Pier 1 Room!

What are you looking for July 4th sales?

With the financial pain of soaring gasoline prices and groceries, retail stores will be cutting prices on food and beverages to cushion the crisis faced by the people since past few months. Since it's the time for Americans to celebrate Independence day in a couple of days, it is for sure that gas prices will impace how they do it. Rather than going for a traditional Fourth of July trip to beaches and amusement parks, people plan to either barbecue or attend a cookout, go to fireworks display, or view a parade during the holiday. How are you planning to celebrate July 4?

(courtesy: National Retail Federation)

The Power of Determination

Glenn Cunningham's Story

The little country schoolhouse was heated by an old-fashioned,
pot-bellied coal stove. A little boy had the job of coming to school
early each day to start the fire and warm the room before his teacher
and his classmates arrived.

One morning they arrived to find the schoolhouse engulfed in flames.
They dragged the unconscious little boy out of the flaming building
more dead than alive. He had major burns over the lower half of his
body and was taken to a nearby county hospital.
From his bed the dreadfully burned, semi-conscious little boy faintly
heard the doctor talking to his mother. The doctor told his mother
that her son would surely die - which was for the best, really - for
the terrible fire had devastated the lower half of his body.

But the brave boy didn't want to die. He made up his mind that he
would survive. Somehow, to the amazement of the physician, he did
survive. When the mortal danger was past, he again heard the doctor
and his mother speaking quietly. The mother was told that since the
fire had destroyed so much flesh in the lower part of his body, it
would almost be better if he had died, since he was doomed to be a
lifetime cripple with no use at all of his lower limbs.

Once more the brave boy made up his mind. He would not be a cripple.
He would walk. But unfortunately from the waist down, he had no motor
ability. His thin legs just dangled there, all but lifeless. Ultimately
he was released from the hospital. Every day his mother would massage
his little legs, but there was no feeling, no control, nothing. Yet his determination that he would walk was as strong as ever.

When he wasn't in bed, he was confined to a wheelchair. One sunny day
his mother wheeled him out into the yard to get some fresh air. This
day, instead of sitting there, he threw himself from the chair. He
pulled himself across the grass, dragging his legs behind him.

He worked his way to the white picket fence bordering their lot. With
great effort, he raised himself up on the fence. Then, stake by stake,
he began dragging himself along the fence, resolved that he would
walk. He started to do this every day until he wore a smooth path all
around the yard beside the fence. There was nothing he wanted more
than to develop life in those legs.

Ultimately through his daily massages, his iron persistence and his
resolute determination, he did develop the ability to stand up, then
to walk haltingly, then to walk by himself - and then - to run.
He began to walk to school, then to run to school, to run for the
sheer joy of running. Later in college he made the track team.
Still later in Madison Square Garden this young man who was not
expected to survive, who would surely never walk, who could never hope
to run - this determined young man, Dr. Glenn Cunningham, ran the
world's fastest mile!
(courtsey: Burt Dubin)

Unforgettable Tour 2008

When I first heard about the Unforgettable Tour of 2008 by the superstars of India, I was so excited to see them in a concert. What is making people more excited is the fact that former Miss World and new member of Bachan family, Mrs. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will also join her husband ,Abhishek Bachchan and father-in-law, Amitabh Bachchan for the first time on a world tour starting in Toronto on 18th July 2008. The Tour will also feature Bollywood heart throb Preity Zinta, funny man Riteish Deshmukh, the superhit music director duo Vishal and Shekar, specialized Indian dancer in jazz and choreographer Shiamak Davar, and one of the most popular starts of Bollywood Akshay Kumar.

Dates of the show:
18th July - Toronto - FRIDAY
26th July - Los Angeles
27th July - San Fransisco
02nd Aug - Houston
09th Aug - Atlantic City
15th Aug - New York - FRIDAY
17th Aug - Vancouver - SUNDAY
23rd Aug - London (UK)
24th Aug - London (UK)


Buy tickets at--

https://www.desiclub.com/shop/cart/ticket_purchase.cfm?eventID=4660&CFID=20867210&CFTOKEN=44103312

Is it magic ?

