Thursday, March 20, 2008

Short stars and their leggy loves

Friday, March 14, 2008
Short stars and their leggy loves


Some of Tinseltown’s tallest women cannot help but fall head over heels for some of the smallest stars around. The long and short of it is that for some Hollywood hotties size really does not matter and they are prepared to ditch their high heels for love. Despite his slight stature Tom Cruise has always had the knack for romancing sexy sky-scraping women like Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes. And now it seems more and more miniature men are jumping on the big bandwagon and dating women who tower above them.
TOM CRUISE AND KATIE HOLMES
Tom Cruise - 5ft 7insKatie Holmes - 5ft 10insHeight difference - 3ins
Standing tall at 5ft 10ins Dawson’s Creek star Katie Holmes towers over husband Tom Cruise. But Katie has never appeared bothered by the difference in height until she appeared on the David Letterman chat show. Letterman poked fun at the height and age difference between her and then-boyfriend Tom Cruise. Brunette beauty Katie was stunned when cheeky Letterman asked, “You seem like, I’m guessing, maybe it’s possible... that you might be a little taller.” She told the chat show host, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Letterman replied: “I’m sitting here and I’m thinking Tom Cruise has got the loveliest woman in the world. How does that happen, for God’s sakes...? He’s shorter than you are,” before introducing a clip from her new movie. Holmes hit back, stating, “I think he’s sexy.” But TomKat caused even more of a stir when their wedding pictures were released and the Top Gun actor appeared to have grown four inches. Tom has a history of falling for taller women. His second wife, Nicole Kidman, was four inches taller than him. On the day their divorce was granted she famously exclaimed: “At least I can wear high heels now.”

US judge asks India to pay up $42m tax

Hyderabad, March 19: Americans have always been known to be litigious, but exactly how much was brought home to India on Wednesday when a federal judge ruled that India owes $42.3 million to the New York City in property taxes. Along with India, the Philippines and Mongolia have also been caught by the long arm of the US law. The ruling released on Monday by Judge Jed S. Rakoff of the US District Court in Manhattan awards a total of $57 million in property taxes and accrued interest to the city from India, Philippines and Mongolia.
The case goes as far back as 2003, when the city filed a suit against the three countries arguing that property taxes need to be paid for non-diplomatic activities. This includes housing of low level staff. In case of Philippines, a bank branch and an airline office were also operating out of the premises. The three countries chose to argue the case, citing the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 generally kept the federal courts from hearing suits against foreign governments. However, the US Supreme Court recently ruled that tax issues are not subject to this law.
This isn’t the first occasion where a foreign government has been sued in a US court. Recently, oil major Exxon Mobil won a ruling against the government of Venezuela. This ruling allowed the company to freeze assets belonging to the South American nation to offset losses from a forced nationalisation. Almost five years ago, when the Russian government had moved against oil billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky, once Russia’s richest man, on fraud charges and sought to sell off his company, a stay in the US court threatened to stall the process.
However, the large numbers of lawsuits, which are sometimes frivolous, have also led to a backlash. In 1992, a 79-year-old woman spilt coffee on herself at a McDonald’s outlet. A local court awarded her a $2.9 million settlement. This inspired some wags to institute the ‘Stella’ awards, named after that lady, for wild, outrageous or sometimes ridiculous lawsuits. One suit that takes the cake is that of an American judge who sued a dry cleaner for $65 million for a pair of lost trousers. After an adverse ruling, the plaintiff brought this down to $54 million — to compensate for lost trousers, mental anguish and to help other dissatisfied consumers sue such businesses.

