozone layer. But scientists at Tel Aviv University have discovered that some very real "sprites" are zipping across the atmosphere as well, providing a possible explanation for those other legendary denizens of the skies, UFOs.
Thunderstorms, says Prof. Colin Price, head of the Geophysics and Planetary Sciences Department at Tel Aviv University, are the catalyst for a newly discovered natural phenomenon he calls "sprites." He and his colleagues are one of the leading teams in the world studying the phenomenon, and Prof. Price leads the study of "winter sprites" - those that appear only in the northern hemisphere's winter months.
"Sprites appear above most thunderstorms," explains Prof. Price, "but we didn't see them until recently. They are high in the sky and last for only a fraction of a second." While there is much debate over the cause or function of these mysterious flashes in the sky, they may, Prof. Price says, explain some bizarre reports of UFO sightings.
An Electrifying DiscoverySprites are described as flashes high in the atmosphere, between 35 and 80 miles from the ground, much higher than the 7 to 10 miles where regular lightning bolts usually occur.
"Lightning from the thunderstorm excites the electric field above, producing a flash of light called a sprite," explains Prof. Price. "We now understand that only a specific type of lightning is the trigger that initiates sprites aloft."
Though sprites have existed for millions of years, they were first discovered and documented only by accident in 1989 when a researcher studying stars was calibrating a camera pointed at the distant atmosphere where sprites occur.
"Sprites, which only occur in conjunction with thunderstorms, never occur on their own, and are cousins to similar natural phenomenon dubbed by atmospheric electricians as 'elves,' 'goblins' and 'trolls,'" Prof. Price says. These flashes are so named because they appear to "dance" in the sky, which may explain some UFO sightings.
Candles on a Celestial Birthday Cake Tel Aviv University's research team is one of the leading global groups studying the phenomenon. But Prof. Price and his students are now working in collaboration with other Israeli scientists from The Open University and The Hebrew University to take three-dimensional pictures of sprites to gain a better understanding of their structure.
Using remote-controlled roof-mounted cameras, the researchers are able to look at the thunderstorms that produce sprites when they are still over the Mediterranean Sea.
From their unique vantage point in Israel, the researchers are leading the world in the study of winter sprites. Prof. Price's new camera techniques, in particular, have revealed the sprites' circular structures, which are much like those of candles on a birthday cake.
Using triangulation, Prof. Price and his team have also been able to calculate the dimensions of the sprites' features. "The candles in the sprites are up to 15 miles high, with the cluster of candles 45 miles wide - it looks like a huge birthday celebration!"
Because of their high altitude, sprites may also have an impact on the chemistry of the Earth's ozone layer. "Since they are relatively infrequent, the global impact is likely small," says Prof. Price. "But we're researching that now".
SKY NIGHTLY
Mo:Ben Heats Your Lunch, Doesn’t Play iTunes
Despite your first impression of this lunch box from Designer Alex Cheong, it does not include 8GB of music/video storage and a 5″ LCD. Rather, it does what a lunch box should do, more fully prepare and package your lunchtime experience by warming up your meal through an internal film heater.
Stay away from storing beverages inside, unless you enjoy warm Coca Cola !
Designer : Alex Cheong
Rolls Royce: Phantom (mini) Menace
Set to be introduced at this years Geneva Motor Show, BMW (parent company to Rolls Royce) is calling this the “200EX Concept”, not to be confused with Chrysler’s beautiful 200C Concept. Measuring in about 18 inches shorter than the obnoxiously large Phantom, this sleek cruiser shares many parts with its cousin the BMW 7 Series.
Notice the inclusion of the classic “suicide doors” made popular by not only the Phantom but the mobster loving Lincoln Continental of the 1960s.
Stay tuned for the hotly anticipated “Baby Rolls” set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year.
Design : Rolls-Royce [ Via: Autoblog ]
2/24/09
How heart handles anger predicts irregular beat
WASHINGTON – How the heart handles anger seems to predict who's at risk for a life-threatening irregular heartbeat. Negative emotions like hostility and depression have long been considered risks for developing heart disease, and deaths from cardiac arrest rise after disasters such as earthquakes.
But research released Monday goes a step farther, uncovering a telltale pattern in the EKGs of certain heart patients when they merely recall a maddening event — an anger spike that foretold bad news.
In already vulnerable people, "anger causes electrical changes in the heart," said Dr. Rachel Lampert, a Yale University cardiologist who led the work. When that happens even in the doctor's office, "that means they're more likely to have arrhythmias when they go out in real life."
At issue is cardiac arrest, when the heart's electrical system goes haywire and heartbeat abruptly stops. Survival requires a fast electrical shock from a device called a defibrillator.
To track anger's effect, Lampert gave EKGs to 62 patients who had defibrillators implanted in their chests because of preexisting heart disease. When they recounted something that had made them angry, some patients experienced beat-to-beat EKG alterations that were similar to irregular heartbeat-predicting alterations that doctors can spot during treadmill testing.
In other words, the emotional stress was producing a red flag like physical stress can. But it did so without causing the jump in heart rate that exercise does, suggesting anger's Adrenalin rush may act directly on heart cells.
The result: People whose EKGs showed a big anger spike were 10 times more likely to have their defibrillators fire a lifesaving shock in the next three years than similarly ill patients whose hearts didn't react to anger, Lampert reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Next she's studying whether anger-reducing techniques might help those high-risk patients avoid irregular heartbeats.