I dont know how they do it

Qualities of an Excellent Manager

An excellent manager taps into talents and resources in order to support and bring out the best in others. An outstanding manager evokes possibility in others.

1. Creativity
Creativity is what separates competence from excellence. Creativity is the spark that propels projects forward and that captures peoples' attention. Creativity is the ingredient that pulls the different pieces together into a cohesive whole, adding zest and appeal in the process.

2. StructureThe context and structure we work within always have a set of parameters, limitations and guidelines. A stellar manager knows how to work within the structure and not let the structure impinge upon the process or the project. Know the structure intimately, so as to guide others to effectively work within the given parameters. Do this to expand beyond the boundaries.

3. Intuition
Intuition is the capacity of knowing without the use of rational processes; it's the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. People with keen insight are often able to sense what others are feeling and thinking; consequently, they're able to respond perfectly to another through their *deeper understanding. * The stronger one's intuition, the stronger manager one will be.

4. Knowledge
A thorough knowledge base is essential. The knowledge base must be so ingrained and integrated into their being that they become *transparent, * focusing on the employee and what s/he needs to learn, versus focusing on the knowledge base. The excellent manager lives from a knowledge base, without having to draw attention to it.

5. Commitment
A manager is committed to the success of the project and of all team members. S/he holds the vision for the collective team and moves the team closer to the end result. It's the manager's commitment that pulls the team forward during trying times.

6. Being Human
Employees value leaders who are human and who don't hide behind their authority. The best leaders are those who aren't afraid to be themselves. Managers who respect and connect with others on a human level inspire great loyalty.

7. Versatility
Flexibility and versatility are valuable qualities in a manager. Beneath the flexibility and versatility is an ability to be both non-reactive and not attached to how things have to be. Versatility implies an openness ­ this openness allows the leader to quickly *change on a dime* when necessary. Flexibility and versatility are the pathways to speedy responsiveness.

8. Lightness
A stellar manager doesn't just produce outstanding results; s/he has fun in the process! Lightness doesn't impede results but rather, helps to move the team forward. Lightness complements the seriousness of the task at hand as well as the resolve of the team, therefore contributing to strong team results and retention.

9. Discipline/Focus
Discipline is the ability to choose and live from what one pays attention to. Discipline as self-mastery can be exhilarating! Role model the ability to live from your intention consistently and you'll role model an important leadership quality.

10. Big Picture, Small Actions
Excellent managers see the big picture concurrent with managing the details. Small actions lead to the big picture; the excellent manager is skillful at doing both: think big while also paying attention to the details.

Ever wished a 'Second Life' ?

There are time when we wished to become a renouned celebrety, go hiking to some world famous place like Mount Everst, have late night parties in five star clubs (without any family issues), own a huge mansion, drove Ferrari or even own an island!
How about having a second life where you can do all those things which you have not been able to do in your current life (for obvious reasons).

Second Life® is a 3-D virtual world created by its Residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by millions of Residents from around the globe.

From the moment you enter this new World, you'll discover a vast digital continent, teeming with people, entertainment, experiences and opportunity. Once you've explored a bit, perhaps you'll find a perfect parcel of land to build your house or business.

You'll also be surrounded by the Creations of your fellow Residents. Because Residents retain intellectual property rights in their digital creations, they can buy, sell and trade with other Residents.

The Marketplace currently supports millions of US dollars in monthly transactions. This commerce is handled with the inworld unit of trade, the Linden™ dollar, which can be converted to US dollars at several thriving online Linden dollar exchanges.

It's a Second Life world. Experience it once! Read the steps and Tutorials


Steps in Second Life :

1. Create an AVTAAR

The Second Life world is a place dedicated to your creativity. After all, an avatar is your persona in the virtual world. The picture below shows how easy it is to create your avatar. Despite offering almost infinite possibilities, the tool to personalize your avatar is very simple to use and allows you to change anything you like, from the tip of your nose to the tint of your skin. Don't worry if it's not perfect at first, you can change your look at any time.

