Thursday, April 29, 2010
10 things that Airlines don't tell you
1. “Welcome to our crowded plane.”
Just because you show up at the airport with a ticket reservation doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll end up on your intended flight. Most airlines overbook flights to compensate for last-minute cancellations, but they don’t always get the numbers right. And with so few seats open on later flights, fewer folks are volunteering to get bumped. As a result, the number of involuntarily bumped passengers is up, having grown 45 percent between 2005 and 2009, according to the Department of Transportation.“Instead of fixing the problem,” says Tony Polito, an associate professor in the college of business at East Carolina University who has published academic articles about airline industry issues, “they are institutionalizing it.”
What’s worse, travelers who get involuntarily bumped aren’t necessarily entitled to “denied-boarding compensation.” If the airline arranges substitute transportation that gets you to your destination within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation. If you arrive an hour or more later, the airline is required to pay you, up to a maximum of $800, depending on the price of the ticket and length of delay, according to the DOT’s rules.
David Castelveter, spokesperson for the Air Transport Association, says filling an airplane and keeping passengers happy is a balancing act. The carriers are in business to maximize their revenues, he says — not to bump passengers and pay boarding compensation, and not to depart with empty seats. To achieve those goals, the airlines analyze historical booking information and other data to figure out how many seats to sell or oversell. “By overbooking flights, carriers make available seats — for passengers who want and need those seats — left open because someone no-shows, for whatever reason,” he says.
2. “Your hard-won air miles are probably worth less.”
Air miles are easy to accrue. You can earn them using your credit card, getting a mortgage, “for anything short of breathing,” says Tim Winship, editor at large of SmarterTravel.com. American Airlines, for example, has thousands of participating companies in its frequent-flier program, making it an important revenue center. And United Airlines’ Mileage Plus plan brought in $700 million for the company in 2008, the most recent year for which data is available, up from $600 million in 2006.
But as miles flood the market, they’re getting harder to use. Some airlines have reduced the shelf life of air miles, while others have increased the amount required for an upgrade. Winship says customers can keep their account current by using a credit card affiliated with the program, which will build miles as they make purchases. You can also redeem a small amount of miles, to keep your account active, on things like magazine subscriptions.
3. “We’ll give you a good deal — if we can get something out of it.”
Airlines prefer that you book directly with them, so they often feature promotional codes and special deals exclusively on their own web sites. The goal is to get more consumers to book airfare there as opposed to on the discount web sites that list pricing from most airlines. Why? Airlines pay these online booking sites a commission for the tickets they sell — something they prefer not to do.
While consumers can find helpful deals on the airlines’ sites, they should compare pricing there with what the other sites are offering. Also, travelers might find the lowest fare by booking two separate airlines for each leg of their trip, but they’re unlikely to be informed of that when they book a ticket on an airline’s site.
Some airlines, like Southwest, only permit travelers to buy tickets online from their own web sites. However, Southwest’s computer application Ding will scan for the best fares and update you on deals. What does the carrier get in return? Loyalty and repeat fliers. In 2007, American launched a similar application called DealFinder, which offers big discounts on flights.
4. “We love adding fees.”
A big chunk of the price you pay for a ticket covers additional fees that are often added at the end of the booking process, when buyers are less likely to change their mind. That way, the listed ticket price looks lower than it actually is.
The most common fee these days is for checked bags. For example, United now charges $23 to $25 for the first bag a traveler checks in at the airport, and $32 to $35 for the second. Other examples of fees: Passengers who reserve a seat on Spirit Airlines pay $15 extra for an exit row seat. And Allegiant, a low-cost airline that provides service from cities like Missoula, Mont., charges $19 just to book a ticket online. Some airlines have fuel surcharges, which vary in price depending on many factors, including the length of the trip.
Even frequent-flier programs, which are supposed to let you book “free flights,” have added fees for things like booking too close to your travel date. “I keep seeing more and more of these hidden fees,” says George Hobica, creator of Airfarewatchdog.com. “I get complaints from people all the time.” A spokeswoman for American Airlines says the company does charge fees for flights booked with less than 21 days advance notice for people using frequent flyer miles. Passengers booking a flight just seven to 20 days before takeoff can incur a fee of $50 fee or more, and those who book between two hours and six days before departure can incur a $fee of 100, minimum. In addition, she says, there’s a $10 security service fee that’s collected on roundtrip airfare for passengers boarding in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
5. “Customer service isn’t always our top priority . . .”
After being stuck in a plane on the tarmac for nine hours in 2006, Kate Hanni decided to fight back against poor customer service. She formed the group Flyerrights.org, which in December was successful in getting the DOT to issue a rule on “enhancing airline passenger protections” that includes requiring the airlines to allow passengers to disembark after three hours on the tarmac and requiring airlines to provide adequate food and water to passengers within two hours of them being stuck in a plane. A DOT spokeswoman says the rule will take effect on April 29, after the department reviews requests from certain carriers that have asked for temporary exemptions.
According to Claes Fornell, a professor at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, customer satisfaction is up about 3% in 2009 compared with 2008, in part because fewer people are traveling. However, he is unimpressed with the carriers’ attitudes toward customers. “They all offer about the same lousy service,” he says.
Castelveter of the Air Transport Association, which represents the airlines, says travelers are upset by delays that are often out of the airlines’ control. “This is a customer-service-driven business, and when we fail our customers, we lose them,” Castelveter says. “Good customer service is our goal.”
6. “. . . but it might be if you have a lot of miles.”
They may be making a lot of customers miserable these days, but if airlines could be said to cater to anyone’s needs, it would be those of the people in the top tier of their frequent-flier programs — heavy travelers, many of whom fly for business and therefore buy the most expensive tickets. “These people get white-glove service,” says Henry Harteveldt, a travel analyst with Forrester Research. “Airlines really want to cultivate that relationship.”
These favored fliers typically get the first crack at upgrades. In many cases, the reservation center answers their call on the first ring. They often get special bonus-mile offers and free upgrades. And while some airlines are increasing fees associated with frequent-flier programs, members still have perks like first-class check-in (for shorter lines through security) and early boarding.
7. “Our planes can make travel uncomfortable – and costlier.”
Older aircraft are maintained to high safety standards. But they can cause more delays due to last-minute mechanical problems, and they guzzle fuel, a cost that filters down to customers, says CreditSights analyst Roger King. What’s more, with older planes, the airlines feel little pressure to upgrade, says Richard Aboulafia, an aviation analyst with the Teal Group. Seating room is minimal, in-flight entertainment is mediocre or nonexistent and meal service is unlikely, he says.
The industry has a different point of view. “Aircraft of 30 years ago might have guzzled more fuel, but the ones that began operating in the last decade are quite fuel efficient,” says Castelveter, pointing out that some airlines have adjusted aerodynamics on older aircraft so they burn less fuel. The notion that older planes are smaller inside than their newer counterparts is also wrong, he says—and meal service has nothing to do with the age of a plane. “Meals, in some cases, have been eliminated, even in the newer model aircraft,” he says.
8. “Even we don’t understand our pricing.”
Most domestic flights operate with two cabins – coach and first or business class while international flights are divided into first class, business and economy. But when it comes to pricing, there are often around a dozen or more different price points for seats on each plane. “Ticket pricing is a mix of science, game theory and art — a three dimensional matrix,” says Harteveldt of Forrester Research. The biggest factor, beyond basic costs like fuel and labor, is the competition. Airlines track one another’s fares, then try to determine how many business travelers, who generally pay a premium for flexible tickets, are likely to book a flight. On routes with lots of business travelers, seat prices can stay high because airlines know they’ll book seats at the last minute. As each seat sells, the prices of others fluctuate: Domestic fares can change up to three times a day during the week and once on weekends, says Hobica.
But prices don’t only go up. A number of factors can cause prices to fluctuate months or even hours before a flight takes off. One example is if demand from business travelers is lagging, prices may fall as the flight time gets closer. If that happens and the fare drops by the time your flight leaves, you can get a voucher from a number of airlines for the difference between what you paid for the airfare and the lowest price it dropped to. Customers can get this refund if they bought published airfare either directly from the airline or from most price-comparison sites. Some airlines will assess a fee with this refund, but customers should still ask for the full amount. JetBlue, for example, doesn’t deduct a fee; instead it puts the difference into a credit, which a customer can use toward airfare within 12 months, says a spokesperson.
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10 Things Your Airline Won't Tell You
Updated and adapted from the book "1,001 Things They Won't Tell You: An Insider's Guide to Spending, Saving, and Living Wisely," by Jonathan Dahl and the editors of SmartMoney
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1. “Welcome to our crowded plane.”
Just because you show up at the airport with a ticket reservation doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll end up on your intended flight. Most airlines overbook flights to compensate for last-minute cancellations, but they don’t always get the numbers right. And with so few seats open on later flights, fewer folks are volunteering to get bumped. As a result, the number of involuntarily bumped passengers is up, having grown 45 percent between 2005 and 2009, according to the Department of Transportation.“Instead of fixing the problem,” says Tony Polito, an associate professor in the college of business at East Carolina University who has published academic articles about airline industry issues, “they are institutionalizing it.”
What’s worse, travelers who get involuntarily bumped aren’t necessarily entitled to “denied-boarding compensation.” If the airline arranges substitute transportation that gets you to your destination within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation. If you arrive an hour or more later, the airline is required to pay you, up to a maximum of $800, depending on the price of the ticket and length of delay, according to the DOT’s rules.
