Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Trish Stratus

Trish Stratus

Patricia Anne Stratigias (born December 18, 1975, better known as Trish Stratus, is a former fitness model, former professional wrestler and television personality from Canada.

After beginning her career as a fitness model, Stratus began working for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which was later renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), in March 2000. Early in her career, she was involved in sexually themed angles, such as managing the team T & A and a storyline affair with Vince McMahon. As Stratus spent more time in the ring, her wrestling skills and popularity strengthened. Because of this, she was a one-time WWE Hardcore Champion, three-time "WWE Babe of the Year" and was proclaimed "Diva of the Decade".

After nearly seven years in the business, Stratus retired from wrestling on September 17, 2006 after winning her seventh WWE Women's Championship, the most in WWE history.

Aside from professional wrestling, Stratus modeled for and appeared on numerous magazine covers and has been involved in charity work. She has also been the host of Canada's Walk of Fame in 2006 and The Second City's Next Comedy Legend in 2007.

Statistics

Ring name(s) Trish Stratus
Billed height 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in)
Billed weight 118–128 lb
Born December 18, 1975 (1975-12-18) (age 32)
Richmond Hill, Ontario[5]
Resides Richmond Hill, Ontario
Billed from Toronto, Ontario
Trained by Ron Hutchinson
Dave Finlay
Debut March 19, 2000
Retired September 17, 2006

Career

World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment

2000–2001

Stratigias made her debut on the March 19, 2000 episode of Sunday Night Heat, under the ring name Trish Stratus. She appeared on stage to scout WWF Superstars, in particular Test and Prince Albert. The next night on Raw Stratus began her first role in the company, managing Test and Albert in the tag team T & A. It was during her stint managing T & A that Stratus took her first major bump in the ring, being driven through a table by the Dudley Boyz at Backlash after she had been taunting Bubba Ray Dudley for several weeks.[14] She also began managing Val Venis to win the Intercontinental Championship but their partnership ended at SummerSlam after Venis lost the title.

Stratus made her in-ring debut on the June 20 taping of SmackDown!, winning a tag team match with T & A against the Hardy Boyz and Lita. A storyline feud between Stratus and Lita developed after the match with Stratus attacking Lita on episodes of Raw and SmackDown!, leading to an Indian Strap match on the July 24 edition of Raw which Stratus won with help from Stephanie McMahon. She finished the year competing unsuccessfully for the WWF Women's Championship numerous times, and leaving Test and Albert when the team disbanded.

In early 2001, Stratus became involved in an angle with WWF Chairman Vince McMahon, during a time when Vince's wife Linda was kayfabe institutionalized following a demand Vince had made for a divorce during an episode of SmackDown! on December 7 2000.[4][16] Vince and Stratus' relationship increasingly angered the boss' daughter, Stephanie McMahon. At No Way Out on February 25, Stratus and Stephanie squared off, with Stephanie scoring the victory after a run-in by William Regal. In the midst of a tag team match that pitted Vince and Stratus against Regal and Stephanie the next night on Raw, Stratus was the victim of a set-up by Vince, Stephanie and Regal. Regal executed his finisher, the Regal Cutter, on Stratus and Stephanie then dumped sewage over Stratus' body. Vince stood over Stratus, and he told her she was a toy that he had grown tired of playing with.[18] The angle continued the next week on Raw with Vince forcing Stratus to strip down to her lingerie in the ring and bark like a dog. The storyline came to an end at WrestleMania X-Seven when Stratus slapped Vince during his match against his son Shane, turning face in the process.

Stratus then began wrestling full-time. She won a Bra and Panties tag team match with Lita against Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson at InVasion. However, after suffering an ankle injury in the summer, she was sidelined for three months. As she rehabilitated, she kept herself visible by co-hosting Excess on TNN. After returning in autumn, Stratus appeared at Survivor Series where she won the WWF Women's Championship for the first time in a six-pack challenge.


2002–2003

Stratus was next involved in a feud with Jazz over the Women's Championship, where she was booked to retain the title at the Royal Rumble but being booked to lose the belt to Jazz two weeks later on the February 4, 2002 edition of Raw. Stratus then went after the title for several months, even competing in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania X8 against Lita and Jazz in her hometown of Toronto, Canada but failed to win the match. While chasing after the Women's title, Stratus won the WWE Hardcore Championship on May 6, pinning Crash Holly after Bubba Ray Dudley hit him over the head with a trash can. However, she lost the title to Steven Richards soon afterwards due to the stipulation that the belt was defended 24/7 as long as there was a referee present. One week later, she regained the Women's Title in a tag team match with Bubba Ray Dudley. During this time, Stratus began wrestling solely on the Raw brand after being drafted in the WWF Brand Extension.

Stratus' second reign as champion came to an end on June 23 when she was defeated at King of the Ring by Molly Holly. The two Divas continued their storyline feud for the next three months. After a failed attempt to win the title in July, Stratus won back the championship at Unforgiven. While feuding with Holly, Stratus was also involved in an angle with new Diva Victoria who held a kayfabe grudge against Stratus, claiming she was betrayed by Stratus when they worked as fitness models.[4] The two competed in several title matches, with Stratus retaining until Survivor Series where Victoria won the belt in a Hardcore match.


Stratus competing for WWE.Stratus started 2003 by being named Diva of the Decade during Raw's 10th anniversary special. On March 17, 2003, Victoria and Steven Richards defeated Jazz and Stratus in tag team competition. After the match, Jeff Hardy saved Stratus from an attack by both Victoria and Richards. In the following weeks, Stratus and Hardy were shown talking backstage and fighting as tag team partners. However, the storyline was dropped when Hardy was released from WWE.[4]

At WrestleMania XIX Stratus defeated Victoria and Jazz to capture her fourth Women's Championship, equaling the record previously set by The Fabulous Moolah, only to lose the title to Jazz at the following pay-per-view, Backlash. In the following months, Stratus was placed into an alliance with Gail Kim. However, it was short-lived when Kim turned on Stratus and teamed with Molly Holly, putting the women in a storyline feud. The duo defeated Stratus and several tag team partners until Stratus began to partner with Lita. The team defeated Kim and Holly in several matches, including a match at Unforgiven.

Stratus began an on-screen romance with Chris Jericho during the November 10 edition of Raw when she agreed to go on a date with him.[48][49] Subsequently, they participated in an intergender tag team match as partners on December 1. After the match, Stratus overheard Jericho talking to Christian, who was involved in an on-screen romance with Lita at the time, about who could sleep with their respective woman first. One week later, Stratus and Lita confronted the men about their actions, leading to a feud between the two men and women which resulted in a "Battle of the Sexes" match at Armageddon which the women lost. A rematch the next night ended in a no contest.


2004–2005

Her storyline with Jericho continued into the next year with a new angle of Jericho developing feelings for Stratus. However, during a match at WrestleMania XX she made a heel turn by betraying Jericho and siding with Christian. The duo feuded with Jericho for several months and competed in a handicap match at Backlash. The team of Stratus and Christian were joined by "problem solver" Tyson Tomko the next night on Raw.

Stratus was booked to win the WWE Women's Championship for a fifth time at Bad Blood on June 13. She defended the title until she suffered a legitimate broken hand in July that caused her to be out of action for approximately a month.[58][59] Upon her return she continued to defend the title against numerous challengers before losing the championship to Lita on December 6 when both women wrestled in the main event of Raw for the championship. Stratus recaptured the gold a month later at New Year's Revolution after Lita suffered a legitimate injury during a rematch.[60] A new angle was then developed between Stratus and 2004 Raw Diva Search winner Christy Hemme over jealousy of Hemme's Playboy magazine exposure, with Stratus attacking Hemme and spray painting the word "slut" across her back. Stratus was challenged by Hemme, who later revealed she was being trained by Lita, for a title match at WrestleMania 21 and was successful in retaining the title.

In May 2005 Stratus was sidelined with the Women's Championship after suffering a herniated disc, with the storyline explanation that Viscera had injured her at Backlash after she berated him for losing to Lita's kayfabe husband Kane. She returned to Raw in September, once again portraying her face persona by siding with Ashley Massaro against Vince's Devils.[66] The feud also involved the debuting Diva Mickie James who introduced herself as Stratus' biggest fan. On the Eddie Guerrero Tribute Show, Stratus took part in an interpromotional Diva battle royal that was won by SmackDown! Diva Melina.[67] The next week, MNM kayfabe kidnapped Stratus for Melina, who challenged a tied up and gagged Stratus to a match for the Women's Championship. The two fought at Survivor Series, with Stratus defeating Melina after interference from Mickie James.[69] Stratus and James continued teaming together in late 2005 while James' character became increasingly obsessed with Stratus. On the December 26 episode of Raw, the storyline between Stratus and James developed into a lesbian angle when James initiated an intimate kiss with Stratus under a sprig of mistletoe, causing a surprised Stratus to flee the locker room.


2006

The angle between Stratus and James continued into 2006, with the two Divas competing against each other in a title match at New Year's Revolution, where Stratus emerged victorious. Despite the defeat, James continued to be enamored of Stratus which made her feel uncomfortable. On March 6, 2006 Stratus confronted James, telling her that she needed space.[74] The duo briefly reconciled on the March 18 Saturday Night's Main Event, teaming together to defeat Candice Michelle and Victoria. However, James turned on Stratus after the match and began to attack her.[75] A match at WrestleMania 22 saw Stratus lose the Women's Championship to James.[76] During a rematch at Backlash Stratus suffered a legitimate dislocated shoulder after taking a bump to the outside of the ring.[77] While she was rehabilitating for six weeks she continued to appear on-screen and be involved in storylines.

