Friday 30 April 2010
Enrique Iglesias - Hero lyrics
Enrique Iglesias - Hero lyrics
(Whispered) Let me be your hero
Would you dance if I asked you to dance?
Would you run and never look back
Would you cry if you saw me crying
Would you save my soul tonight?
Would you tremble if I touched your lips?
Would you laugh oh please tell me these
Now would you die for the one you love?
Hold me in your arms tonight?
(Chorus)
I can be you hero baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away
Would you swear that you'll always be mine?
Would you lie would you run away
Am I in to deep?
Have I lost my mind?
I don't care you're here tonight
Chorus
I just want to hold you (2x)
Am I in too deep?
Have I lost my mind?
Well I don't care you're here tonight
Chorus (2x)
You can take my breath my breath away
I can be your hero
Thursday 29 April 2010
DNA Replication
Semiconservative
The replication of a DNA molecule ...
... begins when the two complementary DNA strands are separated. This is usually accomplished by special proteins that unwind the molecule and expose the nucleotide bases.
New complimentary DNA strands are then synthesized by joining together deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates, one at a time, and with the removal of a di-phosphate. Click on the blue dot in the figure above to get a close up of the way in which the bases pair up as the new DNA strand is synthesized.
At the end of the process the cell has made to identical copies of all the biological information contained on the original, parental, DNA molecule, but the two new daughter DNA molecules are "Half old" and "Half new". Half the original DNA molecule is saved, or conserved in the daughter molecules. This is why the process is called semi-conservative.
What is Real Love?
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails. —I Corinthians
This piece of poetry describes the exact characteristics of real love. These qualities can be found in all truly loving relationships. The problem is actually with trying to search “love” in our daily lives. It is often found that most of us don’t look for these characteristics in a person. Instead, we look at physical appearance, wealth and fame. These are not the qualities of true love.
Real love could be said to extend beyond mere infatuation or crush which individuals develop at some point in time. It is a concept which encompasses the feeling of 'infatuation' and requires a higher degree of understanding and application!
A few things could be said to define a loose definition for real love although it may vary from one individual to another.
It is about the right person
Real love could be said to be about finding the right person. In other words, falling in love may not be real love. For your likes and dislikes may not align with your 'other half'. As a result, one could say that real love is finding the right person in which case there is a kind of equilibrium between the two individuals.
Knowing the other person
Real love requires a good and thorough understanding of the opposite person you are getting involved with. This is a tad different from the 'falling in love' and getting carried away. Such feelings diffuse after a while and it boils to the compatibility aspect between two individuals.
Knowing about the person's personality and character are so important. To identify the characteristics you could look at the aspects which draw you to a guy or a girl. If the list is long then you know that you know a lot about him /her and if the list is short then probably you need to know the person a bit more! This aspect would surface a quintessential one with regard to the sustenance of relationship. So if you were to get into a relationship with someone, it is always better to know him better!
Real Love isn't sex
It would be fair to say that sex is a part of the whole experience called 'real love'. But to identify sex as a determinant would be a miscalculation as this aspect is momentary in nature. As time goes by, this aspect too would lose steam and what would remain is the foundation- that of understanding and appreciating each other's emotions.
Love is a commitment.
Although feelings will accompany love, and although sex will be a part of marriage, a lasting, you cannot base a healthy relationship on these things. In the long and winding journey of life, infatuation, sex and other such details will slowly vaporize and all that would be left in the relationship is commitment and understanding between the partners.
There are several other factors which could go into the definition of 'real love' but then again they would vary from person to person!
This piece of poetry describes the exact characteristics of real love. These qualities can be found in all truly loving relationships. The problem is actually with trying to search “love” in our daily lives. It is often found that most of us don’t look for these characteristics in a person. Instead, we look at physical appearance, wealth and fame. These are not the qualities of true love.
Real love could be said to extend beyond mere infatuation or crush which individuals develop at some point in time. It is a concept which encompasses the feeling of 'infatuation' and requires a higher degree of understanding and application!
A few things could be said to define a loose definition for real love although it may vary from one individual to another.
It is about the right person
Real love could be said to be about finding the right person. In other words, falling in love may not be real love. For your likes and dislikes may not align with your 'other half'. As a result, one could say that real love is finding the right person in which case there is a kind of equilibrium between the two individuals.
Knowing the other person
Real love requires a good and thorough understanding of the opposite person you are getting involved with. This is a tad different from the 'falling in love' and getting carried away. Such feelings diffuse after a while and it boils to the compatibility aspect between two individuals.
Knowing about the person's personality and character are so important. To identify the characteristics you could look at the aspects which draw you to a guy or a girl. If the list is long then you know that you know a lot about him /her and if the list is short then probably you need to know the person a bit more! This aspect would surface a quintessential one with regard to the sustenance of relationship. So if you were to get into a relationship with someone, it is always better to know him better!
Real Love isn't sex
It would be fair to say that sex is a part of the whole experience called 'real love'. But to identify sex as a determinant would be a miscalculation as this aspect is momentary in nature. As time goes by, this aspect too would lose steam and what would remain is the foundation- that of understanding and appreciating each other's emotions.
Love is a commitment.
Although feelings will accompany love, and although sex will be a part of marriage, a lasting, you cannot base a healthy relationship on these things. In the long and winding journey of life, infatuation, sex and other such details will slowly vaporize and all that would be left in the relationship is commitment and understanding between the partners.
There are several other factors which could go into the definition of 'real love' but then again they would vary from person to person!
Tuesday 27 April 2010
Love Before Marriage
Love before marriage is a fruit which is ripening. It needs to be nurtured properly so that it ripens in the best manner possible. All the same, there are chances of its being exposed to a few dangers too but then chances are that these things help it to become a better fruit.
Love before marriage has many features which make it unique, some of them are:
You are still single:
Before marriage, even though you are into a relationship, you are still single. You need to fend for yourself emotionally and physically! Your partner may be around you to comfort and spend time but you perceive the world as a single. Although you slowly begin to get into a mindset of a married person, you are still not there completely.
Change in lifestyle:
Before marriage, a person is his /her own self. He/ she does not change the way of living because the institution of marriage has no binding on the individual. In other words, the person is a free bird, free to act according to his/her will and to do what he /she feels is in the best of his/her interest.
Decision making:
Decision making is entirely a one person's job although you might be dating seriously. This means that even the smallest of decisions would be taken by you and you would hold the reins completely of what is good and bad for you.
The other side of this issue is the impact of your decision making does not have an impact on your partner for you are not into a relationship as yet.
Pamper yourself:
Before marriage you have the distinction of pampering yourself by doing things which you like the most. This could be wearing your favorite set of clothes or hanging out at your favorite restaurant. You do care for your partner with whom you are into a relationship but that element of sharing does not exist.
Commitment:
The degree of commitment is also less before marriage. One could say that pre marriage is the period that people are into the process of committing themselves to their partner's interests. That apart, you still answerable to yourself for your actions and deeds and no one else is involved in the picture. These decisions could vary from your personal to your professional sphere. The commitments one has also do not undergo a great deal of change and remain more or less confined to the interests of the individual as against after marriage.
Physical intimacy:
Intimacy does exist but you do not share a part of your self emotionally and physically with another person. Generally people are in the process of getting this act together before marriage.
Love before marriage has many features which make it unique, some of them are:
You are still single:
Before marriage, even though you are into a relationship, you are still single. You need to fend for yourself emotionally and physically! Your partner may be around you to comfort and spend time but you perceive the world as a single. Although you slowly begin to get into a mindset of a married person, you are still not there completely.
Change in lifestyle:
Before marriage, a person is his /her own self. He/ she does not change the way of living because the institution of marriage has no binding on the individual. In other words, the person is a free bird, free to act according to his/her will and to do what he /she feels is in the best of his/her interest.
Decision making:
Decision making is entirely a one person's job although you might be dating seriously. This means that even the smallest of decisions would be taken by you and you would hold the reins completely of what is good and bad for you.
The other side of this issue is the impact of your decision making does not have an impact on your partner for you are not into a relationship as yet.
Pamper yourself:
Before marriage you have the distinction of pampering yourself by doing things which you like the most. This could be wearing your favorite set of clothes or hanging out at your favorite restaurant. You do care for your partner with whom you are into a relationship but that element of sharing does not exist.
Commitment:
The degree of commitment is also less before marriage. One could say that pre marriage is the period that people are into the process of committing themselves to their partner's interests. That apart, you still answerable to yourself for your actions and deeds and no one else is involved in the picture. These decisions could vary from your personal to your professional sphere. The commitments one has also do not undergo a great deal of change and remain more or less confined to the interests of the individual as against after marriage.