David Castelveter, spokesperson for the Air Transport Association, says filling an airplane and keeping passengers happy is a balancing act. The carriers are in business to maximize their revenues, he says — not to bump passengers and pay boarding compensation, and not to depart with empty seats. To achieve those goals, the airlines analyze historical booking information and other data to figure out how many seats to sell or oversell. “By overbooking flights, carriers make available seats — for passengers who want and need those seats — left open because someone no-shows, for whatever reason,” he says.
2. “Your hard-won air miles are probably worth less.”
Air miles are easy to accrue. You can earn them using your credit card, getting a mortgage, “for anything short of breathing,” says Tim Winship, editor at large of SmarterTravel.com. American Airlines, for example, has thousands of participating companies in its frequent-flier program, making it an important revenue center. And United Airlines’ Mileage Plus plan brought in $700 million for the company in 2008, the most recent year for which data is available, up from $600 million in 2006.
But as miles flood the market, they’re getting harder to use. Some airlines have reduced the shelf life of air miles, while others have increased the amount required for an upgrade. Winship says customers can keep their account current by using a credit card affiliated with the program, which will build miles as they make purchases. You can also redeem a small amount of miles, to keep your account active, on things like magazine subscriptions.
3. “We’ll give you a good deal — if we can get something out of it.”
Airlines prefer that you book directly with them, so they often feature promotional codes and special deals exclusively on their own web sites. The goal is to get more consumers to book airfare there as opposed to on the discount web sites that list pricing from most airlines. Why? Airlines pay these online booking sites a commission for the tickets they sell — something they prefer not to do.
While consumers can find helpful deals on the airlines’ sites, they should compare pricing there with what the other sites are offering. Also, travelers might find the lowest fare by booking two separate airlines for each leg of their trip, but they’re unlikely to be informed of that when they book a ticket on an airline’s site.
Some airlines, like Southwest, only permit travelers to buy tickets online from their own web sites. However, Southwest’s computer application Ding will scan for the best fares and update you on deals. What does the carrier get in return? Loyalty and repeat fliers. In 2007, American launched a similar application called DealFinder, which offers big discounts on flights.
4. “We love adding fees.”
A big chunk of the price you pay for a ticket covers additional fees that are often added at the end of the booking process, when buyers are less likely to change their mind. That way, the listed ticket price looks lower than it actually is.
The most common fee these days is for checked bags. For example, United now charges $23 to $25 for the first bag a traveler checks in at the airport, and $32 to $35 for the second. Other examples of fees: Passengers who reserve a seat on Spirit Airlines pay $15 extra for an exit row seat. And Allegiant, a low-cost airline that provides service from cities like Missoula, Mont., charges $19 just to book a ticket online. Some airlines have fuel surcharges, which vary in price depending on many factors, including the length of the trip.
Even frequent-flier programs, which are supposed to let you book “free flights,” have added fees for things like booking too close to your travel date. “I keep seeing more and more of these hidden fees,” says George Hobica, creator of Airfarewatchdog.com. “I get complaints from people all the time.” A spokeswoman for American Airlines says the company does charge fees for flights booked with less than 21 days advance notice for people using frequent flyer miles. Passengers booking a flight just seven to 20 days before takeoff can incur a fee of $50 fee or more, and those who book between two hours and six days before departure can incur a $fee of 100, minimum. In addition, she says, there’s a $10 security service fee that’s collected on roundtrip airfare for passengers boarding in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
5. “Customer service isn’t always our top priority . . .”
After being stuck in a plane on the tarmac for nine hours in 2006, Kate Hanni decided to fight back against poor customer service. She formed the group Flyerrights.org, which in December was successful in getting the DOT to issue a rule on “enhancing airline passenger protections” that includes requiring the airlines to allow passengers to disembark after three hours on the tarmac and requiring airlines to provide adequate food and water to passengers within two hours of them being stuck in a plane. A DOT spokeswoman says the rule will take effect on April 29, after the department reviews requests from certain carriers that have asked for temporary exemptions.
According to Claes Fornell, a professor at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, customer satisfaction is up about 3% in 2009 compared with 2008, in part because fewer people are traveling. However, he is unimpressed with the carriers’ attitudes toward customers. “They all offer about the same lousy service,” he says.
Castelveter of the Air Transport Association, which represents the airlines, says travelers are upset by delays that are often out of the airlines’ control. “This is a customer-service-driven business, and when we fail our customers, we lose them,” Castelveter says. “Good customer service is our goal.”
6. “. . . but it might be if you have a lot of miles.”
They may be making a lot of customers miserable these days, but if airlines could be said to cater to anyone’s needs, it would be those of the people in the top tier of their frequent-flier programs — heavy travelers, many of whom fly for business and therefore buy the most expensive tickets. “These people get white-glove service,” says Henry Harteveldt, a travel analyst with Forrester Research. “Airlines really want to cultivate that relationship.”
These favored fliers typically get the first crack at upgrades. In many cases, the reservation center answers their call on the first ring. They often get special bonus-mile offers and free upgrades. And while some airlines are increasing fees associated with frequent-flier programs, members still have perks like first-class check-in (for shorter lines through security) and early boarding.
7. “Our planes can make travel uncomfortable – and costlier.”
Older aircraft are maintained to high safety standards. But they can cause more delays due to last-minute mechanical problems, and they guzzle fuel, a cost that filters down to customers, says CreditSights analyst Roger King. What’s more, with older planes, the airlines feel little pressure to upgrade, says Richard Aboulafia, an aviation analyst with the Teal Group. Seating room is minimal, in-flight entertainment is mediocre or nonexistent and meal service is unlikely, he says.
The industry has a different point of view. “Aircraft of 30 years ago might have guzzled more fuel, but the ones that began operating in the last decade are quite fuel efficient,” says Castelveter, pointing out that some airlines have adjusted aerodynamics on older aircraft so they burn less fuel. The notion that older planes are smaller inside than their newer counterparts is also wrong, he says—and meal service has nothing to do with the age of a plane. “Meals, in some cases, have been eliminated, even in the newer model aircraft,” he says.
8. “Even we don’t understand our pricing.”
Most domestic flights operate with two cabins – coach and first or business class while international flights are divided into first class, business and economy. But when it comes to pricing, there are often around a dozen or more different price points for seats on each plane. “Ticket pricing is a mix of science, game theory and art — a three dimensional matrix,” says Harteveldt of Forrester Research. The biggest factor, beyond basic costs like fuel and labor, is the competition. Airlines track one another’s fares, then try to determine how many business travelers, who generally pay a premium for flexible tickets, are likely to book a flight. On routes with lots of business travelers, seat prices can stay high because airlines know they’ll book seats at the last minute. As each seat sells, the prices of others fluctuate: Domestic fares can change up to three times a day during the week and once on weekends, says Hobica.
But prices don’t only go up. A number of factors can cause prices to fluctuate months or even hours before a flight takes off. One example is if demand from business travelers is lagging, prices may fall as the flight time gets closer. If that happens and the fare drops by the time your flight leaves, you can get a voucher from a number of airlines for the difference between what you paid for the airfare and the lowest price it dropped to. Customers can get this refund if they bought published airfare either directly from the airline or from most price-comparison sites. Some airlines will assess a fee with this refund, but customers should still ask for the full amount. JetBlue, for example, doesn’t deduct a fee; instead it puts the difference into a credit, which a customer can use toward airfare within 12 months, says a spokesperson.
9. “We’re at the mercy of old technology.”
Air traffic decreased in 2009, when the number of flights fell by 6.6 percent compared with 2008, and the number of passengers traveling fell 5.3 percent, according to the DOT. But even with less-crowded skies, air-traffic control’s radar-based system, which safely tracks planes, remains inefficient. Planes are routed across the country in a zig zag fashion on a series of highways in the sky, spacing them at least five miles apart for safety. And that’s the problem: Because radar pinpoints planes about every 12 seconds, their precise location is not known, says Castelveter.
The airlines would like to see this system replaced by one based on digital-satellite technology, he says. That would allow planes to fly much closer, which would be safer, help reduce congestion and allow more flights. Some airlines have been working toward this goal for a while. In the mid-1990s, Alaska Airlines began using Required Navigation Performance (RNP), a global positioning system that helps airplanes fly more-direct routes with more accuracy and save fuel. And according to a recent Wall Street Journal article, Southwest Airlines is planning to change the cockpit software in two-thirds of its fleet to RNP.
10. “You’ll wait because the system’s broken.”
Airline delays aren’t as widespread as they were a few years ago, but they’re still a problem. In 2009, 18.9 percent of flights arrived late and 16.8 percent of flights departed late, down from 24% and 21% respectively in 2007, according to the DOT.
But if bad weather rolls in, delays increase and spread across the country. When JFK and Newark airports experienced serious delays in 2007, the Federal Aviation Administration stepped in the following year and capped scheduled flights going in and out of JFK at 83 for peak hours, down from 100 or more. The agency also limited scheduled flights at Newark to 81 flights per hour. Since then, delays have decreased at the three major New York- area airports assisted by scheduling limits, improvements in air traffic control, and reductions in flying, says an FAA spokesperson.
