A Japanese tourist hailed a taxi in downtown Delhi and asked to be taken to the international air port.
On the way, a car zoomed by and the tourist responded, “Ohhh! TOYOTA!! Made in Japan!! Very fast!”
Not too long afterward, another car flew by the taxi. “Ohh! NISSAN!! Made in Japan!! Very fast!”
Yet another car zipped by, and the tourist said, “Ohh! Mitsubishi!! Made in Japan!! Very fast!”
The taxi driver, who was 100% Indian, was starting to get a little annoyed that the Japanese made cars were passing his Taxi, when yet another car passed the taxi as they were turning into the airport. “Ohh! Honda!! Made in Japan!! Very fast!”
The taxi driver stopped the car, pointed to the meter, and said, “That’ll be Rupees 500.”
“Rupees 500? It was so short a ride! Why so much?”
The Taxi driver replied “Taxi meter. Made in India . Very fast.”
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Mother and Son- Truly Moving !
My mom only had one eye. I hated her, she was such an embarrassment. My mom ran a small shop at a flea market.She collected little weeds and such to sell, anything for the money we needed she was such an embarrassment.There was this one day during elementary school. I remember that it was field day, and my mom came. I was so embarrassed. How could she do this to me? I threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school..."Your mom only has one eye?!" and they taunted me.
I wished that my mom would just disappear from this world so I said to my mom, "Mom, why don't you have the other eye?! You're only going to make me a laughingstock. Why don't you just die?" My mom did not respond. I guess I felt a little bad, but at the same time, it felt good to think that I had said what I'd wanted to say all this time.
Maybe it was because my mom hadn't punished me, but I didn't think that I had hurt her feelings very badly.
That night...I woke up, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. My mom was crying there, so quietly, as if she was afraid that she might wake me. I took a look at her, and then turned away. Because of the thing I had said to her earlier, there was something pinching at me in the corner of my heart. Even so, I hated my mother who was crying out of her one eye. So I told myself that I would grow up and become successful, because I hated my one-eyed mom and our desperate poverty.
Then I studied really hard. I left my mother and came to Seoul and studied, and got accepted in the Seoul University with all the confidence I had. Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. Then I had kids, too. Now I'm living happily as a successful man. I like it here because it's a place that doesn't remind me of my mom.
This happiness was getting bigger and bigger, when someone unexpected came to see me "What?! Who's this?!"... It was my mother...Still with her one eye. It felt as if the whole sky was falling apart on me. My little girl ran away, scared of my mom's eye.
And I asked her, "Who are you? I don't know you!!!" as if I tried to make that real. I screamed at her "How dare you come to my house and scare my daughter! Get out here now!" And to this, my mother quietly answered, "oh, I'm so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address," and she disappeared. Thank good ness... she doesn't recognize me. I was quite relieved. I told myself that I wasn't going to care, or think about this for the rest of my life.
Then a wave of relief came upon me... one day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. I lied to my wife saying that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went down to the old shack, that I used to call a house...just out of curiosity there, I found my mother fallen on the cold ground. But I did not shed a single tear. She had a piece of paper in her hand.... it was a letter to me.
My Son,
I think my life has been long enough now. And... I won't visit Seoul anymore... but would it be too much to ask if I wanted you to come visit me once in a while? I miss you so much. And I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I decided not to go to the school.... For you... I'm sorry that I only have one eye, and I was an embarrassment for you.
You see, when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with only one eye... so I gave you mine... I was so proud of my son that was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye. I was never upset at you for anything you did. The couple times that you were angry with me. I thought to myself, 'it's because he loves me.' I miss the times when you were still young around me.
I miss you so much. I love you. You mean the world to me. My world shattered! Then I cried for the person who lived for me. My Mother.
I wished that my mom would just disappear from this world so I said to my mom, "Mom, why don't you have the other eye?! You're only going to make me a laughingstock. Why don't you just die?" My mom did not respond. I guess I felt a little bad, but at the same time, it felt good to think that I had said what I'd wanted to say all this time.
Maybe it was because my mom hadn't punished me, but I didn't think that I had hurt her feelings very badly.
That night...I woke up, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. My mom was crying there, so quietly, as if she was afraid that she might wake me. I took a look at her, and then turned away. Because of the thing I had said to her earlier, there was something pinching at me in the corner of my heart. Even so, I hated my mother who was crying out of her one eye. So I told myself that I would grow up and become successful, because I hated my one-eyed mom and our desperate poverty.
Then I studied really hard. I left my mother and came to Seoul and studied, and got accepted in the Seoul University with all the confidence I had. Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. Then I had kids, too. Now I'm living happily as a successful man. I like it here because it's a place that doesn't remind me of my mom.
This happiness was getting bigger and bigger, when someone unexpected came to see me "What?! Who's this?!"... It was my mother...Still with her one eye. It felt as if the whole sky was falling apart on me. My little girl ran away, scared of my mom's eye.
And I asked her, "Who are you? I don't know you!!!" as if I tried to make that real. I screamed at her "How dare you come to my house and scare my daughter! Get out here now!" And to this, my mother quietly answered, "oh, I'm so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address," and she disappeared. Thank good ness... she doesn't recognize me. I was quite relieved. I told myself that I wasn't going to care, or think about this for the rest of my life.