Physical intimacy:
Intimacy does exist but you do not share a part of your self emotionally and physically with another person. Generally people are in the process of getting this act together before marriage.
Monday 26 April 2010
Tips to Fall in Love
Falling in love according to many people is an involuntary experience. But even to experience this experience you need a few things up your sleeve to make it work! Some of the things which could help you realize this experience are:
Be Yourself
Half the battle's won if you follow this! One could say that this is the primary requirement to experience love. No matter what masquerade you put it won't help you in the long run. The sooner you be your real self the better for you, for it is that trait which an individual would look for to fall in love.
"Being you" is what usually gets a women's attention initially anyway so don't forget that. It is things such as natural conversation, coincidences etc. which help people find them their partners. And natural conversations won't be possible if you are not your true self. The things we like about are partners can often be traced to incidents or conversations when we first met them.
A well defined agenda
Knowing your purpose behind getting into a relationship would not only be the "key" to your success but must also be "evident" to her. Chances of a positive response would be heightened if the opposite person gets a clear picture of your intentions. And in the process he /she could give their heart to you! Your agenda must be clear and with no games or "hidden agenda". You must be an individual with a plan once you are sure about the compatibility aspect!
There are several ways to go about a plan such as
You could invite the person to functions with co-workers and relatives. When you introduce your partner to people who are close or important to you, you would induce a sense of inclusion and belonging.
You could get her some gifts are in some stuff in jewellery. If you spend your hard earned money on something you picked out for him/her because of admiration, then the partner might accept it without a fight!
Engage into conversation that develops the emotional quotient gradually
Clear communication
The foundation to any relationship is a clear cut communication. And this heightened in the case of love for even the smallest of misunderstandings can cause ripples in people's life.
You need to pay heed to the right moments to initiate a conversation or a feedback to ascertain the finer aspects which would help you graduate to the next level. Remember, to keep a balance and pick your battles well, because losing your identity in her completely will allow her to walk all over you and she wont respect that either.
Show play your cards carefully and also be explicit at the same time for it is through conversations as these that you could decide on the future of your relationship.
Saturday 24 April 2010
How Is a Heart Attack Treated?
How Is a Heart Attack Treated?
Early treatment can prevent or limit damage to the heart muscle. Acting fast, at the first symptoms of heart attack, can save your life. Medical personnel can begin diagnosis and treatment even before you get to the hospital.
Certain treatments are usually started right away if a heart attack is suspected, even before the diagnosis is confirmed. These include:
1.Oxygen
2.Aspirin to prevent further blood clotting
3.Nitroglycerin, to reduce the workload on the heart and improve blood flow through the coronary arteries
4.Treatment for chest pain
5.Once the diagnosis of heart attack is confirmed or strongly suspected, treatments to try to restore blood flow to the heart are started as soon as possible. Treatments include medicines and medical procedures.
Medicines :
A number of different kinds of medicines may be used to treat heart attack. They include the following.
Thrombolytic Medicines :
These medicines (also called clot busters) are used to dissolve blood clots that are blocking the coronary arteries. To be most effective, these medicines must be given within 1 hour after the start of heart attack symptoms.
Beta Blockers :
These medicines decrease the workload on your heart. Beta blockers also are used to relieve chest pain or discomfort and to help prevent additional heart attacks. Beta blockers also are used to correct arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
These medicines lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on your heart. They also help slow down further weakening of the heart muscle.
Anticoagulants :
These medicines thin the blood and prevent clots from forming in your arteries.
Antiplatelet Medicines :
These medicines (such as aspirin and clopidogrel) stop platelets (a type of blood cell) from clumping together and forming unwanted clots.
Other Medicines
Medicines may also be given to relieve pain and anxiety, and to treat arrhythmias, which often occur during a heart attack.
Medical Procedures :
If medicines can’t stop a heart attack, medical procedures—surgical or nonsurgical—may be used. These procedures include the following.
Angioplasty :
This nonsurgical procedure can be used to open coronary arteries that are blocked by a blood clot. During angioplasty, a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) with a balloon on the end is threaded through a blood vessel to the blocked coronary artery. Then, the balloon is inflated to push the plaque against the wall of the artery. This widens the inside of the artery, restoring blood flow.
During angioplasty, a small mesh tube called a stent may be put in the artery to help keep it open. Some stents are coated with medicines that help prevent the artery from becoming blocked again.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting :
Coronary artery bypass grafting is a surgery in which arteries or veins are taken from other areas of your body and sewn in place to bypass (that is, go around) blocked coronary arteries. This provides a new route for blood flow to the heart muscle.
Treatment After You Leave the Hospital :
Most people spend several days in the hospital after a heart attack. When you leave the hospital, treatment doesn’t stop. At home, your treatment may include daily medicines and cardiac rehabilitation (rehab). Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, losing weight, changing your diet, and increasing your physical activity, to lower your chances of having another heart attack.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Your doctor may prescribe cardiac rehab to help you recover from a heart attack and to help prevent another heart attack. Almost everyone who has had a heart attack can benefit from rehab. The heart is a muscle, and the right exercise will strengthen it.
But cardiac rehab isn’t only about exercise. It also includes education, counseling, and learning about reducing your risk factors. Rehab will help you learn the best way to take care of yourself after having a heart attack and how to prevent having another one.
The cardiac rehab team may include doctors (your family doctor, a cardiologist, and/or a surgeon), nurses, exercise specialists, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, and psychologists or other behavioral therapists.
Early treatment can prevent or limit damage to the heart muscle. Acting fast, at the first symptoms of heart attack, can save your life. Medical personnel can begin diagnosis and treatment even before you get to the hospital.
Certain treatments are usually started right away if a heart attack is suspected, even before the diagnosis is confirmed. These include:
1.Oxygen
2.Aspirin to prevent further blood clotting
3.Nitroglycerin, to reduce the workload on the heart and improve blood flow through the coronary arteries
4.Treatment for chest pain
5.Once the diagnosis of heart attack is confirmed or strongly suspected, treatments to try to restore blood flow to the heart are started as soon as possible. Treatments include medicines and medical procedures.
Medicines :
A number of different kinds of medicines may be used to treat heart attack. They include the following.
Thrombolytic Medicines :
These medicines (also called clot busters) are used to dissolve blood clots that are blocking the coronary arteries. To be most effective, these medicines must be given within 1 hour after the start of heart attack symptoms.
Beta Blockers :
These medicines decrease the workload on your heart. Beta blockers also are used to relieve chest pain or discomfort and to help prevent additional heart attacks. Beta blockers also are used to correct arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
These medicines lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on your heart. They also help slow down further weakening of the heart muscle.
Anticoagulants :
These medicines thin the blood and prevent clots from forming in your arteries.
Antiplatelet Medicines :
These medicines (such as aspirin and clopidogrel) stop platelets (a type of blood cell) from clumping together and forming unwanted clots.
Other Medicines
Medicines may also be given to relieve pain and anxiety, and to treat arrhythmias, which often occur during a heart attack.
Medical Procedures :
If medicines can’t stop a heart attack, medical procedures—surgical or nonsurgical—may be used. These procedures include the following.
Angioplasty :
This nonsurgical procedure can be used to open coronary arteries that are blocked by a blood clot. During angioplasty, a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) with a balloon on the end is threaded through a blood vessel to the blocked coronary artery. Then, the balloon is inflated to push the plaque against the wall of the artery. This widens the inside of the artery, restoring blood flow.
During angioplasty, a small mesh tube called a stent may be put in the artery to help keep it open. Some stents are coated with medicines that help prevent the artery from becoming blocked again.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting :
Coronary artery bypass grafting is a surgery in which arteries or veins are taken from other areas of your body and sewn in place to bypass (that is, go around) blocked coronary arteries. This provides a new route for blood flow to the heart muscle.
Treatment After You Leave the Hospital :
Most people spend several days in the hospital after a heart attack. When you leave the hospital, treatment doesn’t stop. At home, your treatment may include daily medicines and cardiac rehabilitation (rehab). Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, losing weight, changing your diet, and increasing your physical activity, to lower your chances of having another heart attack.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Your doctor may prescribe cardiac rehab to help you recover from a heart attack and to help prevent another heart attack. Almost everyone who has had a heart attack can benefit from rehab. The heart is a muscle, and the right exercise will strengthen it.
But cardiac rehab isn’t only about exercise. It also includes education, counseling, and learning about reducing your risk factors. Rehab will help you learn the best way to take care of yourself after having a heart attack and how to prevent having another one.