Don't race out for an EKG. Nobody knows if anger has a similar electrical effect in people whose hearts aren't already diseased.
But that question should be studied, said Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association who wasn't involved with the research.
There's a clear connection between the heart and the head, that chronic negative emotions are somehow heart-damaging. "But we haven't been able to explain why that happens," said Goldberg, a cardiologist at New York University School of Medicine. "This is a step in the right direction."
The question of the still-healthy aside, this is a small study and researchers must test the anger spike's predictive ability in many more heart patients to be sure of its value.
But if it pans out, the finding could affect a huge population: About 100,000 defibrillators are implanted each year in people at risk of irregular heartbeats because of damage from a survived heart attack, genetic disorders and other conditions. Scientists are searching for ways to tell which patients most need the implants, and the anger spike may offer help.
By LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer
How to Be Charming & Charismatic
Have you ever noticed how some people captivate everyone they speak to? No matter what they look like or how much money they have, they can walk into a room and instantly be the center of attention.
When they leave, people think highly of them and want to emulate them. That’s charisma, a sort of magnetism that inspires confidence and adoration.
Like beauty, luck, and social position, charisma can open many doors in life. Unlike these other qualities, anyone can become more charismatic.
Improve your posture. Good posture will give the impression of self confidence (even if you don’t feel that way on the inside). While walking, maintain a relaxed yet definitive upright posture: spine long, shoulders back, head level with the ground. This may feel awkward or overpowering to you when you first practice it, but keep trying.
Relax the muscles in your face to the point where you have a natural, pleasant expression permanently engraved there. Face the world and show everyone you’re not afraid.
Make a connection. When your eyes come in contact with another person’s, nod and smile subtly with a subdued joy shining forth. Don’t worry about the other person’s reaction and don’t overdo it.
Remember people’s names when you meet them for the first time. This takes an enormous amount of effort for most people. Repeat the person’s name when stating your name to that person will help you to remember it better. For example: “Hi Jack, I’m Wendy.” Follow through with small talk and repeat the person’s name. Repeat it once more when you say goodbye. It’s not just about helping you to remember that person. The more you say a person’s name, the more that person will feel that you like them and the greater the chance they’ll warm up to you.
Be interested in people. If you meet a new acquaintance, for example a coworker, a classmate, a friend of a friend, etc. find out about their immediate family and interests. Be sure to ask after the names of family members and remember them. Be careful in that subject though you don’t want to be nosy. If you ask too much they will become uncomfortable. Also ask after their particular interests in life. These two topics will ensure much better small talk than just harping on about school or work. Most people don’t like to think about those things at social occasions unless they have to. Even if it is about networking, you should understand fully the worth of taking a break from talking shop. It is important to refrain from talking up about yourself. Be purely interested and impressed by the person with whom you are speaking.
Orient topics toward the audience. This means taking into account topics that interest those around you, even if you are not so keen on them. If you are in a sporty crowd, talk about last night’s game or the meteoric rise of a new team. If you are amongst a group of hobbyists, draw out their hobbies and make remarks related to fishing, knitting, mountain climbing, movies, etc. Nobody expects you to be an expert. It is your level of interest and willingness to engage in topics that makes you an interesting person to be around. Exercise an open mind. Let others do the explaining. If someone mistakenly thinks you know more about the topic, be genuine and simply say that your knowledge is limited but that you are hoping to learn more about it.
Praise others instead of gossiping. If you are talking with someone or you are talking in a group of people, and up pops the subject of another person in a positive or negative way, be the one to mention something you like about that person. Hearsay is the most powerful tool in gaining charm because it is always viewed as 100% sincere. It has the added benefit of creating trust in you. The idea will spread that you never have a bad word to say about anyone. Everyone will know that their reputation is safe with you.
Don’t Lie. A lie is something you say for which there is some direct evidence somewhere out there that contradicts it. If you tell Mary that you like Jane and Billy that you don’t like Jane, Mary and Billy will talk and your reputation will be ruined. No one will believe a word you say.
Issue compliments generously, especially to raise others’ self esteem. Try to pick out something that you appreciate in any situation and verbally express that appreciation. If you like something or someone, find a creative way to say it and say it immediately. If you wait too long, it may be viewed as insincere and badly timed, especially if others have beaten you to it. If you notice that someone is putting a lot of effort into something, compliment it, even if you feel that there is room for improvement. If you notice that someone has changed something about themselves haircut, manner of dress) notice it, and point out something you like about it. If you are asked directly, be charming and deflect the question with a very general compliment.
Be gracious in accepting compliments. Get out of the habit of assuming that the compliment is being given without genuine intent. Even when someone makes a compliment out of contempt, there is always a germ of jealous truth hiding in their own heart. Be effusive in accepting the compliment. Go beyond a mere “thank you” and enjoin this with “I’m glad you like it” or “It is so kind of you to have noticed.” These are “compliments in return.” Avoid backhanding a compliment. There is nothing worse to a person complimenting than to receive the response “Oh well I wish I was as ______ as you/that situation.” That is tantamount to saying, “No, I am not what you are saying I am, and your judgment is wrong.”
Control your tone of voice. The tone of your voice is crucial. Most people feel insecure somewhere inside and have an inability to accept praise. For this very reason, when you praise, do it subtly and glibly. When you say, “you look nice today” it should be in the exact same tone that you would use to say “it’s a nice day.” Any variation from your normal tone will arouse suspicion about your sincerity. Practice giving compliments into a recorder and play it back. Does it sound sincere? Practice until you get it right.. It might not sound right to you, in that case, ask someone for judgement.
