DailySpecial NEWS

UAE police deny Indian woman confessed to helping smother daughter in suicide bid

2012-01-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

UAE Police have denied that a 30-year-old Indian woman, who survived a suicide bid, has confessed to helping her husband kill their daughter before he hanged himself.

A 32-year-old man Rijesh, and his daughter Avanti, were recently found dead inside their apartment in Dubai while his wife Sreesha was hospitalised in a critical condition.

Reports on Monday suggested that the woman spoke briefly with the police and confessed that she had held down her daughter while her husband smothered the five-year-old with a pillow.

Brigadier Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Director of Dubai Police's Criminal Investigation Department, however, denied these reports and said the woman did not speak at all.

"The woman has been moved to the psychiatric ward in the hospital, and her mental condition does not allow questioning," Gulf News quoted Al Mansouri, as saying.

According to Al Mansouri, the woman will be charged with attempted suicide, but it is up to the Public Prosecution to decide the final charges upon completing investigations.

As per the UAE laws, attempting to commit suicide is a criminal offence that mandates a fine of up to Dh5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.

If proven that she had taken part in suffocating her daughter, the woman may also face charges of murder.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the community as residents are baffled by what could have pushed the young family, from Kerela, to take such extreme measures.

According to the report, Rijesh was working with a consultancy firm and recently moved to an electronics company and his wife Sreesha was working with a private company. The daughter was attending kindergarten at an Indian school. (ANI)

Best of the Jaipur Literature Festival

2012-01-21T19:52:00.000-08:00

Jaipur Literature Festival is the largest literary festival in Asia-Pacific, held annually in January.

The DSC Jaipur Literature Festival 2012 was conceptualized five years ago by New Delhi-based literary tag team William Dalrymple and Namita Ghokale, bringing together an appealing mix of mainstream and fringe Indian and international writers to present their ideas on Indian thought, culture and its global context in relation to their own works.

This festival is not your average overdose of book readings and panel discussions, brooding authors and a drowsy audience.

For one, it is a free festival.

The informal, celebratory and interdisciplinary atmosphere in the gardens of an old and intimate Rajasthani palace, attracts a diverse crowd of 60,000-odd readers. Actors, directors, fashion designers, economists, travelers, politicians, scientists, students, bloggers and all manner of urban hipsters congregate in the sunny on-site cafe to spend three days "in conversation."

The Jaipur Lit Fest has expanded in collaboration with producers Teamwork, extending literature into the areas of music, dance, art, philosophy, history -- with one or two tense political debates featuring each year.

This year’s highlights include high-profile writers such as Salman Rushdie, Mohamad Hanif, Gurcharan Das, Annie Proulx and Jamaica Kincaid.

At night, the wine flows and the stage bursts with the Dionysian revelry that has historically followed a literary salon.

This year’s world music and dance performances focus on the tradition of Sufi and Bhakti poetry and songs spanning from traditional Rajasthani fire eaters to DJ Cheb I Sabbah and Dub Colussus.

January 20-24, 2012

Diggi House, Shivaji Marg, C-Scheme, Jaipur – 302004, Rajasthan; +91 (0)141 237 3091/236 6120; New Delhi office             +91 (0)11 2601 1430      ; www.jaipurliteraturefestival.org

For one talk per day, choose:

Fiction: Michael Ondaatje

Booker-prize winning novelist ("The English Patient"), Ondaatje’s writing is romantic, precise, ironic, place-less and rooted in culture simultaneously. His manner is gentle, insightful and honest. He talks about his travels, his writing process and reads from his newer texts.

From Ink lake: Michael Ondaatje in conversation with Amitava Kumar

January 20, front lawns, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

History: Phillip Gourevitch

Gourevitch, former editor of "The Paris Review," known for his retelling of the Rwandan genocide of 1994, speaks to historian Tim Butcher and travel writer Philip Marsden about political refugees and the legacy of horror in the heart of Africa.

January 21, Baithak tent, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Gulzar, poet and Indian cinema celebrity at the Jaipur Literature Festival in 2010.
Poetry: Gulzar

Gulzar is the recipient of a national award for his contribution to poetry in the Urdu language. He is also the lyricist behind the Academy award winning song, "Jai Ho" from the movie "Slumdog Millionaire."

Gulzar’s poetry carries you to old ashtrays, the ink of a lost pen, the shadows of an old lover. It makes you wander and imagine, laughing with the poet at his follies, at your follies. He reads in Hindi, but explains its meaning in English, and even if you can grasp a line here and there, its lyric sound will rustle like pages on a windy night.

Raavi Paar: Readings from Punjab

Gulzar, Navdeep Suri, Madan Gopal Singh, Mohammed Hanif Moderated by Nirupama Dutt

January 22, Mughal Tent, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Non-fiction: Ariel Dorfman

Ariel Dorfman, Argentine-Chilean writer and human rights theorist was the cultural advisor to Chilean president Salvador Allende before the coup. Factually and personally political, his experience of tyranny, exile and revolution make both his writing and his insights pungent with the stuff of real history.

Listen to him in conversation with four important South Asian political authors.

Writing and Resistance: Ariel Dorfman, Raja Shehadeh, Thant Myint-U, Iftikhar Gilani. Moderated by Fatima Bhutto.

January 23, Durbar Hall, 10-11 a.m.

Drama: Tom Stoppard

Sir Tom Stoppard is, with little hyperbole, a modern Shakespeare. His plays, often criticized for being excessively referential, are philosophical tributes to the absurdity of the human condition.

January 24, front lawns, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Play: Elephant safari

Sip on Champagne as the elephant lulls you along into the sunset, Maharajah style.

A local Rajput family organizes elephant safaris through the foothills of the Aravali, through their wooded camp.

The ride culminates in a candle-lit dinner in the middle of the forest, far from the madding crowd.

Rs 4,000 per person inclusive of dinner;             +91 98290 12512      ; deraamer.com; 5:30 p.m. daily; reservation required

Eat: Anokhi Café

The café, in line with the store’s eco ethics, serves only organic food from nearby farms and healthy infusions.

The thick desert air of Jaipur leaves the traveler yearning for fresh salads, home-made cakes and, to douse the day and ignite the night, lemongrass tea (Rs 80).

This café is an edible extension to the clothing store, Anokhi, which makes contemporary hand-prints, supporting local and traditional artisans.

Try the corn fritters with a light yoghurt-mint dipping sauce, served on a bed of arugula in a honey-mustard dressing (Rs 125).

Anokhi Café, second floor, KK Square, C-11 Prithviraj Road, Jaipur;             +91 (0)141 4007245

Open all week, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Shop: Hawa Mahal market

Hold a pose for five good minutes to see a fascinating version of yourself, in India, from a long time ago.

Walk the street markets outside the Hawa Mahal, the two-dimensional palace of winds through whose lattice royal ladies would look out onto the bustle of everyday life.

These make-shift stores are great for traditional Rajasthani leather shoes (jootis), trinkets, embroidered bags and such. Bargaining is a must, so muster a stamina beforehand.

Down the street, on the same side as the Hawa Mahal, is a photographer who sits with an old camera from the 19th century. Rs 100 for a photo.

Hawa Mahal Market, NH8, Kanwar Nagar, Badi Chaupar, Jaipur

Play: Hot air balloon ride

Occasionally, you catch a glimpse of an antelope.

To place yourself on a map, or to start the day with perspective, a hot air balloon ride over Jaipur is a totally radical way of accessing a city made of an intense network of pink streets and their peering people.

The balloon glides over Amber Fort, the Aravali range and neighboring villages.

Your balloon drifts over tiny people in tiny villages in a slow rhythm of dark and light. Finally, you descend onto their farmland, welcomed by those same villagers, now life-sized, adorned in bright Rajasthani colors.

Rs 12,000 or (US$225) per person, including transfers to and from your hotel;

Longest Hairs

2012-01-21T19:14:00.001-08:00

Longest Hairs

The number one problem affecting long hair is breakage, usually seen as shorter, fly-away strands, or split ends. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep and even as you sleep, there are many factors that can lead to hair breakage.
One of the most common causes is poor maintenance – things like improper brushing and washing and infrequent trimming. Lifestyle factors, such as poor nutrition, stress and even restless sleeping can also lead to hair damage.
The problem is that what many women think is good for their hair may actually be hurting it. Through proper care using simple techniques and the right maintenance products, anyone can have long, beautiful, healthy locks. More after the break...