Even the airlines say these were necessary steps. But the carriers would like more action from the government, including pushing through upgrades of the air-traffic-control system, which would increase capacity at airports. Castelveter of the ATA says there is plenty of blame to spread for delay, from the need for a modernized air-traffic control system to the volume of corporate jets. “It’s an incredibly complex problem,” says Shannon Anderson, associate professor of management at Rice University, one involving aging technology, competing airlines and private and commercial carriers. “Just capping the number of flights is not going to solve it.”
What Chelisa Wants from Dad - Chelsea's Pre-Wedding request to Dad
Chelsea Clinton admonishes Bill to lose 15 lbs. for her summer wedding
It's no secret that Bill Clinton is waging an ongoing battle with his weight. The former president's affection for greasy fast food has been the punchline of countless jokes since his arrival on the national scene.
"Saturday Night Live" writers famously portrayed him as someone who frequents McDonald's to pick burgers and fries off the plates of strangers. If such indignities weren't enough, Clinton's own daughter, Chelsea, is now taking him to task over his size, demanding that he lose at least 15 pounds in advance of her summer wedding. Clinton recounted his daughter's admonition during remarks at a fiscal summit in Washington, D.C
Clinton — whose diet was cited among the factors contributing to his need for cardio-bypass surgery in 2004 — explained that Chelsea was pressing him to slim down for the sake of the nuptial ceremony. "She doesn't think I'm in shape to handle it," Clinton said. "You know, she told me the other day, she said, 'Dad, the only thing you gotta do is walk me down the aisle, and you need to look good.'
" Clinton added that when he asked her to specify how much trimming down she felt he needed to do, she said, "Oh, about 15 pounds," an effort he said he's "halfway home" toward accomplishing.
To Clinton's credit, the doctor who performed a recent heart procedure on him said that he's done an excellent job making the adjustment to a healthier lifestyle. "He really toed the line in terms of diet and exercise," said Dr. Allan Schwartz, the chief cardiologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. "He really followed the program.
" Once he sheds the excess bulge, Clinton can presumably focus on what he described as the ceremony's main challenge when he discussed Chelsea's wedding with "Today Show" contributor Jenna Bush Hager: Keeping from tearing up as the vows are exchanged.
5 people on Time 100 list you've never heard of
Time's list of the 100 most influential people in the world, with a cover that features Lady Gaga, Bill Clinton, Sarah Palin, and Conan O'Brien, among others (see the image below).
But the list is full of non-marquee names, too. Here's our rundown of five entries on the list you've probably never heard of.
Jenny Beth Martin : Move over, Sarah Palin. Martin is a co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots group, which claims 15 million members. Martin has also worked as a paid Republican consultant. She told USA Today that she became a protester after her husband's business went under and the two were cleaning houses. She helped organize the movement's march on Washington in September. Tea partiers are "not your hippie protesters," she told USA Today. "It's people who are working hard for their families and they don't want their money taken away from them to be given to people who aren't working hard."
Dr. Douglas Schwartzentruber and Dr. Larry Kwak : Time wrote last year about Schwartzentruber and Kwak's work to develop a vaccine against cancer that could eliminate the need for radiation and chemotherapy. The two shocked the medical world in June when they announced positive results in separate studies that inoculated patients who had melanoma or lymphoma.
Reem Al Numery: When she was 12, Reem was forced to marry her 30-year-old cousin, and her own father threatened to kill her when she fought back and ran away. Yemeni officials refused her petition for a divorce, and she was unable to attend a ceremony in her honor in the U.S. because she was forbidden to leave her home country. "While my hair was styled for the ceremony, I thought of ways to set fire to my wedding dress," Reem reportedly told U.S. Embassy officials. "When I protested, my dad gagged me and tied me up. After the wedding, I tried to kill myself twice." She was finally granted a divorce from the Yemeni legal system and is an advocate for ending child marriage. Feminist leader Gloria Steinem's tribute in Time describes Reem as "one of the brave girl children who are risking everything to protest being sold into marriage by fathers and becoming the endangered and uneducated chattel of husbands."
Mark Carney: As Canada's central banker, Mark Carney had the good fortune of presiding over a country that didn't need a single bailout while the U.S. financial sector was in grave peril 2008 and 2009. At 45, Carney is one of Canada's youngest central bankers ever, and the only one with a background in investment banking. He spent more than 10 years at Goldman Sachs, and doesn't get distracted by "populist zeal" while working toward banking reforms with the G-8, Time's tribute says.
Neill Blomkamp: The 30-year-old South African filmmaker blew critics away with his sci-fi flick "District 9," which he wrote and directed. The low-budget movie — Blomkamp's first — was in a quasi-documentary style and won wide praise for its groundbreaking visual effects. "District 9" also employed familiar themes in sci-fi storytelling to develop a sharp allegory about the lingering fallout from apartheid-era South Africa. It earned a best-picture nomination at the 2009 Oscars, and Blomkamp might do a sequel, Empire magazine has reported.
Top 10 Highest Paid Hollywood Actresses
Kirsten Dunst: $8 mil-$10 mil. What she should be asking: $1 mil. Eventually, the Spider-Man franchise will end. Marie Antoinette dying in theaters didn't help her price. She was an idiot not to star in Bring It On sequels for big bucks. She's not sexy enough and she won't age well with audiences. This is a career about to end.
Charlize Theron: $10 mil. What she should be asking: $10 mil. A smart actress, surrounded by smart people, doing smart roles. Just don't fuck it up with too many vanity projects like North Country.
Cameron Diaz: $15 mil. What she should be asking: $7 mil. Put her in a bikini, and she's worth it. Put her in a chick flick (In Her Shoes, The Holiday), and she's not. Everyone finds her sexy, but women don't like her. (It's jealousy. And not just because of Justin.) Plus, she simply doesn't have much range as an actress from the neck up.
Drew Barrymore: $15 mil. What she should be asking: $3 mil. Drew has never been able to open a movie, and she never will. That doesn't mean she isn't sweet onscreen, but lately her roles have been too saccharine. If only she'd bring back that Poison Ivy edginess she once had. Women like her but they don't want to be her (or even briefly married to Tom Green), whereas men don't think she's hot anymore. Drew's price should go up when she grows up.
Jennifer Aniston: $8 mil. What she should be asking: $1 mil. She's not a movie star. She's a TV star. Big difference. Most of all, she's not an interesting actress. She can't open a movie, and her choice of material is abysmal. Sure, The Break-Up did okay business, but that was because of Vince and in spite of her. Soon she'll be lucky to score the next Lifetime movie.
Angelina Jolie: $10 mil. What she should be asking: $25 mil. There's no one hotter and cooler right now than Angelina onscreen and off (just ask the stalkarazzi), but that could change if she starts auditioning for sainthood by making too many message movies. Let's hope she's too bad-ass for that.
Reese Witherspoon: $15 mil. What she should be earning: $25 mil. Reese can do no wrong. Women love her, men love her, the camera loves her. And she's smart: when she was looking for a new agency, she lamented not owning her Legally Blonde character because it'll be Broadway bound. Which doesn't mean all her films are great, but she's always great in them. She opens a movie. 'Nuff said.
Renee Zellweger: $15 mil. What she should be earning: $5 mil. Renee doesn't open movies, unless the material is Bridget Jones-cloned. She's fine as the wife or girlfriend, but then her price needs to be cut by a third. Worse, audiences are getting sick of her changing hair color whenever she changes parts. That's a dye job, not an acting job. Sadly, she's lost her once winning girl-next-door quality; now she's trying to be a fashion diva. Ugh.
Halle Berry: $14 mil. What she should be asking: $5 mil. Once she lost her shot at launching a new franchise as 007's Jinx, she lost what should have been her biggest paydays. Alas, she's now the wrong side of 40, and Hollywood is cruel that way.
Nicole Kidman: makes $16 mil-$17 mil. What she should be earning: -$1 mil. That's right, I'm saying that Nicole should be paying film companies to hire her, not the other way around. That's because she's poison at the box office, the female equivalent of Sean Penn. Women dislike her, men don't think she's sexy, and those Chanel ads induce nausea. My guess is Nicole's rate dates back to Sony Pictures overpaying her for that bomb Bewitched. Since then, she's been doing smaller films, but is signing for studio projects right now.
Note to majors: save your $$$ and hire Reese or Angelina.
Source:http://www.glamgalz.com/index.php/holly-celebs/top-10-hollywood-actresses.html
Source:http://www.glamgalz.com/index.php/holly-celebs/top-10-hollywood-actresses.html
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sania is Popular no more
Thank you Pakistan, says Facebook
Trust social networking sites to not miss a chance to have a say in any heated current topic. Fan pages and messages on two popular sites - Facebook and Twitter - are fast becoming an ideal place for Internet junkies to vent.
Facebook reportedly has over 90 fan pages on Sania Mirza and her much talked about wedding to Pakistani cricketer, Shaoib Mallik. The page called 'Thank you Pakistan for taking Sania Mirza, now please take Rakhi Sawant also' has earned itself over 65,000 fans in a matter of two weeks. It currently has over 75,000 people supporting the statement.
And the popularity of the other group,'Throw away Shashi Tharoor and Lalit Modi', only puts in perspective how much importance the public spat between the two political figures is actually being given. As against the 65,000 fans for Sania's group, this page has only 30-odd members.
The category of this group proudly falls under Common Interest - Politics, while the description is 'throw away these un required people.' The topics of conversation on either site concern young enthusiasts making fun of how both the issues were given reverence on national news.