Tips
Developing charisma is an art. The general guidelines above can help you be more charismatic, but your charisma must come from within you and must reflect you as an individual or it will appear fake. Fortunately, everyone has the ability to be charismatic, and it simply needs to be coaxed out. Practice and take note of what works and what needs improvement.
Don’t mimic others. People with well developed charisma have a remarkable ability not only to sway people’s opinions but also to cause others to emulate their personalities and even gestures. At the same time, however, research has shown that charismatic people do not emulate other charismatic people. Their individuality sets them apart.
Have a message. Don’t be afraid to be controversial, to push the envelope. If you believe in something or feel strongly about it, communicate that in a respectful way. Your charisma will help people be accepting of your ideas.
From : "Priya Malhotra"
Like beauty, luck, and social position, charisma can open many doors in life. Unlike these other qualities, anyone can become more charismatic.
Improve your posture. Good posture will give the impression of self confidence (even if you don’t feel that way on the inside). While walking, maintain a relaxed yet definitive upright posture: spine long, shoulders back, head level with the ground. This may feel awkward or overpowering to you when you first practice it, but keep trying.
Relax the muscles in your face to the point where you have a natural, pleasant expression permanently engraved there. Face the world and show everyone you’re not afraid.
Make a connection. When your eyes come in contact with another person’s, nod and smile subtly with a subdued joy shining forth. Don’t worry about the other person’s reaction and don’t overdo it.
Remember people’s names when you meet them for the first time. This takes an enormous amount of effort for most people. Repeat the person’s name when stating your name to that person will help you to remember it better. For example: “Hi Jack, I’m Wendy.” Follow through with small talk and repeat the person’s name. Repeat it once more when you say goodbye. It’s not just about helping you to remember that person. The more you say a person’s name, the more that person will feel that you like them and the greater the chance they’ll warm up to you.
Be interested in people. If you meet a new acquaintance, for example a coworker, a classmate, a friend of a friend, etc. find out about their immediate family and interests. Be sure to ask after the names of family members and remember them. Be careful in that subject though you don’t want to be nosy. If you ask too much they will become uncomfortable. Also ask after their particular interests in life. These two topics will ensure much better small talk than just harping on about school or work. Most people don’t like to think about those things at social occasions unless they have to. Even if it is about networking, you should understand fully the worth of taking a break from talking shop. It is important to refrain from talking up about yourself. Be purely interested and impressed by the person with whom you are speaking.
Orient topics toward the audience. This means taking into account topics that interest those around you, even if you are not so keen on them. If you are in a sporty crowd, talk about last night’s game or the meteoric rise of a new team. If you are amongst a group of hobbyists, draw out their hobbies and make remarks related to fishing, knitting, mountain climbing, movies, etc. Nobody expects you to be an expert. It is your level of interest and willingness to engage in topics that makes you an interesting person to be around. Exercise an open mind. Let others do the explaining. If someone mistakenly thinks you know more about the topic, be genuine and simply say that your knowledge is limited but that you are hoping to learn more about it.
Praise others instead of gossiping. If you are talking with someone or you are talking in a group of people, and up pops the subject of another person in a positive or negative way, be the one to mention something you like about that person. Hearsay is the most powerful tool in gaining charm because it is always viewed as 100% sincere. It has the added benefit of creating trust in you. The idea will spread that you never have a bad word to say about anyone. Everyone will know that their reputation is safe with you.
Don’t Lie. A lie is something you say for which there is some direct evidence somewhere out there that contradicts it. If you tell Mary that you like Jane and Billy that you don’t like Jane, Mary and Billy will talk and your reputation will be ruined. No one will believe a word you say.
Issue compliments generously, especially to raise others’ self esteem. Try to pick out something that you appreciate in any situation and verbally express that appreciation. If you like something or someone, find a creative way to say it and say it immediately. If you wait too long, it may be viewed as insincere and badly timed, especially if others have beaten you to it. If you notice that someone is putting a lot of effort into something, compliment it, even if you feel that there is room for improvement. If you notice that someone has changed something about themselves haircut, manner of dress) notice it, and point out something you like about it. If you are asked directly, be charming and deflect the question with a very general compliment.
Be gracious in accepting compliments. Get out of the habit of assuming that the compliment is being given without genuine intent. Even when someone makes a compliment out of contempt, there is always a germ of jealous truth hiding in their own heart. Be effusive in accepting the compliment. Go beyond a mere “thank you” and enjoin this with “I’m glad you like it” or “It is so kind of you to have noticed.” These are “compliments in return.” Avoid backhanding a compliment. There is nothing worse to a person complimenting than to receive the response “Oh well I wish I was as ______ as you/that situation.” That is tantamount to saying, “No, I am not what you are saying I am, and your judgment is wrong.”
Control your tone of voice. The tone of your voice is crucial. Most people feel insecure somewhere inside and have an inability to accept praise. For this very reason, when you praise, do it subtly and glibly. When you say, “you look nice today” it should be in the exact same tone that you would use to say “it’s a nice day.” Any variation from your normal tone will arouse suspicion about your sincerity. Practice giving compliments into a recorder and play it back. Does it sound sincere? Practice until you get it right.. It might not sound right to you, in that case, ask someone for judgement.