The cardiac rehab team may include doctors (your family doctor, a cardiologist, and/or a surgeon), nurses, exercise specialists, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, and psychologists or other behavioral therapists.
Friday 23 April 2010
India Travel – Information, Tips & Advice
Introduction to India :
No one ever goes to India and comes back un-moved - anyone who says a trip to India "was OK" is lying. That is not to say India is always wonderful, but it is always totally in your face, completely fascinating and totally and utterly different from anywhere else you have been.
I left India knowing that if I didn't leave I would have a complete screaming fit at the next person who asked me my name, I also left knowing that I would have to return - the place is just indescribable. I think what makes India different is that English is still the lingua franca of the country. You can easily communicate in English a circumstance you may begin to regret after the day's 25th conversation about your age, marital status, number of children and projected annual income. This hub is designed as only brief introduction to India for the traveler - the Lonely Planet's current guide to India is a very thick book and India is a very large country! India is the seventh largest country in the world with 1,000,000,000 people and an area of 3,287,590 sq km (1,269,338 sq miles) It would take several years to see everything and and probably a year to see most of it but that is one of the joys of India!
India's Highlights
Although India is huge and varied and complex there are a handful of highlights that most tourists head for, and with just cause.
Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra
New Delhi is India's capital and a major airline gateway. It is also conveniently located near to both the famous desert region of Rajasthan with its ex-princely towns of Jaipur and Udaipur and India's most visited attraction, the famous Taj Mahal at Agra. Expect to see lots of beautiful building and desert landscapes. Best time to visit in the winter when it's cooler, November to February.
Southern India, Kochi, Hill Forts, Goa
Southern India was Christian before the British arrived giving the area a totally different feel to the Hindu north. Includes historical Kochi (Cochin), the temples of Mysore and the ex-British Raj at Pondicherry and Ootacamund. The beaches of Goa (which was a Portuguese possession until the 1960's) have been a favourite since the hippies discovered them. Best time to visit November to May avoiding the monsoon.
Northern Hills Ladakh, Dharamsala, Shimla
The remote mountainous area of Ladakh is only accessible once the snow melts in June. Dharamsala is the home of the Tibetean Dalai Lama in exile and has a large Tibetean population which makes the town unique in India. Shimla (Simla) is an old British hill town at the top of the hill served by a British era narrow-gauge railway. Both of these get cold in the winter so are best visted in the warmer months, May to Septemer.
A note on place names. Ever since the British left in 1947 the Indians have been reclaiming their place names to the local form I have tried to used the current common usage with the old name in brackets e.g. Mumbai (Bombay).
Type of Trip
India has a happy combination of well-developed local tourist infrastructure and a very good value for money destination. This means for the same daily rate as a self-drive, stay at Motel 6 trip in US or Europe, in India you could hire a driver, stay in 4 star hotels and eat in the best restaurants. One of the delights of India is whether you are chilling on the beach in Goa or staying at Maharajah's palace in Rajasthan you can still be having a good time at all different levels of expenditure.
Pre-Booked Holiday
With many European budget airlines flying direct to Goa from the UK and Europe there are numerous options for that week in the sun for vitamin D starved Europeans! Alternatively there are numerous tours typically 2 to 3 weeks long with well-known operators such as Intrepid. These tours offer a comfortable and easy, though not cheap, way to experience India. Tip: even if you don't intend to travel with them, a large tour operators brochure or website will give you great ideas for your own trip planning!
India itself has many tours for local tourists ranging from a day's city tour of Delhi to week long trips, sometimes with a religious (Hindu) theme to them. This would certainly be a lot cheaper option than going with a well-known western company. For example India Rail offers a 4 days Delhi - Shimla return trip for approximately US$190 including accommodation, train and bus travel and some meals. It is likely that your fellow travellers will be middle class English speaking Indians so it could well be a more interesting experience than travelling with your fellow compatriots.
Independent Travelers
It is sometimes suggested that if you do not arrange all your hotels, tours and ground transport before leaving home you are a backpacker surviving on US$10/ day (still possible in India BTW). In fact in India, in particular, its very easy to organise a much more comfortable trip for yourself including first class train travel, the occasional car and driver and a comfortable middle of the range hotels and restaurants may cost you $30-$45 / day per person. The trick to organising your trip yourself is to be informed but to not over-book. A good guidebook is useful but don't be totally dependent on it- a recommendation in a book with huge pulling power can rapidly lead to a decrease in quality and an increase in price of the "recomendee"! Be aware of any major festivals or holidays that will make it impossible to get a train ticket or a hotel room, but don't try to plan every last detail. The number one thing you can do in India to be miserable is to try to do too much too quickly or travel too fast. It doesn't really matter how much you need the train or bus to leave on time- it will leave when its ready to leave!
Travel Tips for India
Pre-departure
•As for any overseas travel have a medical/dental/optical check-up to avoid nasty surprises on the road. Have any recommended shots for India: a minimum is usually a booster to Tetanus and TB and a hepatitis shot if you don't have a current one. Check with a specialist in travel medicine. Bring your glasses /contact lens prescription with you and pick up a spare made in India for the fraction of the cost at home.
•Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in India and that you have enough spare pages for visa stamps. Arrange your Indian visa and take out adequate travel insurance.
•Bring as little as possible - ideally a carry on bag should be sufficient unless you are planning a serious trek to the Himalayas or many stays in up market hotels where you will be expected to dress for dinner. You can buy almost anything in India, tampons being a possible exception outside the cities.
On Arrival
•India's time zone is GMT/UTC +5.5 so flying from almost anywhere in the world you will probably be jet lagged. Try to get onto India's time zone as soon as you leave home, try to eat and sleep on Indian time. Its easier if your flight arrives late in the day as you will probably want to sleep anyway. If you arrive early in the day try to stay awake and get out in the daylight - it helps the body's internal clock to reset. Have a short nap if you must but try to stay awake until about 8pm before crashing.
•Get the equivalent of $100 in rupees cash before leaving the airport. Taxis don't take US$! You cannot legally import or export Indian currency.
•Book a hotel for the first night. Use an international consolidator such as Hotel Club who offer good deals. Even on a low budget give yourself a nice hotel for the first night, 2 nights if arriving late, it allows you to ease into India. Take a pre-paid Taxi from the airport. Again there are cheaper ways to do it - but this stops the arguments about prices and meters.
•Chill out - don't try to sight see and shop on your first day - relax wander around - try to get your head around India - practice crossing the road (see the video first!).
When in India
•Accept that you are going to be the centre of attention where ever you go - you may think you are an olive-skinned brunette - but in India you will be immediately recognised as white. You can however make it easier on yourself by dressing conservatively or dressing like a local.
•Remember that he concept of personal space is a western one and doesn't apply in a crowded country like India. You will be stared at and spoken to, they are curious not intrusive.
•You will rarely see members of the opposite sex touch or hold hands in India, in contrast you will often see young men or women holding hands with the same sex. Kissing and being obviously affectionate in public is considered rude.
•Cover your head (sometimes) and remove your shoes (always) before entering a temple or other religious building - this includes Christian churches.
•If the touts get too much hire one, then the others will leave you alone. If you get a good one rickshaw wallah or guide doing this its probably a good idea to hang onto him for the rest of your stay in that town - you can be sure that he will suggest it!
Travel within India
•The main international airports in India are: Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta) and Chennai (Madras).
•Although Indian Airlines are the main internal carrier, India now has an open-skies policy which has led to many new cut-price airlines starting up and in some cases folding, stick with the better known ones.
•India was built on the railway. Its is still the main form of long-distance transport in the country. There are numerous classes and trains varying from historic steam trains, quaint wooden narrow-gauge hill trains to sleek, ultra modern expresses. Basically the slower the train the less you pay - but all of them are great value. The system, though often described as a study in bureaucracy, is surprisingly efficient and now features E-tickets when booked over the Internet. Trains often have tourist and VIP quotas so you may often get on a "full" train when a local will not. A trip to India is not complete without a train ride.
•There is also an extensive bus network with again buses ranging from super-deluxe to ordinary (very). One of the problems with the super-deluxe buses is the super cold air conditioning (bring a jacket) and the obligatory Hindi dance movie (at least you don't need the language to follow the plot, you've seen it before, as in Romeo and Juliet).
Keeping Safe
•Despite the warnings of foreign governments regarding safety, India is a very safe destination. There are terrorists and bombings and disputed areas but these tend to occur near the Pakistani, Chinese and Bhutanese borders, areas where you won't often be allowed to go as a tourist anyway.