India have very few off-spinners’

New Delhi, March 19: Former India coach Greg Chappell on Wednesday echoed chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar’s stand that the country did not have any extraordinary talent at the junior level. "There are a lot of talented youngsters in India but they are all on the same level... nothing extraordinary," Chappell said at a function to announce the winners of the Delhi leg of a Twenty20 Cricket Star talent hunt.
Of the 1,200 aspirants who turned up for the trials at the Jamia Milia Islamia university grounds in Delhi, Chappell zeroed in on just five — Naman Sharma from Ghaziabad, Gaurav Goel from Meerut, Abhishek Singh from Delhi, Bharat Awasthi from Kanpur and Ravindra Solanki from Bareilly — who will undergo a 10-day coaching camp starting March 21 at an academy in Jaipur under Chappell.
In all 24 players will be shortlisted from seven cities, with one of them getting a contract to play for the Rajasthan Royals team in the 2009 season of the Indian Premier League. Apart from them another 10-12 players will be taken in for a six-month coaching camp to be conducted by the Rajasthan Cricket Association.
The former Australian captain felt that heavier willows had brought about a sea change in the way youngsters played cricket. "I have seen a predominant tendency among youngsters to use heavier bats which means they will become more of bottom-handed players," Chappell said.
"This will make them push the ball more rather than a hit it." After visiting six cities and having taken a close look at about 4,000 aspiring cricketers along with his assistant Ian Fraser, the former bio-mechanist with the Indian team, Chappell found that India had very few off-spinners.
"Most of those we saw, interestingly, were left-arm finger spinners. There were very few off-spinners," he said.
Asked whether the Twenty20 format would result in more player burnout, Chappell said: "It all depends on a player’s agility and stamina. We will lay a lot of stress in our camps on enhancing the physical skills and adaptability of a player and would also try to make them stronger emotionally."
Fraser said Indian boys were physically less mature than their counterparts in the same age groups elsewhere.
"Diet is one important aspect. Physically they need more work. The body needs to stand up to the rigours of international sport," he said.

Sensex swings to Fed tunes

Mumbai, March 19: The euphoria of the interest rate cut of 75 basis points by the US Fed on Tuesday saw the stock markets open strong and the Sensex gained over 600 points. But the euphoria soon faded as investors booked profits and squared up ahead of the long weekend commencing on Thursday. Punters were also cautious to wind up some of their positions as next Thursday is the last day for settlement in the derivatives segment.
The markets shot up over 400 points on opening bell on cues from the overnight bounce back of the Dow and Nasdaq on the Fed’s rate cut and the surge in Asian stocks. The Sensex closed 161.4 points up at 14,994.8 while the Nifty gained 40.9 points at 4573.9. Only 374 stocks ended in the green and 874 in the red. The midcap and the smallcap indices were also down. The European markets all ended in the red between 0.2 and 1.9 per cent down.
The Dow and Nasdaq opened weak on Wednesday and were down at the time of writing this report. The Fed’s liberal cut in the rate at which bank’s borrow from the Fed does not seem to have inspired confidence. Analysts felt that this would provide a temporary reprieve as several banks are expected to declare their sub-prime losses not only in the US but in Europe.
The Fed’s cut while being widely welcomed has come in for criticism in some quarters for encouraging irresponsible sub-prime schemes by bailing the banks out. One US commentator said in the International Herald Tribune, "The biggest danger is the damage to the Fed’s credibility if it is seen as unwilling to let financial institutions face the consequences of their decisions. Central banks have long been sensitive to moral hazard, the danger that rescuing investors from their mistakes will encourage others to be more reckless in the future."
source: deccan chronicle daily news papaer

Recruitment of Management Trainees

requires
Management Trainees
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE
Rectt. Advt. No.02/2008

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, India’s first shore-based integrated Steel Plant, with a turnover of Rs.10,000 crores invites applications from dynamic and result oriented persons to join as Management Trainees for a challenging career with excellent growth opportunities.