Tips
Developing charisma is an art. The general guidelines above can help you be more charismatic, but your charisma must come from within you and must reflect you as an individual or it will appear fake. Fortunately, everyone has the ability to be charismatic, and it simply needs to be coaxed out. Practice and take note of what works and what needs improvement.
Don’t mimic others. People with well developed charisma have a remarkable ability not only to sway people’s opinions but also to cause others to emulate their personalities and even gestures. At the same time, however, research has shown that charismatic people do not emulate other charismatic people. Their individuality sets them apart.
Have a message. Don’t be afraid to be controversial, to push the envelope. If you believe in something or feel strongly about it, communicate that in a respectful way. Your charisma will help people be accepting of your ideas.
From : "Priya Malhotra"
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2/23/09
'Slumdog' rules Oscars with 8 prizes including Best Picture
LOS ANGELES – "Slumdog Millionaire" took the best-picture Academy Award and seven other Oscars on Sunday, including director for Danny Boyle, whose ghetto-to-glory story paralleled the film's unlikely rise to Hollywood's summit.
The other top winners: Kate Winslet, best actress for the Holocaust-themed drama "The Reader"; Sean Penn, best actor for the title role of "Milk"; Heath Ledger, supporting actor for "The Dark Knight"; and Penelope Cruz, supporting actress for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."
A story of hope amid squalor in Mumbai, India, "Slumdog Millionaire" came in with 10 nominations, its eight wins including adapted screenplay, cinematography, editing and both music Oscars (score and song).
"Just to say to Mumbai, all of you who helped us make the film and all of those of you who didn't, thank you very much. You dwarf even this guy," Boyle said, holding up his directing Oscar.
The filmmakers accepted the best-picture trophy surrounded by both the adult professional actors who appeared among the cast of relative unknowns and some of the children Boyle cast from the slums of Mumbai.
The film follows the travails and triumphs of Jamal, an orphan who artfully dodges a criminal gang that mutilates children to make them more pitiable beggars. Jamal witnesses his mother's violent death, endures police torture and struggles with betrayal by his brother, while single-mindedly hoping to reunite with the lost love of his childhood.
Fate rewards Jamal, whose story unfolds through flashbacks as he recalls how he came to know the answers that made him a champion on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."
As he took the stage to accept his prize for playing slain gay-rights pioneer Harvey Milk, Penn gleefully told the crowd: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns."
He followed with condemnation of anti-gay protesters who demonstrated near the Oscar site and comments about California's recent vote to ban gay marriage.
"For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think it's a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect on their great shame and their shame in their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that support," Penn said. "We've got to have equal rights for everyone."
For his demented reinvention of Batman villain the Joker, Ledger became only the second actor ever to win posthumously, his triumph coming exactly 13 months after his death from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.
His Oscar for the Warner Bros. blockbuster was accepted by Ledger's parents and sister on behalf of the actor's 3-year-old daughter, Matilda.
"I have to say this is ever so humbling, just being amongst such wonderful people in such a wonderful industry," said his father, Kim Ledger. "We'd like to thank the academy for recognizing our son's amazing work, Warner Bros., and Christopher Nolan in particular for allowing Heath the creative license to develop and explore this crazy Joker character."
Since his death, the 28-year-old Ledger has gained a mythic aura akin to James Dean, another rising star who died well before his time.
The Joker was his final completed role, a casting choice that initially drew scorn from fans who thought Ledger would not be up to the task given Jack Nicholson's gleefully campy rendition of the character in 1989's "Batman."
In the months before Ledger's death, buzz on his wickedly chaotic performance swelled as marketing for the movie centered on the Joker and the perverted clown makeup he hid behind.
Ledger's death fanned a frenzy of anticipation for "The Dark Knight," which had a record $158.4 million opening weekend last summer.
The previous posthumous Oscar recipient was Peter Finch, who won best actor for 1976's "Network" two months after his death.
Cruz triumphed as a woman in a steamy three-way affair with her ex-husband and an American woman in Woody Allen's romance.
"Has anybody ever fainted here? Because I might be the first one," Cruz said, who went on with warm thanks to Allen. "Thank you, Woody, for trusting me with this beautiful character. Thank you for having written all these years some of the greatest characters for women."
"OK, that fainting thing, Penelope," Winslet joked later as she accepted her best-actress prize for "The Reader," in which she plays a former concentration camp guard in an affair with a teen. "I'd be lying if I haven't made a version of this speech before. I think I was probably 8 years old and staring into the bathroom mirror, and this would be a shampoo bottle. But it's not a shampoo bottle now."
It was Winslet's first win after five previous losses.
"Slumdog" writer Simon Beaufoy, who adapted the script from Vikas Swarup's novel "Q&A," said there are places he never could imagine being.
"For me, it's the moon, the South Pole, the Miss World podium, and here," Beaufoy said.
The epic love story "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," which led with 13 nominations, had three wins, for visual effects, art direction and makeup.
"The Dark Knight" had a second win, for sound editing.
"Milk" writer Dustin Lance Black offered an impassioned tribute to Milk.
"If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he would want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told they are less than by the churches, by the government, by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value, and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours," Black said.
"Man on Wire," James Marsh's examination of tight-rope walker Philippe Petit's dazzling stroll between the towers of the World Trade Center in 1974, was chosen as best documentary.