•Petty theft is common and the pickpockets are very,very good. Do not carry large amounts of cash in your wallet or a back pocket. Do carry enough for a day or so expenses in a wallet in a front pocket and keep most of your wealth hidden. Be aware of who is watching when getting money from ATM's. Theft at knife or gun point is lot less likely than in countries such as the US or UK.
•Although women may get stares, rude suggestions and the odd grope, you will be unlikely to be seriously threatened. If you get uncomfortable appeal for help from couples or women - the haughty "you talking to me" attitude is usually effective.
•In cheaper hotels check that your windows and doors are secure before you take the room - you make want to bring your own padlock for added security.
•The most dangerous thing you will probably do is take a bus or cross the road - watch the video if you don't believe me!
Summary
With apologies to Dickens: India is the best of places, the worst of places. India is special, its just as gorgeous and just as ugly as the photos and videos accompanying this story suggest. You may not enjoy every minute there but you will come away with memories that will last you a lifetime. If you have the chance go - you will not regret it.
Lis Sowerbutts has been traveling since age 7, and has to date travelled to over 55 countries. She firmly believes that traveling is too good to be left to the young and you are never too late to start traveling
No one ever goes to India and comes back un-moved - anyone who says a trip to India "was OK" is lying. That is not to say India is always wonderful, but it is always totally in your face, completely fascinating and totally and utterly different from anywhere else you have been.
I left India knowing that if I didn't leave I would have a complete screaming fit at the next person who asked me my name, I also left knowing that I would have to return - the place is just indescribable. I think what makes India different is that English is still the lingua franca of the country. You can easily communicate in English a circumstance you may begin to regret after the day's 25th conversation about your age, marital status, number of children and projected annual income. This hub is designed as only brief introduction to India for the traveler - the Lonely Planet's current guide to India is a very thick book and India is a very large country! India is the seventh largest country in the world with 1,000,000,000 people and an area of 3,287,590 sq km (1,269,338 sq miles) It would take several years to see everything and and probably a year to see most of it but that is one of the joys of India!
India's Highlights
Although India is huge and varied and complex there are a handful of highlights that most tourists head for, and with just cause.
Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra
New Delhi is India's capital and a major airline gateway. It is also conveniently located near to both the famous desert region of Rajasthan with its ex-princely towns of Jaipur and Udaipur and India's most visited attraction, the famous Taj Mahal at Agra. Expect to see lots of beautiful building and desert landscapes. Best time to visit in the winter when it's cooler, November to February.
Southern India, Kochi, Hill Forts, Goa
Southern India was Christian before the British arrived giving the area a totally different feel to the Hindu north. Includes historical Kochi (Cochin), the temples of Mysore and the ex-British Raj at Pondicherry and Ootacamund. The beaches of Goa (which was a Portuguese possession until the 1960's) have been a favourite since the hippies discovered them. Best time to visit November to May avoiding the monsoon.
Northern Hills Ladakh, Dharamsala, Shimla
The remote mountainous area of Ladakh is only accessible once the snow melts in June. Dharamsala is the home of the Tibetean Dalai Lama in exile and has a large Tibetean population which makes the town unique in India. Shimla (Simla) is an old British hill town at the top of the hill served by a British era narrow-gauge railway. Both of these get cold in the winter so are best visted in the warmer months, May to Septemer.
A note on place names. Ever since the British left in 1947 the Indians have been reclaiming their place names to the local form I have tried to used the current common usage with the old name in brackets e.g. Mumbai (Bombay).
Type of Trip
India has a happy combination of well-developed local tourist infrastructure and a very good value for money destination. This means for the same daily rate as a self-drive, stay at Motel 6 trip in US or Europe, in India you could hire a driver, stay in 4 star hotels and eat in the best restaurants. One of the delights of India is whether you are chilling on the beach in Goa or staying at Maharajah's palace in Rajasthan you can still be having a good time at all different levels of expenditure.
Pre-Booked Holiday
With many European budget airlines flying direct to Goa from the UK and Europe there are numerous options for that week in the sun for vitamin D starved Europeans! Alternatively there are numerous tours typically 2 to 3 weeks long with well-known operators such as Intrepid. These tours offer a comfortable and easy, though not cheap, way to experience India. Tip: even if you don't intend to travel with them, a large tour operators brochure or website will give you great ideas for your own trip planning!
India itself has many tours for local tourists ranging from a day's city tour of Delhi to week long trips, sometimes with a religious (Hindu) theme to them. This would certainly be a lot cheaper option than going with a well-known western company. For example India Rail offers a 4 days Delhi - Shimla return trip for approximately US$190 including accommodation, train and bus travel and some meals. It is likely that your fellow travellers will be middle class English speaking Indians so it could well be a more interesting experience than travelling with your fellow compatriots.
Independent Travelers
It is sometimes suggested that if you do not arrange all your hotels, tours and ground transport before leaving home you are a backpacker surviving on US$10/ day (still possible in India BTW). In fact in India, in particular, its very easy to organise a much more comfortable trip for yourself including first class train travel, the occasional car and driver and a comfortable middle of the range hotels and restaurants may cost you $30-$45 / day per person. The trick to organising your trip yourself is to be informed but to not over-book. A good guidebook is useful but don't be totally dependent on it- a recommendation in a book with huge pulling power can rapidly lead to a decrease in quality and an increase in price of the "recomendee"! Be aware of any major festivals or holidays that will make it impossible to get a train ticket or a hotel room, but don't try to plan every last detail. The number one thing you can do in India to be miserable is to try to do too much too quickly or travel too fast. It doesn't really matter how much you need the train or bus to leave on time- it will leave when its ready to leave!
Travel Tips for India
Pre-departure
•As for any overseas travel have a medical/dental/optical check-up to avoid nasty surprises on the road. Have any recommended shots for India: a minimum is usually a booster to Tetanus and TB and a hepatitis shot if you don't have a current one. Check with a specialist in travel medicine. Bring your glasses /contact lens prescription with you and pick up a spare made in India for the fraction of the cost at home.
•Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in India and that you have enough spare pages for visa stamps. Arrange your Indian visa and take out adequate travel insurance.
•Bring as little as possible - ideally a carry on bag should be sufficient unless you are planning a serious trek to the Himalayas or many stays in up market hotels where you will be expected to dress for dinner. You can buy almost anything in India, tampons being a possible exception outside the cities.
On Arrival
•India's time zone is GMT/UTC +5.5 so flying from almost anywhere in the world you will probably be jet lagged. Try to get onto India's time zone as soon as you leave home, try to eat and sleep on Indian time. Its easier if your flight arrives late in the day as you will probably want to sleep anyway. If you arrive early in the day try to stay awake and get out in the daylight - it helps the body's internal clock to reset. Have a short nap if you must but try to stay awake until about 8pm before crashing.
•Get the equivalent of $100 in rupees cash before leaving the airport. Taxis don't take US$! You cannot legally import or export Indian currency.
•Book a hotel for the first night. Use an international consolidator such as Hotel Club who offer good deals. Even on a low budget give yourself a nice hotel for the first night, 2 nights if arriving late, it allows you to ease into India. Take a pre-paid Taxi from the airport. Again there are cheaper ways to do it - but this stops the arguments about prices and meters.
•Chill out - don't try to sight see and shop on your first day - relax wander around - try to get your head around India - practice crossing the road (see the video first!).
When in India
•Accept that you are going to be the centre of attention where ever you go - you may think you are an olive-skinned brunette - but in India you will be immediately recognised as white. You can however make it easier on yourself by dressing conservatively or dressing like a local.
•Remember that he concept of personal space is a western one and doesn't apply in a crowded country like India. You will be stared at and spoken to, they are curious not intrusive.
•You will rarely see members of the opposite sex touch or hold hands in India, in contrast you will often see young men or women holding hands with the same sex. Kissing and being obviously affectionate in public is considered rude.
•Cover your head (sometimes) and remove your shoes (always) before entering a temple or other religious building - this includes Christian churches.
•If the touts get too much hire one, then the others will leave you alone. If you get a good one rickshaw wallah or guide doing this its probably a good idea to hang onto him for the rest of your stay in that town - you can be sure that he will suggest it!
Travel within India
•The main international airports in India are: Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta) and Chennai (Madras).
•Although Indian Airlines are the main internal carrier, India now has an open-skies policy which has led to many new cut-price airlines starting up and in some cases folding, stick with the better known ones.
•India was built on the railway. Its is still the main form of long-distance transport in the country. There are numerous classes and trains varying from historic steam trains, quaint wooden narrow-gauge hill trains to sleek, ultra modern expresses. Basically the slower the train the less you pay - but all of them are great value. The system, though often described as a study in bureaucracy, is surprisingly efficient and now features E-tickets when booked over the Internet. Trains often have tourist and VIP quotas so you may often get on a "full" train when a local will not. A trip to India is not complete without a train ride.