Stratus returned to the ring on June 26 and started a romantic angle with Carlito after he saved her from a double team attack by Melina and Johnny Nitro.[79] They competed as a team and won a mixed tag team match against Melina and Nitro at Saturday Night's Main Event on July 15.[80] As a kayfabe couple, Stratus and Carlito briefly feuded with WWE Champion Edge and Lita after the pair interrupted Stratus' title match with Mickie James. The two couples competed in several tag team matches, with Stratus and Carlito jobbing to Edge and Lita each time. In late August, Lita stated that Stratus would retire following Unforgiven, which was later confirmed by Stratus. At the pay-per-view on September 17, in her hometown of Toronto,[84] Stratus defeated Lita with fellow Canadian Bret Hart's signature submission maneuver, the Sharpshooter, to win a record seventh Women's Championship and retire as champion.


Special appearances (2007–2008)

Stratus made a special appearance on December 10, 2007 during Raw's 15th Anniversary special along with Lita, interrupting Jillian Hall as she sang by attacking her and then celebrating with Lita. She also made a special appearance at the 2008 Nickolodeon Kids Choice Awards. [88] Stratus made another special appearance on the May 5, 2008 episode of Raw, as the event took place from her hometown, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She took part in a backstage segment involving Ron Simmons and Trevor Murdoch.


Outside wrestling

From 2001, Stratus was a spokesperson for the World Natural Sports Association.

On June 3, 2006, she hosted the Canada's Walk of Fame induction ceremony and performed a song and dance number inspired by the soundtrack from the film Chicago at the event. During the show, Stratus ad libbed a kiss with fellow Canadian actress Pamela Anderson.

From late November 2006 to mid-January 2007, Stratus temporarily moved to Muncie, Indiana for the CBS reality show Armed & Famous. She was given a spot in the series after Paul Heyman had mentioned her name to CBS.[12] The concept was that she was one of five celebrities who trained as volunteer officers with the Muncie Police Department.[96] After finishing her training, Stratus and her real life officer partner were followed around by a camera crew while going on legitimate police calls. Although the show was scheduled to broadcast seven episodes starting on January 10, 2007, CBS canceled the series after just four of the episodes were aired.

After the cancellation of Armed & Famous, Stratus hosted The Second City's Next Comedy Legend.[12] The contest was similar to the style of America's Next Top Model, with Stratus portraying the "Tyra Banks" role as contact between the contestants and judges.

Stratigias has been involved with numerous charities such as Ronald McDonald House, Dreams Take Flight and the Special Olympics.[99] On March 29, 2008, she participated in the Island Triathlon Series as part of a celebrity relay team to help raise money for Dignitas International.

In September 2007, Stratus announced that she would be opening a yoga studio in North Toronto called Stratusphere Yoga in 2008. She also announced that she would be having her own travel show also called Stratusphere.

In wrestling

Stratus performing a Stratusfaction on Victoria.Finishing moves
Chick Kick (Roundhouse kick)
Stratusfaction (Springboard bulldog)
Signature moves
Air Canada (Thesz press followed up with punches, occasionally done off of the ring apron)
Backhand chop, sometimes preceded by licking the palm of her hand
Bicycle kick
Corner foot choke
Diving clothesline
Diving crossbody
Hurricanrana
Japanese arm drag
MaTrish (Matrix evasion)[103]
MaTrish Reloaded / MaTrish Revolutions / Whirlybird Headscissors (Handstand swinging headscissors)[86][104]
Multiple bulldog variations
Diving
One-handed
Running
Wheelbarrow
One-arm neckbreaker slam
Simultaneous side headlock and headscissors takedown combination on two opponents
Spinebuster
Springboard sunset flip
StratusFear (Turnbuckle handstand headscissors takedown)
Stratus Splash (Stinger splash)
Top rope frankensteiner
Turnbuckle mounted rear naked choke
Victory roll
Wrestlers managed
Albert[2]
Ashley Massaro
Kurt Angle
Mickie James
Beth Phoenix
Carlito
Christian
Bubba Ray Dudley
Jeff Hardy
Chris Jericho
Test
Tyson Tomko
Viscera
Val Venis


Nicknames

The quintessential WWE Diva
The Queen of Queens (Referering to Triple H's King of Kings moniker in a interview during 2006)
Entrance themes
"Emergency" as a member of T & A.
"Whiplash" from Extreme Music.
"Time to Rock & Roll" by Lil' Kim

Championships and accomplishments

Fighting Spirit magazine
Double X Award (2006)
Three Degrees Award (2006)
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
Woman of the Year (2002-2003, 2005-2006)
World Wrestling Federation World Wrestling Entertainment
WWF/E Women's Championship (7 time)[106] (Most reigns)
WWE Hardcore Championship (1 time)]
WWF/E Babe of the Year (3 times)
Diva of the Decade

Personal life

Stratigias is of Greek descent and was born the eldest daughter of John and Alice Stratigias.[6][5] Her sisters are named Christie and Melissa.

Stratigias married her boyfriend and high school sweetheart of fourteen years, Ron, on September 30, 2006.[12][84][96] Guests in attendance at her wedding included former WWE Divas Ashley Massaro, Lita, Molly Holly, Ivory, Torrie Wilson, as well as Lilian Garcia, Maria, Mickie James, and Victoria.[6] Her bridal gown was featured on a cover of Today's Bride magazine.[109] Shortly after the wedding, Stratus got the call to be a part of Armed & Famous, so she filmed the show instead of going on her honeymoon.

She has refused to pose nude for Playboy, preferring to be remembered for her wrestling career.[5][84][110]

In February 2008, Stratus confirmed that she will be filming a new travel show, with her traveling to countries outside of North America. It is slated to air in August.


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Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trish_Stratus

Carrie Underwood Biography

Carrie Underwood Biography

Carrie Underwood

Name : Carrie Underwood

Date of birth : 10 March 1983

Place of birth : Checotah, Oklahoma, USA

Birth name : Carrie Marie Underwood

Height : 5' 4''

Profession : Singer

Carrie Underwood Trivia

Collects Bunnies

Has two sisters: Shanna and Stephanie

Her favorite singer is Martina McBride; favorite movies are Horror; and favorite food is Pizza.
Lives on a farm in Checotah, Oklahoma.
5 May 2005; One of the top four Finalists in Season 4 of "American Idol: The Search for a Super Star"
Summer 2004 - January 2005: For her audition in front of Simon, Paula and Randy for "American Idol: The Search for a Super Star," she sang "Can't Make You Love Me."
Made the top 3 (Miss Carrie, Bo Bice and Vonzell Solomon) on "American Idol: The Search for a Super Star" [11 May 2005]
Keeps a Journal


Carrie Underwood Detailed Biography

Carrie Underwood started singing in public when she was a small child and made her first studio recording at age 13. Carrie has peformed many festivals in a few states, trying to get her record career started.

Carrie has performed at numerous festivals and various other shows in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, & Tennessee and has been the opening act for "Diamond Rio", "The Wilkinson's", "Exile", " "Gene Watson," Billy Hoffman" and "Earl Thomas Conley". She is a member of First Freewill Baptist Church and yes she sings in the choir. She was aHonor Student at Checotah High School in Checotah, Oklahoma .She is also a member of The National Honor Society. She spent a summer as a page for Oklahoma State Representative Bobby Frame.


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Source: netglimse.com


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Kingfisher Airlines launches Bangalore flights

Kingfisher Airlines launches Bangalore flights

[September 3rd 2008]

Indian airline Kingfisher, owned by billionaire Dr Vijay Mallya, has today launched its first international flights between Heathrow and Bangalore.

“We will set new standards in international travel with the unique Kingfisher experience that has earned us a 5-star rating from Skytrax. Our customers are our guests, not passengers, and this is reflected in the unique levels of comfort and entertainment, including live television, and fine dining options on board together with the warmest Indian hospitality offered by a hand-picked and extensively trained crew,” comments Mallya.

Kingfisher claims to be the first airline to operate between the UK and India with live TV channels such as BBC World, CNN and EuroSport. The airline is offering other innovative products such as mood lighting, web chat and email, and for first class passengers in-seat massagers, jacket pressing and spectacles cleaning. Airline meals will also be different, with cuisine from famous London restaurant Chutney Mary’s.

Bangalore is known as the Silicon Valley of India and Kingfisher is also believed to have plans to fly from the city to San Francisco. Next month Kingfisher is expected to introduce flights from Heathrow to India’s financial capital, Mumbai.

“At a time when many airlines are rolling back on their network, I feel that the carefully selected routes that Kingfisher Airlines will serve have great growth potential. International traffic demand in and out of India remains robust and the unique ties between Britain and India generate attractive additional opportunities. I believe that the Bangalore-London route is under served and the launch of Kingfisher`s daily non stop service will exploit the latent potential that exists,” Dr Mallya says.

Launched in 2005, Kingfisher is now the largest privately owned airline in India following its merger with Air Deccan. Dr Mallya is listed as the 476th wealthiest person in the world by Fortune magazine, and is known as the Indian Richard Branson.

Kingfisher will use Airbus A330-200s on the Heathrow to Bangalore route, with 30 seats in first class and 187 in standard class. But it’s not all good news for the airline – last week it was reported it was deferring the delivery of 32 of 48 new Airbus A320s scheduled for delivery in 2008-09.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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Source: http://www.holidayextras.co.uk/news/airport/kingfisher-airlines-launches-bangalore-flights-4624.html

Nokia launches music phone in UK

Nokia launches music phone in UK

Nokia hopes the phone will be a best-seller over Christmas
Nokia has launched a service that gives people free access to a store that holds two million music tracks.