Number of posts –

Management Trainee (Technical) – 150 (UR-115, SC-5, ST-25, OBC-5) – One post earmarked for PWD (Partially Deaf)

Disciplines:
§ Ceramics
§ Chemical
§ Civil
§ Computer Science/Information Technology
§ Electrical
§ Electronics & Telecommunications
§ Instrumentation
§ Mechanical/Production
§ Metallurgy
§ Mining

Management Trainee (Human Resources) – 11 (UR-6, SC-1, ST-2, OBC-2) - One post earmarked for PWD (Partially Blind)

Management Trainee (Materials Management) – 6 (UR-3, SC-1, ST-1, OBC-1) - One post earmarked for PWD (Partially Deaf)


ELIGIBILITY
Qualifications
Management Trainee (Technical): Full-time regular Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognized Indian University/ Institute in the disciplines of CERAMICS/ CHEMICAL/ CIVIL/ COMPUTER SCIENCE/ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/ ELECTRICAL/ ELECTRONICS & TELECOMMUNICATIONS/ INSTRUMENTATION/ MECHANICAL/ PRODUCTION/ METALLURGY/ MINING with minimum 60% of marks in the aggregate of all years/ semesters (50% in aggregate for SC/ST candidates). For Computer Science/IT discipline, those having Master of Computer Applications (MCA) (full-time three years’ course) from a recognized Indian University/ Institute with minimum 60% marks in the aggregate (50% marks in aggregate for SC/ST candidates) are also eligible.



Management Trainee (Human Resources) – Full-time regular Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized Indian University with minimum 60% marks in the aggregate of all years/semesters (50% marks in aggregate for SC/ST candidates)
With
Two years full-time Post-Graduate Degree/ Diploma in Human Resource Management/ Personnel Management and Industrial Relations/ Labour Welfare or MBA from a recognized Indian University/ Institute with minimum 60% marks in aggregate of all years/ semesters (50% marks in aggregate for SC/ST candidates).

Note: Candidates with MBA qualifications should have specialization in HRM/ Personnel Management & Industrial Relations.

Management Trainee (Materials Management) –
a) Full time regular Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognised Indian University/Institute with minimum 60% marks in aggregate of all years/semesters (50% marks in aggregate for SC/ST candidates)
OR
b) Full time regular Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised Indian University with minimum 60% marks in aggregate of all years/semesters (50% marks in aggregate for SC/ST candidates)
With
Two years full-time regular MBA/ Post-Graduate Degree/Diploma in Industrial Management with specialization in Materials Management/Logistics Management from a recognized Indian University/ Institute with minimum 60% marks in aggregate of all years/ semesters (50% marks in aggregate for SC/ST candidates).

Final year students (for all posts):

Candidates appearing for their Final Year examination and expecting their results by 31st July, 2008 can also apply subject to passing the qualifying degree with specified percentage of marks at the time of joining.

Age: Born not earlier than February 1, 1983. Upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC(non-creamy layer) and 10 years for PWD (Partially Deaf/ Partially Blind) candidates. Those domiciled in the state of Jammu & Kashmir from 1/1/80 to 31/12/89 will be allowed 5 years relaxation in upper age limit.
Health:
Candidates should be of sound health. Minimum requirements are: Height 150cms; Weight 45 kgs; Myopia and Hypermetropia, if any, not to exceed + 4.00D in each eye for Technical and + 6.00D for HR and MM disciplines. No squint and no colour blindness - partial or full for MT(Technical). No relaxation in these standards will be made. Candidates may ensure that they fulfil these standards before applying. Suitable relaxation in height & weight will be given to female candidates.

SELECTION :The selection process will consist of:-

Written Examination: Eligible registered candidates will have to appear for written test at designated center at their own expense. Written test will be held simultaneously at Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. Candidates are required to choose one of the cities as Test Center and no change under any circumstances will be allowed subsequently. RINL however reserves the right to add/delete any center and allocate appropriate center to the candidate at its discretion. Written tests for all posts will be held simultaneously. In the written test, there will be no negative marking for wrong answers.

Likely date for written test is 1st June, 2008.

Group Discussion / Interview: Candidates shortlisted on the basis of their performance in the written test and requirement will be intimated to appear for Group Discussion/Interview at a later date.