•There is also an extensive bus network with again buses ranging from super-deluxe to ordinary (very). One of the problems with the super-deluxe buses is the super cold air conditioning (bring a jacket) and the obligatory Hindi dance movie (at least you don't need the language to follow the plot, you've seen it before, as in Romeo and Juliet).
Keeping Safe
•Despite the warnings of foreign governments regarding safety, India is a very safe destination. There are terrorists and bombings and disputed areas but these tend to occur near the Pakistani, Chinese and Bhutanese borders, areas where you won't often be allowed to go as a tourist anyway.
•Petty theft is common and the pickpockets are very,very good. Do not carry large amounts of cash in your wallet or a back pocket. Do carry enough for a day or so expenses in a wallet in a front pocket and keep most of your wealth hidden. Be aware of who is watching when getting money from ATM's. Theft at knife or gun point is lot less likely than in countries such as the US or UK.
•Although women may get stares, rude suggestions and the odd grope, you will be unlikely to be seriously threatened. If you get uncomfortable appeal for help from couples or women - the haughty "you talking to me" attitude is usually effective.
•In cheaper hotels check that your windows and doors are secure before you take the room - you make want to bring your own padlock for added security.
•The most dangerous thing you will probably do is take a bus or cross the road - watch the video if you don't believe me!
Summary
With apologies to Dickens: India is the best of places, the worst of places. India is special, its just as gorgeous and just as ugly as the photos and videos accompanying this story suggest. You may not enjoy every minute there but you will come away with memories that will last you a lifetime. If you have the chance go - you will not regret it.
Lis Sowerbutts has been traveling since age 7, and has to date travelled to over 55 countries. She firmly believes that traveling is too good to be left to the young and you are never too late to start traveling
Thursday 22 April 2010
What is sex education?
What is sex education?
Sex education, which is sometimes called sexuality education or sex and relationships education, is the process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships and intimacy. Sex education is also about developing young people's skills so that they make informed choices about their behaviour, and feel confident and competent about acting on these choices. It is widely accepted that young people have a right to sex education. This is because it is a means by which they are helped to protect themselves against abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS. It is also argued that providing sex education helps to meet young people’s rights to information about matters that affect them, their right to have their needs met and to help them enjoy their sexuality and the relationships that they form.
What are the aims of sex education?
Sex education aims to reduce the risks of potentially negative outcomes from sexual behaviour, such as unwanted or unplanned pregnancies and infection with sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. It also aims to contribute to young people’s positive experience of their sexuality by enhancing the quality of their relationships and their ability to make informed decisions over their lifetime. Sex education that works, by which we mean that it is effective, is sex education that contributes to both these aims thus helping young people to be safe and enjoy their sexuality.
What skills should sex education develop?
If sex education is going to be effective it needs to include opportunities for young people to develop skills, as it can be hard for them to act on the basis of only having information.6 7 8
The skills young people develop as part of sex education are linked to more general life-skills. Being able to communicate, listen, negotiate with others, ask for and identify sources of help and advice, are useful life-skills which can be applied to sexual relationships. Effective sex education develops young people's skills in negotiation, decision-making, assertion and listening. Other important skills include being able to recognise pressures from other people and to resist them, dealing with and challenging prejudice and being able to seek help from adults - including parents, carers and professionals - through the family, community and health and welfare services.
Sex education that works also helps equip young people with the skills to be able to differentiate between accurate and inaccurate information, and to discuss a range of moral and social issues and perspectives on sex and sexuality, including different cultural attitudes and sensitive issues like sexuality, abortion and contraception.
Who should provide sex education?
Sex education can take place in a variety of settings, both in and out of school. In these different contexts, different people have the opportunity and responsibility to provide sex education for young people.
Parents/carers
At home, young people can easily have one-to-one discussions with parents or carers which focus on specific issues, questions or concerns. They can have a dialogue about their attitudes and views. Sex education at home also tends to take place over a long time, and involve lots of short interactions between parents and children. There may be times when young people seem reluctant to talk, but it is important not to interpret any diffidence as meaning that there is nothing left to talk about. As young people get older advantage can be taken of opportunities provided by things seen on television for example, as an opportunity to initiate conversation. It is also important not to defer dealing with a question or issue for too long as it can suggest that you are unwilling to talk about it. There is evidence that positive parent-child communication about sexual matters can lead to greater condom use among young men and a lower rate of teenage conception among young women.26
Teachers
In school the interaction between the teacher and young people takes a different form and is often provided in organised blocks of lessons. It is not as well suited to advising the individual as it is to providing information from an impartial point of view. The most effective sex education acknowledges the different contributions each setting can make. School programmes which involve parents, notifying them what is being taught and when, can support the initiation of dialogue at home. Parents and schools both need to engage with young people about the messages that they get from the media, and give them opportunities for discussion.
Young people
In some countries, the involvement of young people themselves in developing and providing sex education has increased as a means of ensuring the relevance and accessibility of provision. Consultation with young people at the point when programmes are designed, helps ensure that they are relevant and the involvement of young people in delivering programmes may reinforce messages as they model attitudes and behaviour to their peers
Sex education, which is sometimes called sexuality education or sex and relationships education, is the process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships and intimacy. Sex education is also about developing young people's skills so that they make informed choices about their behaviour, and feel confident and competent about acting on these choices. It is widely accepted that young people have a right to sex education. This is because it is a means by which they are helped to protect themselves against abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS. It is also argued that providing sex education helps to meet young people’s rights to information about matters that affect them, their right to have their needs met and to help them enjoy their sexuality and the relationships that they form.
What are the aims of sex education?
Sex education aims to reduce the risks of potentially negative outcomes from sexual behaviour, such as unwanted or unplanned pregnancies and infection with sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. It also aims to contribute to young people’s positive experience of their sexuality by enhancing the quality of their relationships and their ability to make informed decisions over their lifetime. Sex education that works, by which we mean that it is effective, is sex education that contributes to both these aims thus helping young people to be safe and enjoy their sexuality.
What skills should sex education develop?
If sex education is going to be effective it needs to include opportunities for young people to develop skills, as it can be hard for them to act on the basis of only having information.6 7 8
The skills young people develop as part of sex education are linked to more general life-skills. Being able to communicate, listen, negotiate with others, ask for and identify sources of help and advice, are useful life-skills which can be applied to sexual relationships. Effective sex education develops young people's skills in negotiation, decision-making, assertion and listening. Other important skills include being able to recognise pressures from other people and to resist them, dealing with and challenging prejudice and being able to seek help from adults - including parents, carers and professionals - through the family, community and health and welfare services.
Sex education that works also helps equip young people with the skills to be able to differentiate between accurate and inaccurate information, and to discuss a range of moral and social issues and perspectives on sex and sexuality, including different cultural attitudes and sensitive issues like sexuality, abortion and contraception.
Who should provide sex education?
Sex education can take place in a variety of settings, both in and out of school. In these different contexts, different people have the opportunity and responsibility to provide sex education for young people.
Parents/carers
At home, young people can easily have one-to-one discussions with parents or carers which focus on specific issues, questions or concerns. They can have a dialogue about their attitudes and views. Sex education at home also tends to take place over a long time, and involve lots of short interactions between parents and children. There may be times when young people seem reluctant to talk, but it is important not to interpret any diffidence as meaning that there is nothing left to talk about. As young people get older advantage can be taken of opportunities provided by things seen on television for example, as an opportunity to initiate conversation. It is also important not to defer dealing with a question or issue for too long as it can suggest that you are unwilling to talk about it. There is evidence that positive parent-child communication about sexual matters can lead to greater condom use among young men and a lower rate of teenage conception among young women.26
Teachers
In school the interaction between the teacher and young people takes a different form and is often provided in organised blocks of lessons. It is not as well suited to advising the individual as it is to providing information from an impartial point of view. The most effective sex education acknowledges the different contributions each setting can make. School programmes which involve parents, notifying them what is being taught and when, can support the initiation of dialogue at home. Parents and schools both need to engage with young people about the messages that they get from the media, and give them opportunities for discussion.