The Comes with Music handset will be available only from the UK's Carphone Warehouse on a pre-paid basis.

Although the music catalogue available will be far less than that offered by Apple's iTunes, analysts forecast it could become a serious rival.

The bundled phone goes on sale in October and Carphone Warehouse is currently taking pre-orders.

The service gives people a year of unlimited access to the Nokia Music Store catalogue.

Users can transfer downloaded music to their PCs and will be able to keep all downloaded tracks after the year is over.

"We believe that Comes With Music will transform the way people enjoy music," said Tero Ojanpera, head of Nokia's entertainment and communities business said in a statement "With unlimited music access for a year, you can enjoy your favorite artists or delve into new genres without having to worry about individual track or album purchases."

Unlock and load

Most analysts see the UK launch as a test-bed for a global launch of the service.

"Everyone is looking to Apple as the benchmark for mobile music and this is going to be an important step for Nokia," said Paulo Pescatore, an analyst with research firm CCS Insight.

The service will be available to anyone who buys the 5310 Nokia handset. The handset is currently available for around £69. Prices for the newly-bundled handset have not yet been announced but Mr Pescatore estimates it will cost about £170.

So far none of the mobile operators have signed up to the service, perhaps because they are unwilling to undermine their own mobile music services, said Mr Pescatore.

Operator's own services have been significantly ramped up in the last few months with Vodafone relaunching its music store and O2 signing deals with record label BMG and digital music store Napster.

"We want to make sure we offer our customers a wide choice of options to get the maximum benefit of music through 02 and will be watching Nokia's "Comes with Music" package with interest," said Antony Douglas, head of content at 02.

Vodafone's MusicStation costs £1.99 a week and gives customers unlimited access to a catalogue of 1.2 million songs.

In France, Orange has recently launched a service free of anti-piracy controls (aka DRM) which offers customers 500 tracks per month for 12 euros.

"This is a taste of where we are heading. The next wave for music on mobiles will be DRM-free (Digital Rights Management)" predicted Mr Pescatore.


Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7595622.stm

Christina Aguilera Pictures


Christina Aguilera Pictures

DGCA seeks airlines’ help in flood relief transportation

DGCA seeks airlines’ help in flood relief transportation

September 3rd, 2008 - 9:26 pm ICT by IANS -

New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Wednesday called upon domestic airlines to help in the transportation of relief materials to flood-hit Bihar and to offer freight discounts.A government statement said that the DGCA convened a meeting with representatives of all domestic airlines - Air India, Alliance Air, Jet Airways and JetLite, Deccan Aviation Ltd., Spicejet, IndiGo and MDLR Airlines.

A senior official of the Bihar government was also present.

The DG asked the airlines to help in the shipment of relief materials to Patna.

“He also impressed upon the airlines to consider discounting the freight rates for transportation of relief material like food items, medicines, clothings from voluntary organisations and NGOs, etc,” the statement said.

The airlines were asked to route their planes for relief transportation through the Bihar resident commissioner’s office “on priority”.

The airlines’ station in-charges in the state have been asked to be in touch with Bihar government officials for quick transportation from airports.

“Airlines were also informed that in case they are making unscheduled landings at Patna for relief operations, they will be accorded necessary clearance promptly,” the statement said.

At the same time, airlines were advised to follow current guidelines like, “security drill, handling of dangerous goods etcetera”.


Source: http://www.thaindian.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: Govt to levy income-tax on 40 per cent pay arrears this year

Sixth Pay Commission: Govt to levy income-tax on 40 per cent pay arrears this year

New Delhi, Sep 3 (PTI) Government today said it would tax only 40 per cent of salary arrears to be paid to central government employees in the current fiscal on implementation of Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.
Generally speaking income earned in a year is taxed in that particular year, official sources said.

A section of the media today reported that the entire amount of arrears would attract tax this fiscal.

As per the notification issued by the government last month, central government employees will get 40 per cent of arrears during the current financial year and the remaining amount in the next financial year.

Government instructions issued on August 30, 2008, regarding fixation of pay and payment arrears consequent to implementation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission recommendations clearly states that in authorising the arrears income tax as due may also be deducted and credited to the government.

The arrears with effect from January 2006 would cost Rs 29,373 crore. Of the arrears, 40 per cent would be paid during the current year to the 50 lakh employees of the central government.

The revised pay scales will add Rs 4,500-5,500 crore to the government exchequer this fiscal in the form of personal income tax.

Besides, some money would also come through indirect taxes as some of the increased pay would go into buying products and services, official sources said here. PTI


Source: http://www.ptinews.com

Charlie Sheen’s Birthday Present: Denise Richards

Charlie Sheen’s Birthday Present: Denise Richards

Today Charlie Sheen is celebrating his 43rd birthday, most likely amongst friends and family. But last night he had a less-pleasant occasion - a get-together with ex-wife Denise Richards.

The “Hot Shots Part Deux” actor was spotted out and about in Los Angeles, California looking a bit annoyed as he made his way to meet Richards, sporting a grey v-neck t-shirt teamed with a pair of khaki cargo shorts and black sneakers.

Soon thereafter, the “It’s Complicated” starlet arrived, appearing apprehensive in a black tank top with distressed jeans and a pair of flip flops.

On to happier topics- Sheen recently told press that when it comes to finding out the sex of his soon-to-be-born baby with new wife Brooke Mueller, he may opt for a party.

He revealed, “Ultimately, we just want a healthy child. We know everyone says that, but it’s the truth. But we might do that thing where they do the test, then write it down, then we have a dinner and it’s revealed.”

Photo Credit: INF Daily

Source: celebrity-gossip.net

Jessica Biel & Duff Sisters Called On As Bridesmaids

Jessica Biel & Duff Sisters Called On As Bridesmaids

7th Heaven star Beverley Mitchell is all set for a big-star wedding in Italy next month - she has asked Jessica Biel and Duff sisters Hilary and Haylie to be her bridesmaids.

Mitchell will wed Michael Cameron in Europe and she wanted her "7th Heaven" co-star, Biel, and her pals the Duffs to be a big part of her big day. Biel played Mitchell's sister on the long-running TV show.

The Italian nuptials look set to be a semi-reunion for boyband 'N Sync too - Justin Timberlake will accompany his girlfriend, Biel, to the wedding, while his former bandmates Joey Fatone and Lance Bass are reportedly among Mitchell's guests.


Source: starpulse.com

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Jessica Alba: Coffee Bean Babe

Jessica Alba: Coffee Bean Babe

Adjusting to life as a new parent is tough, especially the lack of sleep. And Jessica Alba was spotted grabbing her caffeine fix at the West Hollywood Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf yesterday (September 2).

The “Dark Angel” hottie looked sexy and slim in a black spaghetti strap knee-length dress teamed with a pair of flip flops as she did her best to ignore the paparazzi.

Following her coffeehouse stop, Jess headed over to a Hollywood studio to continue to prep for her first post-pregnancy acting gig “Sin City 2.”

And this Friday (September 5), we’ll get to see Alba along with Halle Berry, Jack Black, Sheryl Crow, Jennifer Garner, and Carrie Underwood as “Stand Up to Cancer” hits the NBC, CBS, and ABC airwaves.

“Stand Up to Cancer” is a fund-and-awareness-raising television event that aims to unite mankind in the fight against the deadly disease. Executive producer Larua Ziskin told press, “There will be laughter. There will be tears. And you’ll learn something about how we can turn the outcome of this disease if we just set our minds to it.”

Photo Credit: FamePictures.com


Source: celebrity-gossip.net

RuneScape - Wikipedia

RuneScape - wikipedia

RuneScape is a Java-based MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) operated by Jagex Ltd. It has approximately ten million active free accounts and is a browser-based game with some degree of 3D rendering. RuneScape was created by Andrew Gower, the creator of DeviousMUD, the forerunner to RuneScape, in 1998. Rewritten and renamed, the first version of RuneScape was released to the public on 4 January 2001 in beta form. It has a free-to-play option, and a simple interface that is accessible on most web browsers.

RuneScape takes place in the fantasy-themed realm of Gielinor, which is divided into several different kingdoms, regions, and cities.[1][2] Players can travel throughout Gielinor on foot, by using magical teleportation spells and devices, or mechanical means of transportation.[3] Each region offers different types of monsters, materials, and quests to challenge players. Unlike many other MMORPGs, there is no linear path that must be followed. Players appear on the screen as customizable avatars, setting their own goals and objectives. Players can combat both monsters and other players, complete quests, or increase their experience in any of the available skills.[4] Players interact with each other through trading, chatting, or playing combative or cooperative mini-games.