The Long Hair Care Group recommends the following:

Finger RakingUpon waking, use the back of the hand, run fingers through hair to remove snarls and tangles.

Proper BrushingBend forward, allowing hair to fall. Using only a wooden base natural bristle brush, such as our Long Hair Brush, bring hair from the nape of the neck over the head and down to the ends. Then, stand straight again with hair falling normally and brush from the underside of the hairline down the strands to the ends. Now, brush the top layers into place with long, even strokes. After each stroke, smooth hair with hands to reduce static. Increase the number of strokes weekly, starting with five and increasing by one a week until you find a comfortable routine. If oiliness develops, reduce strokes.
Brush only when dry. Hair is weakest when it is wet and brushing can easily damage it. Even when hair is dry always comb before brushing.

CombingSeparate hair into small sections. With a wide-tooth comb, such as our Long Hair Comb, carefully work from the ends in a downward direction only. Use only a wooden or tortoise shell comb – never rubber. Do not pull or yank hair.

DryingAir-dry whenever possible.

Curling
Use regular hair rollers, winding hair loosely around them. Avoid electric rollers, hot combs, and curling irons, or use these on a cool setting. Pin curls or barrel curls are the safest and fastest methods of drying hair.

Shampooing
If your hair is dry and brittle, wet hair, then coat with a light conditioner before shampooing, such as our Time Released Moisturizer. This acts as a buffer and helps protect the hair strand. Then begin shampoo by removing dirt through gentle sudsing. We recommend using our Body Essence Shampoo, which is specially formulated with natural botanicals and designed to clean the hair without stripping away its natural oils. Massage your head to increase the blood supply to the scalp and roots. On an as need basis, we recommend using our Detoxifying Shampoo to remove unwanted residues from styling products and the environment.

Environment
Before going out to the beach or pool, comb conditioner such as our Seaweed Pac, through the hair. This helps to protect hair from the sun, chlorine, salt water, and from the sun's heat, and serves as a deep conditioning treatment.
Wear a hat, cap or scarf if you can to protect hair from over-exposure to the sun, salt or chlorinated water, wind and air pollution.

Trimming
Have hair trimmed on a regular basis (approximately every two months). This is especially important for growing out layers and/or bangs to reshape and make each stage of growing hair out a style.

Conditioning
Always apply conditioner from the ears down – never condition the scalp. Do not over-condition.
Conditioning too often can cause the cuticle layer of hair to lift making hair brittle and leading to breakage. Rather than conditioning every day, try our All Purpose Aloe Detangler, for snarl free combing.

StylingYour hair style is a reflection of your personality and a wonderful way to express your individuality. All too often conventional styling products contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals. These ingredients are used to keep the hair in place and to give the appearance of shiny healthy hair. In the case of these mass-marketed products the look achieved is only surface deep and they tend to damage the hair. The Long Hair Care Group has developed a highly specialized line of styling products which not only makes your hair look great, they impart essential botanicals and vitamins to each strand, conditioning your hair as they hold it in place and body and give it incredible shine.

Sleeping
Even the way you sleep can affect your hair. Restless sleepers may actually be breaking hair as they sleep.

If you’re a restless sleeper, try a satin pillowcase so that the hair glides when you move in your sleep. On regular cotton cases hair can get caught and break.
Putting hair up to sleep is also helpful. Hair should be put in a ponytail on top of the head. Always use rubberbands that are rapped in cloth, commonly known as "scrunchies."

Your Eyebrows Say A Lot

2012-01-21T18:14:00.001-08:00

Your Eyebrows Say A Lot

Arched Brow
The brow of beauty. You're born to the good things in life. Indicates harmony in relationships.

Upswept Brow

A positive, optimistic brow. The sign of an activist brow.

05 more after the break...

Downswept Brow
Seductive. But could signal weakness to others.

Short Brow
Gives the appearance of youth..and can be an asset. Shows independence and ambition.

Level Brow

The brow of a career woman who also enjoys sports and the outdoor.

Angular Brow
Indicates a dramatic personality. .. creative, brilliant in financial matters.

Rounded Brow
The brow of a businesswoman or perhaps an entertainer.

