Connect to MSN, Yahoo using Google Talk

Now that Google has opened up their Google Talk servers for federation with other Jabber servers, you can use Google Talk to connect to your friends on AIM, MSN, Yahoo or ICQ. Here's how, step-by-step with screenshots.

http://www.bigblueball.com/forums/general-other-im-news/33739-connect-google-talk-aim-msn-yahoo.html

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Compress Word Files without ZIP

PackWord can compress a Microsoft Word document (.doc) file into a
smaller, compressed, .doc file. The compressed .doc file is
self-extracting: when loaded into Microsoft Word, the compressed
document will automatically expand to the original version.

The benefit of PackWord is that compressed documents automatically
self-expand in Microsoft Word. You can also send it to a friend or
colleague even though he may not have the PackWord program. Since
PackWord is freeware, you do not need to choose: use both WinZip and
PackWord!

Download it here for FREE: http://www.packword.com/

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Finance Help for Education

If you have come across any bright students coming from poor financial background who have finished their 10th standard this year (April 2009) and scored more than 80%, please ask them to contact the NGO-Prerana (supported by Infosys foundation). 

The NGO is conducting a written test and those who clear the test will be eligible for financial help for their further studies.

Please ask the students to contact the people mentioned below to get the form

#580,Shubhakar,
 44th cross,1st 'A' main road,jayanagar 7th block Bangalore
Mob no- 9900906338(Saraswati)

Mr.Shivkumar( 9986630301) - Hanumanthnagar office

Ms.Bindu(9964534667 )-Y eshwantpur office

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Red eyes in flash photographs

We've all see photographs where the people in the picture have spooky red eyes. These are photos taken at night with a flash. Where do the red eyes come from?
The red color comes from light that reflects off of the retinas in our eyes. In many animals, including dogs, cats and deer, the retina has a special reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum that acts almost like a mirror at the backs of their eyes. If you shine a flashlight or headlights into their eyes at night, their eyes shine back with bright, white light. Humans don't have this tapetum lucidum layer in their retinas. If you shine a flashlight in a person's eyes at night, you don't see any sort of reflection. The flash on a camera is bright enough, however, to cause a reflection off of the retina -- what you see is the red color from the blood vessels nourishing the eye.
Many cameras have a "red eye reduction" feature. In these cameras, the flash goes off twice -- once right before the picture is taken, and then again to actually take the picture. The first flash causes people's pupils to contract, reducing "red eye" significantly. Another trick is to turn on all the lights in the room, which also contracts the pupil.
Another way to reduce or eliminate "red eye" in pictures is to move the flash away from the lens. On most small cameras, the flash is only an inch or two away from the lens, so the reflection comes right back into the lens and shows up on the film. If you can detach the flash and hold it several feet away from the lens, that helps a lot. You can also try bouncing the flash off the ceiling if that is an option.

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Kandhasamy Movie Review - Fails to deliver

V Creations "Kandhasamy" released amongst much hype and fan-fare has kept Chiyaan Vikram's fans elated and the zeal is visible from the fact that the movie has been released in chennai the main hub of tamil cinema in over 18 theatres with one of the multiplex screening over 36 shows in a day. The movie which has all big names of the industry has been named as the "First super-hero tamil movie" and that instantly tells us that this is one movie that is in the league of superman and our own Indian Krrish.

Kandhasamy (Vikram) is a CBI officer who does what all CBI officer knows to do i.e to raid an industrialist PPP (Ashish Vidhyarthi) and his assets over misappropriation of funds close to 1000 crores and as you would expect he comes across the photograph of his daughter Subulakshmi (Shriya Saran) who comes in for a glossy introduction in the "Allegra" song with Italian dancers and an opera background to awe the audience.

Simultaneously in a town near chennai called Thiruporur there is a temple that is very powerful and whoever writes their wishes on the temple tree it bears fruit immediately. This news spreads like wild fire and there is mad rush amongst devotees who throng the temple with their wishes.

Annoyed by this fact DIG Paranthaman (Prabhu) decides to unravel the mystery that all this is not by the grace of god but by some individual. He and his team travel to the temple to find out the mystery only to come back confused.

Subulakshmi decides to take revenge on Kandhasamy by making him fall in love with her but Kandhasamy does not fall for her and that irritates her to the core. The two involve in a very high budget romance where in one instance they fly to a foreign country to have a cup of coffee.