Then a wave of relief came upon me... one day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. I lied to my wife saying that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went down to the old shack, that I used to call a house...just out of curiosity there, I found my mother fallen on the cold ground. But I did not shed a single tear. She had a piece of paper in her hand.... it was a letter to me.
My Son,
I think my life has been long enough now. And... I won't visit Seoul anymore... but would it be too much to ask if I wanted you to come visit me once in a while? I miss you so much. And I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I decided not to go to the school.... For you... I'm sorry that I only have one eye, and I was an embarrassment for you.
You see, when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with only one eye... so I gave you mine... I was so proud of my son that was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye. I was never upset at you for anything you did. The couple times that you were angry with me. I thought to myself, 'it's because he loves me.' I miss the times when you were still young around me.
I miss you so much. I love you. You mean the world to me. My world shattered! Then I cried for the person who lived for me. My Mother.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Have some LAUGHS !!! =D
A vacuum salesman appeared at the door of an old lady's cottage and, without allowing the woman to speak, rushed into the living room and threw a large bag of dirt all over her clean carpet. He said, "If this new vacuum doesn't pick up every bit of dirt then I'll eat all the dirt."
The woman, who by this time was losing her patience, said, "Sir, if I had enough money to buy that thing, I would have paid my electricity bill before they cut it off. Now, what would you prefer, a spoon or a knife and fork?"
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The following is the transcript of the actual radio conversation of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland:
Canadians: Please divert your course 15 degrees the South to avoid a collision.
Americans: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees the North to avoid a collision.
Canadians: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.
Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.
Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course.
Americans: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES' ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, I SAY AGAIN, THAT'S ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.
Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call.
The woman, who by this time was losing her patience, said, "Sir, if I had enough money to buy that thing, I would have paid my electricity bill before they cut it off. Now, what would you prefer, a spoon or a knife and fork?"
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The following is the transcript of the actual radio conversation of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland:
Canadians: Please divert your course 15 degrees the South to avoid a collision.
Americans: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees the North to avoid a collision.
Canadians: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.
Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.
Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course.
Americans: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES' ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, I SAY AGAIN, THAT'S ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.
Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call.
Friday, March 18, 2011
How to Create the Perfect Pet Space
Some of us have children. Others of us have puppies. If your little one is covered in fur and walks on a leash, and you've pledged to devote your entire being to her alone, you either need serious parenting help or, more likely, qualify for weirdo animal-lover status. Precious Fifi may get her own handbag carrier and stroller, but behind closed doggie doors, how do you really show her she's a valued family member? If you've elevated the pooch to royal status, back up that talk with a pet niche designed for a princess. Even if you aren't a full-blown, t-shirt promoting animal rights activist, you still share your space with another creature--and chances are it needs some decorative assistance.
1. Safety first.
Make sure, before you start painting anything, to hide electrical cords and remove anything that would be whacked, shattered, or easily damaged by your pet--for your safety and Fido's too. Long tail? Leave no cups on coffee tables. Install baby-proof locks on cabinets that contain poisonous materials. Wrap up excess cords and find a hidden space for your trashcan. Think like a dog! Get on all fours, pant and see what entices you.
2. Designate your space.
The more segregated, the better--especially if most of your day is spent away from home. This impressive pet room has stained cement floors and galvanized aluminum wainscoting, with a doggie-designed bathing station. Fantastic if you bought a money tree last year, but most of us will make do with a smaller area. If you can separate a larger space with a stylish pet gate from Frontgate to break it up. Kitchens are great, especially if you have tile, as are roomy laundry areas and lofts. If Poochie is a puppy, don't leave anything in the room you wouldn't miss if she chewed it to bits. Spare bedrooms can be a good fit, as long as you cover the bedding with plastic and have an empty corner for her to relax. A quiet corner in your living area is perfect.
3. Pick a functional yet stylish bed.
Are you attracted to modern lines? Incorporate this Frontgate puppy bunk for a pair of tiny dogs. Does a more formal approach appeal to you? The Marie Antoinette Pet Bed fits the bill. Make sure you accommodate for Fido's size--the Madison Pet Bed is roomy, but still stylish. When your pooch needs to be contained, consider the Luxury Pet Residence, which has an adjustable shade and plush bedding. Fifi's bed will be the largest and most visible part of your decor, so it needs to flow with your house.
4. Splurge on a decorative dog bowl.
Dogs need to eat and drink. And they need to chew on stuff--whether you give it to them or they select it from available household items. So why not keep toy storage in the same design family? The most visible (and potential) eyesore in your house is a giant, slobbery metal bowl. Fork over some cash to make your pet feeders as intentionally chosen as your granite counters. Try the Wescott Raised Pet Feeder for a Tuscan flare or opt for the Meshidai Double Feeder if your taste leans toward square and modern.