Lion or Tiger

2012-01-18T15:54:00.001-08:00

Lion or Tiger

~~~~ World's Largest Liger (Lion+Tiger) ~~~~

"DO TO OTHERS WHAT YOU LIKE OTHERS TO DO TO YOU"

Hello,
Know what's a Liger? It's a cross breed of a Lion male and Tiger female... Read on......

The 10ft Liger who's still growing... He looks like something from a prehistoric age or a fantastic creation from Hollywood . But Hercules is very much living flesh and blood - as he proves every time he opens his gigantic mouth to roar. Part lion, part tiger, he is not just a big cat but a huge one, standing 10ft tall on his back legs. Called a liger, in reference to his crossbreed parentage, he is the largest of all the cat species. On a typical day he will devour 20lb of meat, usually beef or chicken, and is capable of eating 100lb at a single setting. At just three years old, Hercules already weighs half a ton.More images after the break...

He is the accidental result of two enormous big cats living close together at the Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species, in Miami, Florida , and already dwarfs both his parents. "Ligers are not something we planned on having," said institute owner Dr Bhagavan Antle. "We have lions and tigers living together in large enclosures and at first we had no idea how well one of the lion boys was getting along with a tiger girl, then loo and behold we had a liger."
50mph runner... Not only that, but he likes to swim, a feat unheard of among water-fearing lions. In the wild it is virtually impossible for lions and tigers to mate. Not only are they enemies likely to kill one another, but most lions are in Africa and most tigers in Asia . But incredible though he is, Hercules is not unique. Ligers have been bred in captivity, deliberately and accidentally, since shortly before World War II.

Today there are believed to be a handful of ligers around the world and a similar number of tigons, the product of a tiger father and lion mother. Tigons are smaller than ligers and take on more physical characteristics of the tiger.

Look at the size of the head on this thing.. :o)

James Byrne and his New Thumb

2011-12-16T19:15:00.001-08:00

A father-of-one has shown off his unusual new thumb after he lost his original in a carpentry accident. James Byrne, 29, had his big toe grafted on to his hand after he severed his left thumb while sawing through a piece of wood last December. Surgeons had first tried to sew his original thumb back on but the blood would not start flowing again despite months of treatment, including using leeches. 02 more images after the break...

A big toe-thumbs up: James Byrne shows off his new left-hand digit after the bandages came off

That's when the surgeons made their unusual suggestion of using his dominant toe. They said losing a toe would only affect his balance in the short term - therefore outweighing the loss to his foot.

His consultant Umraz Khan at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol carried out the operation in September.

Now, two months after the operation, the paver from Bristol has a working 'thumb' - which he has nicknamed 'Toby'.

Four Leg Chicken

2011-11-29T19:26:00.001-08:00

Four Leg Chicken

Amazing four legs Chicken 05 more images after the break...

Beautiful Lips

2011-11-29T16:13:00.001-08:00

Pictures have become famous for it, songs have been written about it, and commercials on TV tell how to get it. Your smile can make a big difference in your appearance. A pleasant disposition with a pleasing continence can make up for any number of beauty flaws. But you mustn't stop there. A big smile can make you look positively beautiful.

Your smile has two components: teeth and lips. The biggest improvement you can make to your appearance is making sure your teeth are white. This has never been easier than it is today. Tooth color is genetic. Some people are just born with yellow tinted teeth. By avoiding certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, red wine, and tea, you can keep teeth whiter. Any foods that stain your clothes will stain your teeth. If your teeth have become discolored, you will be surprised at the results of teeth whitening. The procedure can be undertaken at home or at your dentist's office. The home products are reasonably priced, but require some discipline for about three weeks to apply the whitener, to avoid eating after it is on, and to remove it in the morning. Dentists can perform various teeth whitening procedures that usually cost about $500 and are not covered by insurance, but produce quick results in a visit or two. Read more after the break...

Lips should look inviting and kissable. Take good care of them by making sure there is no dead skin on them, and regularly maintain them with vitamin E or balm to make them look polished and soft.
· Matte lipstick is strong on color without shine but can be drying and look dull. If you like the matte look, get a good expensive lipstick. This is one time where cheap isn't better.
· Crème – nice color without shininess and more moisturizing than matte
· Glossy – the least drying

Lip shape tricks:
· Lips too full? Avoid strong colors or you'll look like Ronald McDonald. Tone down the color with soft sheer hues and no lip liner. Also, play up your eyes to draw away from or balance out your full lips.
· Lips too thin? Strong colors will just emphasize their thinness. Instead, use light, sheer colors. Never use lip liner outside the natural lip line to try and fake bigger lips. You'll just end up looking like a clown.
· Crooked lips? Gently use your lip liner to even them out.

Lip color depends on your skin tone as well as your clothing colors:
· Best lip colors for fair skin: pales
· Best lip colors for medium skin: deeper colors
· Best lip colors for olive and yellow skin: browns and plums
· Best lip colors for dark skin: dark red, beiges and berry colors

Top 10 list of food for health with full menu recipe

2011-11-07T21:57:00.000-08:00

Over the last couple of weeks we put together a series of ten healthy foods. Here’s a combined version of our original articles. Of course, you can always refer to the original articles by using the search box at the top of the page! At the end of our Top 10 List of food for health you’ll find a full menu recipe made of garlic, almonds, water, cinnamon, broccoli, apple, Romaine lettuce, Oregano, mustard and honey.

Garlic
Garlic makes almost any meal taste better. Some people are like me and they love garlic in all kind of meals. The problem is the the people around you might not be as happy when you eat garlic. I know of two or three surefire methods to reduce or even avoid this problem. First tip: Add a small amount of parsley to your garlicky meal, or better yet eat a handful fresh parsley afterwards. The second tip is to rinse your mouth with salt water (normal table salt and water). It may take a second rinse to get rid of the powerful scent. The final tip is - if the first two methods don’t work, plan on spending the rest of the evening alone! But seriously, the positive effects of garlic on our body are almost endless. The same compounds that are responsible for the pungent odor are also the source of many of its healthy effects. Here’s just a few of the numerous benefits of garlic:

inhibiting coronary artery calcification
lowering blood pressure and insulin
lessening free radicals in the bloodstream
preventing and even reversing artheriosclerotic plaque formation
hindering the docking of LDL (”bad” cholesterol) to its receptors in blood vessels
protecting attacks of asthma
being a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent
promoting weight control

Almonds
You may be wondering from the question - “What kind of high-fat food can be good for our health? ” Sounds like a quiz question, doesn’t it? Before you switch over to your favorite search engine to look, I’ll answer it for you: it’s almonds. Almonds, those tasty little nuts, have the same kind of fat as olive oil.

The greatest effect of almonds is the reduction of the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol. If you combine them with something else, which is also known for lowering cholesterol, the effect is even additive. One possible combination could be almonds with other nuts (walnuts, pecans and chestnuts), or in a salad with beans, and pears. Or perhaps you prefer it in your oat cereal. All of these combinations have the effect of doubling your cholesterol reduction.

Another wonderful benefit of almonds is the amount of magnesium in them. Magnesium is so important for our body. With enough magnesium the veins and arteries breathe a sigh of relief and relax and the flow of blood.

Finally, a practical tip on how to eat almonds. In order to lose weight and to lower your risk of heart disease eat at least three raw, unsalted almonds each day. Your body will thank you.

Water
Water a healthy food? Yes. Without water there is no life. Water is a life elixir in its very deepest sense. Without water we can survive for only three days.

Normally we aren’t aware of how much water we’re drinking. Unfortunately, a lot of people drink very little water each day. Instead, many people drink too much coffee or sweetened soda -and this not only doesn’t add to their water consumption, it actually detracts from it. We won’t even speak about alcohol consumption.

There’s a rule that you should drink enough water for all the cells and organs in your body. That means you should drink at least two liters or 68 ounces daily. One liter alone is needed for our kidneys to wash out all toxins. The other liter is needed for the other organs in our body. You won’t find any organ which doesn’t need water for normal healthy functioning.

In summer you can even extend this second liter to two additional liters, or a total of three liters for a healthy body.

According to scientific research, drinking enough water helps prevent heart attacks, stroke, keeps the blood pressure normal, improves mental and athletic performance, helps regulate digestion
and balances body temperature.

Drinking enough water has also an effect on our body’s appearance. Our skin looks more wrinkle-free, smoother and healthier. We lose weight easier because drinking water reduces our hunger pangs.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon, one of my favorite spices was in ancient Egypt considered more precious than gold. Cinnamon is very popular in most parts of the world and represents for many people the most common winter spice. Indeed, cinnamon has it’s own medicinal properties which can be used for cold or flu.