As things go by the battle for supremacy amongst subulakshmi and Kandhasmy takes various dimensions and in the end the inevitable happens and subulakshmi falls really in love with him. PPP as the villain along with Alex as the money laundering agent in Mexico decide to eliminate Kandhasamy but of no avail.

Parandhaman then decides to take things on his own hand and whether he gets to unravel the mystery or not is the rest of the movie. Vadivelu as Thengakadai Thenappan provides the laugh riot which comes as a seperate track and this one could have been avoided which would have given this movie a more serious outlook to the entire film.

Director Susi Ganeshan who also appears in a chameo role in the movie could have thought of a story line much different from this as the movie reminds us instantly of two super-hit tamil movies of the past.

Chiyaan Vikram is at his usual best throughout the movie and special mention to Shriya Saran for carrying the glamorous role with ease. Mumaith Khan in an item number brings in lot of cheer to the front benchers with the "Pambara Kannale" re-mix song. Music by Devi Sri Prasad is brilliant at times and at the same time very ordinary in few places also.

"Kandhasamy" is a super hero inspired from old super-hit tamil movies.

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POORI (The Fried, Puffed Whole Wheat Bread)

POORI (The Fried, Puffed Whole Wheat Bread)

A puri or poori or boori is a South Asian unleavened bread prepared in many of the countries in South Asia including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is consumed for breakfast, or as a snack or light meal. Puri is also the Georgian name for bread.

Puri is most commonly served at breakfast. It is also served at special or ceremonial functions; they sometimes are part of ceremonial rituals along with other vegetarian food offered in prayer as prasadam.

Puri can be made with Whole wheat flour (Atta) or with all purpose flour (Maida). Puri is often served with potato masala, chana masala, korma, and goes well with most North Indian gravies. In some Indian states it is served with halwa and in Maharashtra it is relished with Aamras.

In the north east of India, Puri is served with a special mixed vegetable which is prepared during puja and its also eaten with mistanno, a special kind of dessert prepared with rice, milk, sugar.

A variant of the puri is the bhatura which is three times a puri and thus a single bhatura, served with chole (spicy chick peas), often constitutes a full meal.

Another variant of the puri popular in the eastern states of West Bengal and Orissa is the Luchi.

(Some of the info courtesy:-Wikipedia)

Ingredients

Mix together in a bowl:

2 cups Indian whole wheat flour

1/2 Tablespoon vegetable oil

Salt to taste

Method

Slowly add about 3/4 cup warm water, just enough to form a firm dough, and knead till smooth. Cover, let rest at least 1/2 hour, and knead again briefly. If resting more than 1 hour, punch and knead dough again before rolling out.

Divide into small balls about golf-ball size, and roll out into 6" rounds on an oiled board. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or saucepan. Add a little salt to the oil to keep it from smoking. Fry the puri one at a time, holding them under the oil on the first side until they puff. Turn and fry till light brown; drain. While frying, the bread puffs up. After they become golden-brown in color, they are removed and served hot along with some accompaniment.

Serve as soon as possible as Puris are not so good later.

For spicy puris:

When making the dough, add the below mentioned dry ingredients:

Turmeric – a pinch

Red chilly powder – ½ tsp

Coriander powder – ½ tsp

Cumin powder – ½ tsp

Asafetida – a pinch

Salt as per taste

Oil – 1 tbsp

Mix the dough well then add water and mix and follow as above.

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More info on Swine Flu (H1N1)

