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Friday 30 September 2011

Rain scuttles MI's hopes









Mumbai Indians will have to wait until Sunday for a chance to enter the semifinals of the Champions League T20 after inclement weather forced it to share points with Cape Cobras in their Group B fixture here on Friday.

Rapid knocks by Sarul Kanwar (45, 21b, 3x4, 5x6) and Kieron Pollard 58 (37b, 6x4, 3x6) had helped Mumbai post 176 in 20 overs before rain intervened at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

In fact the heavens opened up in the final over of the first innings, ground staff scurrying on with the covers the moment the last ball had been bowled.

Though it never really came down in torrents, a steady drizzle remained, scuppering the possibility of any further play. Match referee Roshan Mahanama officially declared the match abandoned a little after 11 p.m.

If Mumbai's top order had been guilty of misfiring earlier, there was little cause for complaint on this occasion. Twentytwo-year-old Kanwar, making his debut for the team in place of T. Suman, led off, picking Charl Langeveldt up over deep-midwicket (a shot he was to play twice more) in the second over.

At the other end, Aiden Blizzard — though not entirely comfortable against Dale Steyn's pace — took 10 runs off him. J.P. Duminy was brought on in the fifth over but went for 17; Kanwar followed up a sixer with two boundaries, driving Mumbai's total up to 50.

Delightful driving

Kanwar welcomed Robin Peterson with his fifth six, delightfully driving ‘inside out' over long off, but was caught attempting the same shot the delivery immediately after.

Blizzard fell in Peterson's next over and it appeared Cape Cobras had managed to put the skids on. Over a four-and-a-half over period — that also included Ambati Rayudu's dismissal — Mumbai had gone from 65 for no wicket to 78 for three, but Cobras had only been lulled into a false hope.

Pollard, promoted up the order ahead of Andrew Symonds, rose from the slumber he had seemingly been in earlier in the tournament, commencing his assault in the 12th over with two colossal hits over long-on off Duminy.

Peterson had returned two for 13 from his first three overs but James Franklin tarnished his pristine figures with consecutive sixes.

Pollard ripped into Langeveldt next, powering a ball from outside off-stump into the stands over midwicket before battering two fours.

However, the hulking West Indian proved he was endowed with more than just muscle, raising his half century in the 18th over with a delicately-guided boundary to third-man.

Desperate to stem the haemorrhage of runs, captain Justin Kemp had bowled himself an over earlier, and removed Franklin. Sixtynine runs (43b) had been added for the fourth wicket.

Pollard finally perished at the hands of Steyn — the most economical of Cobras' bowlers on the night — holing out to Owais Shah at long-off.

Mumbai would have wished for him to carry on, but Symonds ensured there was no let-up. The side would have fancied its chances of defending 176 but the weather gods had the final say.

The scores: Mumbai Indians: A. Blizzard c Shah b Peterson 19 (24b, 1x4, 1x6), S. Kanwar c Shah b Peterson 45 (21b, 3x4, 5x6), A. Rayudu c Shah b Duminy 6 (7b, 1x4), J. Franklin c Levi b Kemp 18 (18b, 2x6), K. Pollard c Shah b Steyn 58 (37b, 6x4, 3x6), A. Symonds (not out) 14 (8b, 3x4), Harbhajan (not out) 3 (5b); Extras (b-2, w-11): 13; Total (for five wickets in 20 overs) 176.

Fall of wickets: 1-65, 2-69, 3-75, 4-144, 5-165.

Cape Cobras bowling: Steyn 4-0-24-1, Langeveldt 4-0-45-0, Duminy 3-0-38-1, Philander 4-0-36-0, Peterson 4-0-29-2, Kemp 1-0-2-1.

Emphatic win keeps Knight Riders afloat







In a week building along nicely towards the Durga Puja festivities, Kolkata Knight Riders pepped up its fan-base with an emphatic nine-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in a Champions League Group B match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Thursday night.

Skipper Gautam Gambhir (55 n.o., 31b, 3x4, 4x6) and Man of the Match Jacques Kallis (64 n.o., 47b, 4x4, 1x6) helped KKR stay afloat with two points from three matches while RCB suffered its second loss on the trot. Chasing RCB's 169 for nine, KKR scored 171 for one in 17.3 overs.

KKR set off eagerly with Brad Haddin dominating the opening partnership of 62 runs from 44 deliveries with Kallis. Haddin (42, 27b, 5x4, 2x6) tucked into S. Arvind and the left-arm seamer was straining to see where the ball had vanished while there was no time to savour his selection to the Indian One Day International squad.

Haddin failed to cash in on a reprieve as Tillakaratne Dilshan, who replaced an injured A.B. de Villiers in the RCB eleven, failed to stump him off Syed Mohammad. Haddin added two more runs and drove host skipper Daniel Vettori straight to Virat Kohli.

The pursuit suffered no hitches as Gambhir joined Kallis. The KKR captain watched a heave off debutant Raju Bhatkal pop out of a leaping Saurabh Tiwary's hands at long-off.

At the other end, Kallis whittled his runs with ease as a match-winning unbeaten 109-run second-wicket partnership took shape. And when Gambhir smote RCB's key bowlers — Vettori and Dirk Nannes — over mid-wicket, KKR was well on course to a much-needed victory.

Earlier, RCB's Chris Gayle (25) stayed quiet during Brett Lee's opening over. Lee bowled a shade outside the off-stump and a rare maiden was registered. Normal service was resumed in Lee's next over as Gayle clouted two sixes. Lee switched to around the wicket and pinged in a few yorkers and Gayle then swatted Kallis.