2. Where do i start

The Map.
Imagine you want to find people socializing. View upcoming events' information on the web map by clicking the the green dots being shown.

The Search Menu.
Now you'd like to learn more about a particular event you saw on the web map. Search for it, and read its description. It sounds great, and you teleport there.

Other People.
Once you arrive, right-click on anybody's avatar and choose "View Profile" to learn about them.

3.Meet people


4. Own a virtual land
Owning land in the Second Life world allows you to build, display, and store your virtual creations, as well as host events and businesses.

You can pay money ans buy that land (optional) and expand your virtual business/ social network

5. Create anything
The Second Life world is a place dedicated to your creativity. It's about dreaming of something one moment and bringing it to life the next. Everything in Second Life is resident-created, from to the strobe lights in the nightclubs to the car (or spaceship) in your driveway.

6. Make REAL MONEY (that's right)
Here's how it works:
The Second Life world has a fully-integrated economy architected to reward risk, innovation, and craftsmanship.


Residents create their own virtual goods and services. Because residents retain the IP rights of their creations, they are able to sell them at various in-world venues.


Businesses succeed by the ingenuity, artistic ability, entrepreneurial acumen, and good reputation of their owners.


Residents who have amassed lots of Linden™ dollars are matched with residents who want to buy Linden dollars at the LindeX™ exchange (our official Linden dollar exchange), or at other unaffiliated third-party exchanges.


The Second Life real estate market provides opportunities for Residents to establish their own communities and business locations. See Land Pricing & Use Fees for details.

For sample videos,visit:

secondlife

MeBeam on CNN

Another lander on Mars from NASA

Watch Mars (live) at internet as NASA attempts to put another lander !

Not only is NASA,the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, going to attempt to put another lander on Mars, but this time their doing it live on the Internet for all to see.
According to Michael Learmonth of Silicon Valley Insider, starting at 6 PM EST today, people can head to NASA’s website, or Second Life, to watch as NASA attempts to put the Phoenix Mars Lander down on solid ground. I only say “attempts” as missions to Mars have had a checkered past over the years, but the twin rovers of Spirit and Opportunity have certainly proven it can be done. If successful, the first message from Phoenix will be received at 8 PM EST to let mission control know that the lander has in fact touched down and the status of its components.
Phoenix will be landing in the northern arctic region of the planet where an ice layer is known to exist below the surface soil. The lander will be able to dig down to this layer, scoop up samples to put inside of its on board ovens, and then analyze the vapors to determine the mixture of liquid. In addition to this portion of the mission, it will also use an attached weather station to see what the climate is like in the far north, and use a mast-mounted camera to take pictures of the surrounding landscape.
The mission is expected to last 90 “sols”, or approximately 92 Earth days. As a possible comparison of Phoenix’s fortunes on Mars, Spirit and Opportunity were expected to last only 90 sols, but are now at 1562 and 1541 respectively.

Go Green

Recycling Codes

These days, recycling is encouraged more and more to make our environment "GREEN". However, people rarely know what and how does recycling works. It would be interesting to notice what kind of symbols (apart from a simple triangle) are used on recycling products and what each of them mean.

History

The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI)introduced a resin identification coding system in 1988 at the urging of recyclers in US. A growing number of communities were implementing recycling programs in an effort to decrease the volume of waste subject to tipping fees at landfills. In some cases, these programs were driven by state-level recycling mandates.

The SPI code was developed to meet recyclers’ needs while providing manufacturers a consistent, uniform system that could apply nationwide. Because municipal recycling programs traditionally targeted packaging - primarily containers – the SPI coding system offered a means of identifying the resin content of bottles and containers commonly found in the residential waste stream. Recycling firms have varying standards for the plastics they accept. Some firms may require that the plastics be sorted by type and separated from other recyclables; some may specify that mixed plastics are acceptable if they are separated from other recyclables; while others may accept all material mixed together. Not all types of plastics are generally recycled, and recycling facilities may not be available in some areas.

