Microsoft Student Partner (MSP) India Program

Program Overview:
The Microsoft Student Partner Program recognizes top young minds from around the world that are passionate about technology. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop real-world skills to help you succeed in your future career, to help others learn about the technology of today and tomorrow, and to connect with other like-minded students, all whilst having a ton of fun along the way. The tenure is for 1 academic year and can be renewed by the MSP India Team if the MSP has acceptable performance and continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
 What is a Microsoft Student Partner?The ‘ideal candidate’ would be a passionate and enthusiast individual who wants to learn about new tools and technologies. You would need to have a whole range of skills including excellent time management, organization and communication skills to ensure that you could host successful campus events. An MSP should be comfortable and confident presenting in front of large audiences of both students and faculty members. General marketing skills come in very handy in order to allow you to articulate your ideas effectively when presenting. MSPs are social, friendly and approachable individuals who like to meet new people. You will require the ability work as a team as well as use your own initiative. In summary, MSPs are innovative and creative students who are extremely passionate about technology and who like to help others.
 

MSP India Program

2011-2012 Academic Year Selection Process

How to apply? 

The deadline for registering for the 2011-2012 Academic Year has elapsed. Results will be announced by 14th November 2011.

• Part 1: You will need to create a video of yourself speaking about a Microsoft technology and upload it to YouTube. This is to judge your public-speaking skills and confidence. MSPs conduct a lot of technical sessions and other activities in which they interact with their peers and colleagues. Thus, an MSP has to be fluent in English and be able to put his/her point across. In this round, emphasis will be on Clarity of communication and Quality of content.
• Specifications:
  * The duration of the video has to be between 3 to 4 minutes (minimum 3 minutes and maximum 4 minutes)
  * You have to be clearly visible in the video- we want to see and hear you speaking. No PowerPoint presentations, screencasts, webcasts etc. will be allowed.
  * All content has to be genuine. It should not contain any copyrighted material without express consent of the owner.
  * Make sure the video is of your own creation.
  * The video has to be interesting and engaging. Through the video you have to show us why you should be selected for the MSP Program. There will be hundreds of videos submitted, so be original in the video.
  * The deadline for submitting the URL of your video has elapsed.

• Topics for the video:
  You have to choose from any one of the following topics ONLY:
  * Cloud Computing (Azure or Office 365)
  * Web (ASP.NET or WebMatrix or WebPI or Silverlight)
  * Mobile (Application development for Windows Phone 7)
  * Client (Application development for Windows 7, WPF)
  * Windows Embedded
  * Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio
  * Application development using XNA Game Studio
  * Expression Studio
  * Windows Server 2008 R2
  * SQL Server 2008 R2

• Tips to make the video interesting:* You have to be clearly visible. We want to see and hear you speak.
  * Make sure you are audible. Audio quality is more important than video quality.
  * Be creative. Think of ways to make your video presentation memorable for the audience.
  * Don’t read from a paper or a computer screen. Make your presentation dynamic, so that people can enjoy watching it.
  * Don’t just copy an existing video from YouTube, Channel 9 or a Microsoft video. We want to gain an insight into your understanding and interest in the technology you choose to speak on.

• Part 2: Get your Windows Phone 7 App certified on AppHub.
• * Using your DreamSpark account, setup a free “Student” AppHub account at http://create.msdn.com/SendtoXboxcom.aspx
• * Create your app using the free development tool and emulator available at http://create.msdn.com/en-us/resources/downloads
• * If you do not have access to a machine that supports these dev tools, you can use a third-party web-based utility like http://bit.ly/wp7appmakr to create an app (e.g. for your personal blog or for an RSS feed relevant to your college or your city). Here's a demo video: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=149172155146650
• * Go through the steps listed at http://create.msdn.com/en-US/home/about/app_submission_walkthrough
• * Ensure that the Support/Contact Email Address that you provide on AppHub is the same as the one that you provided during registration for the MSP selection process. This is very important- so do this properly.
• * Work towards getting your apps certified by 18th October 2011. Submit your apps on AppHub early so that you get at least a week before the deadline to go through the certification process.
• * The goal of this exercise is to assess your understanding of the AppHub certification process. So there is no need to complicate your app development. There will be other opportunities later this year for students to showcase complex and innovative apps.
• * The deadline for this Part has elapsed.

• Part 3: Compete in Quiz 1 of the Imagine Cup 2012 IT Challenge scheduled to be held online on 20th Oct 2011. Start preparing by browsing through the various topics covered on http://technet.microsoft.com?ocid=aff-n-in-loc--at. Also, do this in advance:
• * Login to http://www.imaginecup.com and update the Profile fields properly.
• * Sign-up for the IT Challenge.

The main one-hour Quiz can then be taken online at http://www.imaginecup.com/Competition/mycompetitionportal.aspx?competitionId=65 at any of the following times: 

Start time in Indian Standard Time (IST)

05:30 on 20th October in India

08:30 on 20th October in India

11:30 on 20th October in India

14:30 on 20th October in India

17:30 on 20th October in India

20:30 on 20th October in India

23:30 on 20th October in India

02:30 on 21st October in India

Imagine Cup website support: http://www.imaginecup.com/Support/ContactUs.aspx

•  * The deadline for this Part has elapsed.

Disclaimer: This is a voluntary program for students and does not involve any fees. It is neither a course nor an internship.

Eligibility: To consider applying for the MSP Program, you must be:

• * Over 17 years of age. 
• * Currently studying a full-time Science, Technology, Engineering, Math or Design (STEMD) course at an officially recognized University/College in India.
• * Bachelor's/Master's Degree student who will complete the course during or after May 2012.