RuneScape's Logo since July 1, 2008.
Developer(s) Jagex Ltd.
Publisher(s) Jagex Ltd.
Engine Proprietary engine
Platform(s) Java Platform: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Solaris, FreeBSD
Release date(s) RuneScape Classic (beta):
4 January 2001
RuneScape 2:
17 March 2004
RuneScape HD:
14 July 2008

Genre(s) Fantasy MMORPG
Mode(s) Multiplayer
Media Web interface (Java)
System requirements Low Detail: 128 MB RAM, 500 MHz CPU

High Detail: 256 MB RAM, 1.5 GHz CPU, Nvidia GeForce3 or equivalent video card

Input methods Keyboard, Mouse


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RuneScape

LimeWire

LimeWire

Changelog - LimeWire

Changelog4.18.6 (08.21.08)
Fix exceptions in PushProxies Publisher, Mojito StatusCode, AbstractPoolEntry, UDPPInger validate hosts, splitting Mojito buckets and removing files in MySharedFilesResultPanel for a GnutellaSearchResult.
For more information, see Fisheye and JIRA.
4.18.5 (08.15.08)
Fix a bug when tracking the first time run per LimeWire session.
For more information, see Fisheye.
4.18.4 (08.14.08)
Fix a null pointer exception.
Fix firewall browses and browses over reliable UDP.
For more information, see Fisheye.
4.18.3 (6.18.08)
General build changes.
4.18.2 (6.5.08)
Fix LWS integration bugs.
4.18.1 (5.28.08)
Fix a bug in which changing any value in Options caused a Library refresh.
For more information, see JIRA.
4.18.0 (5.23.08)
Remove properties/get information box for search results from the tab context menu.
For more information, see JIRA.
4.17.10 (5.19.08)
Fix stuck downloads for UPD and TCP.
Give correct connection speed in "View My Shared Files".
Fix sending duplicate error messages.
Fix Browse Host.
Fix an HSQL deadlock on shutdown.
Fix a RuntimeException with 'Binder not yet valid'.
Convert certification code to use HttpClient (from URL.open).
Automatically refresh the Store Purchased folder upon download completion.
Fix viewing a sample Internal Error report multiple times.
Better Incomplete filename matching thanks to h_p.
Add a properties/get information box for search results.
Fix a bug to keep the focus on the LWS Purchased folder in the LW Library after a refresh.
Allow users to create sub folder and define how the file should be saved for LWS downloader templates.
Exclude magnet downloads from being purged after 7 days.
For more information, see JIRA.
4.17.9 (5.2.08)
Fix an exception parsing audio files.
Fix a PushEndpoint bogus IP Address leak.
Add Tiger (Mac OS X 10.4) and Leopard (Mac OS X 10.5) specific builds of JNIs so LimeWire will run on Mac OS X.
For more information, see Fisheye and JIRA.
4.17.8 (5.1.08)
Fix an exception upon hitting 'Ctrl-C' in the Library Playlist.
Fix an exception using HSQLDB.
Fix an illegal argument exception upon creating DoNotProxy Query.
Fix a null pointer exception in the LibraryTree.
Fix a null pinter exception with AltLocFinderImpl.findPushAltLocs PushEndpoint.
Fix showing an exception for an invalid Creative Commons license.
Fix a URI exception with torrents.
Fix null pointer exception with sharing a folder that was previously excluded.
Fix unresolved link errors when using the run script from CVS for Mac OS X.
For more information, see Fisheye and JIRA.
4.17.7 (4.30.08)
Make right-click menu from 'My Shared Files' path not selectable and show multiple paths (up to 5, plus the number more) if multiple lines selected.
Fix a bug in which a location cell in search results displayed "Multiple (1)" and didn't show a tooltip for that location.
Fix Setup Manager not to show up every time on Linux.
Fix Store-purchased file showing up in a shared folder.
Add a way for the LimeWire Store web page to quickly check whether the client is connected.
Allow users to enter comments when sending bug reports for fatal errors.
Fix a bug where multiple dialogs with the same text could be displayed.
Add notification supports via Growl for Mac OS X.
LimeWire now runs under Java SE 6 on Mac OS X (however SE6 is temperamental; it exhibits some strange connection issues). The changes include moving some functionality from Java to JNIs, including, but not limited to, Growl, Dock, Start-LimeWire-On-Login, Name-Of-Current-User, etc. Also, existing and modified JNIs are now compiled so they link for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications. Finally, this version removes all libObjcJava.dylib (for example, com.apple.*.*.NS*) and Carbon (within the JNIs) dependencies.
Add file suffix from other P2P programs to represent incomplete files.
Speedup Magnet/Torrents at startup.
Add Portable LimeWire support.
Add support for alternate location lookup for BitTorrents.
Add partial search results.
For more specifics, see Fisheye and JIRA.
4.17.6 (3.27.08)
Ensure dialogs always have a visible frame so users know LimeWire is waiting for some kind of input.
Add way to revert remote settings to default.
Fix notification window to show regardless if Search tab is selected.
Fix bug reports URISyntaxExceptions while trying to create URIs.
Disable default java keywords for message extraction for translated text.
Reduce size of compressed Mac OS X DMG to 5.2MB.
Remove "Go PRO" for LimeWire PRO users.
Enable removal from playlist via the 'Delete' or 'Backspace' key.
Extended BEncoding to support rational numbers.
Use less memory for large number of leaf connections.
Updated to latest HttpClient snapshot which adds fixes for aborting a connection while its waiting for an open slot from the manager and to properly release a connection back if there was an IOX connecting or reading/writing.
Prevent unsharable folders from being listed in Options > Sharing.
Improve wording for individual sharing, sharing extension, partial file sharing and .torrent file sharing.
General Save folder improvements.
Allow users to create the LimeWire folders somewhere other than in their home folder.
Add sensitive folder warnings for the Save folder.
Improve "New Update Available" Dialog / Messages.
Create smoother search icon.
For additional information, see Fisheye and JIRA.
4.17.5 (3.14.08)
Cut back logging on startup.
Reduce query traffic by knowing firewalled state; implement leafs informing ups of firewall status.
Recognize flv as a video extension.
Fix Shared File Types not being saved when chosen at startup.
Use the DHT to locate alternate peers following tracker failure.
Fix NPE when editing LWS songs' ID3 information. Read both ID3V1 and ID3v2 tags if they both exist; V2 tags are read first and any missing field is filled if it exists in V1 tag.
Fix NPE when playing a corrupt file; unparsable audio files fail silently.
Implement requerying for guid urns and use RequeryManager for urn lookups: search terms instead of search title.
Automatically refresh the library tree when you changing the LWS directory.
Fix continuous selection on playlist.
Improve look of Upgrade to PRO dialog as well as making it remotely settable.
4.17.4 (2.12.2008)
Cleanup the httpnio to limewire http stack.
Allow inspection requests to specify custom send interval. Clear any previously scheduled responses when receiving a new inspection request. Add inspectables for Tcp Bandwidth, Mojito's internal format and message parsing.
Help users input non-encoded URIs; also eliminate erroneous stack traces when confusing a filesystem path with a URI.
Use consistent naming of unshare action.
Update PO files and messages.jars.
Remove leftover defunct httpcore connecting code, removed disabled tests.
Updated and uploaded translation template to translations.launchpad.net.
Remove private restriction from NetworkUtils.parseIpPort and parsePortIp; move check into places that use it. Cleaned up ConnectionManager.getPushProxies to return the signature.
Remove Pools and LocalSocketAddressService static injection.
Fix parsing of LimeWire versions.
Do not add localhost info if the connection's listen IP is not initialized.
Do not allow up-up connections to pre 4.14.
Initialize the qhd offset after length check.
Volatilize SIMPP manager state.
Remove unused functionality from statistics.
Changed browser tab image.
Update Getting Started and Go PRO images.
Add new ID3 library to fix previous ID3 related bugs.
Uptake new httpcore and httpclient jars.
Fix the Flac reader/writer and other general tests.
Fix messages columns sorting.
Don't localize empty space.
Fix doomed NaN compare thanks to FindBugs.
Catch RNVMs with zero payload earlier.
Fix not requesting zero OOB results.
4.17.3 (2.1.2008)
Remove static injection from HttpClientManager; nuked it completely.
Change hashes to the right VERIFIED_HASH object.
Serialize a copy of the torrent files and folders.
Start UPnPManager after LifeCycleManager.
4.17.2 (1.31.2008)
Add more IPs in UPnPManager.
Move URIUtils to the core and add a setting for reporting URI bugs.
Fix general deadlocks and some rare busy loops.
Made fixes for keyword trial.
Fix AcceptorTest and cleanup AcceptorImpl's validater resetters.
4.17.1 (1.30.2008)
Add user information for bug reports.
Improve deserialization with object injection.
Fix Direct Connection text.
Add 4.17 Beta Splash screen.
Remove static injections.
For specifics, see JIRA
4.17.0 (1.15.2008)
Resize Options pane to handle updated Status Bar section.
Make "Clear" button for playlist not-clickable when there aren't any files on the playlist.
For specifics, see JIRA.
4.16.7 (4.17.08)
Fixed a bug through which someone could send a message fraudulently claiming to be Lime Wire.
4.16.6 (2.8.2008)
Make dos2unix fixes.
4.16.5 (2.8.2008)
Use network image by default to show.
Fix clicking on backup images if no URL exists.
Connect only to Versions 4.14+.
Volatilize SIMPP manager state.
Add new basic splash screen.
Changed browser tab image.
Update Getting Started and Go PRO images.
4.16.4 (2.4.2008)
Fix NaN compare.
Fix UPnP.
Fix volatile SSLRWC.
Fix not requesting zero OOB results.
Make separate titles for PRO browser tab.
4.16.3 (1.22.2008)
Fix use of wrong Incomplete folder.
Fix LimeWireUtils.getRootFolder() for non-Windows.
Make Browser tab runtime changeable.
Make Ultrapeers ignore partial results.
Give Browser different title for Pro versions.
Fix deadlock between Hasher and Shutdown.
For specifics, see JIRA.
4.16.2 (1.10.2008)
Fix Sharing of LWS Files.
For specifics, see JIRA.
4.16.1 (1.8.2008)
Fix AIOOBE in SearchResultDisplayer::fixIcons.
Fix various OS X OOBE bugs.
Modify default Shared/Saved/Store Directories.
For specifics, see JIRA
4.16.0 (1.7.2008)
Fix FileManager to use unshared extensions directly (instead of relying on the GUI to set things up).
Update Virus Warning page on .com to use Lime (not Lock).
Warn When Too Many Files Shared
For specifics, see JIRA
4.15.5 (1.7.2008)
Fix exception with TreeStorage.
Fix exception with OS X search result panel.
For specifics, see JIRA
4.15.4 (1.4.2008)
Fix exception with OS X AquaTab.
Fix launching non-audio files.
Add custom update intervals to the console tab.
For specifics, see JIRA
4.15.3 (12.31.2007)
Update LimeWire Setup Wizard steps.
Fix DHT deadlock.
Fix exception when creating a query from Library Search panel.
Fix fatal exception with file type associations.
For specifics, see JIRA
4.15.2 (12.24.2007)
Fix BitTorrent find more sources.
Add parallel bootstrapping.
Fix confusing firewall indicator behavior.
Fix NPE with getting text in file extension pane for OS X.
For specifics, see JIRA
4.15.1 (12.11.2007)
Fix exceptions (SWTBrowser, ToolTip Text, MonitorView, etc.)
Fix Right-Click on search tab
Fix OS X Leopard tab problem
Add ability to opt-out of hostile filter
For specifics, see JIRA
4.15.0 (11.29.2007)
Greater control over your Shared files
Add Magnets to Open Dialog
Display LimeWire Setup Dialog in system tray
Fix In-network update on Vista
Support for private torrents
Nodes can use the DHT sooner
Browse tab for Windows (SWT blog)
New LimeWire Media Player with volume and seek controls (Plays mp3, ogg and wav)
Updated Playlist (drag & drop support, and Playlist rearrange options)
Dependency Injection (DI blog)
Numerous fixes to tests
Fix Deadlock with ConnectionManager and NIODispatcher
Change internationalization (Internationalization blog)
Migrate 4.14 bug fixes
Cleanup unused imports and warnings, maven swt dependency, ant scripts, classpath
For specifics, see JIRA
4.14.12 (12.03.2007)
Fix a rare download crash
4.14.11 (12.03.2007)
Fix updates on Windows Vista
Add support for private flag in torrent files
Use TLS when servicing connectback requests
Update DHT code to let nodes connect sooner
Fix Alternate Location parsing bug
Return Tiger Tree roots in responses
4.14.10 (09.18.2007)
Fix TLS busy loop.
Limit the number of altlocs per result both at network and GUI levels.
Make the class C networks more flexible.
Update Eclipse formatter rules.
Inspection updates.
4.14.9 (09.18.2007)
Internal build change.
4.14.8 (08.16.2007)
Construct the update notification on the AWT thread.
4.14.7 (08.14.2007)
Fix Mojito bootstrap manager stopping deadlock.
Fix a Mojito thread synchronicity problem with PushProxiesValue.
4.14.6 (08.13.2007)
Fix TLS to perform init() only if TLS is planned to be used.
Change the key of the alt loc queries setting in Mojito.
Fix Mojito threading in collections.
Fix broken alt loc finds in Mojito.
Make all fields in Endpoint and ExtendedEndpoint volatile.
4.14.5 (08.10.2007)
Remove extra write to stream call.
Fix SIMPP to work with two factories.
Fix occasional 100% CPU bug with RUDP transfers.
4.14.4 (08.09.2007)
Fix incoming contacts to be considered unknown or live in Mojito.
Fix NPE in creating unknown contacts in Mojito.
Fix firewalled DHT publishing bug.
Fix stores by firewalled nodes.
List the Mojito properties in bug reports.
4.14.3 (08.07.2007)
Lock all SimppSettingsManager state on the RemoteSettingController field.
4.14.2 (08.06.2007)
Fix remote Mojito settings.
Validate all BitTorrent file descriptors.
Flush only BitTorrent files that have changed.
Do not flush verified by default with BitTorrent.
4.14.1 (08.03.2007)
Fix a deadlock with interrupting a download worker twice.
Continue seeding torrents if the tracker fails even though they don't have any connections.
Hide notifications for finished .torrent metafile downloads.
Show the last notification if the current one is not shown (because it's for a .torrent file).
Catch Linux JDIC NPE when determining tray icon location.
Add a new interface called Evictor which gives more control over the eviction of expired values for Mojito.
Turn Mojito port substitution on by default.
Put the failure reason the tracker gave in a downloader attribute, then the GUI checks that attribute and if present, displays in the tooltip.
4.14.0 (07.26.2007)
Bittorrent Support Built-In, Many ways to get files ** all in one application.
Better Control Over Shared Folders, Revamped sharing options give you finer control over what goes onto the network.
System Tray Notifications, See when your downloads finish, no matter what app you're in.
Mojito DHT (Distributed Hash Table) Support, Better locates those rare files and makes it easier to resume stalled downloads.
TLS (Transport Layer Security) Support, Keep your connections safe & secure.
4.13.11 (07.11.2007)
Fixed uploads to cancel if they are inactive for too long.
Fixed checking 'Accept' encoding values during HTTP transfers.
Fixed some errors where an upload was improperly cancelled due to read timeouts, when no read was being attempted. Extra special thanks to 'RickH' for his help tracking this down.
Fixed a very rare error where uploads could stall if no other network activity was occuring.
Fixed an error if connections were asked for their ip/port prior to starting a connect attempt.
Bittorrent downloads can now be previewed if the torrent is for a single file.
Browse Host requests now send the correct 'Host' header.
Fixed a bug where a newly-unshared folder could be re-shared on next startup if that folder had previously been explicitly shared and a parent of that folder was also shared.
Added much more informative dialogs for sharing new folders, allowing the user to easily see and choose which subfolders are shared.
Completely disallowed sharing any folder that is a root.
Removed support for an older update mechanism.
Enabled outgoing TLS by default and added an option to disable TLS if required.
Added the ability to change the banners for upgrading to PRO.
Added the ability to change the 'Official LimeWire Results' message.
Fixed an error related to clicking 'Find More Sources' for a file whose keywords were all longer than 30 characters.
Added the ability to limit update notifications to specific versions of an OS.
Added a fallback update request via HTTP if no new network update messages arrive in a certain period of time.
Updated the About window.
Added the ability to select multiple files and/or folders when choosing to share new files/folders from the library.
Re-arranged the Program Files/LimeWire folder on Windows, to reduce errors associated with upgrading.
Recognize when loading the tray icon fails, and allow LimeWire to properly close.
Improve the speed with which icons in the library are displayed on non-Windows platforms.
Fixed searching through the Options to remove characters like ",[];:.
Added many, many, many new translations.