The acting categories were presented by five past winners of the same awards, among them last year's actress winners, Marion Cotillard and Tilda Swinton, plus Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Kline, Sophia Loren, Anthony Hopkins, Shirley MacLaine and Robert De Niro.
It was a much different style for the Oscars as each past recipient offered personal tributes to one of the nominees, without clips of the nominated performances. Awards usually are done in chit-chat style between a couple of celebrity presenters.
After last year's Oscars delivered their worst TV ratings ever, producers this time aimed to liven up the show with some surprises and new ways of presenting awards. Rather than hiring a comedian such as past hosts Jon Stewart or Chris Rock, the producers went with actor and song-and-dance man Hugh Jackman, who has been host of Broadway's Tony Awards.
Instead of the usual standup routine, Jackman did an engaging musical number to open the show, saluting nominated films with a clever tribute.
Jackman later did a medley staged by his "Australia" director Baz Luhrmann with such performers as Beyonce Knowles and "High School Musical" stars Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron.
"Slumdog Millionaire" went into the evening after a run of prizes from earlier film honors.
The film nearly got lost in the shuffle as Warner Bros. folded its art-house banner, Warner Independent, which had been slated to distribute "Slumdog Millionaire." It was rescued from the direct-to-video scrap heap when Fox Searchlight stepped in to release the film.
"Slumdog" composer A.R. Rahman, a dual Oscar winner for the score and song, said the movie was about "optimism and the power of hope."
"All my life, I've had a choice of hate and love," Rahman said. "I chose love, and I'm here.
The other top winners: Kate Winslet, best actress for the Holocaust-themed drama "The Reader"; Sean Penn, best actor for the title role of "Milk"; Heath Ledger, supporting actor for "The Dark Knight"; and Penelope Cruz, supporting actress for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."
A story of hope amid squalor in Mumbai, India, "Slumdog Millionaire" came in with 10 nominations, its eight wins including adapted screenplay, cinematography, editing and both music Oscars (score and song).
"Just to say to Mumbai, all of you who helped us make the film and all of those of you who didn't, thank you very much. You dwarf even this guy," Boyle said, holding up his directing Oscar.
The filmmakers accepted the best-picture trophy surrounded by both the adult professional actors who appeared among the cast of relative unknowns and some of the children Boyle cast from the slums of Mumbai.
The film follows the travails and triumphs of Jamal, an orphan who artfully dodges a criminal gang that mutilates children to make them more pitiable beggars. Jamal witnesses his mother's violent death, endures police torture and struggles with betrayal by his brother, while single-mindedly hoping to reunite with the lost love of his childhood.
Fate rewards Jamal, whose story unfolds through flashbacks as he recalls how he came to know the answers that made him a champion on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."
As he took the stage to accept his prize for playing slain gay-rights pioneer Harvey Milk, Penn gleefully told the crowd: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns."
He followed with condemnation of anti-gay protesters who demonstrated near the Oscar site and comments about California's recent vote to ban gay marriage.
"For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think it's a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect on their great shame and their shame in their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that support," Penn said. "We've got to have equal rights for everyone."
For his demented reinvention of Batman villain the Joker, Ledger became only the second actor ever to win posthumously, his triumph coming exactly 13 months after his death from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.
His Oscar for the Warner Bros. blockbuster was accepted by Ledger's parents and sister on behalf of the actor's 3-year-old daughter, Matilda.
"I have to say this is ever so humbling, just being amongst such wonderful people in such a wonderful industry," said his father, Kim Ledger. "We'd like to thank the academy for recognizing our son's amazing work, Warner Bros., and Christopher Nolan in particular for allowing Heath the creative license to develop and explore this crazy Joker character."
Since his death, the 28-year-old Ledger has gained a mythic aura akin to James Dean, another rising star who died well before his time.
The Joker was his final completed role, a casting choice that initially drew scorn from fans who thought Ledger would not be up to the task given Jack Nicholson's gleefully campy rendition of the character in 1989's "Batman."
In the months before Ledger's death, buzz on his wickedly chaotic performance swelled as marketing for the movie centered on the Joker and the perverted clown makeup he hid behind.
Ledger's death fanned a frenzy of anticipation for "The Dark Knight," which had a record $158.4 million opening weekend last summer.
The previous posthumous Oscar recipient was Peter Finch, who won best actor for 1976's "Network" two months after his death.
Cruz triumphed as a woman in a steamy three-way affair with her ex-husband and an American woman in Woody Allen's romance.
"Has anybody ever fainted here? Because I might be the first one," Cruz said, who went on with warm thanks to Allen. "Thank you, Woody, for trusting me with this beautiful character. Thank you for having written all these years some of the greatest characters for women."
"OK, that fainting thing, Penelope," Winslet joked later as she accepted her best-actress prize for "The Reader," in which she plays a former concentration camp guard in an affair with a teen. "I'd be lying if I haven't made a version of this speech before. I think I was probably 8 years old and staring into the bathroom mirror, and this would be a shampoo bottle. But it's not a shampoo bottle now."
It was Winslet's first win after five previous losses.
"Slumdog" writer Simon Beaufoy, who adapted the script from Vikas Swarup's novel "Q&A," said there are places he never could imagine being.
"For me, it's the moon, the South Pole, the Miss World podium, and here," Beaufoy said.
The epic love story "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," which led with 13 nominations, had three wins, for visual effects, art direction and makeup.
"The Dark Knight" had a second win, for sound editing.
"Milk" writer Dustin Lance Black offered an impassioned tribute to Milk.