Competencies: A good MSP is one who has the following basic qualities:

• * Technical competencies
• * Passionate about software
• * Quick learner
• * Respected by peers

Community-building competencies:

• * Enthusiastic about technology
• * High level of social activity, both online & offline
• * Can organize college and city-level events

Fundamental competencies:

• * Passionate about Microsoft technologies
• * Confident & outgoing
• * Good rapport with faculty
• * Willing to share knowledge & eager to uplift self and peers

Responsibilities: If you get selected as an MSP, here's an indication of some of your short term goals:

• * Learn & implement emerging technologies like Windows Phone 7 apps using the free tools & emulator.
• * Conduct at least 1 technical session per month in a Student Tech Club.
• * Participate and drive entries for Imagine Cup.

If you get selected as an MSP, here's an indication of some of your long term goals:

• * Promote and build your city-level Microsoft Student User Group
• * Organize city-level events like DreamSpark Yatra by collaborating with other MSPs
• * Mentor other MSPs

Benefits: As an MSP, a host of benefits are available:

• * Welcome letter
• * Special MSP events conducted by Microsoft
• * MSDN subscription after successful completion of probation period
• * Rewards & Recognition for top performers
• * Networking opportunities
• * Technical training & resources
• * Specific Microsoft events
• * Interactions with MVPs & Microsoft Employees
• * Internship & Recruitment announcements for top-performers

Contact Us:

• * For queries regarding the MSP Selection process for 2011-2012 in India, post these on http://bit.ly/querymsp
• * For other questions regarding the MSP India program, email newmsp@microsoft.com

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Posted in: India,Informations,learning,Microsoft,Student

Realistic Asset Allocation Management

The first tip for asset allocation management is to diversify your investment. Putting all your eggs inside one basket is too much a risk.  So do not invest all your money in one company, expecting to generate cores of rupees in revenue.  Strategic asset allocation requires diversification.

If you want to invest in it, assign a determined percentage. Since it is a risky investment, you should balance it with other, less risky assets. For example, Government Bonds, NSC, PPF etc. They may have a low return over investment (ROI), but you can be pretty sure that they will pay you what they promised.

The second tip is to find a group of asset allocation tools that can help you in your decisions. For example, one of those tools is the internet. The World Wide Web is an excellent source of information. You can find the investments opportunities available at all over the world. Plus, you will be able to recollect the latest news in the geopolitical situation at different parts of the world.

 

The world is an ever changing place, so it is in your best interest to maintain yourself informed. Another practical tool is an asset allocation calculator. The difference between a typical calculator and this application is that it will help you decide in which way you should make your investments. And, it can make a projection on how much money are you going to receive after a determined number of years.

Finally, there is paid and free asset allocation software. In the case of the first one, they can be pretty complex pieces of software. They may use different mode of calculations and predications. Before considering buying one of these packages, make a thorough research and determine if you really need them. In the case of free software, forget about it. There is no way in which someone will invest so much time in decent asset allocation software and then distribute it for free. Those kinds of things may happen with computer games, but not with investment software.   I never recommend to buy software for planning your asset allocation, the main defects of this software is, again you need to be an expert in operating this software.  In case you failed to operate this software as per the direction, definitely the end result will be wrong and misleading.  Finally you will end up with a wrong asset allocation  which will defect  the entire objectives of  financial planning and proper asset allocation.

Optimizing strategic asset allocation should be the priority of every person who wants to have an untroubled future for him and his family. Although determining which are the correct asset allocation models isn't easy. In case you aren't able to determine the best strategic asset allocation, you can always look for a financial adviser.

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Posted in: Informations,Marketing

How to reduce emissions of greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050?

Disruption of the water cycle, rising sea levels, species extinction, extreme weather events as well as epidemics or economic downturns could be ultimately the consequences of global warming. To contribute to international debate on a low-carbon economy in 2050, Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet launched 27 June 2011 a task force to identify the best scenarios for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in France.

Towards a low-carbon economy 

"Paths 2020-2050 - Towards a low-carbon economy", is a committee chaired by Christian de Perthuis, professor of economics at the University of Paris-Dauphine and expert economic climate, and supported by the Centre for Strategic Analysis (CAS). It brings together some forty participants.

It will analyze in October 2011 by the possible scenarios, taking into account all economic, social, health and environmental. His work will help guide strategies for emission reductions and long-term investment at the national level, and to clarify the French position on raising the ambition in 2020.

"  The economic crisis should not blind us to the urgent issue of climate. Maturities 2020 and 2050 may seem distant, but are preparing today. To develop a roadmap will enable stakeholders to anticipate the transition of our economy and make it an opportunity for growth and employment  , "said Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet.

The objectives of the international community ....
The international community has set a goal to Cancun to limit the rise in average temperature below 2 ° C compared to preindustrial times. According to the evaluations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) this goal requires a halving of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a reduction of at least 80% by 2050 for OECD countries.

In a situation of economic crisis and on the eve of the Durban Conference, the roadmap to achieve this goal in 2050 is the subject of intense debate. While the European Union adopted in 2008 under the French Presidency measures enabling it to reduce its emissions by 20% in 2020, the European Commission now estimates that the scenario most effective in achieving the goal would be a 25 % in 2020, 40% in 2030 and 60% in 2040.

Give rise to heated debates
Because of the Polish opposition to any new commitments, the discussion could not advance to the European Council of June 21 France, meanwhile, has not yet officially positioned on the question of raising the commitment in 2020. In fact the acceleration of the transition to a low-carbon economy must be considered in the alder a national debate on the best path depth to reach the target in 2050. On what basis to share the effort between different sectors of the economy? What would be the impact on business competitiveness and the job market? How to evaluate the investment required to raise our ambitions and the means of financing? What are the instruments to implement climate ambition to reconcile the economic efficiency and social?

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Posted in: Informations,Inspirational,learning,Nature

Huawei Unveils Tablet Android 3.2 of 7 inches with a nice surprise price level?