5. Keep toys stowed in a covered basket.
Dogs need to chew. They'll choose your pillows and baseboards if they don't have alternatives, so it's up to you to bring the fun. Check out Petsmart for toys like the Chuck it! ball launcher and Buster Cube. Most dogs like tug toys, but some dogs prefer different materials. After you have a variety of toys, designate a covered box or basket to keep them out of sight. Tuck the basket under an occasional table or within a bookshelf. Keep 1-3 toys out at a time and rotate them so Fido doesn't get bored.
6. Personalize the space.
Including a monogrammed leash holder from Cherrybrook will add an even more personal touch to Fido's room. Hang framed photos of your furry family during outings and any other puppy memorabilia, on par with your style, near his bed and play area.
With high-style products from Frontgate and Oh My Dog Supplies, you can provide a comfortable space for Fido without sacrificing your personal tastes. Designate a space just for him and he'll feel even more a part of the family.
Check out more home decor and saving tips on the FreeShipping.org blog Go Frugal, including deals on products and free shipping from pet supply stores.
King And the Painters
There was a king who was a great admirer of art. One day an artist came and said to the king, Oh King! Give me a blank wall in your palace and let me paint a picture on it.
The artist was given the job. Just then, another young man said, Oh King! Please allow me to work on the opposite wall. I too am an artist. The king said, What would you like to make?
The man said, my sir, I shall make exactly what that man will make on the opposite wall. Moreover, I shall do so, without looking at his work. I would even request you to have a thick curtain put up between the two walls so that either of us cannot see the other.
Everyone in the kings court, including the king was intrigued. He decided to give the young fellow a chance. The following day a thick curtain was put into place and both the artists got to work. The first artist brought in a regular supply of paint, oil, water etc. The second one worked with some cloth and a bucket of water. After a month the first artist told the king that his work was complete. The king sent for the second artist and asked him, Young man, when would your work be ready? I am coming to see the first wall this evening. The man said, my sir, my wall is ready too!
The king went to see the first artists wall. He was very, very impressed with the painting and gave a hefty sum as a reward to the artist. He then asked for the curtain to be opened up. Lo and behold! The same painting was to be seen on the opposite wall too! Amazing! But true! Each line, each minor detail was exactly as it was on the first wall. But this man had not been seeing what was going on, on the other side of the curtain. So how had he done it?
The king wanted to know the secret. He gave a double reward to the fellow. Then he said, Young man, I am indeed very happy with your work. But you must tell me; how did you do it?
The lad said simply, Its very easy! I just polished the wall every day till it shone like a mirror! It was a wall made of white marble! The reflection of the painting across the room, showed up in it!
Moral:That is what it means to polish yourself. World is a reflection of you. Whatever you are, the world will seem to be that too. If you are happy, the world will look to be happy. If you are sad; jealous; angry; restless… That is what the world will seem to be to you!!!
The artist was given the job. Just then, another young man said, Oh King! Please allow me to work on the opposite wall. I too am an artist. The king said, What would you like to make?
The man said, my sir, I shall make exactly what that man will make on the opposite wall. Moreover, I shall do so, without looking at his work. I would even request you to have a thick curtain put up between the two walls so that either of us cannot see the other.
Everyone in the kings court, including the king was intrigued. He decided to give the young fellow a chance. The following day a thick curtain was put into place and both the artists got to work. The first artist brought in a regular supply of paint, oil, water etc. The second one worked with some cloth and a bucket of water. After a month the first artist told the king that his work was complete. The king sent for the second artist and asked him, Young man, when would your work be ready? I am coming to see the first wall this evening. The man said, my sir, my wall is ready too!
The king went to see the first artists wall. He was very, very impressed with the painting and gave a hefty sum as a reward to the artist. He then asked for the curtain to be opened up. Lo and behold! The same painting was to be seen on the opposite wall too! Amazing! But true! Each line, each minor detail was exactly as it was on the first wall. But this man had not been seeing what was going on, on the other side of the curtain. So how had he done it?
The king wanted to know the secret. He gave a double reward to the fellow. Then he said, Young man, I am indeed very happy with your work. But you must tell me; how did you do it?
The lad said simply, Its very easy! I just polished the wall every day till it shone like a mirror! It was a wall made of white marble! The reflection of the painting across the room, showed up in it!
Moral:That is what it means to polish yourself. World is a reflection of you. Whatever you are, the world will seem to be that too. If you are happy, the world will look to be happy. If you are sad; jealous; angry; restless… That is what the world will seem to be to you!!!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
5 Awesome Jokes !!! =D
An old woman is riding in an elevator in a very lavish New York City building when a young, beautiful woman gets into the elevator, smelling of expensive perfume. She turns to the old woman and says arrogantly, "Romance" by Ralph Lauren, $150 an ounce!"
Then another young and beautiful woman gets on the elevator, and also very arrogantly turns to the old woman saying, "Chanel No. 5, $200 an ounce!"
About three floors later, the old woman has reached her destination and is about to get off the elevator. Before she leaves, she looks both beautiful women in the eye, then bends over and farts and says, "Broccoli - 49 cents a pound!"
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Three guys go down to Mexico one night, get drunk and wake up in jail. They find out that they're to be executed for their crimes but none of them can remember what they have done.