Let's look at the codes and utility of each of them!



Number 1 - Plastics
PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)

Found in: Soft drink, water and beer bottles; mouthwash bottles; peanut butter
containers; salad dressing and vegetable oil containers; ovenable food
trays.
Recycling: Picked up through most curbside recycling programs.
Recycled into: Polar fleece, fiber, tote bags, furniture, carpet, paneling, straps,
(occasionally) new containers

PET plastic is the most common for single-use bottled beverages, because it is inexpensive, lightweight and easy to recycle. It poses low risk of leaching breakdown products. Recycling rates remain relatively low (around 20%), though the material is in high demand by remanufacturers.



Number 2 Plastics
HDPE (high density polyethylene)
Found in: Milk jugs, juice bottles; bleach, detergent and household cleaner bottles;
shampoo bottles; some trash and shopping bags; motor oil bottles; butter
and yogurt tubs; cereal box liners
Recycling: Picked up through most curbside recycling programs, although some allow
only those containers with necks.
Recycled into: Laundry detergent bottles, oil bottles, pens, recycling containers,
floor tile, drainage pipe, lumber, benches, doghouses, picnic tables,
fencing

HDPE is a versatile plastic with many uses, especially for packaging. It carries low risk of leaching and is readily recyclable into many goods.




Number 3 Plastics
V (Vinyl) or PVC
Found in: Window cleaner and detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, cooking oil
bottles, clear food packaging, wire jacketing, medical equipment, siding,
windows, piping
Recycling: Rarely recycled; accepted by some plastic lumber makers.
Recycled into: Decks, paneling, mudflaps, roadway gutters, flooring, cables, speed
bumps, mats

PVC is tough and weathers well, so it is commonly used for piping, siding and similar applications. PVC contains chlorine, so its manufacture can release highly dangerous dioxins. If you must cook with PVC, don't let the plastic touch food. Also never burn PVC, because it releases toxins.





Number 4 Plastics
LDPE (low density polyethylene)

Found in: Squeezable bottles; bread, frozen food, dry cleaning and shopping bags;
tote bags; clothing; furniture; carpet
Recycling: LDPE is not often recycled through curbside programs, but some
communities will accept it. Plastic shopping bags can be returned to many
stores for recycling.
Recycled into: Trash can liners and cans, compost bins, shipping envelopes,paneling,
lumber, landscaping ties, floor tile

LDPE is a flexible plastic with many applications. Historically it has not been accepted through most American curbside recycling programs, but more and more communities are starting to accept it.



Number 5 Plastics
PP (polypropylene)
Found in: Yogurt containers, syrup bottles, ketchup bottles, caps, straws,medicine
bottles
Recycling: Number 5 plastics can be recycled through some curbside programs.
Recycled into: Signal lights, battery cables, brooms, brushes, auto battery cases,
ice scrapers, landscape borders, bicycle racks, rakes, bins, pallets,
trays

Polypropylene has a high melting point, and so is often chosen for containers that must accept hot liquid. It is gradually becoming more accepted by recyclers.



Number 6 Plastics
PS (polystyrene)
Found in: Disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers,
aspirin bottles, compact disc cases
Recycling: Number 6 plastics can be recycled through some curbside programs.
Recycled into: Insulation, light switch plates, egg cartons, vents, rulers, foam
packing, carry-out containers

Polystyrene can be made into rigid or foam products -- in the latter case it is popularly known as the trademark Styrofoam. Evidence suggests polystyrene can leach potential toxins into foods. The material was long on environmentalists' hit lists for dispersing widely across the landscape, and for being notoriously difficult to recycle. Most places still don't accept it, though it is gradually gaining traction.