While a part of the page has also become a ground for debate between Internet junkies from both the neighbouring nations on various topics, the albums have been loaded with images of Rakhi Sawant and one of her alleged forced kiss with Mika Singh as well.
Volcanoes Beneath the Water
The research, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), was a collaboration between scientists from the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB), the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), University of California at Davis, University of Sydney and University of Rhode Island.
The largest of these undersea Ice Age volcanoes lies at a depth of 700 feet (220 meters), too deep for scuba diving, which explains why the volcanoes have never before been spotted by humans, pointed out Don Rice, director of NSF's Chemical Oceanography Program, which funded the research.
Lead author David Valentine, a geoscientist at UCSB, said: "They're larger than a football-field-long and as tall as a six-story building."They're massive features, and are made completely out of asphalt."
Valentine and colleagues first viewed the volcanoes during a 2007 dive on the research submersible Alvin.
Valentine credits Ed Keller, an earth scientist at UCSB, with guiding him and colleagues to the site.
He said: "Ed had looked at some bathymetry [sea floor topography] studies conducted in the 1990s and noted some very unusual features."
Based on Keller's research, Valentine and other scientists took Alvin into the area in 2007 and discovered the source of the mystery.
Using the sub's robotic arm, the researchers broke off samples and brought them to labs at UCSB and WHOI for testing.
In 2009, Valentine and colleagues made two more dives to the area in Alvin.
They also conducted a detailed survey of the area using an autonomous underwater vehicle, Sentry, which takes photos as it glides about nine feet above the ocean floor.
Valentine said: "When you 'fly' Sentry over the sea floor, you can see all of the cracking of the asphalt and flow features.
"All the textures are visible of a once-flowing liquid that has solidified in place.
"That's one of the reasons we're calling them volcanoes, because they have so many features that are indicative of a lava flow."
Tests showed that these aren't typical lava volcanoes, however, found in Hawaii and elsewhere around the Pacific Rim.
Using a mass spectrometer, carbon dating, microscopic fossils, and comprehensive, two-dimensional gas chromatography, the scientists determined that the structures are asphalt.
They were formed when petroleum flowed from the sea-floor about 30,000-40,000 years ago.
Chris Reddy, a scientist at WHOI and a co-author of the paper, said "the volcanoes underscore a little-known fact: half the oil that enters the coastal environment is from natural oil seeps like the ones off the coast of California."
The researchers also found that the volcanoes were at one time a prolific source of methane, a greenhouse gas.
The two largest volcanoes are about a kilometer apart and have pits or depressions surrounding them.
These pits, according to Valentine, are signs of "methane gas bubbling from the sub-surface."
That's not surprising, he said, considering how much petroleum was flowing there in the past.
Valentine said: "They were spewing out a lot of petroleum, but also lots of natural gas.... which you tend to get when you have petroleum seepage in this area."
The discovery that vast amounts of methane once emanated from the volcanoes caused the scientists to wonder if there might have been an environmental impact on the area during the Ice Age.
Valentine said: "It became a dead zone.
"We're hypothesizing that these features may have been a major contributor to those events."
While the volcanoes have been dormant for thousands of years, the 2009 Alvin dive revealed a few spots where gas was still bubbling.
"We think it's residual gas," said Valentine, adding that the amount of gas is so small it's harmless, and never reaches the surface.
The study has appeared in a paper published on-line this week in the journal Nature Geoscience.
Source:http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20100427/981/tsc-underwater-asphalt-volcanoes-discove.html
Sania Shoib Reception Pics - 2010
Chaos in Sania-Shoaib's reception: Uninvited guests and security mismanagement marred Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik's reception in Sialkot, Pakistan, forcing the hassled newly-weds to leave the function before it was over.
Newly wed: Reports claimed that along with the newly-weds, Sania's family, which had arrived from India for the celebrations, left for Lahore early as they were upset at the mismanagement at the function. In their efforts to stop the 'uninvited guests' from entering the reception held at a hockey stadium, private security guards did not even allow some of Shoaib's relatives and friends to enter the venue.
Gate crashers: Eyewitnesses said hundreds of people showed up for the reception many of whom were not invited. There were reports that invitation cards for the wedding reception had been sold by some people for between Rs 5000 to Rs 10,000. To make matters worse, power corporation officials insisted that no extra lighting would be allowed at the reception.
Family upset: There was chaos soon after Sania, clad in a green and maroon sari with gold brocade, and Shoaib, in a white sherwani, entered the venue at 9 pm. A reported 2,000 people showed up as against 1,000 invitees. Shoaib and Sania were escorted by security guards as they tried to avoid a crowd of guests.
What was served?
The guests were served chicken korma and rice in keeping with the government's ban on serving more than one dish at wedding receptions. However, a petition was filed in the Lahore High Court alleging that more than one dish was served.
No cricketing stars : No cricket star attended the Sialkot reception of former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik, who has been banned by the PCB for a year for his role in inciting player unrest during Pakistan's tour of Australia.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
A snake found near Kukke Subrahmanya with 5 heads
About Kukke Subrahmanya Temple
Kukke Subramanya is a Hindu temple located in the small, rural village of Subramanya in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, about 105 km from Mangalore. This temple is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in India. Here the God Subramanya is worshipped for his divine power as a snake as the epics relate that the divine serpent Vasuki and other snakes found safety under God Subrahmanya.
Kukke subramanya can be reached by road from Mangalore and Bangalore. KSRTC buses are operating buses daily from these two places. Nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (Bajpe Airport ) at distance of 115 km.The nearest railway station is Subramanya Road railway station on Mangaluru-Bangaluru railway route, which at 7 km from Kukke Subramanya.
Comments: whatever it might be --- real or artificial -- 'm not gonna bother -----
but request people not to make fun with GOD.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Parveen Babi Remembered
Parveen Babi ( April 4, 1949 January 20, 2005) would have been 59 years old today. The end was tragic, more so as she died all alone in her Juhu apartment. Her death was said to have been caused by complications arising from her untreated diabetes. One of feet was found to have gangrene in it. But what probably isolated her from all around her was her schizophrenia, due to which she withdrew and became a recluse.
Parveen Babi arrived at a time when the Hindi film industry probably needed a break from the Sati Savitri heroine types. She along with Zeenat Aman, broke the mould and gave birth to a new breed of Hindi film heroines, who were modern and had no qualms about living their lives the way they pleased. It goes without saying that they did away with the saree for good as well. The term "sexy' would probably have been used for the first time to describe a Hindi film heroine with the advent of Parveen Babi and Zeenat.
Parveen Babi hailed from Junagadh, where her father was said to be an administrator with the Nawab of Junagdh and her early life was spent in Aurangabad and Ahmedabad. Though she was discovered by BR Ishara, she gradually moved onto bigger productions and directors like Manmohan Desai, Ramesh Sippy and Prakash Mehra. In fact, very soon in her career, she became a part of the big league and had Amitabh Bachchan, the reigning superstar as her co star in many films like Deewar, Majboor, Shaan, Mahaan, Kaalia, Do Aur Do Paanch, Khuddar and Amar Akbar Anthony. Shashi Kapoor was another hero that she starred with in films like Suhaag, Kranti and Namak Halal. She had a terrific screen presence and had the ability to ignite the screen with just her looks. This was a fact which did not go unnoticed by the filmmakers who fully exploited this aspect in their films. But what made more news than her acting career was her personal life and her reported link ups with director Mahesh Bhatt, actor Kabir Bedi and Danny Denzongpa. She was greatly influenced by philosopher UG Krishnamurthi and chucked her filmi career and left for the States. There is little known of her life there. When she returned to Mumbai in 1992, it was a Parveen babi, who one could not recognize. She had put on enormous amounts of weight and her schizophrenia seemed to be at its peak. She is believed to have gone to the press at that point of time and accused Amitabh Bachchan of conspiring to kill her. Till her death, she continued to live in Juhu, a recluse, dealing with her many known and unknown fears about people wanting to kill her.
Mahesh Bhatt, one of her lovers, made two films, which were based on his life with her. The first was Arth, where the role of the other woman, played superbly by the late Smita Patil, is supposed to have been based on Parveen Babi. He then went on to make Who Lamhe, after her death, which was based on the life and times of Parveen Babi. It was a tragic ending for such a bright and vivacious life. When one looks back at her life, one is filled with an utter sense of waste and remorse. Hence, it seems more appropriate to remember for all the good times that she gave us, whenever she came on the screen and lit it up with her sheer presence. May you be at peace, wherever you are Parveen Babi.
Source: http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/22851/Parveen-Babi-Remembered.html
Parveen Babi arrived at a time when the Hindi film industry probably needed a break from the Sati Savitri heroine types. She along with Zeenat Aman, broke the mould and gave birth to a new breed of Hindi film heroines, who were modern and had no qualms about living their lives the way they pleased. It goes without saying that they did away with the saree for good as well. The term "sexy' would probably have been used for the first time to describe a Hindi film heroine with the advent of Parveen Babi and Zeenat.