The first one is strapped in the electric chair and is asked if he has any last words. He says, "I am a priest and I believe in the almighty power of God to intervene on behalf of the innocent." They throw the switch and nothing happens; so they figure God must not want this guy to die, and let him go.
The second one is strapped in and gives his last words. "I am an attorney and I believe in the eternal power of Justice to intervene on the part of the innocent." The switch is thrown and again nothing happens.
Figuring the law is on this guy's side, they let him go. The last one is strapped in and say's "I'm an electrical engineer, and I'll tell you right now, you'll never electrocute anybody if you don't connect those two wires." God rest his soul.
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Once upon a time, there was an officer of the Royal Navy named Captain Bravado who showed no fear when facing his enemies. One day, while sailing the Seven Seas, his lookout spotted a pirate ship approaching, and the crew became frantic. Captain Bravado bellowed, "Bring me my red shirt!"
The first mate quickly retrieved the captain's red shirt, and while wearing the brightly colored frock, the Captain led his crew into battle and defeated the mighty pirates. That evening, all the men sat around on deck recounting the triumph of earlier. One of them asked the Captain, "Sir, why did you call for your red shirt before battle?"
The Captain replied, "If I were to be wounded in the attack, the shirt would not show my blood. Thus, you men would continue to fight, unafraid." All of the men sat and marveled at the courage of such a manly man's man. As dawn came the next morning, the lookout spotted not one, not two, but TEN pirate ships approaching. The crew stared in worshipful silence at the Captain and waited for his usual orders.
Captain Bravado gazed with steely eyes upon the vast armada arrayed against his ship, and without fear, turned and calmly shouted, "Get me my brown pants."
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There was once a very prim and proper older lady who had a problem with passing gas. Since she came from a generation when people didn't even talk about this kind of problem it took a long time for her to seek help. Finally, however, she was persuaded to consult her family doctor.
After she filled out all the proper forms and had waited about 20 minutes in the waiting room the doctor called her into his office, leaned back in his chair, folded his hands into a steeple and asked her how he could help.
"Doctor," she said, "I have a very bad gas problem. Yesterday afternoon I had lunch with the Secretary of State and his wife and had six, um, er, ahhh ... silent gas emissions. Last night I had dinner with the governor and his wife and had four silent gas emissions. Then, while sitting in your waiting room I had five silent gas emissions! Doctor, you've got to help me! What can we do?"
"Well," said the doctor raising his voice a little, "I think the first thing we're going to do is give you a hearing test."
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The new priest is nervous about hearing confessions, so he asks the older priest to sit in on his sessions. The new priest hears a couple of confessions, then the old priest asks him to step out of the confessional for a few suggestions.
The old priest suggests, "Cross you arms over your chest, and rub your chin with one hand." The new priest tries this.
The old priest suggests, "Try saying things like, 'I see, yes, go on', and "I understand. How did you feel about that?" The new priest says those things.
The old priest says, "Now, don't you think that's a little better than slapping your knee and saying 'No shit?!? What happened next?"
Then another young and beautiful woman gets on the elevator, and also very arrogantly turns to the old woman saying, "Chanel No. 5, $200 an ounce!"
About three floors later, the old woman has reached her destination and is about to get off the elevator. Before she leaves, she looks both beautiful women in the eye, then bends over and farts and says, "Broccoli - 49 cents a pound!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three guys go down to Mexico one night, get drunk and wake up in jail. They find out that they're to be executed for their crimes but none of them can remember what they have done.
The first one is strapped in the electric chair and is asked if he has any last words. He says, "I am a priest and I believe in the almighty power of God to intervene on behalf of the innocent." They throw the switch and nothing happens; so they figure God must not want this guy to die, and let him go.
The second one is strapped in and gives his last words. "I am an attorney and I believe in the eternal power of Justice to intervene on the part of the innocent." The switch is thrown and again nothing happens.
Figuring the law is on this guy's side, they let him go. The last one is strapped in and say's "I'm an electrical engineer, and I'll tell you right now, you'll never electrocute anybody if you don't connect those two wires." God rest his soul.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once upon a time, there was an officer of the Royal Navy named Captain Bravado who showed no fear when facing his enemies. One day, while sailing the Seven Seas, his lookout spotted a pirate ship approaching, and the crew became frantic. Captain Bravado bellowed, "Bring me my red shirt!"
The first mate quickly retrieved the captain's red shirt, and while wearing the brightly colored frock, the Captain led his crew into battle and defeated the mighty pirates. That evening, all the men sat around on deck recounting the triumph of earlier. One of them asked the Captain, "Sir, why did you call for your red shirt before battle?"
The Captain replied, "If I were to be wounded in the attack, the shirt would not show my blood. Thus, you men would continue to fight, unafraid." All of the men sat and marveled at the courage of such a manly man's man. As dawn came the next morning, the lookout spotted not one, not two, but TEN pirate ships approaching. The crew stared in worshipful silence at the Captain and waited for his usual orders.
Captain Bravado gazed with steely eyes upon the vast armada arrayed against his ship, and without fear, turned and calmly shouted, "Get me my brown pants."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was once a very prim and proper older lady who had a problem with passing gas. Since she came from a generation when people didn't even talk about this kind of problem it took a long time for her to seek help. Finally, however, she was persuaded to consult her family doctor.