Number 7 Plastics
Miscellaneous
Found in: Three- and five-gallon water bottles, 'bullet-proof' materials,
sunglasses, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs and displays, certain
food containers, nylon
Recycling: Number 7 plastics have traditionally not been recycled, though some
curbside programs now take them.
Recycled into: Plastic lumber, custom-made products

A wide variety of plastic resins that don't fit into the previous categories are lumped into number 7. A few are even made from plants (polyactide) and are compostable. Polycarbonate is number 7, and is the hard plastic that has parents worried these days, after studies have shown it can leach potential hormone disruptors.

Global Warming

Global Warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans since mid 20th century, and is projected to continue at an exponential rate! This increase in the globally average temperatures is very likely due to the observed increase in the anthropogenic (man-made) green house gas concentrations via greenhourse effect. Natural phenomena such as solar variation combined with volcanoes probably had a small warming effect on this increase.

Increase in the average global air temperature near Earth's surfaced = 0.74+/-0.18 degree celcius OR 1.33+/- 0.32 degree Fahrenhite (till 2005)

Average increase in temperature in 21st century= 1.1 60 6.4 degree celcius (2.0 to 11.5 degree Fahrenhite)

The following graph shows gas emissions from various sources as on 19th June 2006.



(June 2005)

A story

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper,and listed what everyone else had said aboutthat individual..On Monday she gave each student his or her list.Before long, the entire class was smiling.."Really?" she heard whispered.

"I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!"and, "I didn't know others liked me so much,"were most of the comments..No one ever mentioned those papers in class again.She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose.The students were happy with themselves and one another.That group of students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killedin Viet Nam and his teacher attended the funeral ofthat special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before.He looked so handsome, so mature.The church was packed with his friends.One by one those who loved him took a last walkby the coffin. The teacher was the last one to blessthe coffin.

As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pall bearer came up to her."Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes."Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting tospeak with his teacher."We want to show you something," his father said,taking a wallet out of his pocket.. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two wornpieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped,folded and refolded many times.

The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him."Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around.Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list.It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.""I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary."Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook,took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued:"I think we all saved our lists."That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried.She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick thatwe forget that life will end one day. And we don'tknow when that one day will be.So please, tell the people you love and care for,that they are special and important. Tell them,before it is too late...


PS: This story is from an internet source!

Famous Punchlines / Quotes

Tata Safari ad
"Slavery is not dead, you just stop recognizing it,when did you agree to always being watched,
to your life not being yours anymore..
When did you forget that the only person who is stopping you, is you.""

Skin Remedies

Oily Skin:

Do you feel grease on your skin around midday? Is your skin getting prone to acnes? Here are some tips that can help you to overcome these problems.

Oily skin needs toning everytime you wash your face. Toning helps to tighten pores which keeps dirt out and allows your face to regain its smoothness. Avoid oily based products on your skin. Wash your face 2-3 times with any Herbal soap or facewash with salisalic acid and------.

Home remedies for Oily Skin:

1. Apply fresh mashed tomatoes on your skin and keep it for 15-20 mintues. Wash away with cold water.

2. Before applying any makeup, either wash your face with ice-cold water or use ice cubes and move them on your face. It will absorb the excess oil on the skin and allow your makeup to stay for longer time with cracking. So, you can socialize without being concerend of your makeup!

3. Mix half teaspoon honey, egg white, and few drops of lemon juice.

You can make a difference!

Blue ribbons for you...because you are special"You can make a difference"

Knowledge Cycle

Sharing knowledge is a process of capturing and sharing a community's collective expertise to fulfill a mission. The collected knowledge can act as a library that provides a detailed written information on a given subject. The knowledge through sharing can be most valuable since it is most extensive and up-to-date and hence, helps in a better guiding tool for decision making or solving queries. In brief, knowledge sharing (through communities/blogging) provides the right information to the right person at the right time.
So share the knowledge and keep the cycle going on!

Optical Illusions

What do you think is this?

Is it a sprial ??