Young people
In some countries, the involvement of young people themselves in developing and providing sex education has increased as a means of ensuring the relevance and accessibility of provision. Consultation with young people at the point when programmes are designed, helps ensure that they are relevant and the involvement of young people in delivering programmes may reinforce messages as they model attitudes and behaviour to their peers
Tuesday 20 April 2010
Mercedes History
It all started with two different ideas from two different men with two different cars. Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz each created their own companies, manufacturing their own cars. Their companies produced brilliant automobiles as rivals for about 30 years, until economic ties caused their two respectful companies to merge and create what today is the greatest automobile in the world. Here is a brief history of the Mercedes Benz from it's early days as a motor cycle engine to today's ground breaking automobile
1871, at the age of 27, Karl Benz got together with a partner August Ritter in Mannheim to form his first company, the "Iron Foundry and Machine Shop". Not long after, the two partners went their separate ways and Karl Benz started a company of his own. By 1879/80, eight years after his company was founded, Karl Benz had developed his first working two-stroke engine.
1885. The first motor cycle. Gottlieb Daimler makes further improvements to the four-stroke single-cylinder engine. and fits it in a two-wheeler which he had designed himself.
1886. The Daimler Motor Carriage. Gottlieb Daimler orders a four-wheeler carriage from coach makers Wimpff & Sohn into which he fitted his 1.1 hp engine. On January 29, 1886 the Imperial Patent Office in Berlin granted Karl Benz German Patent No. 37435 for the world's first motor car. Its 0.7 hp engine was mounted horizontally at the rear of a three-wheeler carriage. The motor car was born The early 1890's brought the breakthrough for Karl Benz. With new partners and 50 employees, he now concentrated entirely on designing motor vehicles
1893. The Benz Velo was the first cheap, mass-produced car in the world. It came onto the market in 1893.
1896. The first delivery vehicle was developed by Karl Benz on the chassis of a Viktoria car model. It was supplied to the Paris department store "Bon Marché"
1898. The name Mercedes. In 1898, Emil Jellinek, who bought and sold Daimler products, took part in the Nice-Magagnon-Nice rally under the pseudonym Mercedes, his daughter's name. He won the race in a Daimler.
1909. Daimler's star. The suggestion to use the star as a trademark came from Gottlieb Daimler's sons. Their father had once sent his wife a postcard with a star marking out the house where he was living in Deutz. "One day this star will shine down on my work", he said. In 1909 a trademark was taken out on the star. Its three points symbolizes the three branches of motorization: on land, on water and in the air.
1903. The year of the Parsifal. The new Parsifal was the first Benz with a vertical two-cylinder engine. It was also the first Benz with modern propeller shaft drive
1919. Peacetime production. Drawing on experience gained with aero engines in the First World War, it was now decided to use supercharging in vehicle engines too.
1921. The first luxury models. In 1921 Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft presented two new vehicle models at the Berlin Motor Show. These were the first luxury cars of the post-war era.
1923. The Benz Drop-Shaped Car of 1923 was unusual in its basic layout and can be regarded as the first mid-engine racing car in the world..The drop-shaped car's greatest moment was in the Monza European Grand Prix.
1924.The Merger. After winning a combined 269 races, Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie. co-ordinate their production activities and two years later merged into present day Mercedes Benz.
1926.Shortly after the merger, Daimler-Benz create the legendary "K Type" supercharged model. It had a top speed of 145 km/h, making it the fastest touring car in the world.
1929. The new medium-sized cars. One of the first models to appear after the merger was the "Stuttgart", a six-cylinder unsupercharged model, producing 38 hp.
1934-1936. The dream cars of the 30's. In the 30's cars such as the 500 K and the 540 K were among the most sought after cars. Cars like the 540 K sports car are among the all-time showpieces of automotive engineering.
1934. A new racing formula led Daimler-Benz to develop a completely new car known as the W 25. Over the weight limit to enter races at first, a sand down on the paint allowed the Silver Arrow to win countless series.
1945. A fresh start. After the War, the bombed out Untertürkheim plant put production of cars on hold, and for the first few months, the factory's output included trailers for bicycles.
1946. Car business resumes At the Sindelfingen plant, . which survived damage, production continued except it only produced as a pick-up, because the Allied Control Council, prohibited Germany from manufacturing personal cars.
1949. The first new post-war developments May of this year saw the first new post-war development: a diesel version of the 170, which soon became a best-seller.
1954. The dream car of the 1950's. The 300 SL, which went into production in 1954 was a dream car from the moment it came onto the market. Its 215 hp 3-liter 6-cylinder engine gave the 300 SL a top speed of 250 km/h.
1955. A new roadster. The 190 SL was a "popular" version of the 300 SL. The cost of the 190 SL was only half that of the 300 SL. The roadster was fitted with a 4-cylinder engine from the 190 saloon, upgraded to 105 hp. More than 26,000 190 SL's were sold around the world.
1958. Launch of the SE series. The 220 E series was more economical the a 300 SL. With better flexibility, higher power output and substantially improved pulling power, it consumed approximately half a liter less fuel per hundred kilometers than the 220 S.
1961. More safety for Mercedes-Benz drivers. Daimler-Benz researches were always convinced in the safety of the seat belt. They had been optionally available since 1957, however in 1961, the company started to fit the anchorage points for seat belts as standard.
1963. A new "Grand Mercedes". In 1963, Daimler-Benz presented a new model: the 600, a car of superlatives in every way and fitted out with a wide array of electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and vacuum-operated systems. 2,600 were sold through 1981
1974. New convertibles. The seventies too had their SL. The running gear of the new convertibles was taken from the /8 series. Even more than their predecessors, they emphasized elegance rather than spottiness.
1977. A completely new Mercedes. The W 123 T-models presented in 1977 were a new departure in the Mercedes model range. The letter "T" stands for "tourism" and "transport".
1979. The new S-class makes its debut. Gone was the chrome trim of the predecessor. Instead, bumpers and broad side plastic moldings bore witness to a functional design philosophy. The drag coefficient of 0.36 was low for the times.
1982. Mercedes in a new format. In late 1982, the new W 201 series saw the light of day. With their new body and running gear, these compact vehicles sparked lively discussion.
1984. Daimler-Benz introduced a new "mid-series" car, the W 124, incorporating further advances in passive safety. It featured belt-tensioners for driver and front passenger as standard equipment and a steering wheel airbag was optionally available.
1989. Silver Arrows return to the stage. Before the first event in Suzuka, the Mercedes C 9's were replaced in silver. The Silver Arrows made a comeback worthy of the proud tradition. The Silver Arrows won 7 out of 8 races including a double win in the Le Mans 24 Hours race.
1993. Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer in the world to fit a four-valve diesel engine in a car. The new engine, fitted in the new E-class models - offering enhanced performance and smoothness, along with extreme longevity.
1994. The renaissance of the roadster. The SLK study for a small convertible was given a rapturous welcome when it was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show. SLK stands for "sportlich", "leicht" and "kurz = short". The two-seater from Stuttgart is the most exciting Mercedes in years. Fitted with the latest safety technology and offered with a 4-cylinder in-line engine with or without supercharger, it develops a maximum output of 150 or 250 hp. This new dream car will start to leave the Mercedes plant in Bremen as early as 1996. It will write a new chapter in the company's long and remarkable roadster tradition.
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Wednesday 14 April 2010
Sex in Love Marriage
Sex in love marriages are special for it is reminiscent of not only the physical intimacy shared by the couple but the entire experience of coming to together, from falling in love to marriage.
It has been discovered by Italian scientists that the biochemical state of falling in love is similar to obsessive compulsive disorder. The yearning of couples to be together and learn about each other in intimate detail is overwhelming. They tend to grab every opportunity to show affection and get as close as possible to one another. During this period sex can be very exciting.
Difference between casual sex and sex in love
There's still some of the mystery of casual sex and also some risk.
The difference is that sex is more mutual when we've fallen in love.
In a love marriage, sex is more than mere physical intimacy.
It's about giving and sharing ourselves physically and emotionally. As well as sexual satisfaction, we can expect to feel emotional fulfillment
Sex in a relationship after love has its own set of positives such as gaining knowledge about the opposite partner. It also helps develop a mutual sense of trust between the partners. Individuals feel more open to try different means to spice up their sexual desires. This would not be possible if the distances are not narrowed between them which could happen only when they trust each other!
Casual sex has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. There is a certain sense of risk and mystery involved in it. Individuals barely have any knowledge and understanding of each other and their respective background and what they seek is an urge to satiate their sexual hunger
There is a certain sense of urgency and the focus is primarily on physical satisfaction of desires. The experience is mechanical in nature and does not involve any love making aspects. Individuals look to get done with the act of making love in a haste and instead of prolonging it and understanding the partner Sex in a relationship which sprouts from love offers an opportunity to the individuals to grow together and become great lovers. It may not be possible to recapture the mystery of casual sex but there's a much higher chance of all-round fulfillment.