After she filled out all the proper forms and had waited about 20 minutes in the waiting room the doctor called her into his office, leaned back in his chair, folded his hands into a steeple and asked her how he could help.
"Doctor," she said, "I have a very bad gas problem. Yesterday afternoon I had lunch with the Secretary of State and his wife and had six, um, er, ahhh ... silent gas emissions. Last night I had dinner with the governor and his wife and had four silent gas emissions. Then, while sitting in your waiting room I had five silent gas emissions! Doctor, you've got to help me! What can we do?"
"Well," said the doctor raising his voice a little, "I think the first thing we're going to do is give you a hearing test."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The new priest is nervous about hearing confessions, so he asks the older priest to sit in on his sessions. The new priest hears a couple of confessions, then the old priest asks him to step out of the confessional for a few suggestions.
The old priest suggests, "Cross you arms over your chest, and rub your chin with one hand." The new priest tries this.
The old priest suggests, "Try saying things like, 'I see, yes, go on', and "I understand. How did you feel about that?" The new priest says those things.
The old priest says, "Now, don't you think that's a little better than slapping your knee and saying 'No shit?!? What happened next?"
Japan's Nuclear Power Plant Explosion -Weighing the risks
Courtesy: CTV News Channel
The Japanese government says an explosion Saturday blew off the roof and walls of the building containing a nuclear reactor, but did not damage the reactor itself.
The explosion at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant had earlier triggered fears of a nuclear meltdown.
On Saturday, Japan's government spokesperson Yukio Edano said radiation levels around the plant did not rise, but actually decreased after the explosion. He added that pressure in the reactor was also decreasing.
The walls of the building have crumbled, leaving only a skeletal metal frame standing, said Reuters reporter Kei Okamura.
"The government says there are no large leaks of radiation but just in case they have initiated an evacuation that has been expanded from an initial radius of 10 kilometres to now 20 kilometres," Okamura told CTV News Channel, reporting from Tokyo.
Four workers suffered fractures and bruises in the explosion, and puffs of smoke can be seen spewing out of the facility.
Earlier there were reports that large amounts of radiation were leaking from the plant.
The facility was badly damaged in Friday's devastating 8.9 magnitude earthquake.
Pressure and heat have been building at the nuclear reactor since the disaster, when the earthquake and ensuing tsunami caused its cooling system to fail.
Chris Johnson, a freelance reporter in Tokyo, said the message from the Japanese government has been confusing and journalists have had trouble getting accurate information. No one is being allowed to approach the site of the blast.
"It doesn't seem to be under control," Johnson said.
"I think if it was under control you'd have the government saying very strongly 'we have things under control.' But they're not doing that. They're still talking about analyzing the situation and asking people to stay calm."
A meltdown is not a technical term -- it describes the inability of a nuclear plant to manage temperatures in the system -- and nuclear scientists in Japan and around the world have said a meltdown may not pose a widespread danger.
Fukushima Dai-ichi plant is 30 kilometres from Iwaki, and about 260 kilometres north of Tokyo.
Five nuclear reactors at two power plants lost cooling ability on Friday, and a state of emergency was declared at both plants.
At one plant, radiation inside one reactor jumped to 1,000 times the normal level, but officials stressed there was no "immediate health hazard."
Both plants lost electrical power, and then suffered critical failures in their backup generators used to power cooling systems. Batteries were being used temporarily to keep the cooling systems going.
A lack of power to the cooling systems results in a pressure buildup beyond what the nuclear reactors are designed to handle.
Philip White, of the Citizens Nuclear Information Center, said his organization for years has warned about the risk of a combined earthquake and nuclear disaster.
The two events, if they were to occur simultaneously, could cause terrible damage, he said.
"If you have a nuclear disaster you need people to be inside away from the radiation," White told CTV News Channel.
"If you have an earthquake disaster, you need people outside so the buildings don't fall on them. You also need people to be able to move away from the situation when there's a nuclear disaster but they can't because their roads have been destroyed and transport is no longer available."
The Japanese government says an explosion Saturday blew off the roof and walls of the building containing a nuclear reactor, but did not damage the reactor itself.
The explosion at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant had earlier triggered fears of a nuclear meltdown.
On Saturday, Japan's government spokesperson Yukio Edano said radiation levels around the plant did not rise, but actually decreased after the explosion. He added that pressure in the reactor was also decreasing.
The walls of the building have crumbled, leaving only a skeletal metal frame standing, said Reuters reporter Kei Okamura.
"The government says there are no large leaks of radiation but just in case they have initiated an evacuation that has been expanded from an initial radius of 10 kilometres to now 20 kilometres," Okamura told CTV News Channel, reporting from Tokyo.
Four workers suffered fractures and bruises in the explosion, and puffs of smoke can be seen spewing out of the facility.
Earlier there were reports that large amounts of radiation were leaking from the plant.
The facility was badly damaged in Friday's devastating 8.9 magnitude earthquake.