The rapid start was inexplicably followed by a slump. Kallis darted one into Gayle's stumps and Kohli's leading edge off Lee sailed to Gambhir. Dilshan and Tiwary then had a 42-run third-wicket partnership that primarily rode on singles.

The duo was dismissed in a span of eight deliveries and RCB was again searching for a fresh spark. Dilshan was out to a smart piece of glove-work as Haddin whipped the bails while the opener's feet was in the air for a split-second as he tried to poke at Rajat Bhatia's delivery that bounced a shade high.

Mayank Agarwal clattered two sixes but left-arm spinner Iqbal Abdulla struck twice. Agarwal and Mohammad Kaif returned to the dug-out and Gambhir briefly enjoyed the luxury of employing a slip and silly-point.

Suddenly RCB's gentle trot turned into a gallop as Vettori (44, 23b, 5x4, 2x6) reverse-hit, lofted and flicked Abdulla. The host skipper was not yet finished as he moved across and pulled Jaidev Unadkat twice over backward square-leg while Bhatkal also shone.

The duo's 61-run seventh-wicket partnership set the base for a score that at one stage seemed improbable for RCB.

The scores:

Royal Challengers Bangalore: C. Gayle b Kallis 25 (16b, 3x6), T. Dilshan st. Haddin b Bhatia 18 (21b, 2x4), V. Kohli c Gambhir b Lee 0 (4b), S. Tiwary c ten Doeschate b Yusuf 19 (18b, 1x4, 1x6), M. Agarwal c Yusuf b Abdulla 13 (7b, 2x6), Md. Kaif lbw b Abdulla 5 (9b), D. Vettori c Ahmed b Unadkat 44 (23b, 5x4, 2x6), R. Bhatkal c Yusuf b Lee 25 (18b, 2x4, 1x6), Syed Mohammad c Yusuf b Unadkat 8 (4b, 2x4), S. Arvind (not out) 0 (0b); Extras (lb-7, w-5): 12; Total (for nine wkts. in 20 overs): 169.

Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-29, 3-62, 4-71, 5-81, 6-91, 7-152, 8-163, 9-169.

Kolkata Knight Riders bowling: Lee 4-1-34-2, Kallis 4-0-28-1, Ahmed 1-0-10-0, Yusuf 2-0-10-1, Bhatia 3-0-25-1, Abdulla 3-0-20-2, Unadkat 3-0-35-2.

Kolkata Knight Riders: J. Kallis (not out) 64 (47b, 4x4, 1x6), B. Haddin c Kohli b Vettori 42 (27b, 5x4, 2x6), G. Gambhir (not out) 55 (31b, 3x4, 4x6); Extras (b-2, w-8): 10; Total (for one wkt., in 17.3 overs): 171.

Fall of wicket: 1-62.

Royal Challengers Bangalore bowling: Nannes 3-0-40-0, Arvind 3-0-37-0, Syed Mohammad 3-0-26-0, Vettori 4-0-27-1, Bhatkal 2-0-20-0, Gayle 1-0-6-0, Kohli 1.3-0-13-0.

Keywords: CLT20, Champions League T20, Royal Challengers, Kolkata Knight Riders

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Tendulkar's Smashing New Home




On the first day of Navratri, Sachin Tendulkar has moved into his new home in Bandra — a five-storeyed bungalow at 19-A, Perry Cross Street.
It has reportedly cost the world's richest cricketer a whopping Rs 39 crore (about $7.9 million at today's prices).
IANS reports:
A battery of media-persons clicked away furiously as Sachin, clad in a simple striped T-shirt and trousers, took his first formal step into the bungalow with a glow of happiness on his face.
"I am really thrilled and happy today, especially for my mother and my family members," gushed Sachin on the occasion.
His family members, mother, wife and children also followed suit and then everybody started admiring the cricket maestro’s ‘dream home’ in every nook and corner.
Sachin spent his early childhood in Sahitya Sahawas Colony, Bandra east, and later honed his batting skills in the famous Shivaji Park grounds when he lived in Dadar.
After scouting around all over Mumbai, he had zeroed in on and purchased the Bandra west property to construct his ‘dream home’ a few years ago at a whopping Rs.39 crore. He got it rebuilt from scratch and finally moved in there Wednesday.
According to eyewitnesses at the ‘griha-pravesh,’ the bungalow includes two levels of basement parking with a capacity of more than four dozen vehicles.
One of the floors will be dedicated only to storing and displaying the hundreds of medals, cups, honours and citations that the batsman has received during his two-decades-plus glorious cricket career.
Local cricket fans had put up a special banner welcoming the distinguished new guest to the quiet neighbourhood and many people waited for a glimpse of their favourite cricket star.
A couple of years ago, Sachin had sought easing of certain norms to enable him construct a private gymnasium in his bungalow, but it was rejected by the authorities.

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Blackberry Torch 9860: An all new touch experience






It took them long, but then they did launch a complete touch screen phone. Blackberry phone maker Research in Motion (RIM) launched its much awaited BlackBerry Torch 9860 in India, which will be available for Rs. 28,490. The mobile phone is one among the most advanced smartphone range offered by the brand in India till date.






The BlackBerry Torch 9860 runs on the new BlackBerry 7 operating system, which features the next generation BlackBerry browser, voice-activated searches and has the ability to manage personal content separately from corporate content, as well as additional personal and productivity applications out-of-the-box.


But has Blackberry pulled off a gamechanger in its latest phone?

Saturday 24 September 2011

How To Sell A Cricket Book





Shoaib Akhtar is not finished yet. Cricket's perennial problem child, the Rawalpindi Express has launched his autobiography today. Titled Controversially Yours, he takes digs at Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, and also brazenly admits to ball-tampering.