"If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he would want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told they are less than by the churches, by the government, by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value, and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours," Black said.
"Man on Wire," James Marsh's examination of tight-rope walker Philippe Petit's dazzling stroll between the towers of the World Trade Center in 1974, was chosen as best documentary.
The acting categories were presented by five past winners of the same awards, among them last year's actress winners, Marion Cotillard and Tilda Swinton, plus Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Kline, Sophia Loren, Anthony Hopkins, Shirley MacLaine and Robert De Niro.
It was a much different style for the Oscars as each past recipient offered personal tributes to one of the nominees, without clips of the nominated performances. Awards usually are done in chit-chat style between a couple of celebrity presenters.
After last year's Oscars delivered their worst TV ratings ever, producers this time aimed to liven up the show with some surprises and new ways of presenting awards. Rather than hiring a comedian such as past hosts Jon Stewart or Chris Rock, the producers went with actor and song-and-dance man Hugh Jackman, who has been host of Broadway's Tony Awards.
Instead of the usual standup routine, Jackman did an engaging musical number to open the show, saluting nominated films with a clever tribute.
Jackman later did a medley staged by his "Australia" director Baz Luhrmann with such performers as Beyonce Knowles and "High School Musical" stars Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron.
"Slumdog Millionaire" went into the evening after a run of prizes from earlier film honors.
The film nearly got lost in the shuffle as Warner Bros. folded its art-house banner, Warner Independent, which had been slated to distribute "Slumdog Millionaire." It was rescued from the direct-to-video scrap heap when Fox Searchlight stepped in to release the film.
"Slumdog" composer A.R. Rahman, a dual Oscar winner for the score and song, said the movie was about "optimism and the power of hope."
"All my life, I've had a choice of hate and love," Rahman said. "I chose love, and I'm here.
Steve Granitz, WireImage.com/Associated Press
Emailing while asleep !
According to a case described in the medical journal Sleep Medicine, a 44-year-old sleepwalker logged onto her computer and emailed out party invitations to friends.
Fortean Times magazine looks at this case and several other bizarre episodes of somnambulism. From Fortean Times:
The mails themselves were perhaps not up to the woman’s waking standard; each was in a random mix of upper and lower case characters, badly formatted and containing odd expressions. One read: “Come tomorrow and sort this hell hole out. Dinner and drinks, 4.pm. Bring wine and caviar only.” Another said simply: “What the…” The writers of the report have dubbed this new variation of sleepwalking ‘zzz-mailing’.
The mails themselves were perhaps not up to the woman’s waking standard; each was in a random mix of upper and lower case characters, badly formatted and containing odd expressions. One read: “Come tomorrow and sort this hell hole out. Dinner and drinks, 4.pm. Bring wine and caviar only.” Another said simply: “What the…” The writers of the report have dubbed this new variation of sleepwalking ‘zzz-mailing’.
They say: “We believe writing an email after turning the computer on, connecting to the Internet and remembering the password displayed by our patient is novel.
To our knowledge this type of complex behaviour requiring coordinated movements has not been reported before in sleepwalking.
She was shocked when she saw these emails, as she did not recall writing them. She did not have any history of night terrors or sleepwalking as a child.” Unlike simple sleepwalking, they argue, the activities the woman engaged in required complex behaviour and coordinated movement, as well being able to remember her login details.
She had no memory of the events next day. It’s thought that the somnambulistic episode may have been triggered by prescription medication.
Read more in : "Somnambulism in the Internet"
2/22/09
WHAT A JOB !
There are few people outside do far more better job than us and still glad about their job..
This guy here is a Coolie (Luggage carrier) at bus station Bangalore, Kalasyapalya bus stop (City market) who usually carry luggage to & from the bus.
Please take few seconds to think how they carry 2 wheelers to the bus?
Most of the times they carry it in the box located under the bus…and if the box is full some times they carry the vehicle to top of the bus.
Few facts :
Weight of the Pulsar : 150 CC is around 200 kg
The cost of the Volvo side glass is about 30000
The cost of the vehicle…?
After seeing the above effort that he has made, do you know how much is he charging ?
Rs.20 !
This guy here is a Coolie (Luggage carrier) at bus station Bangalore, Kalasyapalya bus stop (City market) who usually carry luggage to & from the bus.
Please take few seconds to think how they carry 2 wheelers to the bus?
Most of the times they carry it in the box located under the bus…and if the box is full some times they carry the vehicle to top of the bus.
Few facts :
Weight of the Pulsar : 150 CC is around 200 kg
The cost of the Volvo side glass is about 30000
The cost of the vehicle…?
After seeing the above effort that he has made, do you know how much is he charging ?
Rs.20 !
SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES !
1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Spour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto. The blockage will be almost instantly removed.
2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.
3. Avoid arguments with your partner about lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink.
4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.
5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button. Â
6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.
7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget about the toothache.
8. Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:
You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
9. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
10. Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
11. If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance.
12. And finally, be really nice to your family and friends; you never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan.
13. The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.
2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.
3. Avoid arguments with your partner about lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink.
4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.
5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button. Â
6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.
7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget about the toothache.
8. Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:
You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
9. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
10. Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
11. If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance.
12. And finally, be really nice to your family and friends; you never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan.
13. The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.
2/21/09
Dunhill gets you solar panel bags !
