Facebook decreasing Indian firms’ productivity

Noted social networking site Facebook is becoming a problem for employers at offices in India, as employees have started spending so much time on the social networking site that it is beginning to affect productivity, a new survey has revealed.

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham) have found in their survey that office staff on average spends an hour a day on sites like Facebook, resulting in a loss of productivity measuring 12.5 per cent.

The study noted: “Close to 12.5 per cent of productivity of human resource in corporate sector is misappropriated each day since a vast majority of them while away their time accessing social networking sites during the office hours.”

Seemingly, the workers use Orkut, Facebook, Myspace and Linkedin for “romancing”. As a matter of fact, [the] growing use of browsing sites can be dangerous for overall productivity and IT companies have already installed software to restrict its use,” the BBC News quoted Assocham secretary general DS Rawat as saying.

As part of the study, a total of 4,000 employees between the ages of 21 and 60 from different cities in India including Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai (Bombay), Pune, Chandigarh, Lucknow and Kanpur, were questioned.

It was observed that nearly half of office employees accessed Facebook during work time. Moreover, four in every 10 workers built their entire Orkut or Facebook profile at office. Also, 83 percent of the employees think there is no harm surfing at work during office hours.

Indonesia unveils a statue of young Obama

Barack Obama holding a butterfly

US President Barack Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, but that is not the only honour that has been bestowed on him.  In the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, a statue of him as a 10 year old has been unveiled in a park.

The American president spent four years of his childhood in Indonesia with his American mother and Indonesian stepfather.

The two metre bronze statue shows President Obama as a 10-year-old child. Wearing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, it bears a striking resemblance to the American president as a boy.

That is because the statue was modeled on old photos of Barack Obama when he used to live in Indonesia.

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Single Women Prefers Dogs Than Men

Women Prefer Dogs

Single women would rather prefer the company of a Dog than Men, according to experts.

Today, more and more single women were in favor of the four-legged loyal and reliable companion.

Generally, we feeding dogs for the safety and security of our homes, but single women are buying dogs for another purpose (i.e 6). Young ladies want companionship when they get home. In many cases you’ll find the dog sleeps in their bedroom, and even in bed with them. Young ladies are doing sex with Dogs; they prefer dogs than men for secret sex.

Today, single women are spending major time with dogs and other animals to fulfill their nasty sex requirements.

Lonely ladies are addicted to pets like dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, Bulls, goats …and all possible animals..…. for only 6 purposes. They don’t satisfy with men and they prefer animals for cruel sex. So ladies do sex with Men not with Animals, don’t tease and harass the innocent animals. 

4 Indian Films nominated for Asia Pacific Screen awards

Indian films for Asia Pacific Screen awards

The 4 strongly acclaimed films ‘Dev D’, ‘A Wednesday’, ‘Tahaan’ and ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’ have been nominated for various categories for the Asia Pacific Screen Awards to be announced on 26^th November.

Anurag Kashyap is nominated in the Best Director for his awe-inspiring adaptation of Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel ‘Devdas’ in ‘Dev D’. Santosh Sivan’s ‘Tahaan’ has been nominated for Best Children’s Film.

Versatile actor Naseeruddin Shah nominated for the best actor category for ‘A Wednesday’. Yogesh Vinayak Joshi and Upendra Sidhaye are nominated for their Best screenplay for ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’.

Malini Fonseka gets a nomination in best actress category for Akasa Kusum (Flowers of the Sky) – a Sri Lanka and India co-production.

Feroz Abbas Khan, director of ‘Gandhi, My Father’ is one of the jury members of APSA. The winners will be announced on November 26 at the third annual APSA Ceremony in Australia’s Gold Coast.

The Asia Pacific Screen awards has announced nominees in nine award categories with 37 films from 16 countries Australia, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Palestine, China, South Korea, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Turkey.

APSA Chairman Des Power said: “Nominees were determined from a record number of 212 entries from 43 countries. The response indicates that the filmmakers of Asia-Pacific value our mission to acclaim their work and take it to a global audience”.