And if the success of Android tablets passing by Chinese companies? Huawei specializes in telecommunications networks and main competitor Ericsson, NSN (Nokia Siemens) and Alcatel-Lucent, has announced at least one tablet Android 3.2 for the third quarter. The Chinese company even hopes to be part of the top five global player in the shelves within three years.

The MediaPad, it is called, has been known for several months but was unveiled today in Singapore. Armed with a 7-inch screen, the tablet will be joined by a declination of 10 inches later. Its full specifications are not available, but we already know this:

• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.2 GHz dual-core
• Camera: 5 Mbps in the back, to 1.3 Mbps (with autofocus and recording HD)
• Micro USB port
• Enter to micro SD card (up to 32 GB)
• Wi-Fi 802.11n
• Bluetooth 2.1
• 3G (HSPA)
• USIM card slot
• HDMI Port
• Micro
• Battery: Li-Polymer (3.7V) 4100mAh
• Battery life: more than 6 hours in severe
• Weight: 390 grams
• Finesse: 10.5 mm

Android Android 3.2 is actually 3.1 but specifically designed for bars 7 inches.

This product is not the first of its kind for the Chinese. Huawei has in fact sold 200,000 of its S7 (Android 2.x), mainly in Asia. But with new shelves, the company has Asian move up a gear and sell a million tablets. It remains to know its price and its potential availability in Europe.

In addition to the video presentation that you can see above, Huawei Devices has also published some ten days of a funny advertisement for its product. There has to work.

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Posted in: Android,Huawei,Informations,Invention

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Bladder Infection Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

About half of women will get a urinary tract infection or UTI at some point in life. It happens when germs infect the system that carries urine out of your body -- the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that connect them. Bladder infections are common and usually not serious if treated promptly. But if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can cause more serious illness.

UTI Symptoms: 

• Bladder Infection
• Kidney Infection
• An untreated bladder infection can spread to the kidneys.
• Pain on either side of the lower back
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain or burning during urination
• The urge to urinate often
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Urine that is cloudy or foul-smelling
• Some people may have no symptoms

When to See Your Doctor

See your doctor right away if you have signs of a urinary tract infection. A bladder infection is generally not a medical emergency – but some people have a higher risk for complications. This includes pregnant women, the elderly, and men, as well as people with diabetes, kidney problems, or a weakened immune system.

UTI(Urinary Tract Infection) or Something Else?

Although burning during urination is a telltale sign of a UTI, it can also be a symptom of certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs.) These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Simple lab tests are available to distinguish a UTI from an STD.

Honeymoon Cystitis

Few things can ruin a honeymoon like a UTI. But this is so common, it has its own name – "honeymoon cystitis." The reason is that sexual activity can push bacteria into the urethra. Of course, the problem is not confined to honeymoons. Some women get a bladder infection almost every time they have sex. Women who use a diaphragm for birth control are especially vulnerable.

Stealth UTI(Urinary Tract Infection)

Occasionally, UTIs occur without the classic symptoms. A person may have no symptoms at all. Yet, a urine test shows the presence of bacteria. This is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria. In many cases, no treatment is needed. But pregnant women, some children, and recipients of kidney transplants should be treated to avoid a kidney infection.

UTI(Urinary Tract Infection) Complications

The main danger associated with untreated UTIs is that the infection may spread from the bladder to one or both kidneys. When bacteria attack the kidneys, they can cause damage that will permanently reduce kidney function. In people who already have kidney problems, this can raise the risk of kidney failure. There's also a small chance that the infection may enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs.

How Do UTIs Begin?

Many types of bacteria live in the intestines and the genital area, but this is not true of the urinary system. In fact, urine is sterile. So when errant bacteria, such as the E. coli shown here, is accidentally introduced into the urinary system, it can start a UTI. Typically, bacteria travel up the urethra to the bladder, where an infection can take hold. Women are more susceptible than men, probably because they have shorter urethras.

What Boosts Your Risk?

UTIs are most common in sexually active women. Other factors that may increase your risk include:

• Not drinking enough fluids
• Taking frequent baths
• Holding your urine
• Kidney stones

Urinary Tract Infections in Men

Men are much less likely than women to get UTIs. When it does happen, it's often related to another underlying medical condition, such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate.

Diagnosing UTIs

The first step in diagnosing a UTI is usually a simple urine test called a urinalysis. It looks for bacteria, as well as abnormal counts of white and red blood cells. The dipstick test provides quick results. Your doctor may also send your urine to a lab for culture to confirm the type of bacteria. At-home test kits can help detect a UTI, but are not 100% accurate. Be sure to go over the results and your symptoms with your doctor.

Treating UTIs

Prescription antibiotics will almost always cure a UTI. Your health care provider may recommend drinking lots of fluids and emptying your bladder frequently to help flush out the bacteria. Kidney infections can often be treated with oral antibiotics, too. But severe kidney infections may require hospital care, including a course of intravenous antibiotics.

Treating Recurrent UTIs

Some women are prone to getting UTIs over and over again. If you have three or more a year, talk to your doctor about how to prevent or minimize these infections. Your options may include:

• Taking a low dose of antibiotics long-term
• Taking a single antibiotic dose after sex
• Taking antibiotics promptly as self-treatment when symptoms appear

UTIs and Diabetes

People with diabetes are more vulnerable to UTIs for several reasons. First, their immune systems tend to be weaker. Second, high blood sugar can spill into the urine and encourage the growth of bacteria. Also, nerve damage related to diabetes can prevent the bladder from fully emptying. People with diabetes should talk with their doctor at the first sign of a UTI.