I’m always impressed by the numerous positive health effects of this tasty spice.

Cinnamon prevents unwanted thickening of the blood and together with it’s cholesterol lowering effect reduces the likelihood of heart disease. Other great abilities of cinnamon are its anti-microbial activity, its blood sugar control and if that wasn’t already enough reasons to use cinnamon - it lowers the risk of colon cancer.

For me the most fascinating part is the fact that the scent of cinnamon boosts brain activity. In research scientists found that smelling cinnamon improves virtual recognition memory, working memory and visual-motor speed. These results can also be important for improving cognition in the elderly.

Isn’t it great that something so tasty and delicious is at the same time so healthy! At home we use cinnamon in oatmeal, french toast, crepes, cookies, pies and a variety of other desserts.

Broccoli
For many people Broccoli is not a beloved vegetable. Why should we eat Broccoli? First of all Broccoli has an anti-cancer effect which works in the same way as our body: it eliminates harmful compounds through detoxification. Researchers found that Broccoli shows dramatic results in the treatment and prevention of stomach ulcers. The healing effects are so huge that Broccoli is part of a diet for patients with stomach ulcer.

Other healthy effects are numerous: repairing sun-damaged skin, stronger bones, significant reduction of heart diseases, an immune system booster and many other.

If you’re not a broccoli lover yourself, you can start to re-integrate Broccoli in your meals slowly and with other foods you love, for example by placing some lightly steamed broccoli on your pizza.

We found that Broccoli tastes the best when we use olive oil and a leave of laurel. This combination takes away the smell of the sulfur compounds many people don’t like. You’ll be surprised at the great taste of Broccoli.

Apple
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. This proverb is not just folklore, there are many proofs of it’s health benefits. Apple fiber has many different implications for our health. An apple can decrease cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of arteries hardening and therefor heart attacks and strokes. But don’t remove it’s beneficial skin! When we peel an apple we lose a portion of its healthy compounds.

Cancer can invade the body from oxygen free radicals damaging the DNA in our cells. For a long time apples were believed to act as antioxidants against these free radicals. The newest research show that the protective effect of apples goes even further. Apples’ fibers are able to protect our body cells against all possible kinds of damage.

Apples stabilize blood sugar levels, prevent kidney stones and are a natural sun protection for our skin.

Romaine lettuce
Romaine lettuce contains such an enormous amount of nutritional value that it should be our first choice for salads. The list of vitamins, minerals and fibers is impressively huge. This makes Romaine lettuce to one of the healthiest food we know.

We wrote the proverb “an apple a day …”. We could also say “a salad a day keeps the doctor away”. Let’s look at some of its nutritional values. Romaine lettuce has numerous heart-healthy effects. It prevents the oxidation of cholesterol. It binds salts and removes them from the body. It lowers high blood pressure.

These and other benefits are the reason why Romaine lettuce contributes a heart-healthy diet.

Did you know that in China lettuce represents good luck and is served on birthdays and other special occasions? With Romaine lettuce we can make each of our day special and healthy.

Oregano
Oregano is the most used spice for Italian recipes. Did you know that oregano means “mountain joy”? The name’s Greek origin says that oregano is not only a symbol of happiness but also makes hillsides look beautiful.

Oregano arrived late in the U.S., it was brought by soldiers from Italy. We can’t imagine anymore having an Italian meal without this great flavor.

At the same time oregano has great healthy effects. It’s a nutrient-dense spice as an excellent source for vitamin K, and a very good source for iron, manganese and fiber. Thanks to these vitamins, minerals and fiber oregano can develop an anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activity. Very impressive is the fact that oregano shows over 40 times more anti-oxidant activity than apples.
The best effect of oregano we get with fresh oregano but the dry form of this spice is great too. Fresh oregano is wonderful for salads. We like to use oregano also for perfecting some sauce or to give a recipe an Italian touch.

Mustard
About mustard we could write pages beginning with the origin, the production regions today, the healthy effects until to recipes without end.

Mustard seeds can be found in three different variations: white, brown and black. The white mustard seed is known as our yellow mustard paste. The traditional Dijon mustard is made of black seeds.

In any case mustard seeds are very healthy. Since many years the anti-cancer effect of mustard is known. The ingredients of mustard seeds can prevent the growth of existing cancer cells and protect against the formation of these cells. Other healthy effects are reducing asthma, decreasing some arthritis symptoms, lowering the blood pressure, restoring normal sleep patterns, reducing the frequency of migraine attacks and preventing heart attacks.

If you eat mustard as paste or you add mustard seeds or powder to your meals, in any case it’s healthy and tasty. You can do it like the French king Louis XIV, he never left home without it.

Honey
Honey is the miraculous product of honey bees. We use it as natural alternative to white sugar. There are numerous legends and anecdotes about its healthy effects. Let’s take a look at the facts about honey.

Honey has mysterious therapeutic properties” as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal substance. It supports blood sugar stabilization and boosts immunity. Using honey regularly can mean reducing the amount of chemical medications one has to take.

Honey improves athletic performance through the blood sugar control. The legend that honey can heal wounds is also true. A study showed that honey treated first-degree burns were to 90% infection free after one week compared with only 7% of conventionally treated burns. Honey is the healthiest sweetener for people with high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes. Finally there is a proverb used for honey: a spoonful honey a day keeps free radicals at bay.

The full menu recipe
Appetizer: Salad. Wash fresh Romaine lettuce, steam florets of broccoli, take a handful pieces of almonds with some fresh oregano leaves. Mix all ingredients to a lukewarm salad with little olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Entree: Chicken Celeste. Put pieces of lightly salted and peppered chicken thighs or breasts in a oven pan. Mix in a bowl 6 tablespoons of liquid honey with 4 tablespoons of mustard, add 2 fine cut garlic cloves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried powdered garlic) and 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder. Place some beacon over the chicken and pour the honey-sauce over the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken at 385 degrees F for 45 minutes. Pour from time to time honey sauce over the chicken. Serve it with rice, water and red wine.

Dessert: Baked apple in puff pastry. Core the apples creating a cavity. Mix 1/3 cup softened butter, 1/3 cup honey, 1/3 cup raisins, cinnamon as you wish and 1/4 cup shredded almonds. Fill it in the apples. Place the apples in the middle of puff pastry squares. Close the pastry over the apple, brush them with egg wash. Bake the apples at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

World's Most Expensive Book Sold...

2011-10-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

World's Most Expensive Book Sold...

“Birds of America“, John James Audubon’s unique sample of nature, art and craftsmanship wrapped in a beautiful album was sold at Sotheby’s last auction for the staggering price of $11.5 million, making it the most expensive book ever sold.

This is one of just 11 copies owned by private collectors. Audubon, a 19th century French-American naturalist and painter, gathered 500 breeds of birds, all illustrated in 1,000 hand-painted life-size images, in his extraordinary book, which took 12 years to complete.

A rare book dealer from London, Bernard Shapero , explains: “His big thing was the one-to-one ratio. Everyone else cropped the birds. If an eagle is 6 foot, he was going to paint it 6 foot. He scaled back the wings, but it was life size. That was his cachet.”

The so-called “father of ornithology” would hunt down the birds, shooting them before propping them on wires to paint.

Each drawing took around 60 hours to complete.

Sadly, many of the birds in his book are now extinct and exist only in his drawings and as stuffed museum exhibits. American society wasn't very interested in his work but that didn't stop him, and his ambition got him all the way to Britain where his work gained success amongst the aristocracy. The book is not only beautiful but also very impressive with its 3ft by 2ft pages, and although it wouldn’t fit on most bookshelves, it must be any collectors dream.

The previous record was also held by a copy of this unique album, sold in the year 2000 for $8,8 million.

Star voices in cartoons

2011-08-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

It's very interesting to know who voiced the beloved cartoon characters.

By the way, some characters are very similar to people who have voiced their.

Also be sure to see the first part .

Jennifer Anniston Annie Hughes has sounded from the cartoon "The Iron Giant."

This cartoon was born in 1999, when Jennifer has starred in "Friends."

11 More Celebs. after the break...

July 29 will debut in the animated Katy Perry movie - her voice tells a charming heroine of "Smurfit", reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe.

"I feel just the same, a walking cartoon character," laughs Katy Perry.

The actress joined the long list of his colleagues, "borrow" their own voices cartoon characters.

Anne Hathaway "borrowed" his voice a character named "Jewel" in the movie "Rio."