TRAINING
Candidates selected as Management Trainee will be placed on training for one year.
EMOLUMENTS
Selected candidates will be offered a basic pay of Rs.10750/- p.m. in the scale of Rs.10750-300-16750 (E-1) with total emoluments of around Rs.23,000/-. On successful completion of training, they will be designated as Junior Managers in the same scale of pay. (Pay scales are under revision)

Besides pay, the post carries benefits of Industrial Dearness Allowance, Company House/HRA, Free Medical Benefits, LTC, Conveyance Allowance, Production Incentive, etc. and a superannuation package consisting of Gratuity, Contributory Provident Fund, contribution to Superannuation Benefit Fund, etc.

APPLICATION FEES:

§ Rs.500/- (Rupees Five Hundred) only. SC/ST/PWD(Partially Deaf/Partially Blind) candidates are exempted from this payment.
§ The candidates are required to deposit the amount with any of the Core Banking branches of State Bank of India to the credit of “Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited -Executive Recruitment Account”, Account No. 30333471832 and obtain a Journal Number provided by the branch of the bank.
§ The candidate is required to mention in the appropriate column on the online application form the details of SBI branch code, City, date of deposit and the Journal Number.
§ Application Fees can be deposited from 11.3.2008 to 29.3.2008.
§ Application fees once deposited into RINL’s account will not be refunded under any circumstances, even if the candidate is unable to apply on-line due to his own problems or due to being ineligible at the time of applying or on-line application is not accepted or due to internet failure or due to postal delay/loss.
§ Therefore, before depositing the fee amount the candidates should ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria.
§ The candidate should submit a self-attested photocopy of the counterfoil of the pay in slip for Application fees. At the bottom of the photocopy they have to indicate their Name, Registration no. and Discipline along with Code No. and name of the SBI branch in which the application fees have been deposited, date of deposit and Journal Number.


HOW TO APPLY: Eligible and interested candidates would be required to apply online only through RINL website www.vizagsteel.com . No other means/mode of application shall be accepted.

Starting date for online registration - 14th March, 2008.

Closing date for online registration - 29th March, 2008

Last date for receipt of Registration Slip – 5th April, 2008

Steps for Applying

STEP 1: Log on to www.vizagsteel.com and click on Recruitment of Management Trainees in Recruitment link.

STEP 2: Read CAREFULLY all the instructions given on the website.

STEP 3: Have the following readily available:
a) e-mail ID (WHICH MUST BE VALID FOR MINIMUM OF EIGHT MONTHS)
b) Deposit Journal number for payment of Application fees.

Applications will not be registered without the details of email id, Application Fees Deposit Journal Number, Deposit Branch Code no., City and date of deposit.

SC/ST/OBC(non-creamy layer)/ Physically Handicapped/J&K domiciled candidates are required to submit self-attested copy of relevant certificate.

STEP 4: Fill in the online form with all the relevant details and click SUBMIT.

STEP 5: After you click SUBMIT, download the system generated Registration Slip with unique registration number and other essential details with space for passport size photograph & signature. Take a print of the Registration Slip, affix and self-attest passport size color photograph, and sign at the space provided.

STEP 6: The Original Registration Slip, self-attested photocopy of the counterfoil of the pay in slip and self-attested copy of SC/ST/OBC/PWD/J&K domicile certificate(s) as the case may be, is to be sent by ORDINARY POST (since post box does not accept registered post) to Post Box No. 12026, Cossipore Post Office, Kolkata-700 002 so as to reach latest by 05.4.2008.

STEP 7: Please superscribe the envelope- “APPLICATION FOR THE POST of Management Trainee___________”.

STEP 8: The online registration site would be open from 14.3.2008 to 29.3.2008. All correspondence with the candidates shall be done through e-mail only. All information regarding examination schedule/admit card/interview call letters etc. shall be provided through e-mail/ to be downloaded from website. Responsibility of receiving/downloading and printing of admit card shall be of the candidate. RINL will not be responsible for any loss of e-mail sent, due to invalid/wrong e-mail ID provided by the candidate.