The erstwhile fastest bowler in the world can lay claim to be the only one to dismiss Dravid and Tendulkar with consecutive deliveries — both blazing yorkers — at Eden Gardens in 1999. But despite the two Indians winning several personal contests against him since then, Shoaib still chose to berate them in his book.

He's not the first cricketer to do so. Herschelle Gibbs and Adam Gilchrist recently had been critical of Tendulkar in their books — a technique which instantly stirs up emotions and pumps up sales.

Akhtar claims Dravid and Tendulkar were not match-winners:

    "....Vivian Richards, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara and the likes of them are great batsmen who dominated with the bat and were truly match-winners. Initially, when I bowled against Sachin, I found these qualities missing. He might have had more runs and records, he lacked the ability to finish the game. I think players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid weren't exactly match winners to start with, nor did they know the art of finishing the game."

Shoaib also claims the master blaster was scared of him during the Faisalabad Test.

    "We would have faced a humbling defeat in the series but for the fact that we reined in Sachin Tendulkar. What went in our favour was that Sachin was suffering from tennis elbow! This severely handicapped the great batsman. We managed to psychologically browbeat him. We bounced the ball at him and were able to unnerve him. I returned to the dressing room that first day with the knowledge that Sachin was not comfortable facing fast and rising ball. He was distinctly uncomfortable against me. That was enough to build on. I bowled (Sachin) a particularly fast ball which he, to my amazement didn't even touch. He walked away! That was the first time, I saw him walk away from me — that, too, on the slow track at Faisalabad. It got my hunting instincts up and in the next match I hit him on the head and he couldn't score after that."

Akhtar, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders briefly, has also accused Shah Rukh Khan and former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi of cheating.

    "Shah Rukh and I talked about my not being happy with the money settled on me. Shah Rukh and Modi got me to agree. I should have never listened to Modi and Shah Rukh."

Then there's the bit where he admits Pakistan bowlers tamper with the ball.

    Almost all Pakistani fast bowlers have tampered with the ball. I may be the first one to openly admit to it but everybody is doing it. To be honest, every team in the world tampers with the ball. We probably started it but today koi team doodh ki dhooli nahin hain. No team is innocent and virtually every fast bowler does it. That is the only way to survive because the wickets are so slow.

Akhtar, who took 178 wickets in 46 Tests and 247 wickets in 163 ODIs, has been in the eye of several controversies. Doping scandals, fitness problems, chucking problems, genital warts, hitting Mohammad Asif with a bat, allegedly slapping their coach Bob Woolmer, fines, fall-out with team, fall-out with the management, bans, recalls, more bans.

Things came to a head in the 2011 World Cup, where he allegedly had a confrontation with Kamran Akmal. He announced his retirement mid-way, but was immediately dropped from the team. Which is not to say he has been dropped from the headlines.

As for the ball-tampering bits, thanks Shoaib, for confirming what we've suspected throughout.

Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli, who shared a world-record 664-run partnership with Tendulkar in school-level cricket, blasted Shoaib Akhtar for claiming Sachin was scared of his bowling.

    "Sachin was never scared of Shoaib or anyone. The way he plays his cricket and has scored the highest runs (in Tests and ODIs)...No one is close to him and no one can speak about him like that. He feared only my bowling."

Sachin Tendulkar however refused to comment on Akhtar's notes saying "it is below my dignity to react to Shoaib's comment."


Shoaib Akhtar is not finished yet. Cricket's perennial problem child, the Rawalpindi Express has launched his autobiography today. Titled Controversially Yours, he takes digs at Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, and also brazenly admits to ball-tampering.

The erstwhile fastest bowler in the world can lay claim to be the only one to dismiss Dravid and Tendulkar with consecutive deliveries — both blazing yorkers — at Eden Gardens in 1999. But despite the two Indians winning several personal contests against him since then, Shoaib still chose to berate them in his book.

He's not the first cricketer to do so. Herschelle Gibbs and Adam Gilchrist recently had been critical of Tendulkar in their books — a technique which instantly stirs up emotions and pumps up sales.

Akhtar claims Dravid and Tendulkar were not match-winners:

    "....Vivian Richards, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara and the likes of them are great batsmen who dominated with the bat and were truly match-winners. Initially, when I bowled against Sachin, I found these qualities missing. He might have had more runs and records, he lacked the ability to finish the game. I think players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid weren't exactly match winners to start with, nor did they know the art of finishing the game."

Shoaib also claims the master blaster was scared of him during the Faisalabad Test.

    "We would have faced a humbling defeat in the series but for the fact that we reined in Sachin Tendulkar. What went in our favour was that Sachin was suffering from tennis elbow! This severely handicapped the great batsman. We managed to psychologically browbeat him. We bounced the ball at him and were able to unnerve him. I returned to the dressing room that first day with the knowledge that Sachin was not comfortable facing fast and rising ball. He was distinctly uncomfortable against me. That was enough to build on. I bowled (Sachin) a particularly fast ball which he, to my amazement didn't even touch. He walked away! That was the first time, I saw him walk away from me — that, too, on the slow track at Faisalabad. It got my hunting instincts up and in the next match I hit him on the head and he couldn't score after that."

Akhtar, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders briefly, has also accused Shah Rukh Khan and former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi of cheating.

    "Shah Rukh and I talked about my not being happy with the money settled on me. Shah Rukh and Modi got me to agree. I should have never listened to Modi and Shah Rukh."

Then there's the bit where he admits Pakistan bowlers tamper with the ball.

    Almost all Pakistani fast bowlers have tampered with the ball. I may be the first one to openly admit to it but everybody is doing it. To be honest, every team in the world tampers with the ball. We probably started it but today koi team doodh ki dhooli nahin hain. No team is innocent and virtually every fast bowler does it. That is the only way to survive because the wickets are so slow.