When a relationship matures, sex matures. You now have the advantage of knowing each other well. Fear of rejection is replaced with trust and security. This allows you to move into a stage of experimentation and mutual growth. You can take the time to fine-tune your skills as a lover.
Tuesday 13 April 2010
Who Is At Risk for a Heart Attack?
Who Is At Risk for a Heart Attack?
Certain risk factors make it more likely that you will develop coronary artery disease (CAD) and have a heart attack. Some risk factors for heart attack can be controlled, while others can't.
Major risk factors for heart attack that you can control include:
1.Smoking
2.High blood pressure
3.High blood cholesterol
4.Overweight and obesity
5.Physical inactivity
6.Diabetes (high blood sugar)
Risk factors that you can't change include:
1.Age. Risk increases for men older than 45 years and for women older than 55 years (or after menopause).
2.Family history of early CAD. Your risk increases if your father or a brother was diagnosed with CAD before 55 years of age, or if your mother or a sister was diagnosed with CAD before 65 years of age.
Certain CAD risk factors tend to occur together. When they do, it’s called metabolic syndrome. In general, a person with metabolic syndrome is twice as likely to develop heart disease and five times as likely to develop diabetes as someone without metabolic syndrome.
Other Common Signs and Symptoms :
Other common signs and symptoms that a person can have during a heart attack include:
1.Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
2.Shortness of breath may often occur with or before chest discomfort
3.Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting, lightheadedness or fainting, or breaking out in a cold sweat
Not everyone having a heart attack experiences the typical symptoms. If you’ve already had a heart attack, your symptoms may not be the same for another one. The more signs and symptoms you have, the more likely it is that you’re having a heart attack.
Act Fast
Sometimes the signs and symptoms of a heart attack happen suddenly, but they can also develop slowly, over hours, days, and even weeks before a heart attack occurs.
Know the warning signs of a heart attack so you can act fast to get treatment for yourself or someone else. The sooner you get emergency help, the less damage there will be to your heart.
Don’t drive yourself or anyone else to the hospital. Call an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.
Certain risk factors make it more likely that you will develop coronary artery disease (CAD) and have a heart attack. Some risk factors for heart attack can be controlled, while others can't.
Major risk factors for heart attack that you can control include:
1.Smoking
2.High blood pressure
3.High blood cholesterol
4.Overweight and obesity
5.Physical inactivity
6.Diabetes (high blood sugar)
Risk factors that you can't change include:
1.Age. Risk increases for men older than 45 years and for women older than 55 years (or after menopause).
2.Family history of early CAD. Your risk increases if your father or a brother was diagnosed with CAD before 55 years of age, or if your mother or a sister was diagnosed with CAD before 65 years of age.
Certain CAD risk factors tend to occur together. When they do, it’s called metabolic syndrome. In general, a person with metabolic syndrome is twice as likely to develop heart disease and five times as likely to develop diabetes as someone without metabolic syndrome.
Other Common Signs and Symptoms :
Other common signs and symptoms that a person can have during a heart attack include:
1.Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
2.Shortness of breath may often occur with or before chest discomfort
3.Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting, lightheadedness or fainting, or breaking out in a cold sweat
Not everyone having a heart attack experiences the typical symptoms. If you’ve already had a heart attack, your symptoms may not be the same for another one. The more signs and symptoms you have, the more likely it is that you’re having a heart attack.
Act Fast
Sometimes the signs and symptoms of a heart attack happen suddenly, but they can also develop slowly, over hours, days, and even weeks before a heart attack occurs.
Know the warning signs of a heart attack so you can act fast to get treatment for yourself or someone else. The sooner you get emergency help, the less damage there will be to your heart.
Don’t drive yourself or anyone else to the hospital. Call an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.
Travel Information India
Travel Information for India
Visa Guidelines
Following are the guidelines that will help you to get the Visa:
Rules :-
Visa for India is a must unless you are a national of neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives.
How to apply :-
For a Visitors Visa you should apply at the diplomatic missions in your own country of residence or nearest Mission en route.
If your passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India you should accompany visa applications along with it.
You will have a specified space to paste one photo and do not forget to staple another on to the form (comes in handy while comparing).
And in case you are applying for visa from a country you are not a national of (foreigner), you need to submit proof of long term permanent residence in the country, which is at least three years, from where you are applying.
If you are a citizen of another country, then a reference of your country of residence is needed for which there is a additional fee and it would require extra time for processing.
If you are a Tourist :-
Visa is given for 6 months normally, rest specifically depends on the country of residence.
You need to produce documents in proof of your financial standing.
If you are a group of tourists (traveling in-groups of not less than four members) under the auspices of a recognized travel agency you may be considered for grant of collective tourist visa.
Traveling for Business :-
If you are on a business visit, you can avail a visa that is valid for one or more years with multiple entries.
Documents required :-
A letter from your sponsoring organization mentioning the nature of business, probable duration of stay with itinerary.
A guarantee to meet all expenses incurred during your stay.
While you are in Transit :-
As a bonafide transit passenger you will be issued a visa for a maximum period of 15 days with single or double entry permit.
Added Information :-
The validity of visa may be for more than 6 months but the duration of stay in India for each visit on a tourist visa or business visa will not exceed 6 months.
Visa is given for a period for which passport is valid. For example, if a passport is valid until April 30, 2003 and an applicant is applying for 5 years visa on December 31, 1999, the applicant will not be issued a 5 years visa as the passport expires before the 5-year visa.
Visas are valid from the date of their issue.
If the foreigner is connected with the tourism trade he may avail a tourist visa up to 5 years.
Registration is compulsory within 14 days of first arrival in India if visa is for more than 180 days.
How to extend your VISA:
Any visitor who wishes to extend his visa, unless he is a tourist, is required to contact the FRRO's personally (no clones please).
Documents Needed:
Original Documents -
Passport
Residence permits
PIO Card
Travel documents
Photocopies -
of the front page and visa page
of passport, relevant pages of residence permit having last extension. other relevant documents for particular category of visa. e.g.
--Bonafide Certificate and Identity card for student visa.
--Company letter and terms and conditions for business / employment visa.
--Marriage certificate in case seeking extension of visa on the ground of marriage to an Indian.
--For Research Visa, approval of research projects from the Nodal Ministry.
Extension of Visa in Delhi can be Done at :-
Ministry of Home Affairs
Director (F)
Lok Nayak Bhawan
Ist floor, Khan market
New Delhi-110003.
Tips :-
Although a provision exists for the issue of a Temporary Landing Permit (TLP) at the point of entry if you are traveling in transit through India, it is advisable to obtain a transit visa prior to your arrival in India. It is issued for a stay of 72 hours and is not available to all nationalities. The TLP is issued only to those travelers in whose countries there is no Indian Diplomatic representation at the discretion of the Immigration Capital. For this, a valid passport confirmed onward air ticket and onward visa is a must.
A special agreement has been made with India and the SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) to keep the visa fee to the minimum to facilitate the travel between its people.
There also exist bilateral agreements between India and some countries like Argentina, Bangladesh, Hungary, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, South Africa etc. for gratis visa.
Travel Documents (Immigration - Requirements)
Entry Requirements :-
All tourists must carry a valid visa for India. Disembarkation cards must be completed and presented at the Immigration Counter on arrival at airport. Embarkation cards must be presented at the respective exit point counter on departure.
Visa & Special Permits is granted by the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices located in Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai & Chennai. In State Capitals and District Headquarters application should be submitted to the Home department in the State Capital, or to the Police Commissioners office.
Special Permits :-
Restricted and Protected Area Permits may be submitted to the Foreigners Registration Office or the Chief Immigration Officer at Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai.
Protected Monuments :-
Permission for photography at protected monuments may be obtained from The Director (Monuments), Archeological Survey of India, New Delhi.
Time Difference :-
The standard time for India is calculated from Allahabad and is common to all cities. Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of London, 4 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Paris, about 10 hours 30 minutes behind New York, 3 hours and 30 minutes behind Tokyo and 4 hours and 30 minutes behind Sydney.
Visa Guidelines
Following are the guidelines that will help you to get the Visa:
Rules :-
Visa for India is a must unless you are a national of neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives.
How to apply :-
For a Visitors Visa you should apply at the diplomatic missions in your own country of residence or nearest Mission en route.
If your passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India you should accompany visa applications along with it.
You will have a specified space to paste one photo and do not forget to staple another on to the form (comes in handy while comparing).
And in case you are applying for visa from a country you are not a national of (foreigner), you need to submit proof of long term permanent residence in the country, which is at least three years, from where you are applying.