STEP 9: Candidates are advised to visit the website on 7th May, 2008 for further instructions on downloading of Admit Cards.
General Instructions:
Wherever CGPA/OGPA or letter grade in a degree is awarded, equivalent percentage of marks should be indicated in the application (online) as per norms adopted by University/ Institute.
Candidates employed in Govt. departments / PSUs / Autonomous Bodies have to produce NOC at the time of interview.
Registration Slips should not have any enclosure except the photocopy of pay in slip and SC/ST/OBC(non-creamy layer)/PH/J&K domicile certificate(s) as applicable.
Application fees must be deposited in RINL Account No. 30333471832 in any Core Banking branch of SBI and no other form of payment will be accepted.
RINL shall not be responsible for any postal delay/loss in transit. No request in this regard will be entertained.
Only original Registration Slip (no photocopy) shall be accepted.
In case of any overwriting or tampering of Registration Slip, the candidature of the candidate shall be rejected.
Candidates should retain a photocopy of Registration Slip and counterfoil of pay in slip of Application fees for future reference.
§ Candidates not depositing exact amount of Application fees will be rejected.
In case of any problem in filling up the Online Application, the candidate may contact on telephone no. 0891-2740405.
NOTE:
Depending on the requirement, the Company reserves the right to cancel/restrict/enlarge/curtail the recruitment process as well as the number of positions keeping in view the Plant’s needs without any further notice and without assigning any reason thereof.
The candidates are advised to ensure while applying that they fulfil the eligibility criteria and other requirements mentioned in this advertisement and that the particulars furnished by them are correct in all respects. In case it is detected at any stage of recruitment process that the candidate does not fulfil the eligibility criteria and/or does not comply with other requirements of this advertisement and/or he/she has furnished any incorrect/false information or has suppressed any material fact(s), his/her candidature is liable to be rejected. If any of the above shortcomings is/are detected, even after appointment, his/her services are liable to be terminated without any notice.
Candidates belonging to OBC category but not covered under ‘Non-Creamy Layer’ and thus, not entitled to OBC reservation, should indicate their category as ‘GENERAL’.
Candidates are advised to possess a valid e-mail ID, which is to be entered in the on-line Application Form. They are also advised to retain this e-mail ID active for at least next eight months. All important intimation to the candidates shall be provided by RINL through e-mail/this website regarding this recruitment process.
RINL reserves the right to reschedule the test date, venue, etc. depending upon the circumstances and the candidates are bound by the same.
Candidates are bound by the existing rules and regulations made for the purpose of selection and to be made in future by RINL as and when warranted.
Applicants should produce the required certificates in original in proof of Age, Caste, Qualification, etc. at the time of interview failing which their applications are liable to be rejected.
The health standards indicated above are minimum pre-requisites. However, appointment of selected candidates will be subject to their passing the Company’s Medical Examination as per standards laid down under Company’s Policy.
The Company reserves the right to reject any application without assigning any reason whatsoever.
The decision of RINL/VSP in all matters relating to eligibility, acceptance, rejection of the application, issue of call letters, mode of selection, conduct of written examination, allotment of examination centres, interview, verification of testimonials and selection will be final and binding on the candidates and no enquiry or correspondence will be entertained in this connection.
Canvassing in any form shall disqualify the candidature.
In case of any dispute, the case shall be settled in the Courts of Visakhapatnam Jurisdiction only.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