Parveen Babi hailed from Junagadh, where her father was said to be an administrator with the Nawab of Junagdh and her early life was spent in Aurangabad and Ahmedabad. Though she was discovered by BR Ishara, she gradually moved onto bigger productions and directors like Manmohan Desai, Ramesh Sippy and Prakash Mehra. In fact, very soon in her career, she became a part of the big league and had Amitabh Bachchan, the reigning superstar as her co star in many films like Deewar, Majboor, Shaan, Mahaan, Kaalia, Do Aur Do Paanch, Khuddar and Amar Akbar Anthony. Shashi Kapoor was another hero that she starred with in films like Suhaag, Kranti and Namak Halal. She had a terrific screen presence and had the ability to ignite the screen with just her looks. This was a fact which did not go unnoticed by the filmmakers who fully exploited this aspect in their films. But what made more news than her acting career was her personal life and her reported link ups with director Mahesh Bhatt, actor Kabir Bedi and Danny Denzongpa. She was greatly influenced by philosopher UG Krishnamurthi and chucked her filmi career and left for the States. There is little known of her life there. When she returned to Mumbai in 1992, it was a Parveen babi, who one could not recognize. She had put on enormous amounts of weight and her schizophrenia seemed to be at its peak. She is believed to have gone to the press at that point of time and accused Amitabh Bachchan of conspiring to kill her. Till her death, she continued to live in Juhu, a recluse, dealing with her many known and unknown fears about people wanting to kill her.
Mahesh Bhatt, one of her lovers, made two films, which were based on his life with her. The first was Arth, where the role of the other woman, played superbly by the late Smita Patil, is supposed to have been based on Parveen Babi. He then went on to make Who Lamhe, after her death, which was based on the life and times of Parveen Babi. It was a tragic ending for such a bright and vivacious life. When one looks back at her life, one is filled with an utter sense of waste and remorse. Hence, it seems more appropriate to remember for all the good times that she gave us, whenever she came on the screen and lit it up with her sheer presence. May you be at peace, wherever you are Parveen Babi.
Source: http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/22851/Parveen-Babi-Remembered.html
Yesteryear Bollywood Beauties languish in oblivion
Fame is fickle. Sadhana, Nanda and Nimmi, who were the toast of Hindi cinema, are long forgotten now and lead secluded lives in a city that once worshipped them. Others like Parveen Babi, Nadira and Suraiya died lonely and unloved.
Parveen was considered one of the most glamorous actresses in the 1970s and was often seen playing modern, unconventional women in films like 'Deewaar', 'Amar Akbar Anthony', 'Shaan' and 'Kaalia'.
The actress had much talked about affairs with Kabir Bedi and Mahesh Bhatt but never married. She was said to be suffering from a delusional disorder and in her last days, addiction to drugs and alcohol left her to lead a secluded life. She was found dead in her apartment in 2005 due to complications from diabetes.
Something similar happened to Nadira. Often cast as a vamp, she made her name with 'Shree 420' and 'Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai'. She even won the best supporting actress Filmfare Award for portraying the dilemma of a mother whose daughter gets pregnant out of wedlock in 'Julie'.
Though Nadira was a successful actress, her personal life was not so happy. She was married twice. Her first marriage to Urdu poet and filmmaker Naqshab ended unhappily. She then tied the knot with a man who turned out to be a gold-digger. After that, Nadira chose to live alone and breathed her last in February 2006 at the age of 73 following a prolonged illness.
Legendary singer-actress Suraiya, who ruled the screen in the 1940s and 1950s with hits like 'Pyar Ki Jeet' and 'Dillagi', was another actress who chose to walk into loneliness after being in the limelight for years.
Many say she never got over her broken relationship with Dev Anand. The actress owned an apartment on Marine Drive, one of the most posh locations in Mumbai, and lived there all on her own until her death in 2004 at the age of 75.
Another yesteryear actress who remains single is Asha Parekh. Legendary director Bimal Roy's discovery, she entered the movies as a child artist with 'Aaasmaan' in 1952.
Seven years later she turned into a full-fledged heroine with 'Dil Deke Dekho'. After that there was no looking back for Asha who was an excellent dancer. Some of her hits include 'Jab Pyar Kissise Hota Hai', 'Love in Tokyo', 'Do Badan' and 'Teesri Manzil'.
There were rumours at that time that she fell in love with director Nasir Hussain, but Asha never commented on that.
Once asked if she misses a family, she said: 'I don't think so. There was a time when I did want to get married. I used to love children, I still love children. But now I feel that I am happy I am not married and don't have kids because I don't think I would have been able to cope up with them.'
Asha now has a small but faithful group of friends that includes Waheeda Rehman, Vyjayanthimala, Nanda, Sadhana and Shammy. They keep meeting whenever they get time.
Her colleague Nanda recently made a rare public appearance in Mumbai at the screening of Ravi Jadhav's Marathi film 'Natrang'.
Known for her roles in films like in 'Hum Dono', 'Kanoon', 'Jab Jab Phool Khile' and 'Gumnam', Nanda has avoided public life ever since her fiance, director Manmohan Desai, committed suicide in 1994. They had got engaged in 1992.
Nimmi, a prominent heroine of the 1950s who rose to fame with films like 'Barsaat' and 'Aan', is hardly seen. The actress married screenwriter S. Ali Raza, who died in 2007 following a heart attack. She now lives alone in her Juhu apartment in Mumbai.
Even Sadhana decided to retire from acting, saying she wanted her fans to remember her as a young, beautiful leading lady. The 1974 movie 'Geeta Mera Naam' was her last outing as an actress and after that she was never seen in any public event.
Legendary Bengali actress Suchitra Sen has become such a recluse that she even refused to step out of her solitary confinement to accept the Dada Saheb Phalke Award.
The ever-so gracious Rekha too has been living alone with her secretary Farzana in her Bandra home for years. Known for her roles in films like 'Khubsoorat', 'Silsila', and 'Umrao Jaan', Rekha was linked to her co-stars Navin Nischol, Vinod Mehra and Amitabh Bachchan.
In 1990, the actress surprised everyone by marrying Delhi-based businessman Mukesh Aggarwal, but he committed suicide a year later. She still has an active film career and is often seen at functions and events.
She once said, 'Well loneliness is still a part of me, but being alone is not necessarily being lonely.'
Source: http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/86249/Yesteryear-Bollywood-beauties-languish-in-oblivion.html
LALIT MODI - From 'nobody' to cricket honcho in Four years flat
In 2004, then Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje hosted a lavish dinner and the who's who of business, politics and media were invited to the event. But no one had time to spare for the unknown, dark, short man, who had "practically glued himself to Raje" and, as one guest put it, was "vainly trying hard to be noticed". Many of the guests were to later regret not being introduced to this man, for he was Lalit Modi, who would go on to become the all-powerful head of the richest sporting extravaganza in the world, the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Within a short span of four years, Modi transformed from practically a nobody to one of the most powerful men in India's wealthiest sport.
Modi's rise to power has its roots in Nagaur, a district in Rajasthan. It was towards the end of 2004 that Kishore Rungta, then president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), came to know that a certain Lalit Kumar had become the president of the Nagaur District Cricket Association (NDCA).
Rungta's family had ruled the RCA for years. And he had never heard of Kumar. So, he asked NDCA secretary Rajendra Singh Nandu about the new Nagaur association chief, to which Nandu replied that the new president was his man and Rungta had ''nothing to worry about.'' As it turned out, Rungta had a lot worry about, for '' Nandu's man'' was soon to usurp his position.
By mid-2004, the stage was secretly set for Modi's entry into RCA through the Rajasthan Sports (Registration, Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Ordinance.
Subsequently, the ordinance became an act and was enforced from August 18, 2004. IAS officer Sanjai Dixit, a Modi confidante, was entrusted with the task of drafting the ordinance. Its provisions sealed Rungta's fate in the RCA because the right of the individual members to vote - the secret of Rungta's continued power in the association - was taken away. Now, only the office bearers were allowed to vote for the president.
In February 2005, Modi announced his candidature against Rungta in the RCA elections and it was then that the latter came to know that the NDCA's Lalit Kumar was, in fact, Modi.
Modi won the polls, ending the Rungtas' 40-year domination of the RCA, and Dixit became the elected secretary.
After his election in the RCA, Modi was also given voting rights in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
After his election as the RCA president and then the BCCI’s vice-president, Modi rose to become the most powerful cricket personality of the country as the IPL commissioner, his two successive defeats in later RCA elections notwithstanding.
He was first defeated by his one-time crony Dixit. The Modi camp successfully staged a coup against Dixit within less than a year, forcing fresh elections.
However, this time, Union minister CP Joshi humbled Modi and Dixit was elected the secretary of the RCA.
Source:http://in.news.yahoo.com/248/20100423/1601/tsp-from-nobody-to-cricket-honcho-in-fou_1.html
Within a short span of four years, Modi transformed from practically a nobody to one of the most powerful men in India's wealthiest sport.
Modi's rise to power has its roots in Nagaur, a district in Rajasthan. It was towards the end of 2004 that Kishore Rungta, then president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), came to know that a certain Lalit Kumar had become the president of the Nagaur District Cricket Association (NDCA).
Rungta's family had ruled the RCA for years. And he had never heard of Kumar. So, he asked NDCA secretary Rajendra Singh Nandu about the new Nagaur association chief, to which Nandu replied that the new president was his man and Rungta had ''nothing to worry about.'' As it turned out, Rungta had a lot worry about, for '' Nandu's man'' was soon to usurp his position.
By mid-2004, the stage was secretly set for Modi's entry into RCA through the Rajasthan Sports (Registration, Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Ordinance.