UTIs and Pregnancy

During pregnancy, there are several factors that boost the risk of UTIs, especially a kidney infection. Hormones cause changes in the urinary tract, and the uterus may put pressure on the ureters or bladder or both -- making it more difficult for urine to pass from the kidneys to the bladder and out. Untreated UTIs can contribute to preterm labor, so be sure to alert your doctor if you suspect you have an infection.

UTIs and Menopause

Estrogen has a protective effect in the urinary tract, but levels of this hormone drop off significantly during menopause. Low estrogen levels can make it easier for bacteria to thrive in the vagina or urethra. For this reason, women may be more susceptible to UTIs after menopause.

UTIs and Hospital Stays

A hospital stay can put you at risk for a UTI, particularly if you need to use a catheter. This is a thin tube that's inserted through the urethra to carry urine out of the body. Bacteria can enter through the catheter and reach the bladder. This is more often a problem for older adults who require prolonged hospital stays or who live in long-term care facilities.

UTIs in the Elderly

UTIs are among the most common infections in the elderly. But the symptoms may not follow the classic pattern. Agitation, delirium, or other behavioral changes may be the only sign of a UTI in elderly men and women. This age group is also more likely to develop serious complications as a result of UTIs.

UTIs in Infants

Babies occasionally develop UTIs, but they can't tell you what they feel. Here are some signs to watch for:

• An unexplained fever
• Strange-smelling urine
• Poor appetite or vomiting
• Fussy behavior

It's vital to treat a baby's UTI quickly to prevent kidney damage. Promptly changing a dirty diaper can help prevent bladder infections. And of course, wipe from front to back whenever changing a baby's diaper.

UTIs in Children

About 1% of boys and 3% of girls develop UTIs by age 11. This includes some children who repeatedly delay a bathroom trip. Their muscles may not relax enough later to fully empty the bladder and flush away any bacteria. More regular bathroom trips and drinking plenty of liquids may help. A small number of children have a structural problem that obstructs urine flow or lets urine flow back from the bladder to the kidneys, triggering chronic kidney infections. This can lead to kidney damage.

UTI(Urinary Tract Infection) or Potty Training Problem?

Accidents are par for the course during toilet training. Even kids who have mastered the art of the potty may sometimes have a relapse. Other children may scream or cry when taken to the potty, as a way of rebelling against the process. These are generally not signs of a UTI.

Preventing UTIs

Here are several strategies to reduce your risk of UTIs:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Visit the toilet before and after sex.
• Wipe from front to back.
• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays.
• Take showers instead of baths.

The Cranberry Connection

Maybe Mom told you that cranberry juice cures a UTI. She's close. Some studies suggest it can prevent, but not treat an infection, and is more effective in young and middle-aged women. Cranberries contain a substance that prevents E. coli bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. If you don't like the taste of cranberry juice, capsules or tablets may work, too. People with a history of kidney stones should check with a doctor, first.

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Posted in: Food,Health,Informations,learning

History of " # " symbol key‏

The Symbol on the “Pound” or “Number” Key (#) on a Telephone is Also Called Anosted.

1966, 1500 series phone model from Bell Labs. One of the earliest with the now ubiquitous "*" and "#" symbols

Today I found out the symbol on the “pound” or “number” key (#) is also called an “octothorpe”.

The origins of this term date back to the 1960s and 1970s in Bell Labs with the first documented place this word showed up being in a U.S. patent filed by Bell Labs in 1973.  The exact etymology of this word isn’t known as the two “eye witness” accounts are contradictory.  However, what is known is that it was a term engineers at Bell Labs started using as early as the 1960s when Bell Labs was working on interfacing techniques between computers and telephones.

It was during this time that Bell Labs came up with the now ubiquitous “touch tone dialing”, which added two additional keys to handsets, the “*” key and the “#” key.  It is clear the “octo” part was thought up because of the eight points on the symbol.  The origins of the “thorpe” (sometimes written “thorp”) are not so clear.

Ralph Carlsen of Bell Labs wrote a memorandum on this symbol upon his retirement in 1995 where he states that Don Macpherson came up with the name when he went out to instruct their first client of the new telephone system, the Mayo Clinic.  He thought Bell Labs needed an unambiguous name for the # symbol, which had many names, so came up with “octothorpe”.  The latter “thorpe” was in reference to the incredible Native American athlete “Jim Thorpe”, who at the time was trying to get his 1912 Olympic medals returned after having them stripped away due to the fact that he once had accepted money for playing a sport (baseball), previous to those Olympics.  Macpherson at this time was part of the group that was trying to get Thorpe’s 1912 Olympic medals returned.

Douglas a Kerr of Bell Labs stated in 2006 that the term was invented by C Schaak and Herbert T Uthlaut and it was originally “octatherp”, which was more or less a joke term between the two.  This seems less plausible than the previous story.   Why would they say “octa” instead of “octo” and why would it have been changed relatively quickly after its creation to “octothorpe” in the first patent that references the term?  Nevertheless, Kerr was there, so perhaps it’s true or perhaps not as Ralph Carlson was there too.

Given that the word circulated around Bell Labs for about 10 years before appearing in text, it’s also possible it was invented by Don Macpherson, as Ralph Carlson said, and that C Schaak and Herbert T Uthlaut mocked the term calling it “octatherp” as a joke, as Douglass Kerr said.