In addition, she voiced the characters of "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy".

Voice of Christina Applegate talks charming burunduchiha Brittany in the movie "Alvin and the Chipmunks."

Ellen DeGeneres voiced Dory in the cartoon "Finding Nemo," which was released in 2003.

The typical charming character we remember any and all viewers.

Voice of Hermione Granger from the film saga of Harry Potter - a young actress Emma Watson - said the Princess Pia cartoon

"Tale of Despereaux." "I read the script and was thrilled! I just lyubilas in Despereaux, so there was no choice,

I just was obliged to announce the princess! "podelilas Emma.

“Horton Hears a Who!”. Isla Fisher "gave" their own voice to Dr. Mary Lou Larue in the animated film "Horton Hears a Who!".

In addition to her voice acting in animated attended Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Met Rogan and Jaime Pressly.

Jada Smith voice Pinker talks to Gloria from the cartoon "Madagascar" and "Madagascar 2".

Smith says that "Gloria just wonderful, and we had a pleasant time.

'Miley Cyrus' voice said Penny Cartoon "Bolt." And not just talking, and singing the song "I thought I lost you"

duet with John Travolta

Nicole Kidman Norma Jean voiced in a charming animated film "Happy Feet" in the voice acting is also

attended by Hugh Jackman and Robin Williams.

Voice of Queen Latifah said Ellie, a mammoth of "Ice Age"."It's beautiful because it has a clear view of themselves

and its place in the world, "laughs Latifah.

Reese Witherspoon gave a voice Susan Murphy of the animated film "Monsters vs. Aliens."

"It's always nice to play a good character even in the movie!", Says Witherspoon.

10 Thousand Buddhas Monastery

2011-04-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

In Hon Kong, ten thousand Buddhas Monastery is unique and famous place which present its illusion in some other world. Check out the wonderful pictures hopefully you like it. Inside the monastery there are about 13000 little Buddhas on the walls with different facial expressions. In the center there are big golden statues. 27 more images after the break...

The life of Prince William

2011-04-01T17:38:00.001-07:00

June 22, 1982 A selection of photos, which you can follow the life of Prince William. 26 more images after the break...

April 23, 1983

September 24, 1985

January 15, 1987

September 1989

March 1, 1991

September 1995

August 16, 1997

August 31, 1997

September 6, 1997

March 24, 1998

June 2000

August 4, 2000

December 7, 2000

September 23, 2001

April 5, 2002

June 4, 2002

April 9, 2005

June 23, 2005

October 2005

February 10, 2007

July 1, 2007

April 11, 2008

June 18, 2009

January 18, 2010

June 15, 2010

November 16, 2010

Some Largest Bugs of the World (16 images)

2011-03-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

1 - Titan Beetle: French Guiana and Brazil.

Some of the Worlds Biggest Bugs - These are some of the largest insects in the world. Some of them are actually huge. I hope that they are all harmless because some of them look like that could do some serious damage if they decide to attack.

Check out 15 more such creepy Bugs after the jump.

2 - Giant Long-Legged Katydids: Malaysia.

3 - Goliath Beetle: Ghana, Ivory Coast / Equatorial Africa, Central and East.

4 - Elephant Beetles: Mexico through Venezuela.

5 - Giant Burrowing Cockroach: Australia.

6 - Giant Camel Spiders: The deserts of the Middle East.

7 - Giant Walking Stick: Worldwide.

8 - Giant Weta: New Zealand.

9 - Giant Isopod: The Gulf Of Mexico.

10 - Atlas Moth: Southeast Asia.

11 - Tarantula Hawk: Found Throughout The World.

12 - Giant Water Bug: Worldwide.

13 - Queen Alexandra's Birdwing: Papua New Guinea.

14 - Chinese Mantis: Worldwide.

15 - Japanese Giant Hornet: Japan.

16 - Goliath Birdeater: Rainforests in South America.

Brave Little Snake Charmers (15 images)

2011-03-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

Children in India begin to learn how to charm snakes at the age of two. What is interesting is that children play with these dangerous and deadly predators as they were their toys.

Snake charming is the practice of hypnotizing a snake by playing an instrument. A typical performance may also include handling the snakes or performing other seemingly dangerous acts, as well as other street performance staples, like juggling and sleight of hand. Check out 14 more images after the jump.

The practice is most common in India, though other Asian nations such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia are also home to performers, as are the North African countries of Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. Snake charming as it exists today probably originated in India.

Hinduism has long held serpents to be sacred; the animals are related to the Nagas, and many gods are pictured under the protection of the cobra. Indians thus considered snake charmers to be holy men who were influenced by the gods.

Harrowing Floods - Extreme Weather

2011-03-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

Harrowing Floods - Extreme Weather!

Some pictures are from the recent flooding in the Midwest, others are from the monsoon floods in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh - all are harrowing images, telling a wet, miserable story of people, animals, cars, property vs. the sheer forces of nature.

Unexpected LOL-humor in a miserable situation:

Large Swarms of Fish along the Coast of Acapulco (6 images)

2011-03-23T14:04:00.001-07:00

The shores of Acapulco’s beaches were this weekend teeming with masses of fish packed so tightly they looked like an oil slick from above.

Thousands of sardines, anchovies, stripped bass and mackerel surged along the coast of the Mexican resort in an event believed to be linked to the devastating Japanese tsunami.

Delighted fishermen rushed out in wooden motor boats, abandoning their rods and nets and simply scooping the fish up with buckets. Check out 5 more images after the jump.

Khiv Raj Gurjar — Power Yoga

2011-03-22T18:03:00.001-07:00

Yoga master: Khiv Raj Gurjar thinks nothing of executing a few complex poses atop a rocky outcrop at dawn each morning

Expertly balanced 300ft up a rock face, Khiv Raj Gurjar is the world's finest exponent of Extreme Yoga. Using only a BMX bike for support, 61-year-old Khiv takes the ancient art of meditation to new levels as he performs complex forms of yoga merely inches from the sheer drop. Travelling to the top of the rocky outcrop near to his home of Jodhpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Khiv begins his exercises at dawn, so as to avoid the raging desert heat. 13 more images and video after the break...

Balancing act: The 61-year-old has studied yoga since the age of 13.

A student of yoga since the age of 13 and a keen sportsman, Khiv has combined his other great love, cycling, to create his new and extreme form.

'From my childhood I was passionate to do things which are extraordinary and look very dangerous,' says Khiv.

'I tried magic, learned acrobatics, yoga, did cycling, played football.

'As I grew into my twenties I found combining yoga and cycling stunts would be something very unconventional, but also deeply challenging.'

Presently able to perform up to 36 individual yoga poses on his bike, adventure enthusiast Khiv does his yoga exercises for one hour every day.

'I practise and exercise every day of the year,' explains the yoga master.

'This is enough time for me as I have been doing this since my childhood and I am very good at it.'

Khiv feels that his yoga, which takes him up clock towers in crowded bazaars and to the top of ancient forts is not only soul enriching, but exciting too.

Dawn rising: Khiv prefers to exercise at the start of the day, so as to make sure he avoids the raging desert heat.

'For me, it is like when children get excited about something that they do not have any reason for,' explains Khiv.

'That is the case with me. I am crazy about performing it. And as it is dangerous so much the better.'

A natural athlete, Khiv has represented his country at a national level as a cyclist and even competed in his country's national football league.

'I like adventures and I actively search for those that can suffice my appetite,' Khiv says.

'In addition to my yoga and cycling I do acrobatics, bodybuilding, football, mountaineering, trekking, rock climbing.'

Very much active for a man of his age, Khiv has no plans to retire to a quiet garden to a more sedate form of yoga.

'I perform for my personal satisfaction and I always want to be best,' says Khiv.

'Whatever sport I played or exercise I did, I did it for my self. But my passion brought me to the top.'

Perfectionist: Khiv says he performs for his own personal satisfaction and is driven by his urge to be the best.

In a country not known for a history of extreme sports, Khiv and his inspiration stand out.

'I have never liked cricket. There is no question of playing, I haven't ever watched it, even on TV,' he says.

'My hero is Pele. He was poor but achieved great things with his natural talent.'

It is not just Khiv who has dedicated his life to keeping his body a temple.

'My wife Kamla never worries about my desire to push myself to the limit,' says Khiv.

'She works in the gym I run and was fully aware of my passions before we got married. In fact she gives me all the moral support that I need.'

It is no surprise then that Kamla and Khiv's son Harish is also heavily involved in fitness.

'My son has followed his father's example to be a fit and healthy man,' says a proud Khiv.

'He has become a personal trainer to the stars, such as Bill Gates and Daniel Craig.'

Having been perfecting his extreme yoga for almost 50 years, Khiv has travelled the world to demonstrate his skills.

'I have been to Australia, the UK and Thailand, taking my trusted BMX with me,' he says.

'I have plans to develop my art, but I am keeping these plans close to my chest.' Via — Link

Impossibility Challenger 2010 in Germany!

During the Impossibility Challenger on the weekend of 2nd and 3rd October 2010 in Dachau near Munich eleven participants from seven countries set 4 Guinness World Records, 11 world records and 4 personal records on the grounds of the sports club ASV.