http://wiki.limewire.org/index.php?title=Changelog

dteau.org - Director Technical Education

dteau.org - Director Technical Education

www.dteau.org-MAH-MPH-CET resuts announced but website not opening

The website for MAH-MPH-CET result is www.dteau.org.

The website has to show the result of MAH-MPH-CET 2008 examination on September 3(today) 2PM as schduled. But The website is

down due to unknown reasons. When opened the website is showing "Bad Request (Invalid Hostname)"..

Please contact:

DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION,MAHARASHTRA STATE,
MAHAPALIKA MARG, POST BOX NO. 1967, MUMBAI-400 001

PH:(022) 22620601, 22690602

FAX:22692102,

www.dte.org.in

Contact at the above address/phone and do mention about the website dteau.org which is not opening today.

DTE MahaRashtra is going to start counselling for admissions on 6th september.


Tags: dteau, www.dteau.org, orkut login, login orkut, bata papo

Source: http://trendsanalysis.blogspot.com/

Pookalam

Pookalam

Pookalam is an intricate and colourful arrangement of flowers laid on the floor. Tradition of decorating Pookalam is extremely popular in Kerala and is followed as a ritual in every household during ten-day-long Onam celebrations.

'Pookhalam' consists of two words, 'poov' meaning flower and 'kalam' means colour sketches on the ground. It is considered auspicious to prepare Pookalam, also known as 'Aththa-Poo' during the festival of Onam.

People believe the spirit of their dear King Mahabali visits Kerala at the time of Onam. Besides making several other arrangements, people, especially adolescent girls prepare elaborate Pookalams to welcome their most loved King.

Making of a Pookalam
Kilo and kilos of flowers, lot of dedication, creativity, technique and team effort are the basic essential of an eye catching Pookkalam.

Athapoovu are usually circular in shape and multi-tiered colourful arrangements of flowers, petals and leaves. Use of powder colours, desiccated coconut or artificial flowers is prohibited. Pookalams are normally laid on the front court yard of the house. Idols of Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the center of the Pookalam and worshiped. Diameter of a Pookalam normally ranges from four to five meters.

Ritual of making the flower mats continues for all ten days of Onam. Designing starts from the day of Atham and is made ready by Thiruvonam day. Basic design is prepared on the first day. Size of a Pookalam is increased by adding more to it on every passing day hence a massive Pookalam gets ready for the main day of the occasion. Its a big creative task, as designers have to think of a new design ever day.

Various flowers are used on each day as a specific flower is dedicated to each day of Onam. Commonly used flowers include Thumba (Lucas Aspera), Kakka Poovu, Thechipoovu, Mukkutti (little tree plant), Chemparathy (shoe flower), Aripoo or Konginipoo (Lantana), Hanuman Kireedom (Red pagoda plant) and Chethi (Ixora). Of all these flowers, Thumba flowers are given more importance in Pookalam as they are small in size and glitter in the the soft rays of the sun. 'Thumba Poo' is also considered to be the favourite flower of Lord Shiva and King Mahabali was a devout worshipper of Shiva.

On the next day of Onam, Thumba flowers are used to decorate Onapookalam. The arrangement is not touched for the next 15 days. On the 15 th day, called 'Ayilyam', Pookalam is decorated again. On the next day, called Magam, Pookalam is given a cut in its four corners with a knife. This marks the end of Pookalam decorations for the year. Some also follow the tradition of erecting a small pandal over the completed flower carpet and decorating it with colourful festoons.