Bonus Factoids:

• Jim Thorpe eventually had his Olympic medals returned in 1983… 30 years after his death.
• In the U.S. patent in 1973 where “octothorpe” first appears, the asterisk (*) was referred to as a “sextile”.
• The # is often called the pound symbol in the United States as it is often used with numbers related to weight.   Originally “lb.” was used for this same meaning.  Later, printers designed a font containing a special symbol of “lb” with a line through the verticals so that the “l” wouldn’t be mistaken as a one (℔, Unicode character U+2114).  Eventually, this changed to the more familiar and easier to type on a standard keyboard “#” symbol.
• Another common name for the # symbol in the United States is “number”.  In these two cases (pound and number), if the symbol precedes a number, as in #2, it is traditionally read as “number”.  If the symbol follows the number, it is traditionally read as “pound”.
• Yet another accepted name for the # symbol is “hash”, which is a popular one in the UK.  It is also the generally accepted name for the symbol when referring to computer programming usage (often used as a comment sign, particularly in scripting languages).
• An international standards body officially named the # symbol “square” in 1989.  This is why the British Post Office and British Telecom call the symbol a square, instead of the more common British name for it of “hash”.
• The # symbol is also commonly called a “sharp” in such places as Japan and others.  In many places, this is as a result of the similarity to the musical sharp symbol (♯).
• In Malaysia, the # symbol is commonly called a “hex”.
• The * and # were originally selected to go on a standard telephone pad in 1961.  Link Rice and Jack Soderberg at Bell Labs toured the country trying to find out what possible telephone/computer interactions might come up and what would be the best symbols to use for those.  Eventually, they settled on the * and the # as those keys were available on standard typewriter keyboards.
• In the U.S.-English layout of a standard keyboard, the # symbol appears on the same key as the number 3.  On the UK-English keyboard, the character above the number 3 is the £.   Americans call both of these symbols by the term “pound”, but the English never call “#” by “pound” for obvious reasons.
• Microsoft’s programming language C♯ (pronounced C-sharp) is often mispronounced “C hash” or “C pound”.  The confusion comes from the fact that the symbol following the C is supposed to be the musical sharp symbol (♯). But given the # symbols prevalence in various programming languages, most programmers assume it was meant to be the “hash” symbol, until corrected.
• In scripting languages where a # is followed by a ! (as in #!), this is known as a “shabang” (sometimes spelled “sh-bang” or “shebang”) and is typically used to tell the operating system what program to use to run some script.  The former name of “shabang” is thought to have come from the contractions “SHArp bang” or “haSH bang”; another popular theory is that it comes from the fact that the default shell “sh” is usually invoked with “shebang”, hence “sh-bang” and eventually “shabang”.  The latter “bang” name for the exclamation point is traditional Unix jargon.
• In Chess notation, the # symbol placed after a move indicates a checkmate.  This replaced the more traditional ‡ symbol.
• The compound tone generated on a phone by pressing the # key is a mixing of 941 Hz and 1477 Hz.
• The two horizontal lines in the sharp symbol ♯ are optional in musical notation, but required in the # symbol.

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Posted in: Informations,Invention,learning,mobile

History of Chocolate (lifecycle)

Chocolate comes of age as a health treat.

Chocolate. There are few foods that evoke as much passion as this decadent treat. Folklore from many cultures claimed that consuming chocolate instilled faith, health, strength, and sexual passion. Once an indulgence of royalty, it is now a treasured and accessible - and yes, even healthy - treat. So where did our infatuation with chocolate begin?

Where does chocolate come from, anyway?

The cacao tree, whose pods contain seeds that can be processed into chocolate, was discovered 2,000 years ago in the tropical rainforests of the Americas. The first people known to have consumed cacao were the Classic Period Maya (250-900 A.D.). They mixed ground cacao (cocoa) seeds with seasonings to make a bitter, spicy drink that was believed to be a health elixir.

What was chocolate's great allure?

To the Mayans, cocoa pods symbolized life and fertility. The pod was often represented in religious rituals, including marriage ceremonies, and was referred to as food of the gods. In central Mexico, the Aztecs believed that wisdom and power came from eating the fruit of the cocoa tree, and that it had nourishing, fortifying, and even aphrodisiac qualities. The Aztec emperor Montezuma even drank liquid chocolate daily to enhance his libido.

Europeans get a taste of chocolate - and fall in love.
Europeans got their first taste of chocolate in 1519, when Montezuma offered the spicy drink to Spanish explorer Cortes and his army. The Spanish conquistadors brought cocoa seeds back to Spain, where they introduced new spices and sugar to the liquid concoction. The fad drink spread throughout Europe, where it remained a beverage of the elite for centuries.

Chocolate becomes known for its powers of seduction.

Chocolate's reputation as an aphrodisiac flourished in the French royal court. Erotic art and literature were inspired by the seductive substance. Casanova, the infamous womanizer, made a habit of drinking chocolate before his romantic escapades. Even today, romantic lore commonly identifies chocolate as an aphrodisiac.

Chocolate goes global.

The first machine-made chocolate was produced in Barcelona in 1780, paving the way for the mass production of chocolate. Later, mechanical inventions made it possible to produce smooth, creamy, solid chocolate for eating - not just the liquid for drinking. The first solid chocolate bar was developed by British chocolate maker Fry & Sons in the early 1800s.

When did chocolate become associated with Valentine's Day?

"It's believed that during the 17th century, lovers began exchanging mementos on Valentine's Day - sweet treats were one of them. In 1868, the first Valentine's Day box of chocolates was introduced [by Richard Cadbury]," - says Susan L. Fussell, senior director of communications for the National Confectioners Association.

Three cheers for chocolate!

In 1875, the first milk chocolate was introduced to the market by Daniel Peter of Switzerland. Chocolate became so popular around the world that even during World War II the U.S. government shipped cocoa beans to the troops. Today, the U.S. Army includes chocolate bars in their rations. Chocolate has even been taken into space as part of the diet of U.S. astronauts.

Is chocolate really an aphrodisiac?

Not really, even though throughout its history, chocolate has been purported as one. Chocolate contains small amounts of a chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA), a.k.a. the "love drug," and it's been linked to the regulation of physical energy, mood, and attention. A tiny amount of PEA is released at moments of emotional euphoria, elevating blood pressure and heart rate. There is no evidence that PEA found in foods increases PEA in the brain - although many chocolate lovers may beg to differ!