If you are a citizen of another country, then a reference of your country of residence is needed for which there is a additional fee and it would require extra time for processing.
If you are a Tourist :-
Visa is given for 6 months normally, rest specifically depends on the country of residence.
You need to produce documents in proof of your financial standing.
If you are a group of tourists (traveling in-groups of not less than four members) under the auspices of a recognized travel agency you may be considered for grant of collective tourist visa.
Traveling for Business :-
If you are on a business visit, you can avail a visa that is valid for one or more years with multiple entries.
Documents required :-
A letter from your sponsoring organization mentioning the nature of business, probable duration of stay with itinerary.
A guarantee to meet all expenses incurred during your stay.
While you are in Transit :-
As a bonafide transit passenger you will be issued a visa for a maximum period of 15 days with single or double entry permit.
Added Information :-
The validity of visa may be for more than 6 months but the duration of stay in India for each visit on a tourist visa or business visa will not exceed 6 months.
Visa is given for a period for which passport is valid. For example, if a passport is valid until April 30, 2003 and an applicant is applying for 5 years visa on December 31, 1999, the applicant will not be issued a 5 years visa as the passport expires before the 5-year visa.
Visas are valid from the date of their issue.
If the foreigner is connected with the tourism trade he may avail a tourist visa up to 5 years.
Registration is compulsory within 14 days of first arrival in India if visa is for more than 180 days.
How to extend your VISA:
Any visitor who wishes to extend his visa, unless he is a tourist, is required to contact the FRRO's personally (no clones please).
Documents Needed:
Original Documents -
Passport
Residence permits
PIO Card
Travel documents
Photocopies -
of the front page and visa page
of passport, relevant pages of residence permit having last extension. other relevant documents for particular category of visa. e.g.
--Bonafide Certificate and Identity card for student visa.
--Company letter and terms and conditions for business / employment visa.
--Marriage certificate in case seeking extension of visa on the ground of marriage to an Indian.
--For Research Visa, approval of research projects from the Nodal Ministry.
Extension of Visa in Delhi can be Done at :-
Ministry of Home Affairs
Director (F)
Lok Nayak Bhawan
Ist floor, Khan market
New Delhi-110003.
Tips :-
Although a provision exists for the issue of a Temporary Landing Permit (TLP) at the point of entry if you are traveling in transit through India, it is advisable to obtain a transit visa prior to your arrival in India. It is issued for a stay of 72 hours and is not available to all nationalities. The TLP is issued only to those travelers in whose countries there is no Indian Diplomatic representation at the discretion of the Immigration Capital. For this, a valid passport confirmed onward air ticket and onward visa is a must.
A special agreement has been made with India and the SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) to keep the visa fee to the minimum to facilitate the travel between its people.
There also exist bilateral agreements between India and some countries like Argentina, Bangladesh, Hungary, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, South Africa etc. for gratis visa.
Travel Documents (Immigration - Requirements)
Entry Requirements :-
All tourists must carry a valid visa for India. Disembarkation cards must be completed and presented at the Immigration Counter on arrival at airport. Embarkation cards must be presented at the respective exit point counter on departure.
Visa & Special Permits is granted by the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices located in Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai & Chennai. In State Capitals and District Headquarters application should be submitted to the Home department in the State Capital, or to the Police Commissioners office.
Special Permits :-
Restricted and Protected Area Permits may be submitted to the Foreigners Registration Office or the Chief Immigration Officer at Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai.
Protected Monuments :-
Permission for photography at protected monuments may be obtained from The Director (Monuments), Archeological Survey of India, New Delhi.
Time Difference :-
The standard time for India is calculated from Allahabad and is common to all cities. Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of London, 4 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Paris, about 10 hours 30 minutes behind New York, 3 hours and 30 minutes behind Tokyo and 4 hours and 30 minutes behind Sydney.
Friday 2 April 2010
Sonia Gandhi
Sonia Gandhi is the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament. She was born Sonia Maino in 1946 near Turin, Italy, to a working-class family, and spent her childhood in that region. Her connection with India developed when she met Rajiv Gandhi, the elder son of Indira Gandhi, at a language school in Cambridge, England. They were married in 1968, and Sonia settled in India with her husband. Rajiv worked as a pilot in Indian Airlines, and only his brother Sanjay’s death in 1980, in a plane crash, changed the course of his life. He entered into politics, apparently with immense reluctance, a decision that is said to have made Sonia exceedingly unhappy: she is on record as having said, "For the first time, there was tension between Rajiv and me. I fought like a tigress -- for him, for us and our children, above all, for our freedom." Sonia Gandhi was seldom seen in public, and led a very "private life"; indeed, the 1984 assassination of her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi, did comparatively little to make her more visible. Some people thought that, in emulation of some supposed timeless Indian tradition, Sonia Gandhi preferred to remain by the sidelines, content in her roles as wife, mother, and -- to some degree -- official hostess. Her aversion to politics has been described by Tariq Ali, who recounts that Sonia is said to have stated that she would have rather seen her children beg than enter into the maelstrom of Indian political life.
However, the assassination of her husband in 1991 paved the way for Sonia’s entry into public limelight, and senior members of the Congress party, alarmed at the party’s declining popularity, sought to revive their fortunes by encouraging her to take an active part in politics. They might have thought that, once the Congress had been restored to popularity, Sonia could be marginalized. She resisted membership in the Congress, indeed the offer of the presidency of the party for several years, but eventually joined the Congress party in 1997. She became party president in 1998, thereby becoming the fifth member of the Nehru clan -- following Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi -- to hold this important post. The following year, in the general election, she was finally elected to a seat in the Lok Sabha, though the Congress suffered a humiliating defeat at the polls. While she was praised for having saved the Congress party from utter extinction, at the same time the party’s continuing misfortunes through the end of 2001 were secretly, and sometimes openly, attributed to Sonia; but if she was construed as a liability, the pathetic state of the Congress party, a previous incarnation of which was the mainstay of the Indian independence movement, can be adequately judged from the fact that the Congress party’s other leaders most likely thought that without her they would be condemned to complete oblivion.
Sonia Gandhi was strident in her criticism of the slow investigation of the inquiry around her husband’s assassination, and made no secret of her opinion that her husband’s opponents and other ill-wishers were determined to keep the truth from the public. It has been argued, not without reason, that her own entry into politics might have been motivated partly by the desire to keep allegations of widespread corruption in the last few years of Rajiv’s prime ministership from becoming proven public facts. In the event, numerous other controversies have dogged her entry into Indian politics. Her opponents in the BJP and other Hindutva organizations, in particular, pointed to her foreign origins, and pressed forth the unsavory suggestion that a country willing to be ruled by a "foreigner", that too a woman, was evidently wanting in its masculinity and pride. Sonia acquired Indian citizenship in 1983, and questions have been raised why she took "so long" to acquire Indian citizenship. Since the Indian constitution, moreover, does not preclude people who have acquired citizenship by naturalization from holding the highest offices in the land, Sonia’s entry into politics became the pretext for offering the suggestion that a constitutional amendment would be required.
In these controversies, as they are described, Sonia Gandhi’s opponents have looked exceedingly foolish and nationalistic. It is scarcely surprising that Hindu nationalists should look to the United States, which forbids its presidency to anyone not born in the country, as the example that India should emulate. One would have thought that, in this matter as in most others, the United States sets the standard not for freedom or liberality of interpretation but for jingoism and provincialism. If loyalty is in question, the Indian Citizenship Act of 1955 is unequivocally clear: it does not allow foreigners to acquire Indian citizenship unless they have renounced their other allegiance. Of course, if the advocates of Hindutva are inclined to see adherents of Islam, who have been in India for over 1,000 years, as "foreigners", one should not be surprised that the same predictable and pedestrian argument should have been deployed against Sonia Gandhi. These advocates of Hindutva have invested less in India than did someone such as Annie Beasant, an Irish woman settled in India who was an ardent advocate of Indian self-rule. Had Sonia Gandhi’s opponents riveted on the fact that she has brought no distinct ideas, no imagination, indeed not an iota of new energy into Indian politics, they might have been more effective and less nauseating. To say this is not to gainsay the fact that as a politician, Sonia has learned the tools of the trade, and her decision in late 2002, to not host, on account of the "suffering caused to the people in several drought-affected states and in riot-hit Gujarat", the traditional part iftar party held as a mark of communal amity and friendship with Muslims during the month-long Ramzan, must be deemed at least in part as the gesture of a pragmatic politics. Whatever Sonia Gandhi’s eventual political fortunes, her own political presence is not calculated to breathe fresh life into Indian politics, though it may well be the training ground for the next generation of Nehrus.
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