Pressure and heat have been building at the nuclear reactor since the disaster, when the earthquake and ensuing tsunami caused its cooling system to fail.
Chris Johnson, a freelance reporter in Tokyo, said the message from the Japanese government has been confusing and journalists have had trouble getting accurate information. No one is being allowed to approach the site of the blast.
"It doesn't seem to be under control," Johnson said.
"I think if it was under control you'd have the government saying very strongly 'we have things under control.' But they're not doing that. They're still talking about analyzing the situation and asking people to stay calm."
A meltdown is not a technical term -- it describes the inability of a nuclear plant to manage temperatures in the system -- and nuclear scientists in Japan and around the world have said a meltdown may not pose a widespread danger.
Fukushima Dai-ichi plant is 30 kilometres from Iwaki, and about 260 kilometres north of Tokyo.
Five nuclear reactors at two power plants lost cooling ability on Friday, and a state of emergency was declared at both plants.
At one plant, radiation inside one reactor jumped to 1,000 times the normal level, but officials stressed there was no "immediate health hazard."
Both plants lost electrical power, and then suffered critical failures in their backup generators used to power cooling systems. Batteries were being used temporarily to keep the cooling systems going.
A lack of power to the cooling systems results in a pressure buildup beyond what the nuclear reactors are designed to handle.
Philip White, of the Citizens Nuclear Information Center, said his organization for years has warned about the risk of a combined earthquake and nuclear disaster.
The two events, if they were to occur simultaneously, could cause terrible damage, he said.
"If you have a nuclear disaster you need people to be inside away from the radiation," White told CTV News Channel.
"If you have an earthquake disaster, you need people outside so the buildings don't fall on them. You also need people to be able to move away from the situation when there's a nuclear disaster but they can't because their roads have been destroyed and transport is no longer available."
Japans Earthquake plus nuclear power plant explosion= DISASTER !
Hey everyone i am sure you guys must have got to know about Japan's earthquake by now
Plus there has been an explosion in one of its nuclear reactors...
Please support JAPAN in this time of need
Every human being should be sorrowful for what happened
We stand with the Japanese people.
Do not make fun of it as many people have been doing as many people like you have been killed or injured.
Regards
The Mind Press Team
Plus there has been an explosion in one of its nuclear reactors...
Please support JAPAN in this time of need
Every human being should be sorrowful for what happened
We stand with the Japanese people.
Do not make fun of it as many people have been doing as many people like you have been killed or injured.
Regards
The Mind Press Team
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Students, are you putting your future well-being at risk?
When you are a student heading off to college, finding affordable medical insurance is just the responsible thing to do. There are a variety of things you can do to ensure that you will be covered. Not all students think they need medical insurance because they feel young, vibrant, and full of life, and they think nothing bad will ever happen to them. While this could likely be true, it’s not worth risking major medical expenses when you could cover all your bases and make sure you have insurance for your health.
First – Check with your parents to see if you are covered under their plan. More often than not, if your parents have health insurance, you are likely covered under their plan until a certain age. All it takes is a quick call to your mom or dad, and you will soon know whether you need to look further for insurance. Find out from your parents what is covered under their plan, and more important, what isn’t covered. Knowing these things will help you in the event that you need additional insurance.
Second – Check with the school you will be attending. They often have very affordable medical insurance available to their students. Ask around and find out if this is an option at your school. If it is, find out what the costs are for this insurance. Sometimes it’s included in your tuition and you might already be covered without knowing it.
Third – If you find that you have more than one option available to you, research into them more to decide which is going to give you the best coverage. Decide what your risks are and what types of insurance you need the most.
Finding affordable medical insurance is important, especially when you are a student. Although you feel like you’re unstoppable, it’s always better to be on the safe side. After all, college is a time for experimenting and finding out who you are as a person. You will likely be in some rather risky situations, and you wouldn’t want to be stuck paying huge medical bills before you’re even out of school if you don’t have to.
If you are the parent of a soon-to-be student, call your insurance company and find out if your son or daughter is still covered under your plan. If not, encourage your child to find coverage with a responsible choice. It doesn’t hurt to sign up for insurance, and it can save a lot of money and heartache by helping pay your medical expenses.
Finding affordable health insurance can help you get through school without having to worry too much about getting sick or hurt. School is stressful enough as it is, you don’t need the worry of medical expenses hanging over your shoulder. If you are currently uninsured, start out by following the tips above to find medical insurance. If your parents can't help you out, ask your school's health office about options that have worked for other students.
Nicole Spencer is a freelance writer who writes about <a href="https://www.healthcompare.com/">health insurance</a>. Her goal is to help freelancers, small business owners and others learn about their <a href="http://healthcompare.org/2011/02/self-employed-health-insurance-options/">self employed health insurance</a> options.
Facebook Replaced With Balloons As The Latest Weapon Deployed Against North Korea
While the Arab states are trying to force change upon their own society other repressive governments are naturally suppressing the internet and other forms of mass communication, blamed, or credited, depending upon your perspective, on Facebook and Twitter as these social movements were.