Akhtar, who took 178 wickets in 46 Tests and 247 wickets in 163 ODIs, has been in the eye of several controversies. Doping scandals, fitness problems, chucking problems, genital warts, hitting Mohammad Asif with a bat, allegedly slapping their coach Bob Woolmer, fines, fall-out with team, fall-out with the management, bans, recalls, more bans.

Things came to a head in the 2011 World Cup, where he allegedly had a confrontation with Kamran Akmal. He announced his retirement mid-way, but was immediately dropped from the team. Which is not to say he has been dropped from the headlines.

As for the ball-tampering bits, thanks Shoaib, for confirming what we've suspected throughout.

Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli, who shared a world-record 664-run partnership with Tendulkar in school-level cricket, blasted Shoaib Akhtar for claiming Sachin was scared of his bowling.

    "Sachin was never scared of Shoaib or anyone. The way he plays his cricket and has scored the highest runs (in Tests and ODIs)...No one is close to him and no one can speak about him like that. He feared only my bowling."

Sachin Tendulkar however refused to comment on Akhtar's notes saying "it is below my dignity to react to Shoaib's comment."

Friday 23 September 2011

Yankees catcher Martin wants to knock out hated Red Sox





(Reuters) - The New York Yankees have already clinched the American League East title but catcher Russell Martin has another goal in mind, knocking down the bid by arch-rival Boston Red Sox to reach the postseason.

The slumping Red Sox come to the Bronx for a three-game series starting on Friday.

Martin told reporters he would love to heap more misery on the Red Sox, whose lead in the race for the wildcard playoff berth over the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Angels has shrunk after a September swoon produced 16 losses in 21 games.

"Anything to get the Red Sox out would be awesome for me," Martin told reporters on Thursday in the Yankees clubhouse ahead of a game against the Rays.

Asked why, Martin said: "Because I hate the Red Sox."

That kind of sentiment is sure to endear Martin to the boisterous Yankee Stadium crowds that revel in the bitter rivalry between the long-time adversaries.

Less so to Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who cringed when he was told about Martin's remarks. "I don't ever like to fuel anything. But boys will be boys."

"We know there's a lot at stake whenever we play those guys and a lot of pride on the line, and there's a lot expectations when these two teams play."

The 28-year-old Martin has only been with the Yankees one season after being signed as a free agent from the Los Angeles Dodgers. But the hard-nosed catcher has gotten caught up in the intense rivalry and buzz of added excitement the games bring.

"They are fun to play against because they have a quality team and they are gritty and they play hard and stuff, but I would love to see them lose," Martin said.

The Red Sox have beaten the Yankees 11 of 15 games this season.

"They have given us a hard time all year, but I don't think we are scared of them or anything," said Martin, who felt it was natural to fall under the spell of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry.

"I guess it just comes with the territory ... When you wear the pinstripes, you just kind of learn to be that way."

Hyundai Eon to bowl over the small car segment



















When you think Hyundai, the word 'style' pops unbidden to mind. Whether it's an i10, Verna, Sonata or Santa Fe, the company never compromises on style and seamless finish. Underscoring this fact is Eon, the latest offering from the Hyundai stable that is expected on Indian roads in October, priced around 2.5 lakh.

The Eon has a very intricate design accentuated with the fluidic lines we saw on the 2011 Verna. According to Autocar, the wheel arches and shoulder line are so complex that you'd have to go all the way up to a Mercedes-Benz CLS to see anything similar — and that's no overstatement.

Generally, A-segment cars disappoint on the interior. But Eon, unlike any other in the segment, gets a neatly finished and spacious interior.  Also on offer are USB-supported music system, remote locking and even tiltable steering.
The Eon will be powered by an 814cc IRDE petrol engine developing 56bhp, which is definitely zippy on a car that weighs at 715-795kg. To add joy, Hyundai is claiming 21.1 kmpl, too.

Overall, the Eon is going to be more powerful, sleek, futuristic and hopefully equally priced as the super seller Maruti Alto. Who knows, this car might even dethrone Alto as India's best-selling car.

Wednesday 21 September 2011

BMW's Concept E Electric Scooter





Building on almost 90 years of experienced in the field of motorised two-wheel vehicles, BMW Motorrad is drawing on the conceptual benefits of single-track vehicles to develop innovative solutions, adding a new dimension to the area of urban commuting.
Credit:BMW












Based on the BMW Group's sustainability strategy, BMW Motorrad aims to put a premium offer on the market in the area of electromobility in the foreseeable future. At the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), BMW will be presenting its design concept in this area for the first time: "BMW Concept e".
Credit:BMW

Tuesday 20 September 2011

It was a great win: Kallis






Hyderabad, Sep 20 (IANS) Kolkata Knight Riders captain Jacques Kallis Monday said it was a 'great win' against Auckland Aces because his team had lost a couple of close games earlier, and that each player 'delivered' when it was needed the most.
Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Auckland Aces by two runs in a qualifying Pool B match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here Monday.

Opting to bat first, Kolkata Knight Riders folded their innings for 121 for six in 20 overs. Openers Manvinder Bisla was the top scorer with 45 while Jacques Kallis, who is leading the side in the absence of injured Gautam Gambhir, made 33.
Run outs and two wickets from Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Yusuf Pathan reduced Auckland Aces to 77 for five and they could only get to 119 for six in 20 overs. Lou Vincent was the top scorer with 40.
Kallis said: 'It was a great win because we lost a couple of close games earlier. It was a great show by all guys, each one delivered that he needs to.'
'We were few runs short. Myself and Bisla... we got the team into a great position but then it was not a 160-run wicket. We were batting under tough conditions.'
'The batting performance of both sides was disappointing. We should have scored 135-140 runs. The guys fought back and it was a great team spirit,' Kallis said.
Gareth Hopkins, losing captain of the Auckland Aces, said the result was disappointing for them, 'because we came so close but could not win. We have a must-win game tomorrow and we have a plan for this.'