Yoga asanas are relaxing and improve your health. But doing 41 yoga poses and stretching exercises in 5 minutes 19 seconds and 31 poses in 4 minutes 5 seconds balancing on a BMX Bike without touching the ground is a challenge. 58-year-old Khiv Raj Gurjar traveled from Jodhpur in India all the way to Germany to accomplish these feats. Khiv Raj Gurjar, who studied yoga since the age of 13 and meditates regularly, balanced also for 11 minutes 18 seconds on a BMX Bike without contact with the ground. His three world records were part of the 17th edition of the Impossibility Challenger organised by the Sri Chinmoy Centres.

Video

Harrowing Floods - Extreme Weather!

2011-03-21T15:44:00.001-07:00

Harrowing Floods - Extreme Weather!

Harrowing Floods (Click to View)

Nothing on such a global scale yet (though if you believe the news, the North Pole will be without ice this summer, so soon we may have more water than we ever asked for) As for the present situation, lets start with the recent pictures from Mississippi region (worst floods in 15 years) -

Unexpected LOL-humor in a miserable situation:

Pakistani Students Win Intl Windows Phone 7 App Competition

2011-03-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

In an exclusive on-going set of competitions sponsored by Microsoft and Dell Incorporation across Middle East and Africa, it is a moment of great pride that out of 79 countries, students from Pakistan have won the first and second set of this competition.

Both winning teams are from FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Karachi.

As we reported earlier, the winning team for set one targeted the football fans. Their application “Kick Now” provides live football updates which include live match scores, upcoming tournaments, top stories, reviews and profiles of players.

In set two, winners developed a shared drawing space named ‘Sky Canvas’ where multiple users can share their input on a virtual white board simultaneously through the internet. It syncs anything you draw on it with all the users currently viewing it, everyone can draw on the board.

Sharing his views about the competition, Kamal Ahmed, Country General Manager, Microsoft Pakistan said,

“The MEA Windows Phone 7 challenge is a wonderful opportunity for talented students who can use this competition as a showcase for their creativity and innovation to develop the best applications on Windows Phone 7.
I am very excited to see the results produced by students from Pakistan and Microsoft Innovation Center will definitely keep playing its role in nurturing leaders of tomorrow”

Speaking about the competition,Sandra Fraga, Head of META Marketing-CSMB, Dell commented,

“Dell and Microsoft believe in a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems. The Windows Phone 7 Challenge is a great platform to encourage technology innovation amongst students in the Middle East and Africa.
We have seen exciting, creative and diverse new Windows Phone 7 applications being developed for this contest. Dell encourages students to enter this challenge, as it provides real- life experience and an opportunity to turn ideas into reality. Congratulations to all the winners”.

The prize distribution ceremony was attended by more than 200 academicians including Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments (HoDs) and Professors from major universities in Karachi.

Addressing the attendees Dr. Asim ur-Rehman, Director, FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Karachi, said

“MEA Phone 7 Challenge provides a platform to students to explore new ways of addressing the world’s toughest problem through the power of mobile technology.
The high calibre of the students and their projects is an evidence of the high level of innovation seen in the student community today, as Director of FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Karachi,I really feel proud to see that my students felt the responsibility to address the world’s toughest challenges and are recognized by the companies like Microsoft”.

Top 10 Biggest Oil Producer Countries of the World

2011-03-17T15:14:00.001-07:00

10. Nigeria

Crude production: 2.51 million barrels per day
Share of world production: 2.95%
Daily crude exports to the US: 1.02 million barrels
Proven reserves: 37.2 billion barrels

Unrest in the Middle East has put investors on high alert as crude oil prices move seemingly with every development in the region. In order to understand the effect of those events on both US and global oil markets, a key figure to watch is the amount of crude oil produced daily in each country. 09 more after the break...

09. Brazil

Crude production: 2.75 million barrels per day
Share of world production: 3.2%
Daily crude exports to the US: 271,000 barrels
Proven reserves: 12.8 billion barrels

08. United Arab Emirates

Crude production: 2.81 million barrels per day
Share of world production: 3.3%
Daily crude exports to the US: 10,000 barrels*
Proven reserves: 97.8 billion barrels

07. Mexico

Crude production: 2.88 million barrels per day
Share of world production: 3.39%
Daily crude exports to the US: 1.22 million barrels
Proven reserves: 10.4 billion barrels

06. Canada

Crude production: 3.7 million barrels per day
Share of world production: 4.3%
Daily crude exports to the US: 2.06 million barrels
Proven reserves: 175.2 billion barrels

05. Iran

Crude production: 4.2 million barrels per day
Share of world production: 4.9%
Daily crude exports to the US: 0
Proven reserves: 137.6 billion barrels

04. China

Crude production: 4.26 million barrels per day
Share of world production: 5.0%
Daily crude exports to the US: 8,000 barrels
Proven reserves: 20.4 billion barrels

03. United States

Crude production: 8.85 million barrels per day
Share of world production: 10.4%
Total crude imports: 8.63 million barrels per day
Proven reserves: 19.2 billion barrels

02. Russia

Crude production: 9.91 million barrels per day
Share of world production: 11.6%
Daily crude exports to the US: 158,000 barrels
Proven reserves: 60 billion barrels

01. Saudi Arabia

Crude production: 10.3 million barrels per day
Share of world production: 12.1%
Daily crude exports to the US: 1.08 million barrels
Proven reserves: 259.9 billion barrels

Mobile Office

2011-03-10T08:38:00.001-08:00

Royal Weddings

2011-03-09T12:29:00.001-08:00

Royal weddings always evoke great interest among the public. In the creation of the royal wedding are taking the very best designers, fashion designers, chefs. Elegant gifts, luxurious tables and clothes.

01. Marriage of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and American actress Grace Kelly.

The civil ceremony took place on April 18, 1956, and the Catholic mass was held the following day, April 19. Press called it an event not only as "wedding of the century". Dowry for the bride was a $ 2 million to sew her wedding dress it took 6 weeks working 35 most skilled seamstresses. To carry out the entire wedding palace in Monaco has been carefully decorated, the streets of Monaco, has gathered more than 20,000 people to wish the royal couple happiness. 20 more after the break...

02. Marriage of British Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, February 10, 1840.

The ceremony was extremely lush and held in compliance with all traditions, except for one - the bride walked down the aisle is not in a white and colored clothes.

03. Marriage of Prince Edward and the American Wallis Simpson, June 3, 1937.

Prior to becoming the wife of Prince Wallis Simpson had time to visit twice married. Such a marriage of King Edward VIII was absolutely inconceivable, therefore, to be able to marry his partner Eduardo had to abandon the British crown and keep only the title of Prince, who was his birthright. This wedding is formally no longer belonged to the king, and the ceremony was extremely modest. At the wedding was attended by a total of 16 guests.

04. Marriage of Princess Elizabeth (who is now Queen Elizabeth II) and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, 20 November 1947.

Wedding bridal dress created Norman Hartnell, the official tailor of British royalty. The newlyweds received more than 2,500 wedding presents, and almost 10,000 telegrams of congratulations from around the world.

05. Marrying younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret with an English photographer Anthony Armstrong-Jones, May 6, 1960.

It is this royal wedding of the world's first broadcast on television. Broadcast gathered nearly 300 million viewers. As a wedding gift from a Scottish nobleman Colin Tennant Princess Margaret received a parcel of land on the Caribbean island mystic.

06.Marriage of Princess Anne, only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, and Lieutenant Mark Phillips on 14 November 1973, just as Prince Charles' birthday (the day he turned 25 years old).

The ceremony was broadcast on television and attended by about 100 million viewers. Having lived in wedlock 19 years, the couple divorced 23 April 1992. That year, Queen Elizabeth II named her "unhappy Year» (annus horribilis).

07. Marriage of Jordan's King Hussein Bin Talal and American Lisa Najeeb Halebi, June 15, 1978.

It was the fourth and last marriage of the king of Jordan. The ceremony took place in accordance with Muslim tradition and was surprisingly modest. CNN is even described the wedding as a modest royal wedding ceremony of all time.

08. Marriage of Princess Caroline of Monaco and the Grimaldi French banker Philippe Junot, June 28-29, 1978.

Within two years after the wedding the princess blamed her husband's infidelity and actually divorced him. The Vatican annulled the marriage in 1992 alone.

09. Marriage of Prince Charles of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer, July 29, 1981.

The ceremony was held at St Paul's Cathedral, and was attended by 3500 guests. The wedding was broadcast on television and watched by 750 million viewers. Press called this event "the wedding of the century" and "fabulous wedding." Gorgeous wedding dress with an 8-meter cable for the bride created British designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The dress was sewn from silk taffeta, decorated with lace, embroidery, sequins, and 10 000 small pearls. The cost of this fabulous dress was 9,000 pounds.

10. Getting married the second son of Queen Elizabeth II Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, 23 July 1986.

Prince Andrew served as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy, so designers have decorated the 5-meter trail bridal gown bride anchor.

11. Marriage of Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan and diplomat Masako Owada, June 9, 1993.