Subsequently, the ordinance became an act and was enforced from August 18, 2004. IAS officer Sanjai Dixit, a Modi confidante, was entrusted with the task of drafting the ordinance. Its provisions sealed Rungta's fate in the RCA because the right of the individual members to vote - the secret of Rungta's continued power in the association - was taken away. Now, only the office bearers were allowed to vote for the president.
In February 2005, Modi announced his candidature against Rungta in the RCA elections and it was then that the latter came to know that the NDCA's Lalit Kumar was, in fact, Modi.
Modi won the polls, ending the Rungtas' 40-year domination of the RCA, and Dixit became the elected secretary.
After his election in the RCA, Modi was also given voting rights in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
After his election as the RCA president and then the BCCI’s vice-president, Modi rose to become the most powerful cricket personality of the country as the IPL commissioner, his two successive defeats in later RCA elections notwithstanding.
He was first defeated by his one-time crony Dixit. The Modi camp successfully staged a coup against Dixit within less than a year, forcing fresh elections.
However, this time, Union minister CP Joshi humbled Modi and Dixit was elected the secretary of the RCA.
Source:http://in.news.yahoo.com/248/20100423/1601/tsp-from-nobody-to-cricket-honcho-in-fou_1.html
7 Things You Should Say in an Interview
Today's job market is as competitive as ever. You need to be able to effectively communicate you skill set so that you will give yourself the best competitive advantage to secure employment. During the interview process, you want to highlight as many of your strengths as possible. An easy way to do this is by slipping a few simple phrases into your next job interview. Here are seven things you should say in an interview.
1. I am very familiar with what your company does: Letting a prospective employer know that you are familiar with what a company does shows that you have a legitimate interest in the business and are not just wasting their time. Do your homework before arriving for an interview. Check out the company website for information about products and services. Search for the latest transactions and pertinent business news.
Be sure to let the interviewer know that you are familiar with the newest company acquisition or the latest product that was just developed. Explain how your skills and experience are a perfect fit for the employer.
2. I am flexible: Work environments are always changing. Prospective employers are looking for candidates that are open to change and can adapt at a moment's notice. In today's fast paced business world, employees must have the ability to multi-task.
Stating that you are adaptable lets an employer know that you are willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done. This may mean working additional hours or taking on additional job duties in a crunch. Show your potential employer that you are equipped to deal with any crisis situation that may arise.
3. I am energetic and have a positive attitude: Employers are looking for candidates with optimism and a "can-do" attitude. Attitudes are contagious and have a direct affect on company morale. Let the optimist in you shine during the interview process.
Be sure to always speak positively about past employers. Negative comments and sarcastic statements about past employers and co-workers will make you look petty. If you bad mouth your past company, employers are liable to believe that you will do the same thing to them.
4. I have a great deal of experience: This is your chance to shine. Highlight any previous job duties that relate directly to your new job. If it is a management position, state every time that you were responsible for the supervision, training and development of other employees. Discuss your motivational techniques and specific examples of how you increased productivity. Feel free to list any training classes or seminars that you have attended.
5. I am a team player: Do you remember when you were young and your teacher wanted to know if you could work well with others? Well the job market is no different! Companies are looking for employees that are cooperative and get along well with other employees. Mentioning that you are a team player lets your prospective employer know that you can flourish in group situations. Employers are looking for workers that can be productive with limited supervision and have the ability to work well with others.
6. I am seeking to become an expert in my field: Employers love applicants that are increasing their knowledge base to make themselves the best employees possible. Stating that you are aiming to become an expert causes employers to view you as an asset and not a liability. You are a resource that other employees can learn from.
This is also a subtle way of illustrating that you have an attitude of excellence. You are aiming to be the best at what you do! This will let employers know that you are not just a fly-by-night employee, but in it for the long run.
7. I am highly motivated: A motivated employee is a productive employee. Talk about how your high level of motivation has led you to accomplish many things. If you are a meticulous worker, discuss your organizational skills and attention to detail. Companies are always looking for dependable employees that they can count upon.
The Bottom LineRemember that a job interview is an opportunity to sell yourself to a prospective employer. Be sure to slip in the right phrases to give you the best chance possible of securing that cushy corner office on the ninth floor.
Source:http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/109366/7-things-you-should-say-in-an-interview
1. I am very familiar with what your company does: Letting a prospective employer know that you are familiar with what a company does shows that you have a legitimate interest in the business and are not just wasting their time. Do your homework before arriving for an interview. Check out the company website for information about products and services. Search for the latest transactions and pertinent business news.
Be sure to let the interviewer know that you are familiar with the newest company acquisition or the latest product that was just developed. Explain how your skills and experience are a perfect fit for the employer.
2. I am flexible: Work environments are always changing. Prospective employers are looking for candidates that are open to change and can adapt at a moment's notice. In today's fast paced business world, employees must have the ability to multi-task.
Stating that you are adaptable lets an employer know that you are willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done. This may mean working additional hours or taking on additional job duties in a crunch. Show your potential employer that you are equipped to deal with any crisis situation that may arise.
3. I am energetic and have a positive attitude: Employers are looking for candidates with optimism and a "can-do" attitude. Attitudes are contagious and have a direct affect on company morale. Let the optimist in you shine during the interview process.
Be sure to always speak positively about past employers. Negative comments and sarcastic statements about past employers and co-workers will make you look petty. If you bad mouth your past company, employers are liable to believe that you will do the same thing to them.
4. I have a great deal of experience: This is your chance to shine. Highlight any previous job duties that relate directly to your new job. If it is a management position, state every time that you were responsible for the supervision, training and development of other employees. Discuss your motivational techniques and specific examples of how you increased productivity. Feel free to list any training classes or seminars that you have attended.
5. I am a team player: Do you remember when you were young and your teacher wanted to know if you could work well with others? Well the job market is no different! Companies are looking for employees that are cooperative and get along well with other employees. Mentioning that you are a team player lets your prospective employer know that you can flourish in group situations. Employers are looking for workers that can be productive with limited supervision and have the ability to work well with others.
6. I am seeking to become an expert in my field: Employers love applicants that are increasing their knowledge base to make themselves the best employees possible. Stating that you are aiming to become an expert causes employers to view you as an asset and not a liability. You are a resource that other employees can learn from.
This is also a subtle way of illustrating that you have an attitude of excellence. You are aiming to be the best at what you do! This will let employers know that you are not just a fly-by-night employee, but in it for the long run.
7. I am highly motivated: A motivated employee is a productive employee. Talk about how your high level of motivation has led you to accomplish many things. If you are a meticulous worker, discuss your organizational skills and attention to detail. Companies are always looking for dependable employees that they can count upon.
The Bottom LineRemember that a job interview is an opportunity to sell yourself to a prospective employer. Be sure to slip in the right phrases to give you the best chance possible of securing that cushy corner office on the ninth floor.
Source:http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/109366/7-things-you-should-say-in-an-interview
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Are Filmi Marriages Doomed to Failure?
Vimla Patil was associated with Femina, India’s number one women’s magazine, published by the Times of India Group for 29 years. Femina is Vimla Patil's personal success story. Today, FEMINA is one of the strongest international brands with a vast readership in India and abroad. She initiated the Miss India contest in the mid-sixties for the journal and brought it to its present international stature. Vimla Patil promoted Indian textiles and fashion garments – especially handlooms – for decades by presenting over 4000 fashion shows in India and most countries of the world. After finishing her long stint with Femina, she built a brand new career for herself as a freelance multi-mediaperson with writing, events, public relations, shows and many more activities in her portfolio!
Vimla Patil will be delighted to answer readers' questions. Please click on the comments page link at the bottom of the article to post your questions for her
Two recent news items have created a shock wave among media watchers. In the first, Sanjay Dutt, talking about his marriage to Rhea Pillai – after her alleged affair with Tennis-pro Leander Paes was revealed to the media by Mahima Choudhary – claimed that ‘all those who claim to have happy marriages are faking it’. He said that women’s financial and emotional independence has caused most marriages to fail. The other news item, which also shocked readers, was the cracking up of the Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh marriage. With ‘quickie divorces’ offered by psuedo lawyers and notaries setting up shop outside the family court in Mumbai, can Sanjay Dutt be right? Are tinseltown marriages doomed to failure?
Sanjay Dutt has let loose a scary canard in the filmi world, when he recently said that there are no longer any happy marriages around. “Show me a happy marriage,” he challenged the media, saying that all so-called happy marriages were ‘fakes’! He claimed that celebrity marriages and relationships are falling apart because of changing times. Women, he said, have become emotionally and financially independent and men find it hard to accept their new ‘avatar’. “Men never imagined such liberation in women. Collapsing marriages are a sign of changing times,” he declared. The recent news that he has gone public with his relationship with Nadia Durrani, has confirmed his break up with Rhea. And as if to support Dutt’s views, one more Bollywood marriage – that of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh – collapsed under the stress of Saif’s scintillating success in ‘Hum Tum’ in recent weeks, with rumours of his romance with Javed Akhtar’s daughter Zoya and once again, Preity Zinta!