People living their life in a suitcase are definitely gonna heave a sigh of relief as they don’t have to carry the end number of chargers around as the Avorities Solar panel bag is up for grabs. With everything and everyone turning to solar energy, Dunhill couldn’t stay too far behind.
They have got a blessing in disguise for all globetrotters called the Avorities Solar panel bag which has these incredible solar panels at the sides to charge batteries which are anything but seen.
So whether you are on a vacation or on a business trip your digital camera or notebook can be ready-to-use and all the credit goes to the solar bag.
It looks pretty dapper to flaunt around as it is made of grey and black nylon with black leather trimmings and it’s the quintessential bag for the ideal man who has around $1,317.07 to shell out. /From : David Behzadi
They have got a blessing in disguise for all globetrotters called the Avorities Solar panel bag which has these incredible solar panels at the sides to charge batteries which are anything but seen.
So whether you are on a vacation or on a business trip your digital camera or notebook can be ready-to-use and all the credit goes to the solar bag.
It looks pretty dapper to flaunt around as it is made of grey and black nylon with black leather trimmings and it’s the quintessential bag for the ideal man who has around $1,317.07 to shell out. /From : David Behzadi
India to Introduce “Medicinal” Soft Drink Made from Cow Urine
In the ever-tightening race for soft drinks to win the taste buds of the masses, the competition might soon come from cow urine—in India, at least.Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist group, is currently developing a soft drink made from cow urine that will be called “gau jal,” which is Sanskrit for “cow water.”
A flavor for the beverage hasn’t yet been determined, but the head of the Cow Protection Department, which has overseen most of the planning, has assured us that “it won’t smell like urine and will be tasty too.”Cows are considered holy in India, and their urine is believed by many to have medicinal properties.
Some Hindu groups, including RSS, say cow urine can cure illnesses including liver disease, obesity, and cancer, and it is sometimes drunk during religious festivals
The new soft drink will mix cow urine with ayurvedic and medicinal herbs like aloe vera and gooseberry, and is intended to help the Hindu group’s effort to “cleanse India of foreign influence and promote its ideology of Hindutva, or Hindu-ness.” Though no release date has been set for the drink, it is currently undergoing laboratory testing and could be ready by the end of the year.
2/20/09
Huge gamma-ray blast spotted 12.2 bln light-years from earth
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The US space agency's Fermi telescope has detected a massive explosion in space which scientists say is the biggest gamma-ray burst ever detected, a report published Thursday in Science Express said.
The spectacular blast, which occurred in September in the Carina constellation, produced energies ranging from 3,000 to more than five billion times that of visible light, astrophysicists said.
"Visible light has an energy range of between two and three electron volts and these were in the millions to billions of electron volts," astrophysicist Frank Reddy of US space agency NASA told AFP.
"If you think about it in terms of energy, X-rays are more energetic because they penetrate matter. These things don't stop for anything -- they just bore through and that's why we can see them from enormous distances," Reddy said.
A team led by Jochen Greiner of Germany's Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics determined that the huge gamma-ray burst occurred 12.2 billion light years away.
The sun is eight light minutes from Earth, and Pluto is 12 light hours away.
The spectacular blast, which occurred in September in the Carina constellation, produced energies ranging from 3,000 to more than five billion times that of visible light, astrophysicists said.
"Visible light has an energy range of between two and three electron volts and these were in the millions to billions of electron volts," astrophysicist Frank Reddy of US space agency NASA told AFP.
"If you think about it in terms of energy, X-rays are more energetic because they penetrate matter. These things don't stop for anything -- they just bore through and that's why we can see them from enormous distances," Reddy said.
A team led by Jochen Greiner of Germany's Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics determined that the huge gamma-ray burst occurred 12.2 billion light years away.
The sun is eight light minutes from Earth, and Pluto is 12 light hours away.
2/19/09
A Miserable Universe !
Chicago IL (SPX)
How did the universe begin? How will it end? Do other universes exist?
Everyone at some time or another ponders these questions. Generations of researchers have brought us to our current point of understanding, but our picture of the universe has changed more in the past decade or so than it did in the past century.
The changes have had a significant effect upon our understanding of the future of the universe and life within it.
Lawrence Krauss, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist at Arizona State University, will describe how these revolutionary discoveries in cosmology have dramatically altered our views on the universe at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting on Feb. 16.
In his lecture "Our Miserable Future," Krauss will discuss the impact of new discoveries, including the key facts that the universe is flat and the dominant form of energy in the universe resides in empty space. While significantly impacting our understanding of the future of our universe, these changes have also effected the questions asked in modern cosmology, forcing researchers to confront several profound questions.
"Are fundamental cosmological questions falsifiable? Are the laws of nature fixed, or environmental? Are there fundamental cosmological limits to knowledge, and to life?" asks Krauss, a professor in ASU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences where he is a faculty member in the School of Earth and Space Exploration and the Physics Department.
"The revolutionary developments of the past decade have forced us to confront truly fundamental questions at the basis of science.
"In the far future all evidence of the big bang will disappear and scientists will think we live in a static eternal universe," explains Krauss.
Looking out at a night sky twinkling with distant light, it's a disturbing challenge to imagine that one day - far in the future - we will be alone in a dark empty universe. The rest of the universe will disappear before our very eyes.
Krauss adds, "We may live at a very special time in the history of the universe. Understanding why that appears to be the case is one of the biggest open questions in cosmology."
STELLAR CHEMISTRY
How did the universe begin? How will it end? Do other universes exist?