Monday 19 September 2011

3-4 cups of coffee a day can cut stroke risk by 17pc




London, Sept 19 (ANI): Drinking three to four cups of coffee a day can make us 17 percent less likely to suffer a stroke, a new research has found.

Antioxidants in the drink stop blood clots on the brain as they protect against cholesterol build-up, the report said.

Scientists came to this conclusion after looking at data from eight studies on consumption from the past 45 years, reports the Mirror.

Meanwhile, researchers found those drinking two cups a day were 14 per cent less likely to suffer a clot on the brain than non-drinkers.

Caffeine addicts who get through six or more cups a day only see a reduction in risk of around 7 per cent.

But the Swedish study admitted coffee "may have both beneficial and harmful effects".

The research has been published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. (ANI)

Saturday 17 September 2011

10 Most Hated Jobs





At one time or another, we have all known at least one person who has hated his or her job. That person may have suffered silently or vented constantly, but at the end of the day there was no question this person was truly unhappy with where they spent at least 40 of his or her waking hours every week, for 51 weeks a year.



The reasons for job dissatisfaction vary. Low pay, irregular hours, and lack of a window seat are all assumed to be culprits, and to be sure they can all contribute to a bad attitude on the job. These are actually not the primary factors driving a worker to regard tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock sharp with dread and ill will, however, according to one resource.

CareerBliss is an online resource that bases job satisfaction on multiple factors, including workplace culture, coworkers, and the boss.

According a survey of hundreds of thousands of employees conducted in 2011, CareerBliss determined the 10 most hated jobs, rated on a scale of 1 to 10. In almost all cases, respondents reported that the factors causing the most job dissatisfaction were not lousy pay or a desk near the bathroom. CareerBliss found that limited growth opportunities and lack of reward drove the misery index up more than anything else.

Read about the 10 jobs with the highest levels of employee unhappiness. The results may surprise you.

1. Director of Information Technology
For all the press that teachers and nurses get for their long hours, low pay and thankless tasks, it may be surprising to see the most hated job was that of information technology director, according to CareerBliss. After all, the salary's pretty good and with information technology such a prevalent part of everyday business, an IT director can hold almost as much sway over the fate of some companies as a chief executive.

Still, IT directors reported the highest level of dissatisfaction with their jobs, far surpassing that of any waitress, janitor, or bellhop. Of those who responded to the survey, one simple, five-word response summed up the antipathy very well: "Nepotism, cronyism, disrespect for workers."

2. Director of Sales and Marketing
A director of sales and marketing plans implements efforts to promote companies and generate business. Responsibilities often include budget management, public relations, and employee training.

Sales and marketing directors reported the second-highest level of job dissatisfaction of all survey respondents. The majority who responded negatively cited a lack of direction from upper management and an absence of room for growth as the main sources of their ire.

3. Product Manager
"Product manager" is a wide-ranging job title that takes on many meanings, depending on the company and its sector. In some cases, the job requires simply evaluating what products are best suited to a company's business model, and in others marketing, resource management, and scheduling are involved.

The level of job dissatisfaction was very high for this position. One respondent complained that it restricted growth, saying that it was "very hard to grow up the ranks." Another was less polite and said "the work is boring and there's a lot of clerical work still at my level."

4. Senior Web Developer
Senior web developers design, maintain, and develop applications for the Internet. With every business expected to have some kind of Internet presence these days, developers are found working in every type of company, in a full-time, part-time, or freelance capacity.

A senior developer is expected to be fluent in client-side and server-side contexts, and know his or her way around Python, Ruby, or whatever other arcane technology requires taming. Senior developers reported a high degree of unhappiness in their jobs, attributable to a perception their employers are unable to communicate coherently, and lack an understanding of the technology.

[Click here to find an online degree program]

5. Technical Specialist
A technical specialist "leads the analysis, definition, design, construction, testing, installation, and modification of medium to large infrastructures," according to CareerBliss. This means that if a company wants to design a project, the technical specialist evaluates it to see what's possible and what isn't.

The job is a lead position that requires intimate knowledge of engineering; familiarity with Linux helps, too. However, technical specialists reported that for all their expertise, they were treated with a palpable level of disrespect. They cited a "lack of communication from upper management" and felt their "input was not taken seriously."

6. Electronics Technician
Electronics technicians maintain, troubleshoot and collect monthly measurement data for electronic systems. They work in every sector and can be employed with the phone company, a chain of fast-food restaurants, or the U.S. Navy. Whatever the case, technicians work on-site and off-site, have constant contact with clients, and must have an ability to quickly solve complex technical problems under intense pressure.

Employee dissatisfaction in this job is attributable to several factors. One respondent complained of having "too little control," while another had a litany of complaints: "Work schedule, lack of accomplishment, no real opportunity for growth, peers have no motivation to work hard, no say in how things are done, hostility from peers towards other employees."

7. Law Clerk
Clerkships are among the most highly sought-after positions in the legal profession. A law clerk assists judges as they write opinions, and the ones who get the job are almost always near the top of their class at law school. Six justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, including Elena Kagan and current Chief Justice John Roberts, were all law clerks early in their careers.