The 21st Century: Chocolate makes health headlines.

Dark chocolate (as opposed to milk or white chocolate) contains healthful flavonoids similar to those found in tea, red wine, fruits, and vegetables. Studies have shown that small portions of dark chocolate can improve blood vessel flow and may improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity to help reduce the risk of diabetes. But beware, chocolate candy has plenty of saturated fat and sugar, which can lead to weight gain, so enjoy small portions of as part of a healthy diet.

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Posted in: Informations,Invention,learning,Nature

Top Monsoon Flower Plants For Your Garden

If you have a big garden, you can have more monsoon plants. Gardening in the rainy season can be more fun with these monsoon plants. These flowering plants also add a colorful tint to the lush green foliage to your garden. Have a look at a few more top monsoon plants that are listed below.

 

Eight More Top Monsoon Plant

 

1. YELLOW BLADDER WORT (Utricularia stellaris): These insectivorous plants grow catchy yellow flowers, while the bladder is hid beneath the water. These monsoon plants capture tiny insects and animals in the bladder and digest them.

 

2. INDIAN BORAGE (Trichodesma amplexicaule): This monsoon herb flowers beautiful blue-purple inverted flowers. They grow in patches on almost all damp patches. Different species of this plant are found all over India. Add this plant to your garden this rainy season.

 

3. BITTER WILD CUCUMBER (Cucumis callosus): This is a climber with yellow flowers ans spreads on the ground. A pale yellow fruit grows on this plant, which belongs to the cucumber family.

 

4. HILL TURMERIC (Curcuma pseudomontana): These plants grow along the ground and the small flowers that emerge from between the broad leaves are a pretty sight to see. The flowers grow in various hues including mauve-purple, yellow, rose, crimson and red. This is certainly one of the top monsoon plants for your garden.

 

5. INDIAN MALLOW (Sida acuta): This is a thin shrub that has many small flowers. Some species of this plant yield strong fiber. This flowering plant is a lovely inclusion to your garden.

 

6. WILD SESAME (Sesamum Indicum): Displaying tubular flowers that are pinkish-purple in color, this plant is one of the most attractive herb of the monsoon. Each flower in this plant includes four compartments that are filled with seeds that are used for oil extraction.

 

7. DEW FLOWER (Commelina benghalensis): This lovely plant bears flowers that have two, shiny dark blue petals. The entire flower is enclosed in a green sheath, with only two petals protruding out. There are various species of this plant, a few have yellow or orange-purple petals.

 

8. MONSOON CASSIA (Cassia tora): These plants can cover any extra patches in your garden. The pale yellow petals are set against the leaves. The tender leaves are used as a vegetable, while the seeds are rich source of protein for cattle.

 

These gardening tips help you create the garden of your dream. Grow these top monsoon plants and thoroughly enjoy your gardening this rainy season!

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Posted in: Informations,Invention,Nature,Ranking

Top 10 Home Protection Tips For Monsoon Season

Everyone is eagerly awaiting a cool monsoon season, after a particularly stifling summer. However, as you watch the clouds gathering and wish for a heavy downpour, you wish the you don't have to face the hassles that come along with the monsoon rains. Water seeping through the walls, termite infestations, fungus covering your walls and not to mention the respiratory problems that are caused due to this. These rainy season problems have to be fixed immediately, else it leads to damages and extensive repairs to your home.

 

Older homes are more prone to these problems, specially when there is a heavy shower or constant drizzle. It's your home, so protection by following a few basic tips could help you prevent many impending damages and help you have a cool monsoon home.

 

Top 10 Home Protection Tips For Monsoon

 

1. Seek professional help and check your house before the onset of monsoons for any cracks or openings. These cracks should be filled with modified waterproof mortar and sealed. The same polymer can be used to seal the joints in the pipes that take down the rain water. Ensure that the pipes that carry away the rain water, are not clogged with dust or leaves.

 

2. Instead of spending extra money on sophisticated decorations or furnishings, you could opt for roof insulation, which is a great way to protect your house from any impending damages. This would help keep the house warm during winter, cooler during summer. It also prevents unwanted noises from entering the house.

 

3. If you have any damaged tiles, replace them immediately.

 

4. Water tends to collect and stagnate on flat surfaces. By providing slopes where ever possible, you could overcome this problem.

 

5. To prevent water from seeping in through windows or doors, make sure that their frames are water tight and well-sealed.

 

6. For a well prepared monsoon home, regular painting of the exteriors can also prevent water leakages.

 

7. Installation of ventilators in the damp areas of the building avoids moisture from building up. Good ventilation ensures that there is plenty of air movement around the house.

 

8. Another important thing that has to be taken care of is the electrical connections around the house. Damages such as exposed wires have to be taken care of immediately, else it will lead to shock or fires.

 

9. Furnishings tend to get musty during the monsoon. They have to be regularly vacuumed or set out in the sun whenever possible.

 

10. Check for termite infestation, as an humid atmosphere will only boost the growth of termites. Make sure that wooden floors and furniture are properly polished to prevent moisture from building up. Cupboards and desks are easy target for infestation. Use camphor, neem leaves or cloves between clothes to keep away insects.

 

These home protection tips also come in handy for those who are under the process of constructing their dream house, as prevention is a better option. So go ahead and enjoy a great monsoon shower – only outside your home!

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Posted in: Health,Informations,Lifestyle,Nature,Ranking

Best solutions for real life problems

1. If your throat tickles, scratch your ear!
When you were 9, playing your armpit was a cool trick. Now, as an adult, you can still appreciate a good body-based feat, especially if it serves as a health remedy. Take that tickle in your throat; it's not worth gagging over. Here's a better way to scratch your itch: "When the nerves in the ear are stimulated, it creates a reflex in the throat that can cause a muscle spasm," says Scott Schaffer, M.D., president of an ear, nose, and throat specialty center in Gibbsboro, New Jersey. "This spasm relieves the tickle."