His future wife prince courted for five years, and he twice had to make a proposal to her before she gave her consent. During the wedding ceremony watched 800 guests and 500 million viewers. In 2001, the prince and princess had a daughter - Princess Aiko. Because of the impossibility of having a son Princess Masako for several years suffered from depression.

12. Marriage of Prince Abdallah of Jordan and a Palestinian Rani Faisal Al-Yassin, 10 June 1993.

Six months after the wedding, the prince became King of Jordan Abdullah II, and his wife Queen. Queen Rania is very energetic woman, so in 2009 she won the 76-th place in the list of 100 most influential women in the world.

13. Marriage of an American millionaire's daughter Marie-Chantal Miller and Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece.

The ceremony took place in London and televised in Greece. The bride's father spent the device of Weddings $ 8 million. At this wedding was attended by even more royals than at the wedding of the Prince Charles and Lady Diana.

14. Getting married the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie Rhys-Jones, June 19, 1999.

The ceremony was held in the chapel of St. George at Windsor Castle, and in contrast to the weddings of brothers and sisters of Prince Edward, was quite modest. Design of pearl necklaces, adorned the bride's neck, was designed by Prince Edward. As Edward in 1987 ceased to serve in the army, he attended a wedding is not in military uniform, as in the usual costume.

15. Marriage krnonprintsa Norway Haakon and Mette-Marit of Norway, 25 August 2001.

Prior to her wedding to Prince Mette-Marit has always been a waitress in a cafe in Oslo, in addition, she was a single mother and the father of her child has been convicted of crimes related to drugs.

16. Marriage of Prince of Asturias Felipe and Letizia Ortiz, a journalist Rokasolano, May 22, 2004.

The ceremony took place at Madrid's cathedral of Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena. In the entire history of the cathedral royal wedding was held here the first time. Television broadcast the ceremony around the world watched about 1,5 billion viewers.

17. Marriage Brunei Crown Prince Al-Muhtadi Bill Bolkiah and Princess Sarah September 9, 2004.

This event is called "the Asian wedding of the century." Celebrations cost $ 5 million. The bride and groom in traditional dress and sumptuous gold jewelry sitting on golden thrones, and flowers in a bouquet of 17-year old bride were made of gold and decorated with diamonds.

18. Marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles, April 9, 2005.

The ceremony was quite modest, and attended by all members of the royal family except the Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip. The completed wedding novel Camilla Parker-Bowles and Prince Charles went on for almost 30 years, and is considered the longest in the history of the royal house of Britain.

19. Marrying a Japanese princess and designer Sayaka Yoshiki Kuroda, 15 November 2005.

As a result of this misalliance bride as required by law in Japan was deprived of his title and took her husband's surname. Nevertheless, at a ceremony attended by all members of the royal family. Bride's dowry was 1.3 million dollars.

20. Marriage eldest grandson of Queen Elizabeth II by Peter Phillips and Canadian Otemn Kelly, May 17, 2008.

Peter was able to preserve their right to succession, his bride had to abandon Catholicism and go to Anglicanism. The newlyweds have sold the British magazine Hello! their wedding pictures for $ 700,000, which caused a scandal in the royal circles.

21. Marriage of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton have not yet taken place. While it is known that the wedding is scheduled for April 29, 2011.

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange freed on bail

2011-03-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

The founder of whistle-blowing website Wikileaks, Julian Assange, has vowed "to continue my work and to protest my innocence" after being freed on bail.

The 39-year-old was granted bail two days ago but prosecutors objected.

He is fighting extradition to Sweden over sex assault allegations made by two women. He denies any wrongdoing.

Mr Justice Ouseley ordered Mr Assange be released on payment of £240,000 in cash and sureties and on condition he resides at an address in East Anglia.

Speaking on the steps of the High Court to dozens of journalists, Mr Assange said: "It's great to feel the fresh air of London again."

He went on to thank "all the people around the world who had faith" in him, his lawyers for putting up a "brave and ultimately successful fight", people who provided money in the face of "great difficulty and aversion", members of the press and the British justice system.

"If justice is not always an outcome, at least it is not dead yet," he added.

"I hope to continue my work and continue to protest my innocence in this matter and to reveal as we get it, which we have not yet, the evidence from these allegations."

Mr Assange had spent the past eight nights in prison.

He will now stay at a manor home on the Norfolk-Suffolk border owned by Vaughan Smith, a Wikileaks-supporting journalist and owner of the Frontline Club in London.

Mr Assange's solicitor, Mark Stephens, said after the court appearance the bail appeal was part of a "continuing vendetta by the Swedes".

At the Scene

Rowan Bridge BBC News

As the rain turned to snow outside the Royal Courts of Justice, Julian Assange finally appeared before the world's media.
Wearing a dark suit and opened-necked shirt, he was lit up by scores of camera flashes capturing his first moments of freedom.
Behind the rows of journalists, photographers and camera crews supporters of Mr Assange chanted, "Julian, Julian, Julian, out, out out!" clearly delighted with the news.
It had appeared touch and go whether he would be released on Thursday, with rumours circulating as to how late the court would be prepared to stay open in order to finalise the paperwork for his freedom.
Not everyone at the court was interested in the Wikileaks founder though. One woman spent the entire day parading around a placard complaining about a parking fine she had received in north London.

But the question of who decided to appeal against the granting of bail remains unclear.

A CPS spokesman said on Thursday: "The Crown Prosecution Service acts as agent for the Swedish government in the Assange case. The Swedish Director of Prosecutions this morning confirmed that she fully supported the appeal."

But earlier Nils Rekke, from the Swedish Prosecutor's Office, claimed it was "a purely British decision".

Speaking to the BBC after his release, he said there was a rumour from his lawyers in the US that there had been an indictment made against him there.

A spokeswoman from the US Department of Justice would only confirm there was "an ongoing investigation into the WikiLeaks matter".

Mr Assange's mother, Christine, said she was "very, very happy" with the decision and thanked his supporters.

"I can't wait to see my son and to hold him close. I had faith that the British justice system would do the right thing and the judge would uphold the magistrates' decision, and that faith has been reaffirmed," she said.

Gemma Lindfield, representing the prosecution, had told the judge there was "a real risk" Mr Assange would abscond, and pointed to his nomadic lifestyle.

She said he had "the means and ability" to go into hiding among Wikileaks' many supporters in this country and abroad.

'Politically motivated'

But Mr Justice Ouseley pointed out Mr Assange, who is Australian, had offered to meet the police in London when he heard the Swedish matter was still live and he said: "That is not the conduct of a person who is seeking to evade justice."

However, he did impose strict bail conditions including wearing an electronic tag, reporting to police every day, observing a curfew and residing at Mr Smith's home.

Mr Assange's supporters claim the charges are politically motivated

Earlier, the judge made a ruling banning the use of Twitter to give a blow-by-blow account of Thursday's proceedings.

Mr Assange has received the backing of a number of high-profile supporters, including human rights campaigners Jemima Khan and Bianca Jagger, and film director Ken Loach.

Wikileaks has published hundreds of sensitive American diplomatic cables, details of which have appeared in the Guardian in the UK and several other newspapers around the world.

He has been criticised in the US, where former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has said he should be hunted down like the al-Qaeda leadership.

Mr Assange argues the allegations against him are politically motivated and designed to take attention away from the material appearing on Wikileaks.

Bail sureties providers

Phillip Knightley - Australian journalist
Felix Dennis - publisher
Sir John Sulston - Nobel-winning scientist
Lord Matthew Evans - Labour peer
Prof Patricia David

Source: Mark Stephens, solicitor

Speaking to the BBC, he said Wikileaks would continue its work.

"We have seen in my week away that my team is robust, support for them is strong and we were fortunately able to continue publishing, in a very efficiently successful manner, even though I was taken out briefly," he said.

"That does not underestimate the risks faced by all of us, but it does show the resilience of the organisation, that it can withstand decapitation attacks."

Mr Assange is accused of having unprotected sex with a woman, identified only as Miss A, when she insisted he use a condom.

He is also accused of having unprotected sex with another woman, Miss W, while she was asleep.

A full extradition hearing should normally take place within 21 days of the arrest. Mr Assange was arrested on 7 December, so this should be by 28 December.

However, in such a high profile case, it is possible that a full extradition hearing will not take place for several months.

At that hearing Mr Assange will be able to challenge the warrant and raise any defences to the extradition request.

Royal couple: University visit 'feels like coming home'

2011-02-27T09:33:00.000-08:00

Prince William and Kate Middleton have returned to the University of St Andrews where their romance blossomed.Prince William and fiancee Kate Middleton have visited the university where they first met, and said it felt "like coming home".