APSA is a unique collaboration between CNN International, UNESCO and FIAPF- International Federation of Film Producers Associations. Films are judged on cinematic excellence and the way in which they attest to their cultural origins.

Japan is strongly represented in 2009 with a total of seven nominations followed by China with six. Iran, Russia and South Korea have received five nominations while India has four.

Obama Diwali Celebrations

In an expansive gesture to Indians worldwide as much as to showcase his – and America’s — multi-cultural affections, US President Barack Obama on Wednesday lit a ceremonial Diwali lamp at the White House to ‘’symbolize victory of light over darkness.”

Barack Obama celebrated Diwali by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the White House amidst chanting of Vedic mantras seeking world peace, becoming the first US President to personally grace the occasion.

“I think it’s fitting that we begin this work in the week leading up to the holiday of Diwali — the festival of lights — when members of some of the world’s greatest faiths celebrate the triumph of good over evil,” Obama said in his remarks on the occasion at a White House function held at its historic East Room yesterday.

This is for the first time that a US President attended and celebrated Diwali at the White House -? thus giving an official recognition to the festival of lights celebrated across the world by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

Raghupati Venkaiah Naidu, the father of Telugu Cinema

Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu (15.10.1887) was a pioneer in the Indian film industry. He was the first owner of movie theatres in Madras, the producer, the first exhibitor, studio owner and director of first few silent Indian movies and talkies.

Venkaiah’s father worked as a subedar in Indian Army, Machilipatnam. Venkaiah is the second son. He used to excel in the fields of drawing and sculpturing. At the age of 18, Venkaiah reached Madras (Chennai) and rented a small house to set up an art center. He started off with drawing and carving sculptures. Slowly he learnt photography and started experimenting. He happened to come across a news article on ‘Chrono Megaphone‘. When we project a film using Chrono Megaphone, it produces relevant sounds. Venkaiah ordered for that equipment from John Dickinson & Company in 1909. For this he lent out his photo studio for buying the equipment for Rs 30,000. He shot 12 short films and exhibited them in Victoria public Hall. He exhibits the films in Bangalore and Vijayawada. He also toured Srilanka, Rangoon and Peg to exhibit his films.

In 1910 Venkaiah established a tent house called Esplanade in Madras to exhibit his films. In 1912, he constructed ‘Gaiety Talkies’ in Mount Road, the first cinema theatre in Chennai. He later constructed ‘Crown’ Theater in Mint Street and Globe Theater in Parasuwakka, Chennai. He also exhibited American and British films. Some of the first movies shown in his theatres were ‘Million Dollar Mystery’, ‘Mysteries of Meera’, ‘Clutching Hand’, ‘Broken Coin’, ‘Raja’s casket’, ‘Peral fish’, and ‘Great Bard’.

In 1919, he started a production company called Star of East Films and a film studio called Glass Studio. He sent his son Raghupathi Surya Prakash to study in London. He was trained in cinematography in England and returned to India. Raghupathi Venkaiah and his son Prakash made their maiden movie “Meenakshi Kalyanam” around actual locations of Madurai Meenakshi temple. Later, they produced films like Gajendra Moksham, Mathsyavatharam, Nandanaar, and Bhishma Pratigna, the first Telugu mookie (silent film) movie. Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu died on 15th March, 1941 in abject poverty after selling all of his properties.

The Andhra Pradesh State Government incorporated the prestigious Raghupathi Venkaih Naidu Award in 1981 in the honor of Raghupathi Venkaih Naidu. The winner of each year will be felicitated and presented a Golden Nandi, a Gold medal, citation and cash prize of Rs. 50,000.

The idle of Sri Raghupati Venkaiah Naidu, the father of Telugu Cinema has been unveiled at Film Nagar Cultural Centre (FNCC) on 15th March on the eve of Raghupati’s Vardhanti. Several stars of Tollywood, including the recipients of Raghupati Awards were also attended the event.