The job clearly beefs up a resume. Yet law clerks still report high levels of dissatisfaction. The hours are long and grueling, and the clerk is subject to the whims of sometimes mercurial personalities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported the job brings in a median salary of $39,780 a year—not exactly striking it rich—and those looking for advancement within the position simply will not find it.

8. Technical Support Analyst
Technical support analysts help people with their computer issues. This typically amounts to calmly communicating technical advice to panicked individuals, often over the phone, and then going on site to find the client simply hadn't turned the printer on.

Technical support analysts often work in a variety of environments, and they may be required to travel at a moment's notice, sometimes on holidays or weekends. After all, there's no telling when a client's computer-whiz nephew might make a minor tweak to his machine, with disastrous results.

In the words of one of the respondents, "You can do better, really."

9. CNC Machinist
CNC machinists operate computer numerical control machines. For the uninitiated, this is a machine that operates a lathe or a mill. On the upside, it renders obsolete processes that used to be performed by hand, at a slow pace and with high risk to the operator's life and limb.

Now that the CNC operator has had most of the physical hazards of manufacturing replaced by a machine, there's not a lot to do but push buttons and perform equipment inspections to make sure the coolant is at a safe level. Since it's a specialized skill, the job offers no room for advancement, which caused respondents to report a high degree of dissatisfaction.

10. Marketing Manager
A marketing manager is responsible for overseeing advertising and promotion. This involves developing strategies to meet sales objectives, based on the study of such factors as customer surveys and market behavior.

According to CareerBliss, respondents in this position most often cited a lack of direction as the primary reason for job dissatisfaction. The most optimistic respondent described it as "tolerable," and gave it the faintest praise possible by saying, "It's a job." (In this labor market, that's not such a bad thing.)

Wednesday 14 September 2011

Asian Champion India hockey team rejects Rs 25000 prize money







New Delhi, Sept 14 (ANI): Asian Champion India has refused to accept Rs 25, 000 cash reward offered to them by Hockey India.

The winning national hockey team felt insulted on being offered the meagre cash reward by Sports Minister Ajay Maken during their felicitation ceremony.

Hockey team captain Rajpal Singh said that their feat of beating arch-rivals Pakistan in the finals of the prestigious event was not rewarded well, and added that his team was disappointed by Maken's hollow claims of reviving the national sport in the country.

Singh further said any cash reward should be motivational for the players, both now and in the future.

He urged other Sports federation to take a leaf out of the BCCI's working and awarding of players to motivate them for better results.

India defeated Pakistan 4-2 in the Asian Champions Trophy finals on Sunday in Ordos, China.

Tuesday 13 September 2011

Indian-origin researcher's website for teens seeking sexual health advice






Washington, Sept 13 (ANI): An Indian-origin researcher has launched a website named 'Ask A Doc RI' to provide a platform for teenagers seeking reliable information on reproductive health.
"My thought was to bring the information to where the teenagers are, which is on the Internet," says Vinita Goyal, MD, MPH, of Women and Infants' Centre for Women's Primary Care.
"Ask A Doc RI contains a variety of information on contraception and local clinical resources where youth can seek health care."
In addition, the website, which includes links to Healthy Kids Rhode Island and Women and Infants, fields anonymous questions on sexual health from teenagers.
The questions are answered by one of five participating Women and Infants physicians, and the answers are posted online within 72 hours.
In addition to fielding questions on Ask A Doc RI, there are sections on the website containing general information on all available contraceptive options and frequently asked questions about contraception, as well as contact information on local health centres for teens interested in making an appointment or meeting face to face with a provider.
Unique to Ask A Doc RI will be a section with current contraceptive issues brought up by local and national media. Complete information will be supplied so teenagers can make the best decision for their sexual health. (ANI)



Mood Swings in Men: Causes, Myths and Prevention





Have you ever experienced an uncertainty about the state of your mind?
That myriad emotions cloud inside your head and you swing like a pendulum between happiness, sadness and anger? And have you ever ended up hurting someone unintentionally? To be honest, these are the signs of mood swings.

Women are Not the Only Ones
First of all, let's bust a myth here. If you thought such things only happened to the members of the fair sex, you're in for a rude shock. Doctors, scientists and sociologists (both male and female) would beg to differ. Guys also have their world of emotional ups and downs and can experience mood swing. Changes in men's hormonal balance can also result in physiological changes, which eventually results in psychological changes.
Men's mind conforms to the changes in the physiology of men, that is, things like puberty and mid-life crisis. The rise and fall of certain chemicals has a significant effect on a man's emotions. It's true that women can experience more severe mood swings as the hormonal imbalance in them during PMS and menopause is much more acute. Their emotional imbalances can last for longer periods of time. A man's mood swings are less dramatic and their shelf life is lesser depending on how much testosterone has decreased.
Depression vs Mood Swings

It would be erroneous to confuse long-term depression with mood swings as they are two entirely different stories. Depression is normally triggered by the impact of external factors such as physical trauma, demise of a loved-one, getting fired from a job etc. Mood swings on the other hand, are triggered from what goes on inside the body and the chemical mumbo-jumbo happening inside the brain.
Men, too, are Emotional Beings

Another myth which has been doing the rounds since ages is that men are not - rather should not be - emotional. While women generally tend to be more emotional than men, saying that men are emotionless is nothing but gibberish. Society has been teaching men to hide emotions as the display of emotions reflects weakness. So most of our emotional baggage comes in gushes.
There's nothing wrong with men experiencing emotional ups and down, sometimes even as strong as the ones which women experience. They are a very healthy part of their lives. But what really happens is that men don't exhibit their mood swings as much as women do.
As the saying goes, “excess of everything is bad” and the same applies to these mood swings. They need to be control if they occur quite frequently. But how do you know that you've crossed the mark?
1. Signs that you are too emotional:
2. Envious of people every now and then
3. Sessions of extreme anger and fury
4. Sleeplessness due to worry/anxiety
5. Acute paranoia or fear
6. Obsessed with something or someone
7. Sheer lack of rational thinking
Go by the heart a lot more than going by your head
Taming those Mood Swings