The couple, whose romance blossomed when they studied in St Andrews in Fife, returned for the university's 600th anniversary celebrations.

Thousands of people turned out to see their first official engagement in Scotland.

St Andrews has created a scholarship in the couple's honour, as a wedding gift.

Addressing students, university staff, and alumni, Prince William referred to his fiancee by her full Christian name, although she is usually known as Kate.

He said: "This is a very special moment for Catherine and me. It feels like coming home.

"Despite being one of Europe's leading research institutions, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and of course, far and away the best university in the world, St Andrews has that uncanny knack of feeling like home.

"And so it must have done to generations of undergraduates before us, in fact 600 years' worth.

Continue reading the main story

Ellen Dow waited several hours to see the couple

Crowds cheer for royal sweethearts
In pictures: Royal visit to St Andrews

"It's knowing that so many of Scotland's finest brains and greatest achievers gained and continue to gain inspiration from this place that makes me so proud to be patron of the university's 600th anniversary appeal."

A reception inside the principal's residence, University House, was the first stop for the prince and Miss Middleton as they began their two-hour visit.

It was held in the hall where they had once attended History of Art lectures, and the couple spent time there reminiscing with members of the teaching staff and other guests.

There was a heavy police presence in the town, where some people waited for several hours under grey skies and lashing rain.

Ellen Dow, 66, from St Andrews, told the BBC: "I just couldn't miss this.

"I didn't see him the whole time he was studying here so I would really like to see him today.

"When he studied here he was about the streets but nobody bothered him so he had the town to himself.

"I'm very excited to see him today and I hope he comes to speak to me. I adore him, he's a wonderful person because he reminds me of his mother."

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#katemiddleton will be doing things for the first time which soon will become commonplace - receptions, unveiling plaques, walkabouts”

End Quote You can follow the royal visit with up-to-the-minute tweets from Peter Hunt on his Twitter feed

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The prince and Miss Middleton carried out their first official engagement as a couple on Thursday, in Wales.

They attended a ceremony at a lifeboat station on Anglesey, where Prince William is currently based as an RAF rescue helicopter pilot and where the couple will set up their first home.

The pair, who are to marry on 29 April, met at St Andrews university and both graduated in 2005.

Prince William graduated with an honours degree in geography and Miss Middleton with an honours degree in history of art.

They have returned to Scotland's oldest university to launch a fundraising campaign to raise £100m for new scholarships and student support.

The scholarship created in their honour, which will have a value of up to £70,000, will be open to applicants from all nationalities.

It will be awarded annually to a student who without that kind of financial support would be unable to attend St Andrews.

The scholarship will meet the costs of tuition, if payable, accommodation and living expenses for a four-year undergraduate degree in science, arts, medicine or divinity.

Professor Louise Richardson, the university's principal and vice-chancellor, presented the gift.

She said: "This will be the first scholarship of its kind at St Andrews and a reflection of this university's commitment to ensure that we find, attract and support the most gifted students from anywhere in the world.

"It will guarantee that a high quality Scottish higher education can be available to any citizen of the world, that a lack of means need not be a barrier to study and that bright students who might otherwise have been unable to go to university can fulfil their potential.

Prince William and Kate Middleton both graduated from the university in 2005

"We were very pleased to make the offer of this scholarship as a wedding gift to Prince William and Miss Middleton and absolutely delighted that they have graciously accepted."

Hundreds of staff and students greeted the couple in St Salvator's Quadrangle, where Prince William unveiled a plaque to mark the launch of the 600th anniversary.

The couple also visited the university museum, where they were shown the Papal Bull from Pope Benedict XIII which conferred full university status on the institution in 1413.

The visit is Prince William's first in his role as patron of the anniversary fundraising campaign.

It has been given the support of some prominent alumni and friends of the university, including former US President Bill Clinton, Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond, Sir Sean Connery and Harvard president, Drew Gilpin Faust.

After the visit, the couple travelled back to London to visit the New Zealand High Commission.

The Royal pair, and Prince Harry, signed a book of condolence in memory of the people who have lost their lives in the Christchurch earthquake.

Are you in the St Andrews area? Are you getting married on 29 April 2011? Are you planning a street party to mark the royal wedding? Send us your comments using the form below.

Doomsday Duds -- 8 Armageddon Predictions Proven Wrong

2011-01-30T15:37:00.000-08:00

Countless people have predicted countless end-of-the-world scenarios -- and the planet's still here, fortunately. We look back at some of the wackiest forecasts.

God Will Be Televised

Hon-Ming Chen founded this new religious movement -- a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and UFOlogy -- and brought it to the U.S. in the early 90s, registering the group under the name God's Salvation Church. 160 members strong, the group set up shop in Garland, Texas in 1997, and predicted that at 12:01 a.m. on March 31, 1998, God would show himself on a single TV channel across North America and save his followers from the doomed planet Earth.

When the predicted appearance didn't happen, the group quickly became confused. Chen reportedly offered himself to be stoned or crucified as a concession but no one obliged him. The group fell apart soon afterward with many of the members returning to Taiwan.

Source: 20th Century Fox

The World Will Cease to Exist

Known as "The Amazing Criswell," Charles Criswell King was a flamboyant radio and TV broadcaster who decided to become a psychic. In March 1963, he correctly announced that John F Kennedy wouldn't run for re-election in 1964 because "something was going to happen to him."

According to Criswell in 1968, the world would to cease to exist from August 18, 1999. But here we are. Go figure.

Source: Oliver Kurmis

The Rapture Cometh -- in the 80s

Former NASA engineer and bible student Edgar C. Whisenant predicted that the Rapture, the return of Christ and the end of the world, would occur in 1988. He went on to sell four and a half million copies of his book, "

Televangelists were so taken by Whisenant that many started airing tips on how to prepare for the Rapture as they neared 1988. After 1988 passed without incident, Whisenant went on to recalculate his prediction to1989, 1993, and even 1994, writing books for each year. Sales were weak.

Source: Wikipedia

The UFO Will Save Us

Heaven's Gate was an UFO-centered cult based in San Diego, led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles. The group believed that the Earth was about to be "recycled," and the only chance for human survival was to escape on a UFO trailing the Haley-Bopp Comet.

On March 26, 1997, in a period when Hale-Bopp was at its brightest, the bodies of 39 members of the group were discovered by police, after committing suicide. At this point, the Earth has yet to be "recycled."

Source: Heaven's Gate

Computer Bugs Will Doom Us

The year 2000 was perfect symbolic fodder for would-be prophets -- but one prediction of millennial disaster was rooted not in mysticism but rather a confounding computer bug.

The Y2K problem resulted from the practice of abbreviating four-digit years to two digits meaning that when the "...97, 98, 99, 00..." ascending numbers suddenly became invalid, worldwide computer failures would ensue. Very little actually happened, but whether this was the result of preparation or because the problem was less severe than predicted may never be known.

Source: Wikipedia

The End Is Near -- Just Not in 1844

William Miller was a prosperous Baptist farmer who became infatuated with prophetic symbolism eventually leading him to boldly predict the second coming of Christ -- and the beginning of the end. Initially ambiguous over the exact date, he started to focus on 1844 and soon gained a large following of believers known as Millerites.

What occurred instead in 1844 was known as the "Great Disappointment." With no appearance from Christ, Millerites were left disenchanted and confused.

The Sun Will Explode -- Not

In 1919, meteorologist Albert Porta predicted that the alignment of six planets would generate such a significant magnetic current that the sun would explode and subsequently engulf the Earth on December 17 of that year. Miraculously, mankind avoided this doomsday destiny.

Source: NASA

Did He See the End?

Legendary French seer Nostradamus was noted for allegedly predicting such events as the rise of Hitler, the Great Fire of London, the death of Princess Diana and even the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Nostradamus also wrote that in "1999 and seven months . . . from the sky will come the great king of terror."

Perhaps it rained that day. But the end didn't come as predicted.

...But Maybe THIS One Is Right

Adored by conspiracy theorists, the Mayan calendar abruptly ends December 2012, at which point some predict a series of cataclysmic or transformative events will occur, many of these apocalyptic. It's been a popular date in media and entertainment, stories and movies that illustrate massive solar storms, magnetic pole reversals, earthquakes, supervolcanoes and other drastic natural events.

For all we know, this one could be true. But it's probably not .... right?

Source: Columbia Pictures

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