Indian Cricket Team’s new Look

 

Nike India, official apparel partner of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), launched the Indian cricket team’s new ‘dry-fit technology’ kit for One-Day Internationals. 

The team will be seen in action in the new kit with a tricolor design on a bold blue background during the five match series against New Zealand. 

“The dry-fit fabric has excellent moisture management technology,” said Mr. Tarun Puri, Managing Director and General Manager, Nike India. 

Sahara India, which has been with the BCCI for 14 years, is also pleased with the new kit. “I liked the new color. The blue shade has been the same for many years,” said Abhijet Sarckar, Head (Corporate Communications), Sahara India Pariwar. 

“It’s time for a change and it’s nice. Hopefully the Indian team will give its best shot and return with a couple of trophies from New Zealand,” said skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. 

Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Dinesh Karthik, Pragyan Ojha, Rohit Sharma and Yuvraj Singh walked the ramp displaying the new kit. 

Former India cricketers Laxman Sivaramakrishan (1985), Venkatesh Prasad (1996), Vinod Kambli (1997) and Robin Singh (1999) appeared on the ramp wearing the blue colours of their time. 

Harsha Bhogle asked Dhoni about the secret behind his capacity and also keeping his calm on the field. 

“Expressing frustration doesn’t contribute to the team. The player knows he has made a mistake. I do it in a personal way, talking to the player in the dressing room.” 

Yuvraj was asked Dhoni if he’s happy and comfortable at No. 4 in batting order. “Well, as long as he performs, I am,” said Dhoni.

India celebrates 60th Republic Day

 

Indian Air Force shows its mettle

Agni-III missile at Rajpath

Army soldiers of the Corps of Signals perform motorcycle stunts

is one of the greatest national celebrations observed throughout the country on January 26 every year. India became Republic on the 26th Jan, 1950. The country became a sovereign democratic republic with a written constitution and an elected parliament. 

Republic Day

At the time of independence, although India was under British rule, there were 565 Princely States, big and small, ruled by powerful sovereigns who were protected by treaties of alliance with the British Crown. Without bringing them together, the fundamental unity of the country was not possible. This unification was accomplished by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose statesmanship helped to integrate the country into one nation. In a little less than 2 years, all the princely States became a part of the Republic of India. 

India has marked its 60^th Republic Day with celebrations including its traditional military parade in New Delhi on 26^th January, 2009. 

An impressive and colorful parade, a traditional attraction of the national event, marched down the thoroughfare connecting the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the historic India Gate as President Pratibha Patil took the salute from marching contingents. 

Armed forces in battle regalia proudly marching before their supreme commander, scintillating show of air power, fascinating tableaux depicting the diverse culture and hundreds of colorfully-dressed dancing school children were part of the parade. 

The march-past was watched by the Republic Day chief guest Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Defence Minister A K Antony and the country’s top political and military brass, including UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, besides a large enthusiastic crowd that had gathered on either sides of the Rajpath.

Seven Good Places to Meet Women/Girls

 

Meeting and attracting women comes with many challenges with which you are probably too familiar. For many guys, trying to find a place to meet women is the greatest challenge. If this sounds like you, pay close attention to this article. I will describe seven of the best places to meet interesting women. 

1. Supermarkets/malls

Meeting women at the grocery store is often part of a joke or cliché. “Yes, we met at the produce section.” But, in reality, supermarkets are good places to meet women. 

Think about it. The larger percentage of shoppers is likely women and, as such, you will be pleasantly surprised at the opportunities at the supermarket. Further, since everyone needs to shop for food, you will find a wide variety of women at the supermarket. 

The best time to go is around 5:30 in the evening when most people get off work. At this hour, you should have no problem finding an interesting woman to approach. As far as “the approach,” the most effective method is to ask their opinion about an item. This is a great way to start a conversation and, gradually, transition the topic from the item in question to more general topics. 