Any form of general and regular exercise can help keep the testosterone levels balanced. This will help in reducing the aggressive and fickle mood swings. Sex can also help in regulating mood swings. Another way to control your mood swings is through the “questioning” method. Ask yourself “why” before acting strongly on your emotions. This way, you can compel your brain to start thinking rationally about the problem, rather than acting abruptly and aggressively in that situation. This may not be as easy as it sounds but with some constant practice and patience, you can eventually be a master of this technique.
However, if the situation spirals out of control and nothing seems to be working out, then DO NOT hesitate from seeking clinical advice from a qualified psychiatrist. (MensXP.com)




Also read: MensXP's Guide to Mental Health, A Simple Guide to Anger Management

Monday 12 September 2011

England win series, inflict more misery on Indians





London, (AFP): England won the one day series with India on Sunday after they tied the fourth One-Day International leaving the world champions still winless in all forms of cricket on their tour this summer.

Ravi Bopara made 96 as England chased India's 280-5 but when he was the eighth man out with England on 270 and rain bought the teams off they were tied on the Duckworth Lewis method. England hold an unassailable 2-0 lead with just one game remaining.

Bopara was attempting to reach his first one-day international hundred with a big shot but was caught on the deep midwicket boundary. Ironically if he had just knocked the ball for a single England would have won on the DL method by a single run.

India looked all over the winners when England were 173-5 but Bopara's innings and good supporting roles from Graeme Swann, who made 31 and Tim Bresnan with 27, eased England up to their target. However the first time the teams went off for rain India were ahead on the DL method and eager to get off the pitch.

They were less eager to get back on for another over and by the time that had been bowled England were ahead before they went off one more time with the teams tied on DL.

Earlier Ian Bell had made 54 but when he and Ben Stokes were out in quick succession England needed a cool head and to steady the ship and Bopara provided it before going for one big shot too many.

India's innings had been dominated by a fifth wicket stand of 169 between Suresh Raina and captain MS Dhoni. Raina hit 84 while Dhoni ended unbeaten on 78 in a partnership that was the highest for the fifth wicket for India in one-day internationals against England.

Dhoni faced 71 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes, whilst Raina, who accelerated late in his innings faced 75 balls and hit seven fours and two sixes. But it looked like it would be a different story when India were 110-4 in 26th over.

Swann had just dismissed Virat Kholi and Rahul Dravid in his first over and one more wicket would have exposed the Indian tail. But Raina and Dhoni got their side to a score well above the average first innings one-day total here with aggressive batting which delighted the hordes of Indian supporters at the ground.

They helped their side to add 109 off the last ten overs with both batsmen hitting the English bowlers high into stands as India finally enjoyed themselves after a dismal summer in England.

In a bad session for England Stuart Broad went off without completing the final over holding his arm and Steve Finn was called on to bowl the rest of the over.

Earlier, Broad had dismissed both openers Parthiv Patel for 27 and Ajinkya Rahane for 38 but Finn, playing his first match of the series, went wicketless despite bowling well. He eventually snared Raina when he was asked to replace Broad when the batsman was superbly caught by Stokes in the deep.

Sunday 11 September 2011

Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy and Maintain a Good Memory





Many of us don't bother a lot about our fading memory. A startling observation has come out in a study carried out by the University of Virginia in the US. Memory problems can surface as early as in somebody's 20s.

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Researchers noted that by the age of 27, brain-speed, puzzle solving capabilities and abstract reasoning take a hit in most people. There's no need to ring the alarm bells on reading, it wouldn't happen that you'll forget your girl's name but at the same time it's important that you realise that brain is a vital part of the body and needs your constant attention. Here's how you can keep it fit:

Stay Active

Staying physically fit is favourable for the brain as well. It is very likely to magnify the size of your hippocampus - the region of the brain connected to long-term recall. Jogging and swimming are a boon for the brain, however, anything that gets you blood flowing can be handy.

Eat Healthy

What's good for your heart is good for your head - this may not hold otherwise but it makes perfect sense if you care for your brain. Experts advise an anti-oxidant-rich diet, coupled with omega-3 fatty acids to maintain a healthy brain.

Organise and Visualise























Get involved in various mental exercises. Teach yourself mental prompts. If you need to remember numerous different items, try organisinf them into smaller bunches. Take your credit card number. You probably know it by heart as it is already arranged into groups of four.

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Play and Relax

Contrary to what some people say, video games don't ruin your brain. In fact, there are several games which help to strengthen and train your brain. Relaxing is also big stressbuster.

Monday 5 September 2011

Djokovic stays alive with marathon tiebreak win





Top-seed Novak Djokovic had to fight through the longest tiebreak of his career on Monday to begin the second week of the US Open by overcoming his opponent and a testing wind into the quarterfinals.

The Serb overcame former tennis tyke Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine, who grew up on the ATP as the child of a coach, 7-6 (16-14), 6-4, 6-2.

Djokovic will next play Davis Cup teammate Janko Tipsarevic after the Serb put out Spanish veteran Juan Carlos Ferrero 7-5, 6-7 (3-7), 7-5, 6-2.

Djokovic admitted that the huge first set tiebreaker determined the outcome of his match.