I North Korea state censorship is keeping the citizens in the dark about events in North Africa while it also keeps us from seeing the conditions that most North Koreans are suffering in. In an attempt to keep their northern cousins abreast of developments South Koreans are heading to the de-militarised zone and releasing helium balloons filled with information about the uprisings that have seen the end to the abusive governments in Tunis and Cairo.
Stories are selected by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and disseminated among the people. The KCNA doesn’t report civil rebellions. The North Korean Communist Party have been very specific about blocking news of national unrest. Ki Sung Kwak of the University of Sydney said: "The Party has to be very, very careful to block what is happening in Africa. They are very sensitive nowadays."
The technique of distributing news by balloon isn’t all that new, after North Korea attacked Yeonpyeong Island last year the South’s government and political activists released over 3 million balloons close to the border. Each balloon scatters its payload of leaflets when it bursts. The leaflets criticise the North Korean government, the leader Kim Jong-il personally and encourage the people to rise up in rebellion against his autocracy. This month’s balloons are also scheduled to contain toothpaste, soap and basic medicines as well as the information. The additional goods have been included as there are reports of terrible privations including starvation coming back from over the border.
The balloons are seen as a powerful means of spreading the message but it’s not thought the North Koreans will be able to act, the civilians are generally too hungry and exhausted to act while the military are fed and clothed by the government.
That hasn’t stopped the North Koreans from seeing the balloons as very dangerous too, in a statement that was delivered over the KNCA the North Korean military leadership described the balloon events as “psychological warfare” and went on to threaten to launch an attack on South Korea if the releases continued.
The two countries have technically been at war for about six decades as peace was never officially reached when hostilities halted in the Korean War. Because North Korea failed to embrace the free market economy that its’ southern neighbour and indeed as China to the north has the regime has stagnated into a corrupt autocratic family dynasty. The Great and Beloved Leader as he is known has spent many years sabre rattling against the south safe and secure in the knowledge that the Chinese would support him if he talked himself into any really big trouble and the rest of the world considered that a real possibility. That was at least until Wikileaks revealed China’s true attitude toward him: they regard The Great Leader as a “spoiled child” and would accept Korean reunification. Of course the North Korean people don’t know that, but Kim does so now he’s rattling that empty scabbard just to impress his people, no-one else.
Dan Cash is supposed to working on a report about washing machines and fridge freezers
What to do if you don't like CRICKET ! =D
Boasting dozens of breathtakingly beautiful islands, hundreds of hotels and resorts and fantastic beaches, the Caribbean is what those in the trade call a classic “Fly, Flop and Fry” destination. However, if you fancy doing something more than simply spending 14 days on a sun lounger, the Caribbean has loads of other ways to keep the more adventurous tourist occupied. Pretty well every mass market tour operator or airline offers packages to Jamaica and some of the other larger Caribbean islands, but more interesting and unique Caribbean holidays can be found with smaller, specialist niche operators.
Beaches
If beaches are your thing then Antigua has 365 of them – one for each day of the year! The climate is warm and sunny all year round and the trade winds offer some welcome refreshment. As if that weren’t enough, the nearby island of Barbuda is just a day trip away and offers spectacular pink sand beaches and the largest frigate bird sanctuary in the world.
Wildlife
Speaking of wildlife (given the sad experience of well know professional animal teaser Steve Irwin) you could swim with stingrays in Grand Cayman. This is one of the best places to see, feed and stroke them and in some places on the island they come so close to the shore that you don’t even have to get out into deep water. 80% of the world’s humpback whale population mates and calves in the Bay of Samana between January and mid-March, making the Dominican Republic one of the best places in the world to spot these majestic creatures.
Cuba
You can find great beaches anywhere in the Caribbean, but a holiday in Cuba is special and distinctive. A visit to Cuba , especially Havana, at least once in your lifetime is now even more of a must before it’s opened up to US commercialism and that certain “something “ the Island has is gone forever! Some observers believe that as many as a million tourists a year could come from the United States and change Cuba’s distinctive character for good.
Mexico
Very few people would associate the phrase “Caribbean holiday” with Mexico, but this destination offers everything that you’d expect in the way of sun and magnificent beaches along the Riviera Maya. Its reputation did take a knock with the swine flu epidemic and travel to some of the more northerly cartel-run cities bordering the USA is not advisable, but Tulum gives the visitor sea, sand, sun and history all in one outstanding location. Tulum was a major link in the Maya’s extensive trade network as both sea and land routes converged there. The archaeological site is relatively compact and one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites with architecture that resembles that of the nearby Chichen Itza, just on a much smaller scale.
The author, Allan Bisset, works with a company called Tropical Sky that specialises in the provision of luxury Caribbean holidays to more unusual and exotic destinations.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
ThinkQuest International Competition 2011 - Application Development Event
Age Divisions: 22 and under, 19 and under, and 16 and under.
In the Application Development Competition, participants will:
* Develop a web-based application using their choice of programming language(s), software, and development environment.
* Define the problem they intend to solve, produce an application that elegantly solves that problem for users, and present the process they followed to develop their solution.
* Although helpful, prior experience with application development is not required.
All entries must be submitted in English.