2. Coffee Shops

Coffee shops have become the feeding pool for single, attracting women which I first realized during a recent trip. I took the train to New York City one afternoon and headed to Starbucks to grab a cup of tea. Inside, there were dozens of tables filled with beautiful women. 

Interestingly, it was Tuesday afternoon in the middle of November. With nearly a hundred attractive women at this coffee shop at this time, imagine the possibilities! 

It is my opinion that coffee shops are an untapped market when it comes to meeting women. Most guys simply do not take advantage of what I found to be a terrific place to easily meet women. Just get a cup of coffee or tea and initiate a conversation with an interesting woman nearby. 

3. Parties/functions

Parties can be loads of fun, a great place to hang out and also an excellent place to meet attractive women. If you are older, parties are a great place to socialize with the old friends as well as meet new ones. Since the purpose of the evening is to socialize, parties provide the perfect relaxed atmosphere to more easily approach a woman and engage her in conversation.

 

If your friends are not those that host parties, just have your own party! Just invite all of your friends and ask that they bring along a few guests. With a lot of new women at the party, you will find plenty of opportunities to start great conversations and practice your “seduction skills.” 

4. Your Own Social Circle

An alternative to parties is your own social circle. One of the more common ways men meet their girlfriend or wife is through mutual friends or social contacts. Your chances are high that you will meet a great woman from your family and friends.

 

To benefit from your social circle in this regard, you should start organizing various events and turn yourself into the “coordinator” for fun, social times. This will expand your social circle even more allowing you to meet more interesting, attractive women. 

5. Temples or Churches        

Yes, I said it. Temples and Churches really are the great places to meet women. One benefit of meeting women are religious places is that they are morally inline with their life. Further, many who attend church regularly have faced a lot of “inner troubles” already and have managed to overcome them. 

Do not fall prey to the misconception that regular Temple visitors and churchgoers are not fun and sexual. These women enjoy a good time just like everyone else. They only differ in that they do not live the hedonistic lifestyle you may have found with other women. 

6. Trains and Subways

Many guys work in major cities and metropolitan areas, spending countless hours each week commuting to their job. Some men use this time on the train or subway to relax, sleep or read a good book. You, on the other hand, should use this time as an opportunity to meet new women. 

One technique, among others, is to scan the subway or train for a woman who is reading a book with which you are familiar. Start the conversation by discussing the book on hand and then shift the conversation into more general topics and, ultimately, setting up a date or at least getting her phone number. 

7. Lunch or Happy Hour

If you work in a major city, commercial area or corporate park, you will notice there are probably several local establishments that offer lunch or happy hours specials. These are great places to mingle with co-workers, have a good time and meet women from other local companies. 

Lunch and happy hours are generally more relaxed than the usual bar scene because everyone is there to unwind from the busy day. As such, they will be more open to conversation. Of course, in these settings, a great way to start a conversation is with the classic question of “So, do you work in the area. I’m just down the street” or something similar. You can take it from there! 

As you see, there are many chances to meet women throughout your normal daily routine. By paying attention to your surroundings, you will find that there are many interesting women who could just be your next date. Keep your eyes open as you come across these good places to meet women described above!

Hindu priest in Barak Obama’s inauguration prayer

A Hindu woman priest will be among six religious leaders specially invited to participate in the National Prayer Service on January 21, a day after Barack Obama is sworn-in as the President of America. 

Dr Uma Mysorekar, President of the Hindu Temple Society of North America will offer “responsive prayers” at the special service which will “symbolise America’s traditions of religious tolerance and freedom”, the Presidential Inaugural Committee said. 

Mysorekar, a pratising gynecologist, heads the popular Ganesha temple in New York, said to be the first Hindu shrine of North America which was consecrated on July 4, 1977. 

The National Prayer Service, a tradition dating back to the inauguration of George Washington, will be held at the National Cathedral at the conclusion of the inaugural events. It will include scripture readings, prayers, hymns and blessings delivered by faith leaders from across the USA.