Past Info About Bollywood Marriages : Dutt’s rather stark statement has caused Bollywood-buffs to pause and think! It is time go back into the history of filmi marriages and draw conclusions, which seem to be entirely contrary to his statement, they say. To go back to the 50s and 60s, one of the steadiest and rock solid marriages happened between Sanjay’s own parents Sunil Dutt and Nargis. Raj Kapoor, though known to have had notorious affairs, kept his marriage to Krishna Kapoor going till his death. Dev Anand has stuck to his marriage despite his self-confessed ‘distancing’ from Kalpana Kartik. Dilip Kumar’s marriage with a much-younger Saira Banu has lasted through all ups and downs. Dharmendra has lived happily with his two wives: Prakash and Hema Malini. Shashi Kapoor was happy with wife Jennifer till her tragic death. Shammi Kapoor has lived peacefully with wife Neela Devi after the death of his first wife Geeta Bali. Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor and other heroes of their generation respected their marriages.
Bollywood Marriages Started Breaking in the Seventies/Eighties : The majority of on-the-rocks filmi marriages happened in the seventies. The most noteworthy among them was that between superstar Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia. Vinod Khanna divorced wife Geetanjali Taleyarkhan and later married Kavita Daphtary. Kamalahaasan divorced Vani Ganpathy after a rollicking affair and out of wedlock children with Sarika. He is now separated from Sarika as well and has several love interests according to rumours. In the same cadre is the broken marriage of producer Boney Kapoor, who discarded his wife Mona Shourie and children in favour of a second marriage to actor Sridevi. Sanjay’s own first marriage ended when his wife died of a brain tumour, leaving daughter Trishla behind. His romantic midnight marriage to model and Art of Living teacher Rhea Pillai, by his own confession, is now an ‘arrangement rather than a marriage’.
Not long ago, in the aftermath of the huge success of Lagaan, Aamir Khan and wife Reena separated with the superstar being caught up in rumours of romances with foreign journalists, starlets and an assistant director of Lagaan. He was reported to have fathered a child with an American writer! The truth is that Aamir and his wife have obtained a divorce and the actor is now a free man who claims that ‘he has coped with his personal life by not talking about it.’ This is tragic in view of the fact that Aamir-Reena’s love story and runaway Hindu-Muslim marriage – which was opposed by their respective families – was publicized relentlessly by the media – including how Aamir wrote his love letters in his own blood!
And now comes the news of the break up Saif’s marriage, which occupied so much media space when it took place in the early nineties. To begin with, it was known that his parents Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore disapproved of the marriage since Amrita (daughter of Ruksana Singh) was quite a few years older than Saif. They also minded that the pair had married secretly without the knowledge of the parents.
Success Stories of Bollywood Marriages : Despite these sad stories, a nineties overview suggests that the majority of young filmi marriages have not only been successful but also touchingly romantic. Take Akshay Kumar’s marriage with Twinkle Khanna. They seem to be settled well and are now expecting their second baby after the birth of Aarav, their son! Juhi Chawla is in the seventh heaven after her marriage to Jai Mehta. They too have two children.
Kajol, who married Ajay Devgan in a very private ceremony at the height of her top-slot career, has almost given up acting, is the radiant and confident mother of daughter Nysa. Shah Rukh Khan can’t stop singing litanies of his children Aryan and Suhana and wife Gauri, who, he says, runs his life most efficiently. Hrithik and Susanne Roshan are celebrating their marriage quietly. Ravina Tandon designed her own hi-profile marriage with Anil Thadani earlier this year and the couple seems still to be in a honeymoon mode.
Most important, Madhuri Dixit, the sensuality barometer of Hindi cinema, is laughing her way to a maternity hospital in the US with her second pregnancy. She is so happy with husband Dr. Sriram Nene and son Arin that even lucrative offers from top producers to return to Bollywood have not tempted her. With television stars joining the ‘happily-married’ bandwagon (Varun Badola and Rajeshwari Sachdeva are planning a November wedding and Hitesh Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan are newly-weds), celebrity marriages and relationships will continue to make news in the coming months! Meanwhile, the romantic singles of the industry – namely the eternally eligible Salman Khan, the bouncy Vivek Oberoi and the solitude-seeking Akshaye Khanna, cross-over queen Aishwarya Rai, the enormously successful Preity Zinta, the quietly-triumphant Rani Mukherji, the sexy Sushmita Sen and oodles of other singles – cannot be called the ‘lonely hearts’ of the industry. They continue to hog the gossip headlines with their real or imaginary affairs and relationships!
Source: http://www.sawf.org/newedit/edit09272004/vimlapatil.asp
Vimla Patil will be delighted to answer readers' questions. Please click on the comments page link at the bottom of the article to post your questions for her
Two recent news items have created a shock wave among media watchers. In the first, Sanjay Dutt, talking about his marriage to Rhea Pillai – after her alleged affair with Tennis-pro Leander Paes was revealed to the media by Mahima Choudhary – claimed that ‘all those who claim to have happy marriages are faking it’. He said that women’s financial and emotional independence has caused most marriages to fail. The other news item, which also shocked readers, was the cracking up of the Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh marriage. With ‘quickie divorces’ offered by psuedo lawyers and notaries setting up shop outside the family court in Mumbai, can Sanjay Dutt be right? Are tinseltown marriages doomed to failure?
Sanjay Dutt has let loose a scary canard in the filmi world, when he recently said that there are no longer any happy marriages around. “Show me a happy marriage,” he challenged the media, saying that all so-called happy marriages were ‘fakes’! He claimed that celebrity marriages and relationships are falling apart because of changing times. Women, he said, have become emotionally and financially independent and men find it hard to accept their new ‘avatar’. “Men never imagined such liberation in women. Collapsing marriages are a sign of changing times,” he declared. The recent news that he has gone public with his relationship with Nadia Durrani, has confirmed his break up with Rhea. And as if to support Dutt’s views, one more Bollywood marriage – that of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh – collapsed under the stress of Saif’s scintillating success in ‘Hum Tum’ in recent weeks, with rumours of his romance with Javed Akhtar’s daughter Zoya and once again, Preity Zinta!
Past Info About Bollywood Marriages : Dutt’s rather stark statement has caused Bollywood-buffs to pause and think! It is time go back into the history of filmi marriages and draw conclusions, which seem to be entirely contrary to his statement, they say. To go back to the 50s and 60s, one of the steadiest and rock solid marriages happened between Sanjay’s own parents Sunil Dutt and Nargis. Raj Kapoor, though known to have had notorious affairs, kept his marriage to Krishna Kapoor going till his death. Dev Anand has stuck to his marriage despite his self-confessed ‘distancing’ from Kalpana Kartik. Dilip Kumar’s marriage with a much-younger Saira Banu has lasted through all ups and downs. Dharmendra has lived happily with his two wives: Prakash and Hema Malini. Shashi Kapoor was happy with wife Jennifer till her tragic death. Shammi Kapoor has lived peacefully with wife Neela Devi after the death of his first wife Geeta Bali. Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor and other heroes of their generation respected their marriages.
Bollywood Marriages Started Breaking in the Seventies/Eighties : The majority of on-the-rocks filmi marriages happened in the seventies. The most noteworthy among them was that between superstar Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia. Vinod Khanna divorced wife Geetanjali Taleyarkhan and later married Kavita Daphtary. Kamalahaasan divorced Vani Ganpathy after a rollicking affair and out of wedlock children with Sarika. He is now separated from Sarika as well and has several love interests according to rumours. In the same cadre is the broken marriage of producer Boney Kapoor, who discarded his wife Mona Shourie and children in favour of a second marriage to actor Sridevi. Sanjay’s own first marriage ended when his wife died of a brain tumour, leaving daughter Trishla behind. His romantic midnight marriage to model and Art of Living teacher Rhea Pillai, by his own confession, is now an ‘arrangement rather than a marriage’.
Not long ago, in the aftermath of the huge success of Lagaan, Aamir Khan and wife Reena separated with the superstar being caught up in rumours of romances with foreign journalists, starlets and an assistant director of Lagaan. He was reported to have fathered a child with an American writer! The truth is that Aamir and his wife have obtained a divorce and the actor is now a free man who claims that ‘he has coped with his personal life by not talking about it.’ This is tragic in view of the fact that Aamir-Reena’s love story and runaway Hindu-Muslim marriage – which was opposed by their respective families – was publicized relentlessly by the media – including how Aamir wrote his love letters in his own blood!
And now comes the news of the break up Saif’s marriage, which occupied so much media space when it took place in the early nineties. To begin with, it was known that his parents Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore disapproved of the marriage since Amrita (daughter of Ruksana Singh) was quite a few years older than Saif. They also minded that the pair had married secretly without the knowledge of the parents.
Success Stories of Bollywood Marriages : Despite these sad stories, a nineties overview suggests that the majority of young filmi marriages have not only been successful but also touchingly romantic. Take Akshay Kumar’s marriage with Twinkle Khanna. They seem to be settled well and are now expecting their second baby after the birth of Aarav, their son! Juhi Chawla is in the seventh heaven after her marriage to Jai Mehta. They too have two children.
Kajol, who married Ajay Devgan in a very private ceremony at the height of her top-slot career, has almost given up acting, is the radiant and confident mother of daughter Nysa. Shah Rukh Khan can’t stop singing litanies of his children Aryan and Suhana and wife Gauri, who, he says, runs his life most efficiently. Hrithik and Susanne Roshan are celebrating their marriage quietly. Ravina Tandon designed her own hi-profile marriage with Anil Thadani earlier this year and the couple seems still to be in a honeymoon mode.