Making of Pookalam is itself a colourful and joyous event. Being a team effort it helps to generate feeling of togetherness and goodwill amongst the people. It is animating to watch women as they prepare Pookalam while singing traditional songs. Giggling and sharing jokes between the thought provoking and back breaking job.

Trends
Earlier, people used to make efforts to collect flowers for designing a Pookalam. Children used to get up early in the morning and gather flowers in their small 'Pookuda' (basket) from the village gardens. These days, the trend has changed and people have the option of buying flowers from the market in the shape and colour of their choice.

Pookalam decoration competitions are organised by various societies and groups all over the state on the day of Onam. They have become extremely popular and witness huge public participations. Big prizes are also kept in these contests as they have turned up to be extremely competitive events. A large number of people assemble just to have a look at the innovative and meticulously prepared art pieces.

A beautiful design, though it is said, is created in the heart, use of technology is also in vogue in designing of a Pookalam. People prepare design first on computer and then implement it on floor. This saves a lot of time and energy and helps the designers to come up with stunning Pookalams.


Tags: onam, onam pookalam, onapookalam, pookalam designs, pookkalam


Source: http://www.onamfestival.org/pookalam.html

www.dteau.org - Director Technical Education

www.dteau.org - Director Technical Education

www.dteau.org-MAH-MPH-CET resuts announced but website not opening

The website for MAH-MPH-CET result is www.dteau.org.

The website has to show the result of MAH-MPH-CET 2008 examination on September 3(today) 2PM as schduled. But The website is down due to unknown reasons. When opened the website is showing "Bad Request (Invalid Hostname)"..

Please contact:

DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION,MAHARASHTRA STATE,
MAHAPALIKA MARG, POST BOX NO. 1967, MUMBAI-400 001

PH:(022) 22620601, 22690602

FAX:22692102,

www.dte.org.in

Contact at the above address/phone and do mention about the website dteau.org which is not opening today.

DTE MahaRashtra is going to start counselling for admissions on 6th september.


Source: http://trendsanalysis.blogspot.com/

MDU Rohtak - www.mdurohtak.com

MDU Rohtak - www.mdurohtak.com

UGC team visits MDU Rohtak

The UGC expert committee visited the Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak on August 12 to assess its performance during the 10th Plan and its requirements in the 11th Plan year. MDU has been providing quality education to students of the NCR.

MAHARSHI DAYANAND University (MDU) has the potential to emerge as an institution of academic excellence and higher education of the nation, if the University Grants Commission (UGC) provides liberal grants for infrastructure upgradation and other development initiatives of the University. This was stated by MDU vice-chancellor Dr RP Hooda while welcoming the UGC expert committee on August 12.

The UGC expert committee today commenced its visit to MDU for review of University’s performance during the Tenth Plan and assess its requirements for the Eleventh Plan.

Speaking on the occasion, VC Dr Hooda highlighted the significant progress made by MDU since its establishment in 1976. He said that the varsity is providing quality education to students not only through traditional courses, but also through innovative, job-oriented professional courses. Latest courses in the realm of Biotechnology, Food Processing Technology, Management, International Business, Business Economics, Retail Management, Foreign Language courses have been introduced. Students’ intake in the varsity has increased about 74 per cent in the last five years with an average annual growth of about 14 per cent.

Notably, this is quite higher than UGC’s norm of about five per cent. VC Dr Hooda said that an important aspect of MDU’s developmental stride is its collaboration(s) with international/national institutions like University of Central Lancashire (England), Korean Institute of Energy Research and Central Electronics Engineering Institute, Pilani. He informed that collaboration agreement with the National Malaria Research Institute (New Delhi) is in pipeline. He emphasised that concerted efforts are being made to upgrade infrastructural facilities on the campus, develop academic linkages with premier institutions and establish a congenial academic environment in MDU so that it realises its true potential. Dr Hooda gave a comprehensive presentation about the University highlighting its salient aspects. He expressed hope that the UGC will consider MDU’s requirements positively.

Speaking on the occasion, convener of the UGC expert committee, Professor TS Papola complemented the university for making significant contribution towards students of rural areas. He said that MDU is catering both to the national capital region as well as its rural catchment area. He said that the UGC expert committee will duly consider MDU’s requirements for greater funding. Committee member Dr B Hanumaiah and Professor DK Gautam also spoke in the meeting. The members were visibly impressed by the facilities on the campus.

Later on, the UGC expert committee visited various university teaching departments and assessed the departmental requirements.

Registrar Dr SP Vats, dean, academic affairs, Professor Surender Kumar, all deans of faculties and other important members were also present.


Tags: mdu rohtak,mdu results, mdu, cdlu, rrbchandigarh, www.wifaqulmadaris.org


Source: http://www.merinews.com

Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren: Baby On-the-Way!

Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren: Baby On-the-Way!

Taking advantage of time away from the course due to injury, Tiger Woods announced that he and his wife Elin Nordegren are expecting their second child.

The couple, who married back in 2004, gave birth to their first child Sam in 2007. Now, the golfing great and his model wife are excited to be extending their family.

“This has been a year of contrasts,” Woods, 32, wrote. “I had a solid start to the season, won the U.S. Open in an exciting playoff, and then unfortunately had to shut it down after successful knee surgery.And now, I have some wonderful news to report. Sam is going to be a big sister.”

“Elin is feeling great and we are both thrilled,” Woods went on. “While my injury has disappointing and frustrating, it has allowed me to spend a lot of time watching Sam grow. I can’t begin to tell you how rewarding it is being a dad and spending time with her and Elin. The injury has been a blessing and a disappointment.”

Woods said that he has always wanted more than one child, seeing as how he grew up an only child. Elin is due sometime this winter.

Source: celebrity-gossip.net

Miley Cyrus Steps Out to the Studio

Miley Cyrus Steps Out to the Studio

Accompanied by her grandmother, Ruth Ann Cyrus, Disnet starlet Miley Cyrus was spotted leaving a recording studio in Burbank, California on Tuesday afternoon (September 2).

The 15-year-old “Hannah Montana” singer/actress offered up her signature peace sign as she strutted out in ripped-up bell bottom jeans with a black top and a big smile on her face

In related news, Brett Ratner, who directed Miley’s “7 Things” music video, recently dropped a big hint to MTV that the video is about her former boyfriend, Nick Jonas.

“The necklace she’s wearing in the video is the necklace [the boy] gave her,” Ratner said. “She’s wearing his diabetes or medical necklace.”

Surprise, surprise… Nick Jonas has Type 1 diabetes, regularly speaking out and raising money for the cause.

Photo Credit: BauerGriffin.com

Source: celebrity-gossip.net

Christina Aguilera Launches Her “Inspire” Scent

Christina Aguilera Launches Her “Inspire” Scent

Making a splash at Macy’s Herald Square, Christina Aguilera took center stage for the launch of her new fragrance “Inspire” in New York City on Tuesday (September 2).

Released by P&G Prestige Products, the 27-year-old multi Grammy Award-winning artist playfully posed for photographers on hand before greeting the crowd and presenting her new scent.

In related news, on top of her upcoming MTV VMA appearance, it has just recently been reported that Christina will be heading to the UK to headline the THISDAY Africa Rising Festival in London.

According to reports from The Sun, “Aguilera will top the bill at the star-studded event on October 14 at the Royal Albert Hall. Heidi Klum’s beau Seal is also set to light up the stage with a performance of his greatest hits.”

Photo Credit: WireImage.com

Source: celebrity-gossip.net

UPSC asked to reveal cut-off marks of civil services exam: HC

UPSC asked to reveal cut-off marks of civil services exam: HC

New Delhi, Sep 3 (PTI) The Delhi High Court today directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to make public the cut-off marks obtained by candidates in preliminary test of the civil services examination.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice S Muralidhar upheld the order passed by a single judge bench which had held that disclosure of information pertaining to cut-off marks would not harm the interest of UPSC and any third party.

The Bench rejected the contention of the Commission which submitted that if the information regarding the marks was given to the students, it would be misused by coaching institutes and hamper chances of meritorious students. PTI


Source: http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/0817C5C74AD7CF15652574B9002C0738?OpenDocument

Kingfisher takes off to London on maiden flight

Kingfisher takes off to London on maiden flight

BANGALORE: Kingfisher Airlines made its international debut on Wednesday when its first direct flight to London took off from Bengaluru international airport here amid fanfare despite inclement weather.

"The non-stop flight (IT 001) departed at 09:20, 40 minutes behind schedule due to inaugural ceremony and formalities. The Airbus (A330-200) was full," an airline spokesperson told reporters.

Prior to the departure, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel flagged off the flight and boarded the aircraft along with Kingfisher chief executive Vijay Mallya and other dignitaries.

The flight is scheduled to land at Heathrow terminal four at 15:30 (London time) and take-off for the return flight at 22:05 (local time) and arrive in Bangalore Thursday 12:35 pm.

Airport operator Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) chief executive Albert Brunner and other officials were present to see-off Kingfisher's first direct overseas flight.

The airline will operate a daily service on the Bangalore-London-Bangalore route, with 217 seats, including 30 in first class and 187 in the premium class.

British Airways already operates a daily direct flight to London from Bangalore, while state-run Air India flies via Mumbai.


Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Your whole 6th Pay Commission arrears money my go in taxes

Your whole 6th Pay Commission arrears money my go in taxes

New Delhi, Sept. 3, 2008: You may be in for a rude shock. Your whole 6th Pay Commission arrears money my go in taxes.

More than 5.5 million central government employees who and their families had chalked out big plans for spending arrears they were set to receive this year are set to be a disappointed lot. The government plans to charge 100 percent tax from the amount it is paying as arrears.