2. Experience supersonic hearing!
If you're stuck chatting up a mumbler at a cocktail party, lean in with your right ear. It's better than your left at following the rapid rhythms of speech, according to researchers at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. If, on the other hand, you're trying to identify that song playing softly in the elevator, turn your left ear toward the sound. The left ear is better at picking up music tones.

3. Overcome your most primal urge!
Need to pee? No bathroom nearby? Fantasize about Katy Perry. Thinking about sex preoccupies your brain, so you won't feel as much discomfort, says Larry Lipshultz, M.D., chief of male reproductive medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine. For best results, try Perry's "California Gurls" video.

4. Feel no pain!
German researchers have discovered that coughing during an injection can lessen the pain of the needle stick. According to Taras Usichenko, author of a study on the phenomenon, the trick causes a sudden, temporary rise in pressure in the chest and spinal canal, inhibiting the pain-conducting structures of the spinal cord.


5. Clear your stuffed nose!
Forget Sudafed. Here's an easier, quicker, and cheaper remedy to relieve sinus pressure is by alternately thrusting your tongue against the roof of your mouth, then pressing between your eyebrows with one finger. This causes the vomer bone, which runs through the nasal passages to the mouth, to rock back and forth, says Lisa DeStefano, D.O., an assistant professor at the Michigan State University college of osteopathic medicine. The motion loosens congestion; after 20 seconds, you'll feel your sinuses start to drain.

6. Fight fire without water! Acid Reflux
Worried those wings will repeat on you tonight? Try this preventive remedy: "Sleep on your left side," says Anthony A. Starpoli, M.D., a New York City gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at New York Medical College. Studies have shown that patients who sleep on their left sides are less likely to suffer from acid reflux. The esophagus and stomach connect at an angle. When you sleep on your right, the stomach is higher than the esophagus, allowing food and stomach acid to slide up your throat. When you're on your left, the stomach is lower than the esophagus, so gravity's in your favor.

7. Cure your toothache without opening your mouth!
Just rub ice on the back of your hand, on the V-shaped webbed area between your thumb and index finger. A Canadian study found that this technique reduces toothache pain by as much as 50 percent compared with using no ice. The nerve pathways at the base of that V stimulate an area of the brain that blocks pain signals from the face and hands.

8. Make burns disappear!
When you accidentally singe your finger on the stove, clean the skin and apply light pressure with the finger pads of your unmarred hand. Ice will relieve your pain more quickly, Dr. DeStefano says, but since the natual method brings the burned skin back to a normal temperature, the skin is less likely to blister.


9. Stop the world from spinning!
One too many drinks left you dizzy? Ah, luckily there's a remedy. Put your hand on something stable. The part of your ear responsible for balance—the cupula—floats in a fluid of the same density as blood. "As alcohol dilutes blood in the cupula, the cupula becomes less dense and rises," says Dr. Schaffer. This confuses your brain. The tactile input from a stable object gives the brain a second opinion, and you feel more in balance. Because the nerves in the hand are so sensitive, this works better than the conventional foot-on-the-floor wisdom.


10. Unstitch your side!
If you're like most people, when you run, you exhale as your right foot hits the ground. This puts downward pressure on your liver (which lives on your right side), which then tugs at the diaphragm and creates a side stitch, according to The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Men. The fix: Exhale as your left foot strikes the ground.
11. Stanch blood with a single finger!
Pinching your nose and leaning back is a great way to stop a nosebleed—if you don't mind choking on your own O positive. A more civil approach: Put some cotton on your upper gums—just behind that small dent below your nose—and press against it, hard. "Most bleeds come from the front of the septum, the cartilage wall that divides the nose," says Peter Desmarais, M.D., an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Entabeni Hospital, in Durban, South Africa. "Pressing here helps stop them."

12. Make your heart stand still!
Trying to quell first-date jitters? Blow on your thumb. The vagus nerve, which governs heart rate, can be controlled through breathing, says Ben Abo, an emergency medical-services specialist at the University of Pittsburgh. It'll get your heart rate back to normal.

13. Thaw your brain!
Too much Chipwich too fast will freeze the brains of lesser men. As for you, press your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth, covering as much as you can. "Since the nerves in the roof of your mouth get extremely cold, your body thinks your brain is freezing, too," says Abo. "In compensating, it overheats, causing an ice-cream headache." The more pressure you apply to the roof of your mouth, the faster your headache will subside.


14. Prevent near-sightedness!
Poor distance vision is rarely caused by genetics, says Anne Barber, O.D., an optometrist in Tacoma, Washington. "It's usually caused by near-point stress." In other words, staring at your computer screen for too long. So flex your way to 20/20 vision. Every few hours during the day, close your eyes, tense your body, take a deep breath, and, after a few seconds, release your breath and muscles at the same time. Tightening and releasing muscles such as the biceps and glutes can trick involuntary muscles—like the eyes—into relaxing as well.

15. Wake the dead!
If your hand falls asleep while you're driving or sitting in an odd position, rock your head from side to side. It'll painlessly banish your pins and needles in less than a minute, says Dr. DeStefano. A tingly hand or arm is often the result of compression in the bundle of nerves in your neck; loosening your neck muscles releases the pressure. Compressed nerves lower in the body govern the feet, so don't let your sleeping dogs lie. Stand up and walk around.