Everyone at some time or another ponders these questions. Generations of researchers have brought us to our current point of understanding, but our picture of the universe has changed more in the past decade or so than it did in the past century.
The changes have had a significant effect upon our understanding of the future of the universe and life within it.
Lawrence Krauss, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist at Arizona State University, will describe how these revolutionary discoveries in cosmology have dramatically altered our views on the universe at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting on Feb. 16.
In his lecture "Our Miserable Future," Krauss will discuss the impact of new discoveries, including the key facts that the universe is flat and the dominant form of energy in the universe resides in empty space. While significantly impacting our understanding of the future of our universe, these changes have also effected the questions asked in modern cosmology, forcing researchers to confront several profound questions.
"Are fundamental cosmological questions falsifiable? Are the laws of nature fixed, or environmental? Are there fundamental cosmological limits to knowledge, and to life?" asks Krauss, a professor in ASU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences where he is a faculty member in the School of Earth and Space Exploration and the Physics Department.
"The revolutionary developments of the past decade have forced us to confront truly fundamental questions at the basis of science.
"In the far future all evidence of the big bang will disappear and scientists will think we live in a static eternal universe," explains Krauss.
Looking out at a night sky twinkling with distant light, it's a disturbing challenge to imagine that one day - far in the future - we will be alone in a dark empty universe. The rest of the universe will disappear before our very eyes.
Krauss adds, "We may live at a very special time in the history of the universe. Understanding why that appears to be the case is one of the biggest open questions in cosmology."
STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Facebook reassures users in wake of service terms change
San Francisco (AFP)
Facebook on Monday said it is not usurping users' content despite changing service terms to claim "perpetual worldwide license" to anything posted at the social-networking website.
Changes to terms of service were necessary to keep in step with how people share pictures, comments and other information in the popular online community, according to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
"We wouldn't share your information in a way you wouldn't want," Zuckerberg said in an online posting addressing concerns.
"The trust you place in us as a safe place to share information is the most important part of what makes Facebook work."
Under the terms of service, Facebook has rights to freely use anything people add to the website even after members delete material or close accounts.
"It is common language in every website because their cut-throat lawyer says you need to cover yourself," said Future of Privacy Forum director Jules Polonetsky.
"This doesn't mean that Facebook can make a mini-series on your life or write a book about you, but they might be able to create a feed that lets your friends on Twitter know what you're doing. Folks should just calm down."
The terms of service free Facebook to technologically innovate ways members can share pictures, comments, videos or other digital content without hitting legal tripwires, according to Polonetsky.
Meanwhile, Facebook remains bound by its vow to honor privacy settings members use to dictate which of their online postings can been seen by whom.
Facebook members routinely share comments, pictures and more online and the website needs legal permission to be a platform for such exchanges.
Terms of service acknowledge that once pictures or messages are sent to friends at Facebook, senders surrender control of the data.
Internet users want full ownership and control of their online information while simultaneously being able to collect email addresses, phone numbers, pictures and other data from others, Zuckerberg notes.
"These two positions are at odds with each other," Zuckerberg wrote.
"There is no system today that enables me to share my email address with you and then simultaneously lets me control who you share it with and also lets you control what services you share it with."
Facebook said modifications made about two weeks ago to its terms of service let the website work with the realities of sharing information online and don't permit it to commandeer content from members.
"We are not claiming and have never claimed ownership of material that users upload," Facebook said in an email response to an AFP inquiry.
"Any limitations that a user puts on display of the relevant content are respected by Facebook."
Facebook on Monday said it is not usurping users' content despite changing service terms to claim "perpetual worldwide license" to anything posted at the social-networking website.
Changes to terms of service were necessary to keep in step with how people share pictures, comments and other information in the popular online community, according to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
"We wouldn't share your information in a way you wouldn't want," Zuckerberg said in an online posting addressing concerns.
"The trust you place in us as a safe place to share information is the most important part of what makes Facebook work."
Under the terms of service, Facebook has rights to freely use anything people add to the website even after members delete material or close accounts.
"It is common language in every website because their cut-throat lawyer says you need to cover yourself," said Future of Privacy Forum director Jules Polonetsky.
"This doesn't mean that Facebook can make a mini-series on your life or write a book about you, but they might be able to create a feed that lets your friends on Twitter know what you're doing. Folks should just calm down."
The terms of service free Facebook to technologically innovate ways members can share pictures, comments, videos or other digital content without hitting legal tripwires, according to Polonetsky.
Meanwhile, Facebook remains bound by its vow to honor privacy settings members use to dictate which of their online postings can been seen by whom.
Facebook members routinely share comments, pictures and more online and the website needs legal permission to be a platform for such exchanges.
Terms of service acknowledge that once pictures or messages are sent to friends at Facebook, senders surrender control of the data.
Internet users want full ownership and control of their online information while simultaneously being able to collect email addresses, phone numbers, pictures and other data from others, Zuckerberg notes.
"These two positions are at odds with each other," Zuckerberg wrote.
"There is no system today that enables me to share my email address with you and then simultaneously lets me control who you share it with and also lets you control what services you share it with."
Facebook said modifications made about two weeks ago to its terms of service let the website work with the realities of sharing information online and don't permit it to commandeer content from members.
"We are not claiming and have never claimed ownership of material that users upload," Facebook said in an email response to an AFP inquiry.
"Any limitations that a user puts on display of the relevant content are respected by Facebook."