Naseem Khan a senior official in department of post says it is cheating with common people. He says that the step would come as shock for the entire central government employees. He says that the 40 percent arrears were not a very big amount for central government employees but nevertheless it was something and most people had already fixed its usage. Now their whole plan has been dashed.

Rajiv Kumar, another employee with a central school says that it can be termed as betrayal to the whole central government employee fraternity who had hoped highly of sixth pay panel. But this jolt is very rude to say the least.

AH Farooq, another teacher with Kendriya Vidyalya said that he had loaned some amount at the time of admission of his son in an engineering college and had hoped that he would pay the loan from the arrears he will receive, but now comes this disappointing news. He says it will be very hard for him to survive now without going for more loans.

It is being reported that the government is planning to receive 100 percent tax from your 40 percent arrears that is being paid to you this month.

If the government really decides to go this way it would virtually wipe out almost the entire amount of 40% arrears to be paid to central government employees this year. Senior bureaucrats will suffer the most as their tax would be topped with a surcharge of 10%, applicable on an income of Rs 10 lakh and above.

Around 5.5 million central government employees are going to benefit from the pay panel recommendations. A larger number of state government employees too will benefit from the recommendations if their respective state governments implement the recommendations.

It is estimated that the wage hike would increase the financial implication for the Centre by Rs 17,798 crore annually and the arrears with effect from January 2006 would cost Rs 29,373 crore, Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

The financial implication of Pay Commission on the General Budget would be Rs 15,717 crore and Rs 6414 crore on Railway Budget in 2008-09. The government’s present salary bill is over Rs 70,000 crore and the pension bill is over Rs 30,000 crore.


Source: http://www.khabrein.info/

Kelly Hu


Kelly Hu

Kelly Hu Biography (Kelly Hu Bio)

Kelly Ann Hu (born February 13, 1968) is an American actress and former fashion model who held the Miss Teen USA 1985 title.

Born Kelly Ann Hu

February 13, 1968 (1968-02-13) (age 40)

Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.

Official website : http://www.kellyhu.com/

Early life

Hu was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the daughter of Juanita, an engineering drafter for Honolulu, and Herbert Hu, a salesman and exotic bird feeder; the two divorced during Hu's childhood. She is of Hawaiian, Chinese, and English descent. She attended Maʻemaʻe Elementary School and Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.


Kelly Hu as Miss Hawaii Teen USA 1985Hu has held a lifelong interest in singing and dancing and has also been interested in martial arts since her early childhood, when her older brother would arrange for her to fight neighborhood boys. Hu's cousin was a successful model in Japan and Hu decided to follow her example. To gain publicity, Kelly won the Miss Hawaii Teen USA 1985 title and competed in the Miss Teen USA 1985 pageant, becoming the third Miss Teen USA titleholder. Hu has mentioned in interviews that her mother had told her America was not ready for an Asian as such a prominent role model. However, Hu became the first Asian American to win the title. Ironically enough, she discovered after winning that she was prohibited from appearing in non-contest related activities for the year of her reign.

Career

Hu worked in Japan and Italy, the latter in which she became well-known as the star of a series of ads for Philadelphia brand cream cheese (she played a young Japanese college student named Kaori). Hu moved to Los Angeles and began her acting career in 1987 with a guest starring role as Mike Seaver's Hawaiian love interest on the sitcom Growing Pains. Hu followed this with appearances on TV series such as Night Court, Tour of Duty, 21 Jump Street, and Melrose Place and her first movie role in Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan. Hu also won the title of Miss Hawaii USA in 1993, became the first former Miss Teen USA to win a Miss USA state title and went on to compete in the 1993 Miss USA pageant held in Wichita, Kansas. She entered the top 10 in second place, after winning the preliminary interview competition and placing second and third in swimsuit and evening gown. Then she made the top 6 ranked second, winning the top 10 evening gown competition and placing second in swimsuit. Kelly was eliminated in 4th place after the judges' questions, just two hundredths of a point from the Final 3.


Kelly with George Lucas, Willow Springs Raceway, CAIn 1995, Hu played an undercover police officer in the movie No Way Back. While the movie was not a major success, it opened a new career direction for Hu in action adventure roles.[citation needed] She was then cast as Dr. Rae Chang on Sunset Beach for six months in 1997. Afterwards, Hu was cast as police officers Michelle Chan in the television series Nash Bridges (1997 – 1998), as Pei Pei "Grace" Chen on Martial Law (1998 – 2000) and as Agent Mia Chen on the last three episodes of the television series Threat Matrix (2004). Her subsequent movie appearances include The Scorpion King (2002), Cradle 2 the Grave (2003) and X2 (2003). She provided voice talents for the popular video game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords as Visas Marr, the Sith woman who joins the Exile's party. Hu has been featured twice in Maxim magazine (May 2002 and May 2005).

In January 2007, Hu began appearing in a full time role on the TV series In Case of Emergency. She plays Kelly Lee, a Korean-American woman who accidentally reunites with her high school classmates, yet realizes none of them grew up according to their high school plans.

During the first quarter of 2007, Kelly completed filming the film Stilleto, and after that, The Farmhouse.


Personal life

Hu, a member of CAUSE USA, an organization which encourages Asian Americans to participate in the democratic process, was instrumental in creating the innovative PSA The Least Likely.[4] This clip purports to be a promo for a typical fantasy-adventure movie, only to reveal its message at the end. It aired on MTV and other networks with appeal to young people and Asian Americans.

Hu graduated from Pepperdine University in Malibu. She resides in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California. She has never been married.

Her brother, Glenn, is a lieutenant colonel in the US Army.

She is an avid fan of poker, and has frequently taken part in World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour competitions (amongst others), most recently taking part in the WPT Celebrity Charity on March 3, 2008. She has taken part in HollywoodPoker.com's "Celebrity Poker Night" (May 30th, 2006)[6], and in July 2006 she placed in the top 200 in the World Series of Poker Ladies Tournament, besting nearly a thousand other competitors. Her celebrity teammates included Mimi Rogers, Victoria Pratt, Anne Heche, Mena Suvari, Jean Smart and Ricki Lake.

In January, 2008, she participated in a video for Barack Obama produced by Will.I.Am called Yes We Can. She campaigned for Obama in their native Hawaii in the run-up to the February 19th Democratic caucuses. In February 2008, Hu also appeared in another viral video in support of Obama, Si Se Puede Cambiar, written and performed by Andres Useche, directed by Eric Byler, from the group United For Obama.


Filmography

Anime roles

Afro Samurai - Okiku

Non-anime roles

Phineas and Ferb - Stacy
Robot Chicken - Additional Voices

Live-action roles

CSI:NY - Detective Kaile Maka
Threat Matrix - Agent Mia Chen (3 episodes, 2004)
In Case of Emergency - Kelly Lee
Martial Law - Chen Pei Pei (Grace Chen) (1998-2000)
Mayday - Sharon Crandall
Nash Bridges - Insp. Michelle Chan (1997-1998)
Sunset Beach - Rae Chang (1997)
Growing Pains - Melia (1987-1988)

Movie roles

Americanese - Brenda Nishitani
American Eyes -
Cradle 2 the Grave - Sona
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan - Eva Watanabe
Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man - Suzie
No Way Back - Seiko Kobayashi
Star Command - Ens. Yukiko Fujisaki
Strange Days - Anchor Woman
The Doors - Dorothy
Fakin' Da Funk -
Farmhouse (film) - Lilith
Shanghai Kiss - Micki Yang
Surf Ninjas - Ro-May
The Scorpion King - Cassandra
X2 - Yuriko Oyama/Lady Deathstrike
The Librarian: Quest for the Spear - Lana
Underclassman - Lisa Brooks
Undoing - Vera
The Tournament - (TBA)

Video games roles

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - Visas Marr
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Suki Toyama[10][11]

Other

The Least Likely PSA (2004)


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Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Hu

Google Chrome (BETA) for Windows

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Tags: Google Chrome,Google Chrome Beta

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Kelly Ripa Biography - www.kellyripa.com

Kelly Ripa Biography - www.kellyripa.com

All About Kelly Ripa

Birthdate: October 2, 1970
Birthplace: Stratford, New Jersey
Occupations: Actor, TV/radio host
Claim to fame: Played Hayley on All My Children (1990-2003); took over Kathie Lee Gifford’s spot as co-hosts of the ABC show now titled Live with Regis and Kelly (2001-current); co-starred with Faith Ford on ABC primetime sitcom Hope and Faith (2003-2006)

Significant other:

Husband: Mark Consuelos, actor; born 1971; met 1995 on set of All My Children where they played lovers; eloped in Las Vegas 1996

Family:

Father: Joseph Ripa, bus driver, labor union president
Mother: Esther Ripa
Sister: Linda Ripa, writes children's books - born 1973
Sons: Michael Joseph - born June 1997; Joaquin Antonio - born February 2003
Daughter: Lola Grace - born June 2001
Pet: Chewie/Chewy the dog - adopted August 2007

Awards:

1996: Soap Opera Digest Award: Outstanding Younger Leading Actress, All My Children
1998: Soap Opera Digest Award: Hottest Romance, All My Children; shared with husband/co-star Mark Consuelos
1999: New York International Independent Film & Video Festival: Best Actress, The Stand-In
2000: Soap Opera Digest Award: Outstanding Younger Leading Actress, All My Children
2006: Daytime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Special Class Special, Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade

Factoids:

Appeared as a dancer on Dance Party USA in 1989

Education:

Camden Community College, Camden, New Jersey

Information courtesy of about.com and Internet Movie Database


http://www.kellyripa.com/index.cfm?page=kellyfacts

Blonde Vivant: Kelly Ripa

Blonde Vivant: Kelly Ripa

In this week's Page Six Magazine, talk show host and Super Mom Kelly Ripa shares how she juggles her marriage, three kids, and her job as co-host of "Live with Regis and Kelly," while managing to keep her body in tip-top shape and the secret behind that trademark smile.