16. Impress your friends!
Next time you're at a party, try this trick: Have a person hold one arm straight out to the side, palm down, and instruct him to maintain this position. Then place two fingers on his wrist and push down. He'll resist. Now have him put one foot on a surface that's a half inch higher (a few magazines) and repeat. This time his arm will cave like the French. By misaligning his hips, you've offset his spine, says Rachel Cosgrove, C.S.C.S., co-owner of Results Fitness, in Santa Clarita, California. Your brain senses that the spine is vulnerable, so it shuts down the body's ability to resist.

17. Breathe underwater!
If you're dying to retrieve that quarter from the bottom of the pool, take several short breaths first—essentially, hyperventilate. When you're underwater, it's not a lack of oxygen that makes you desperate for a breath; it's the buildup of carbon dioxide, which makes your blood acidic, which signals your brain that somethin' ain't right. "When you hyperventilate, the influx of oxygen lowers blood acidity," says Jonathan Armbruster, Ph.D., an associate professor of biology at Auburn University. "This tricks your brain into thinking it has more oxygen." It'll buy you up to 10 seconds.


18. Read minds!
Your own! "If you're giving a speech the next day, review it before falling asleep," says Candi Heimgartner, an instructor of biological sciences at the University of Idaho. Since most memory consolidation happens during sleep, anything you read right before bed is more likely to be encoded as long-term memory.

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Posted in: Health,Informations,Invention,Lifestyle

Useful household tips‏

Ants Problem:
Ants hate cucumbers.
Keep the skin of cucumbers near the place or ant hole.

To get pure and clean ice :
Boil water first before freezing.

To make the mirror shine:
Clean with spirit

To remove chewing gum from clothes:
Keep the cloth in the freezer for an hour.

To whiten white clothes:
Soak white clothes in hot water with a slice of lemon for 10 minutes

To give a shine to hair :
Add one teaspoon of vinegar to hair, then wash hair.

To get maximum juice out of lemons :
Soak lemons in hot water for one hour, and then juice them.

To avoid smell of cabbage while cooking:
Keep a piece of bread on the cabbage in the vessel while cooking.

To avoid tears while cutting onions:
Chew gum.

To boil potatoes quickly:
Skin one potato from one side only before boiling.

To remove ink from clothes :
Put toothpaste on the ink spots generously and let it dry completely, then wash.

To skin sweet potatoes quickly :
Soak in cold water immediately after boiling.

To get rid of mice or rats :
sprinkle black pepper in places where you find mice or rats.
They will run away.

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Posted in: Food,Informations,Invention,learning

How to reset your iPod [ All versions:- iPod, iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod classic 160 GB (Late 2009) ]

Important: Do not reset your iPod if ...

If your iPod is connected to a computer and displays the following messages, you must eject iPod from iTunes instead of reset:

• Connected. Eject before disconnecting
• Synchronization in progress, please wait ...
• Do not disconnect.

Resetting an iPod nano (6th Generation):

Press and simultaneously and continuously on the buttons on / off and volume down (for at least eight seconds or until the Apple logo appears). It may be that you need to repeat this step.

If the problem persists, connect your iPod to a power adapter and plug it into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and is not in sleep mode. Try resetting the iPod while it is connected to food.

Resetting an iPod Click Wheel

IPod models with click wheel are:

iPod Nano (5th Generation) iPod nano (4th generation) iPod nano (3rd generation) iPod nano (2nd generation) iPod nano	iPod classic	iPod (5th generation)	iPod with color display (iPod photo) iPod (Click Wheel)	iPod mini iPod mini (2nd generation)
Note: If your iPod is frozen or will not turn, it may be paused or the Hold switch is in locked position. If this happens, a symbol of a lock appears on the screen. Toggle the Hold switch in position "unlocked" and check the screen.

1. Toggle the Hold switch (Slide it to Hold, then turn it off again).

2. Press and hold the Menu and Select buttons until the Apple logo appears (6-8 seconds). It may be that you need to repeat this step
.
Tip: if you have any difficulty resetting your iPod, set it on a flat surface. Make sure the finger pressing the Select button is not touching another part of the click wheel. Also make sure you press the Menu button toward the outside and not near the center of the click wheel.

If the problem persists, connect your iPod to a power adapter and plug it into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and is not in sleep mode. Try resetting the iPod while it is connected to food.

Resetting an iPod, an iPod scroll wheel, iPod with touch wheel and an iPod with a dock connector:

1. Toggle the Hold switch (Slide it to Hold, then turn it off again).
2. Press and hold the Play / Pause and Menu buttons until the Apple / iPod logo appears (6-8 seconds). It may be that you need to repeat this step.

If the problem persists, connect your iPod to a power adapter and plug it into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and is not in sleep mode.
If you are still unable to reset your iPod, a hand press the center button (select) and the other on the Menu button.

When you reset iPod all your songs and files are saved, but some customized settings may be lost. The date and time are stored (unless the iPod reset itself because it had no power and was reconnected to power). Other customized settings, such as bookmarks, playlists On-The-Go, shuffle, backlight, etc.. Are maintained as they were the last time the drive was activated.

Reset an iPod touch:

Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds until the red "slide to power off" slider appears, then slide the slider. Note: When iPhone is off, incoming calls go straight to voicemail.

Reset an iPod shuffle:

1. Disconnect iPod shuffle from the computer (if connected).
2. Move the switch on the iPod shuffle to the OFF position. Note that when iPod shuffle is off, the green stripe by the switch is not visible.

   1st generation	2nd generation	3rd generation	4th generation

3. Wait five seconds. For iPod shuffle (3rd and 4th generation), wait ten seconds.
4. Move the switch to the play in order or the shuffle position. The green stripe will be visible in either position. For iPod shuffle (2nd and 4th generation), slide the power switch on (and you can see the green stripe).

iPod shuffle is now reset. If you were resetting as part of some troubleshooting steps, continue with those steps now. 

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Posted in: Apple,Devices,Hardware,Informations,iPad,iPhone,iPod,learning