The spread of swine flu is fast emerging as No 1 healthcare emergency not just in the country but the world over. Despite the issue being in the media for a long time, there continue to be ignorance and mis-information about the disease and how to handle it. Indian Medical Association, Nagpur Centre, has come up with a information dossier on the subject. We reproduce it here for the benefit of our readers. What is H1N1 (swine) flu? H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have also reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. In the beginning it was difficult to predict the effect of this virus on general population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people with 65 years of more age, children below five years, pregnant women, and people of any age with chronic medical conditions. This virus is contagious but, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. The symptoms of H1N1 swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with H1N1 swine flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and even deaths have been reported with H1N1 swine flu infection. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic diseases. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: * Fast breathing or difficulty in breathing * Bluish or gray skin colour * Not drinking enough fluids * Severe or persistent vomiting * Not waking up or not interacting * Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held * Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: * Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath * Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen * Sudden dizziness * Confusion * Severe or persistent vomiting * Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough How do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu? Spread of H1N1 (swine) flu can occur in two ways: H1N1 virus appears to be transmitted the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. How can someone with the flu infect someone else? Infected people can infect others right from day one even before they themselves develop any symptoms up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that one can pass on the infection to someone else before he/she even knows that he/she is sick, as well as while one is sick. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 (swine) flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: * Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. * Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. * Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. * Try to avoid close contact with sick people. * If you get sick with influenza, you should stay at home and not go for work or school and limit contact with others to prevent them from getting infecting by you. * Reduce the time spent in the crowded settings. * Improve airflow in the living space by opening the windows and proper ventilation. * Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active. How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)? Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches his own eyes, mouth or nose before washing hands. Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (swine) flu? Yes, use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu ?) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza ?) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 (swine) influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms). Follow the advice of your local public health department regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other measures to reduce flu transmission. These measures will continue to be important after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections. What should I do if I get sick? If you live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhoea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. Antiviral drugs may reduce the symptoms and duration of illness, just as they do for seasonal influenza. They also may contribute to preventing severe disease and death. WHO is in touch with public health authorities and clinicians in affected countries and is gathering information about how effective the drugs are. What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend? If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and clean your hands thoroughly afterwards. If you are sick and have to travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose. Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection. How do I know if I have influenza A (H1N1)? You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A (H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A (H1N1). If they suspect any symptoms they will send your blood sample, throat swab and nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) for testing to laboratories. Presently this facility is available only at certain specified government laboratories.

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Swine Flu Information (H1N1)

Government Hospitals approved for Treatment of H1N1

Chennai

King Institute of Preventive Medicine (24/7 Service)

Guindy, Chennai – 32

(044) 22501520, 22501521 & 22501522

Communicable Diseases Hospital

Thondiarpet, Chennai

(044) 25912686/87/88, 9444459543

Government General Hospital

Opp. Central Railway Station, Chennai – 03

(044) 25305000, 25305723, 25305721, 25330300

Pune

Naidu Hospital

Nr Le'Meridian, Raja Bahadur Mill, GPO, Pune - 01

(020) 26058243

National Institute of Virology

20A Ambedkar Road, Pune - 11

(020) 26006290

Kolkata

ID Hospital

57,Beliaghata, Beliaghata Road, Kolkata - 10‎

(033) 23701252

Coimbatore

Government General Hospital

Near Railway Station,
Trichy Road, Coimbatore - 18

(0422) 2301393, 2301394, 2301395, 2301396

Hyderabad

Govt. General and Chest Diseases Hospital,

Erragadda, Hyderabad

(040) 23814939

Mumbai

Kasturba Gandhi Hospital

Arthur Road, N M Joshi Marg, Jacob Circle, Mumbai - 11

(022) 23083901, 23092458, 23004512

Sir J J Hospital

J J Marg, Byculla, Mumbai - 08

(022) 23735555, 23739031, 23760943, 23768400 / 23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366

Haffkine Institute

Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai - 12

(022) 24160947, 24160961, 24160962

Kochi

Government Medical College

Gandhi Nagar P O, Kottayam - 08

(0481) 2597311,2597312

Government Medical College

Vandanam P O, Allapuzha - 05

(0477) 2282015

Taluk Hospital

Railway Station Road, Alwaye, Ernakulam

(0484) 2624040  Sathyajit - 09847840051

Taluk Hospital

Perumbavoor PO, Ernakulam 542

(0484) 2523138  Vipin - 09447305200

Gurgaon &
Delhi

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)

Ansari Nagar, Aurobindo Marg Ring Road, New Delhi - 29

(011) 26594404, 26861698  Prof. R C Deka - 9868397464

National Institute for Communicable Diseases

22, Sham Nath Marg,
New Delhi - 54

(011) 23971272/060/344/524/449/326

Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital

Kharak Singh Marg,
New Delhi - 01

(011) 23741640, 23741649, 23741639
Dr. N K Chaturvedi – 9811101704

Vallabhai Patel Chest Institute

University Enclave, New Delhi- 07

(011) 27667102, 27667441, 27667667, 27666182

Bangalore

Victoria Hospital

K R Market, Kalasipalayam, Bangalore - 02

(080) 26703294  Dr. Gangadhar - 94480-49863

SDS Tuberculosis & Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases

Hosur Road, Hombegowda Nagar, Bangalore - 29

(080) 26631923  Dr. Shivaraj - 99801-48780

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