She confesses her biggest complaint about hottie hubby of 12 years Mark Consuelos: "He wakes up gorgeous. I wake up like a looking like a Chihuahua."

And even though she's always on some magazine's "Best Body" list, Kelly self-deprecates: "Anybody can look good from 700 yards away."

The former cheerleader from Voorhees Township, N.J. also talks about life when she's not on stage with co-host "Reege" - a healthy schedule of shuffling kids from soccer to piano, and everywhere in between. "I want to take my kids to their things," she says. "I want to see that."

For more on Kelly, read the Page Six Magazine article.


Tivo Alert

Monday, September 1 Live! Actor Benjamin Bratt (The Cleaner), actress Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl), NFL player LaDainian Tomlinson
Tuesday, September 2 Live! Actor Jeremy Piven (Entourage), actress Lori Loughlin (90210)
Tuesday, September 2 Hope and Faith "Charley's Baseball" and "Prom and Circumstance" (WE)
Wednesday, September 3 Good Morning America: Reports from the Republican National Convention, TV host Kelly Ripa, author Marisa Weiss (Taking Care of Your Girls) (ABC)
Wednesday, September 3 Live! Actor Kevin Connolly (Entourage), actor David Boreanaz (Bones), Leona Lewis performs
Wednesday, September 3 Hope and Faith "Jury Duty" and "Faith's Maid" (WE)
Thursday, September 4 Live! Guest co-host Jerry O'Connell, Dr. Phil McGraw discusses his new book, Real Life, actress Vivica A. Fox discusses her new reality show, LeAnn Rimes performs
Thursday, September 4 Hope and Faith "Hope Gets a Job" (WE)
Friday, September 5 Live! Actress Shannen Doherty, talk-show host Rachael Ray cooks with the hosts
Friday, September 5 Hope and Faith "Faith's Husband", "Jack's Back" and "Trade Show" (WE)

http://www.kellyripa.com/

Best online Banks

Best online Banks

The top 10 online banks

Online banking can offer convenience -- and even added security. Our list of the best includes Internet-only outfits as well as brick-and-mortar banks. Here's how to compare.

By Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine
Five years ago, Greg Downing looked into online banking but balked at his bank's $5 monthly fee to pay bills online. This year, Downing read about a Web-only bank that charged a much lower price: free.

"I gave NetBank a chance, and I've never looked back," says Downing, 33, a project manager for Acambis, which makes smallpox vaccine. Does he miss his old brick-and-mortar bank? "Only when I have a jar of coins to deposit," he says.

As Downing discovered after he opened his NetBank account, paying bills with a mouse click is only one labor-saving feature offered by online banks. Other attributes include viewing images of canceled checks, transferring money to accounts at other banks and brokerages, and receiving e-mail alerts if, say, your balance runs low. And in the past few years, some online banks have cut the time it takes for electronic payments to clear from five business days to two.

Downing went with an online-only bank. But your best bet could be the same institutions you see every day. Brick-and-mortar bankers are also the largest online players, with the resources to bring a wide range of services to their natural customer base. (The two largest are Wells Fargo, with 6.8 million online-banking customers, and Bank of America, with 13.6 million.)

Best of both worlds
Watchfire GómezPro, an Internet research firm, ranked the top 10 online banks based on the features that consumers find most important. Competition is stiff, and that's caused a rough parity in services. All of the banks provide the key services that customers want most, including guarantees against computer fraud and late bill payments, according to Watchfire. Among the top five, in particular, the differences are minor.

Wells Fargo is ranked first, in part because of its Quicken-style tools for viewing your spending habits. Then again, second-place Citibank is better than Wells or third-place Bank of America at "money movement" -- the ability to funnel funds to another account, user or bank. Fourth-place E*Trade Bank provides excellent alerts (such as letting you know when your balance is low), but it doesn't allow you to stop payments on checks. Reverse that for fifth-place Huntington: no low-balance alerts, but it will let you stop payments. E*Trade also does an excellent job integrating its online banking and brokerage services.

Internet-only banks are giving the big bank sites a run for their money and adding customers quickly. Because of low overhead, they often pay better rates on savings accounts. For example, a Citibank money-market account with $15,000 recently paid 1.5%. A similar account at First Internet Bank of Indiana paid 3.04%.

And an online-only bank can offer some personal touches. Adam Megacz, a dreadlocked, 26-year-old University of California at Berkeley graduate student, likes First Internet Bank's old-fashioned customer service. "You really do get the small-bank feel when you call them," he says. Megacz, who has been a First Internet Bank customer for five years, often transfers funds electronically through the banking industry's Automated Clearing House network. "I can call up the bank and talk to Mark, the ACH guy," he says.

One drawback to online-only banks is making deposits. For payroll checks, this usually isn't an issue, because most customers use direct deposit. But if direct deposit isn't available, you'll have to mail deposits to the bank (envelopes are provided), use an ATM that accepts deposits for your bank or transfer funds from an account at another bank.

Of course, mailing a check will increase -- by days -- the time it takes for your check to clear. And, says Online Banking Report publisher Jim Bruene, "People don't like to make deposits at an ATM," particularly one that isn't owned by their bank. When Megacz was living paycheck-to-paycheck two years ago, he'd send checks to First Internet Bank via FedEx or express mail, which, he says, can be a pain.

Another virtual issue: Internet-bank users may pay steep ATM fees for cash withdrawals. That's true particularly if your financial institution does not have teller machines in your area. First Internet Bank eases the pain by refunding up to $6 in ATM fees each month for its interest-checking customers. Although NetBank doesn't refund fees, its 8,000 machines across the U.S. are free to its customers, who can locate the ATMs at the bank's Web site. Downing used the locater to find machines near his home in Canton, Mass.

What about safety?
The main issue consumers have with online banking is security. Banks are working to persuade customers that online banking actually adds to your financial security, says Chris Musto, vice-president of research for Watchfire GómezPro. That's not an easy sell to consumers who see the elimination of paper statements and returned checks as a savings for the banks, with no benefit for them.

But Musto says eliminating paper is itself a safeguard. Statements can't be lifted from your mailbox or plucked from your trash -- and that's just one way online banking offers increased security. For example, some online banks offer a service that presents your bills on the banking site. By using this feature, you can eliminate credit-card and phone statements sitting exposed in your mailbox. And e-mail alerts from some banks -- such as Wells Fargo and Citibank -- can notify you when large sums have been withdrawn.

You can also check your statement online anytime you wish. Online visits, Musto says, "reduce the impact of an act of fraud." For example, if your credit card or checks were stolen, you might not discover that until your next paper statement arrived in the mail. With online banking, however, you can find unusual account activity much sooner (people check their accounts online five times a month, on average).

Features to look for
Online banking is evolving rapidly. To make sure you get a top performer, look for the following features:

No fees. About 80% of online bill-pay accounts in the U.S. are free, according to Online Banking Report's Bruene, and "about half" of those are customers of Bank of America. Many banks offer free bill pay only in limited cases. Wells Fargo, for example, charges $7 per month if your average monthly account balance falls below $5,000. And after three months of inactivity, NetBank levies a $5 monthly fee on accounts of less than $3,000. EverBank charges $5 per month if your monthly balance is less than $1,500. First Internet Bank customers with free checking pay $4.95 a month for online bill pay, but customers with interest checking accounts (who pay $10 a month) get it free, as long as their balance stays above $500.

Good Web tools. Online banking should be simple and quick. A bank's site should be a snap to learn and easy to navigate, and should provide essential features, such as images of your cashed checks and tools for budgeting. Bank sites have come a long way in recent years, and you don't have to pick a big bank to get a good online experience. The best sites also provide recent transaction reports (including payments, transfers and deposits), and warn you of potential security threats, such as e-mails from phishers.

A good bank site provides scanned images -- both the front and back sides -- of your canceled checks. Most major banks offer this service, including every bank on the top-10 list.

Why are check images important? Let's say you forget to record check #1454 in your register. You go to your bank's site and read your account summary, which lists only the check number and the amount. Who's the payee? To find out, view the check's image.

And a good site also archives several months' worth of account statements and check images. Archives vary considerably. For instance, Bank of America archives 18 months of statements but only 60 business days (about three months) of check images. EverBank, on the other hand, provides 15 months of statements and 13 months of images.

Fund transfers. Transferring money to your accounts at other banks and brokerages is a big convenience. Some banks let you set up automatic deductions to make regular payments to, say, an IRA at a mutual fund company.

Account aggregation. This is the ability to manage multiple accounts, including those from other banks, at your bank's Web site. Of the top 10 online banks, only Citibank and Wells Fargo have this feature.

E-mail alerts and reminders. You'll want to be notified if there's excessive activity on your credit card, if someone tries to access your account with an incorrect password or even when you're low on checks.

Budgeting. Wells Fargo's "My Spending Report" organizes your expenditures into categories, including groceries, restaurants and lodging. It's a great way to see how and where you spend your money. Citibank and Bank of America have similar features.

Top 10 e-banks


1. Wellsfargo.com

2. Citibank.com

3. Bankofamerica.com

4. Bankus.etrade.com

5. Huntington.com

6. Firstnational.com*

6. Hsbc.com

6. Usbank.com

9. Chase.com

9. Wachovia.com


*First National Bank of Omaha.

Information as of July 2005. Source: Watchfire GómezPro


http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/BetterBanking/TheTop10OnlineBanks.aspx