10 Tips You Should Know Before Buying A Used Motorcycle

10 Tips You Should Know Before Buying A Used Motorcycle by: Timothy Rudon
Motorcycles are what everyone desires. If you are considering buying a used motorcycle you will need to be savvy so that you do not get taken for a ride. Not all used motorcycles are equal. So before you pay make sure the bike you are buying is the best in its category. Used motorcycles can be bought from family and friends, online stores, dealers, classifieds in newspapers and more. While buying a known motorcycle is your best option sometimes you may need to buy from unknown sources. Do your research well. Surf the internet and read articles and tips on bikes and what to look for when buying a motorbike. Visit a few dealers and online motorbike websites to see what is on sale in the used motorbike category. In case you are nervy take the help of an auto professional. Find out what the price is for used motorbikes this will give you an idea of brands and price range. Before you decide on the bike consider: 1. Making a thorough inspection. Check for damage and scratches as well as bends and repair signs. 2. Study the different motorbike models and know what inherent flaws are. 3. Ask whether the bike has been raced and how many owners it has had. 4. Check the lines of the bike and the brake and clutch for smooth operation. 5. Rev the engine and listen to what it has to say. If you are tone deaf take along a biker friend. 6. Check the bike for signs of rust and paint flaking. 7. Check the wheel and tires for wear and tear. 8. Study the service records carefully. 9. Ask pertinent questions to know how the bike has been used and whether the owner takes pride in his bike. Judge whether the owner is being honest about the bikes accident free status and performance. 10. An owner who loves his bike will talk about it clearly and try and judge whether you will care for his old friend. Always make sure no modifications were done and that the service and maintenance were done by an authorized dealer with genuine parts. Never buy the first bike you see. Buying a bike is like looking for an ever elusive pearl. Take your time and you will get a bike that will give trouble free rides. Always ask for a test ride and go through the papers to check there are no insurance or loan amounts pending. Read through sites like http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html where in depth articles are given for buyers of second hand motorbikes. Study the bike not once but twice or even thrice before making a decision. Make sure you feel comfortable when seated on the bike. Motorbikes are like horses the owner and the motorbike must both feel as though they are one entity.
About The Author
Timothy Rudon is a writer for http://www.1855motorcycles.com , the premier website to find motorcycles, motorcycle parts, used motorcycles, motorcycle accessories, motorcycles for sale, motorcycle insurance, electric motorcycle, and many more.

10 Great Tips For Buying Car Tires Online

10 Great Tips For Buying Car Tires Online by: Timothy Rudon
Cars need tires and it is best to buy new tires. The key is to get high quality car tires at low prices. The market online and offline is filled with a huge variety of tires. Choose tires with care and get a set of tires that are most suited to your car. The first step in buying car tires is to follow recommendations made by the car manufacturer. Unless you are an auto mechanic or formula one car racer what the manufacturer recommends as suitable tires for the car are the best choice. 1. Get all the parameters right. From the side of the tires or your car manual jot down : vehicle application; tire width; aspect ratio; radial designation; wheel diameter; load index; speed rating; DOT; ply construction; load and pressure limits; tread wear and traction ratings. 2. Be smart shop around for the best deal locally as well as online. 3. Check aspects like factory warranties and shop guarantees before paying for the tires. 4. Know which features are important and find tires that will give you safety, longevity, and peace of mind. 5. Find out if you are buying online how the tires will be delivered to you, who will mount and balance the tires. Many online sites offer tires for great rates but you will have to pay for shipping as well as for a mechanic to fit the tires. So well before buying check out the instructions on the website and find out exactly how much it will cost to get new tires fixed on the car. 6. While many recommend buying refurbished tires in the long run new tires will stand you in good stead. While you may save money on purchase the wear and tear will be quicker. 7. Most people buy all season tires but in case you live in a snow bound or very wet region you may need special car tires for specific seasons. If in doubt consult an automotive expert. 8. Check whether the tires you are considering buying are for passenger vehicles and radial. Tubeless tires are great for urban roads that are well maintained. 9. Always get the tires fitted by an expert and ensure that balancing is done. Ask about how to prevent new tire wear and tear by rotating the tires/wheels. 10. Always replace tires in pairs. It is best to replace all four but in case of budget constrains then do the needful two at a time. The front wheels first followed by the back wheels. Never replace one in the front and the other at the back. Read up about tires on the internet. When in doubt ask the manufacturer. If you care for your car and its tires then the car will serve you well.