In the Application Development Competition, participants will:
* Develop a web-based application using their choice of programming language(s), software, and development environment.
* Define the problem they intend to solve, produce an application that elegantly solves that problem for users, and present the process they followed to develop their solution.
* Although helpful, prior experience with application development is not required.
All entries must be submitted in English.
How to apply
Need inspiration? Here are some entry examples.
You can download a brochure about Application Development Competition here.
* 1st and 2nd place teams in each age division for each event will receive a trip to ThinkQuest Live for themselves, the team coach, and one parent or adult chaperone per student. ThinkQuest Live is a 5-day event that OEF will host in the San Francisco Bay Area. It includes educational activities, social events, sightseeing excursions, and the elegant and magical ThinkQuest Awards Dinner.
* Additionally, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams in each age division for each event will receive a new laptop for each team member.
* Finally, 1st place teams in each age division for each event will receive a USD $5,000 donation for the school or organization that their coach represents.
To register and for more information goto:
http://www.thinkquest.org/competition/
Courtesy: www.studentcompetitions.com
- Read the ThinkQuest Competition Rules.
- Select a coach and ensure that s/he completes the Coach Enrollment Form.
- Form your team. Refer to the "Your Roadmap to Success" tutorial for guidance.
- Ensure that your coach completes the Team Enrollment Form.
- Ensure that each team member completes the tutorial.
- Produce and test your entry. Refer to the tutorial for guidance throughout this process.
- Ensure that each team member answers all tutorial survey questions and submits the survey.
- Ensure that your coach completes and submits the Entry Submission Form before the Entry Submission Deadline.
Need inspiration? Here are some entry examples.
You can download a brochure about Application Development Competition here.
What are the prizes?
* All teams that submit a completed entry will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Participation.* 1st and 2nd place teams in each age division for each event will receive a trip to ThinkQuest Live for themselves, the team coach, and one parent or adult chaperone per student. ThinkQuest Live is a 5-day event that OEF will host in the San Francisco Bay Area. It includes educational activities, social events, sightseeing excursions, and the elegant and magical ThinkQuest Awards Dinner.
* Additionally, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams in each age division for each event will receive a new laptop for each team member.
* Finally, 1st place teams in each age division for each event will receive a USD $5,000 donation for the school or organization that their coach represents.
To register and for more information goto:
http://www.thinkquest.org/competition/
Courtesy: www.studentcompetitions.com
Sunday, March 6, 2011
5 more minutes- Heart Touching
While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.
“That’s my son over there,” she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.
“He’s a fine looking boy” the man said. “That’s my daughter on the bike in the white dress.”
Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter. “What do you say we go, Melissa?”
Melissa pleaded, “Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes.”
The man nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart’s content. Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. “Time to go now?”
Again Melissa pleaded, “Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes.”
The man smiled and said, “OK.”
“My, you certainly are a patient father,” the woman responded.
The man smiled and then said, “Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here. I never spent much time with Tommy and now I’d give anything for just five more minutes with him. I’ve vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa.
She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch her play.”
Moral:
Life is all about making priorities, what are your priorities?
Give someone you love 5 more minutes of your time today, so that you won’t have to regret it later!
“That’s my son over there,” she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.
“He’s a fine looking boy” the man said. “That’s my daughter on the bike in the white dress.”
Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter. “What do you say we go, Melissa?”
Melissa pleaded, “Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes.”
The man nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart’s content. Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. “Time to go now?”
Again Melissa pleaded, “Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes.”
The man smiled and said, “OK.”
“My, you certainly are a patient father,” the woman responded.
The man smiled and then said, “Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here. I never spent much time with Tommy and now I’d give anything for just five more minutes with him. I’ve vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa.
She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch her play.”
Moral:
Life is all about making priorities, what are your priorities?
Give someone you love 5 more minutes of your time today, so that you won’t have to regret it later!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Happy Tears Vs Sad Tears – Pretty Interesting!
“There was a study done where a control group of 100 people were divided into two.”
50 people watched a very funny, tears-of laughter type movie. 50 watched a very sad and tears of compassion/tragedy type movie.
At the end of the sessions researchers collected the “happy tears” and the sad tears” with eye droppers.
They found that “happy tears” are made up of brine, Salt water and not a great deal else.
However the “sad tears” were found to contain the very same chemicals and enzymes that are found in tumors, ulcers and other such lumps and bumps and sicknesses through out the body.
This test concluded that the body, when crying in sadness etc is literally flushing out all of the toxic-chemicals that accumulate and are a part of the sadness /heartache experience.
Therefore if one holds back those tears, those toxic-waters will find somewhere else to deposit themselves, and prolonged lack-of-crying- release will guarantee that the body will accumulate a huge amount of internal pollution and toxicity that should have been released through the tears. Is it any wonder that the eyes sting so much when we hold back our tears?
NO WONDER MEN DIE EARLIER THAN WOMEN.
MEN HOLD ON TO THEIR PRIDE WHICH LEADS THEM TO EARLY DEATH!!!!
LESSON FROM THE STUDY:
CRY YOUR HEART OUT WHEN YOU ARE SAD, LONELY , ALONE, DEPRESSED.
IT IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH!
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