“It took nearly half an hour, it was very important to win it. It had to be the longest tiebreak I’ve ever played and it was a turning point,” he said. “After winning that one, there was a better performance from my side.” Djokovkic admitted that he was jittery as he played on the minor showcase Armstrong court for the first time in years.

“The wind made for tricky condition. My opponent knows how to play well in those conditions,” he said. “I was a bit confused on the court at the start by his game.” Djokovic finished with 13 winners in the demanding contest. He and Tipsarevic are good friends off the court.

“At least one Serb will be in the semis, which is great for our country,” said Djokovic. “I’ve never played Janko in a Grand Slam.

But it’s a quarterfinal and we both want to win.”

Facebook Pages and Groups Against Anna Hazare









Democracy is the freedom to wear an I Am Not Anna T shirt in the public and not get beaten up.
TV news didn't give you all the facts - it was clearly fighting for TRPs, byte for Anna byte, to offer viewers counterpoints to the Jan Lokpal, or even to Anna himself.
Neither did the newspapers, if the headlines of two of India's leading English newspapers during the Anna fest are counted.
For a readymade platform of dissent against Anna, the simplest, and fastest way of getting the trickle-downs from all over the internet, all on one page is Facebook.
And the only stand we take at MensXP.com is for people who stand up and be counted.
Anna Hazare is NOT India

Anna Hazare is NOT India
Former fighter pilot Shashank Shukla created 'Anna Hazare is NOT India' to speak out against the dangerous precent that Anna Hazare set at Ramlila Maidan.
His page talks bout the “Jan Lokpal Bill and the current Anna Phenomenon”.According to him:“…the issue is correct, the methods being employed by Anna ji of undermining (the) authority of parliamentary democracy sets a very dangerous precedent”
Shashank even planned a“counter-sit-in” on Thursday near the Maidan against Team Anna's protest.Shashank has also mentioned the ignorance of Lokpal supporters when it comes to understanding the Bill.
I am for a non-corrupt democracy, not an Anna Hazare dictatorship.

DemocracyNotAnna
The Facebook Page URL for this page is actually shorter - Facebook.com/DemocracynotAnna. The most happening Anna-dissent destination on Facebook is also the most thought provoking. Members give perspective to the media hype of #Anna, present individual inquiry into the workings of Lokpal bill, and both Fans and the Page Admin post analytical content from the internet. If Anna was hype, DemocracyNotAnna is a just a few carefully considered Likes, longer, carefully thought comments and a regular eye on the going-ons of the Anna-verse.
Why I Hate Anna Hazare and Co.

Not about hate, but the logical opposite of hate - an indifference to Anna's popstar appeal. A bit of rightful scorn though - it seems to be a cathartic notepad for those who can't speak against Anna in the public domain. Users question the reality of his 12 day fast, the pasts of Team Anna members, and the necessary LOLs that every Facebook Page needs.

Also, busting the few myths floating around on SMS - including the implementation of Lokpal bill in Singapore (its a myth!).
And the Page Admin has agreed to argue against every point you write for the bill.
Against Anna JanLokPal Bill

There's only 45 members right now, but with regular links presenting different perspectives on Anna's protests, an active admin and a critical focus on the Jan Lokpal Bill and Anna Hazare, it is necessary Liking for the Anna-athiest.
THE JOKE OF LOKPAL

There's always people here willing to argue you out of your belief of the Lokpal Bill. Armed with the kind of Lokpal IQ that would give the most righteous Anna fans a pause, comments are supplemented with news, links to other Anti-Anna/Lokpal Facebook pages and Notes breaking down the Bill and it's flaws.
Democracy or Hazare ?

Find like-minded people on one the biggest Anti-Anna Groups on Facebook. Question Mr. Hazare's unwillingness to run in the elections and specific examples of how the media overstepped the ethics of journalism in supporting Anna for TRPs. Pro-Anna posts aren't abused, but thoughtfully critiqued.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Lionel Messi





Star footballer Lionel Andrés Messi is touring India with his national team Argentina for a FIFA friendly match against Venezuela (on Friday), the first such match being held in India.
This is expected to give Indian football a much-need thrust.
Lionel Messi is arguably the best footballer in the world at the moment. He's won every trophy on offer at the club level. and is adored by millions of fans worldwide for the magic he creates on the field. He is often compared to football legends like Pele and Maradona and it won't be a surprise if he overtakes them soon in terms of "greatness", as he is just 24 right now.
As India, especially Kolkata, prepares to be bowled over by Leo Messi, we tell you 10 interesting facts about his life:

1. His family is of middle-class Italian origin. While his father Jorge was a factory worker, his mother Celia was a part-time cleaner.
2. He was detected with a growth hormone deficiency at the age of 11. His parents could not afford his treatment, which was $900 a month.
3. Messi shares his birthplace with the Argentinian revolutionary Che Guevera. Both were born in Rosario, Argentina.
4. Barcelona officials were quick to spot his footballing skills. They offered to pay for Messi's medical bills and the family shifted to Spain.

5. Messi's first contract with Barcelona was detailed out on a paper napkin! FC Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach was so impressed with Messi's skills that he wanted to make a contract immediately and there was no paper available at that time.
6. He was offered a place in the national team by Spain which he did not accept. He wanted to wear blue-and-white Argentinian jersey, a chance he first got in 2004.
7. Messi holds two passports - Argentina's and Spain's. He became a Spanish citizen in September 2005.

8. Messi inherited the No. 10 Barca jersey from another great footballer Ronaldinho in the summer of 2008.
9. Messi supports a number of charities through his Leo Messi Foundation. He also works for people suffering from Fragile X Syndrome (a disease related to autism). He is also a a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.




10. He is featured on the front covers of the video games Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 and is also involved in promotional campaigns for the games.