Most important, Madhuri Dixit, the sensuality barometer of Hindi cinema, is laughing her way to a maternity hospital in the US with her second pregnancy. She is so happy with husband Dr. Sriram Nene and son Arin that even lucrative offers from top producers to return to Bollywood have not tempted her. With television stars joining the ‘happily-married’ bandwagon (Varun Badola and Rajeshwari Sachdeva are planning a November wedding and Hitesh Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan are newly-weds), celebrity marriages and relationships will continue to make news in the coming months! Meanwhile, the romantic singles of the industry – namely the eternally eligible Salman Khan, the bouncy Vivek Oberoi and the solitude-seeking Akshaye Khanna, cross-over queen Aishwarya Rai, the enormously successful Preity Zinta, the quietly-triumphant Rani Mukherji, the sexy Sushmita Sen and oodles of other singles – cannot be called the ‘lonely hearts’ of the industry. They continue to hog the gossip headlines with their real or imaginary affairs and relationships!
Source: http://www.sawf.org/newedit/edit09272004/vimlapatil.asp
Monday, April 19, 2010
Kolkata sign off in style, beat Mumbai by 9 Wickets
Kolkata Knight Riders ended their IPL campaign on a high note, beating table-toppers Mumbai Indians by a convincing nine-wicket margin in the dead rubber at the Eden Gardens. Already out of the semi-final reckoning, the hosts put up a splendid all-round show and finished in the sixth position with 14 points behind Delhi Daredevils.
Delhi also ended with 14 points but due to their better run-rate (+0.02) they finished one place above Kolkata (-0.34). Exploiting the slow track, Kolkata restricted the new-look Mumbai Indians to 133 for eight and then overhauled the target with 2.3 overs to spare with Brendon McCullum (57 not out) and Sourav Ganguly (42) playing good knocks at top.
It is for the first time in their last six clashes that Kolkata have defeated Mumbai Indians. Saurabh Tiwary's sensible 37-ball 46 was cornerstone of Mumbai's total as they made wholesome changes to their side, fielding five new players.
Murali Kartik (2/20) and Shane Bond (2/24) set up the win for Kolkata by their brilliant effort as they restricted Mumbai to their lowest score in this season. Chasing a modest total, and playing under no pressure, McCullum and skipper Ganguly threw their bat at each and everything and produced the one of the best opening stands for their side in this season.
They rattled up 97 in 13.5 overs to lay the foundation for an easy win. Ganguly's 36-ball knock had four fours and two sixes and McCullum's 56 ball innings was studded with eight fours.
Ganguly began the scoring by hammering a big six off spinner Ali and McCullum played some really exquisite drives off Ryan McLaren and Dilhara Fernando. The Sri Lankan paceman was punished by Ganguly too as he was hit for a six and four by the former Indian captain.
Dwayne Bravo, who led the side as Sachin Tendulkar opted to rest, produced a chance to break the partnership but McLaren grassed Ganguly's catch when he was on 22. At half-way mark, Kolkata were comfortably placed at 72 for no loss but the partnership ended soon with the dismissal of Ganguly.
The local southpaw miscued one shot off R Satish and the ball landed in the hands of Bravo, who nearly messed it up with McLaren. McCullum and David Hussey (20) then guided the team home comfortably.
Source: http://cricket.yahoo.com/cricket/news/article?id=item/2.0/-/story/cricket.yahoonews.com/kolkata-sign-off-style-beat-mumbai-nine-wickets-20100420/
Delhi also ended with 14 points but due to their better run-rate (+0.02) they finished one place above Kolkata (-0.34). Exploiting the slow track, Kolkata restricted the new-look Mumbai Indians to 133 for eight and then overhauled the target with 2.3 overs to spare with Brendon McCullum (57 not out) and Sourav Ganguly (42) playing good knocks at top.
It is for the first time in their last six clashes that Kolkata have defeated Mumbai Indians. Saurabh Tiwary's sensible 37-ball 46 was cornerstone of Mumbai's total as they made wholesome changes to their side, fielding five new players.
Murali Kartik (2/20) and Shane Bond (2/24) set up the win for Kolkata by their brilliant effort as they restricted Mumbai to their lowest score in this season. Chasing a modest total, and playing under no pressure, McCullum and skipper Ganguly threw their bat at each and everything and produced the one of the best opening stands for their side in this season.
They rattled up 97 in 13.5 overs to lay the foundation for an easy win. Ganguly's 36-ball knock had four fours and two sixes and McCullum's 56 ball innings was studded with eight fours.
Ganguly began the scoring by hammering a big six off spinner Ali and McCullum played some really exquisite drives off Ryan McLaren and Dilhara Fernando. The Sri Lankan paceman was punished by Ganguly too as he was hit for a six and four by the former Indian captain.
Dwayne Bravo, who led the side as Sachin Tendulkar opted to rest, produced a chance to break the partnership but McLaren grassed Ganguly's catch when he was on 22. At half-way mark, Kolkata were comfortably placed at 72 for no loss but the partnership ended soon with the dismissal of Ganguly.
The local southpaw miscued one shot off R Satish and the ball landed in the hands of Bravo, who nearly messed it up with McLaren. McCullum and David Hussey (20) then guided the team home comfortably.
Source: http://cricket.yahoo.com/cricket/news/article?id=item/2.0/-/story/cricket.yahoonews.com/kolkata-sign-off-style-beat-mumbai-nine-wickets-20100420/
10 Phrases That Can Sink Your Resume
If you're job-hunting today, you know that employers are looking for sharp, self-motivated people. Paradoxically, just about the worst way to convey your talent and motivation is to say in your resume or cover letter, "I'm self-motivated." Anyone can say that! The phrase falls flat. You can't afford to let done-to-death boilerplate language sink your resume like a boat anchor.
Resume cliches like "self-motivated individual" and "results-oriented professional" are out of date in 2010. You can do a better job of letting hiring managers know how you solve problems on-the-fly or leap over tall buildings in a single bound.
Here are ten of the deadliest resume phrases in use ("massive overuse" would be more accurate) and replacements for each one. You'll rewrite the replacement phrases to reflect your own accomplishments--and that's the key! We can't expect a timeworn piece of resume boilerplate to stand in for our own pithy, personal examples.
Kill this: Results-oriented professional
Replace with your own version of this: I love to solve thorny supply-chain problemsKill this: Excellent team player
Replace with your own version of this: At Acme Dynamite, I partnered with Engineering to cut our product cost in half
Kill this: Bottom-line orientation
Replace with your own version of this: My accounting-process overhaul saved the company $10M in its first year
Kill this: Superior communication skills
Replace with your own version of this: I led a two-day offsite that yielded our 2010 product lineup and a $40K cost savings
Kill this: Possess organizational skills
Replace with your own version of this: Reduced customer-complaint resolution time from three weeks to one by revamping the process
Kill this: Savvy business professional
Replace with your own version of this: I'm a PR manager who's gotten his employers covered by
Kill this: Strong work ethic
Replace with your own version of this: I taught myself HTML over a weekend in order to grab a marketing opportunity
Kill this: Meets or exceeds expectations
Replace with your own version of this: Invited to join our executive staff at a strategy summit during my first year at the company
Kill this: Strong presentation skills
Replace with your own version of this: Was recruited to join Acme Dynamite after my boss heard me speak at a conference
Kill this: Seeking a challenging opportunity
Replace with your own version of this: I'm looking for a midsize manufacturer primed to grow its business in the Pacific Rim
Get the boilerplate lead out of your resume today, and replace it with concrete, visual stories that bring your power to life. Watch employers respond! You can't afford to send out another lifeless, sounds-like-everyone-else resume. Employers want the real you on the page. Try it!
Source:http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-experts-10_phrases_that_can_sink_your_resume-115
Resume cliches like "self-motivated individual" and "results-oriented professional" are out of date in 2010. You can do a better job of letting hiring managers know how you solve problems on-the-fly or leap over tall buildings in a single bound.
Here are ten of the deadliest resume phrases in use ("massive overuse" would be more accurate) and replacements for each one. You'll rewrite the replacement phrases to reflect your own accomplishments--and that's the key! We can't expect a timeworn piece of resume boilerplate to stand in for our own pithy, personal examples.
Kill this: Results-oriented professional
Replace with your own version of this: I love to solve thorny supply-chain problemsKill this: Excellent team player
Replace with your own version of this: At Acme Dynamite, I partnered with Engineering to cut our product cost in half
Kill this: Bottom-line orientation
Replace with your own version of this: My accounting-process overhaul saved the company $10M in its first year
Kill this: Superior communication skills
Replace with your own version of this: I led a two-day offsite that yielded our 2010 product lineup and a $40K cost savings
Kill this: Possess organizational skills
Replace with your own version of this: Reduced customer-complaint resolution time from three weeks to one by revamping the process
Kill this: Savvy business professional
Replace with your own version of this: I'm a PR manager who's gotten his employers covered by
Kill this: Strong work ethic
Replace with your own version of this: I taught myself HTML over a weekend in order to grab a marketing opportunity
Kill this: Meets or exceeds expectations
Replace with your own version of this: Invited to join our executive staff at a strategy summit during my first year at the company
Kill this: Strong presentation skills
Replace with your own version of this: Was recruited to join Acme Dynamite after my boss heard me speak at a conference
Kill this: Seeking a challenging opportunity
Replace with your own version of this: I'm looking for a midsize manufacturer primed to grow its business in the Pacific Rim
Get the boilerplate lead out of your resume today, and replace it with concrete, visual stories that bring your power to life. Watch employers respond! You can't afford to send out another lifeless, sounds-like-everyone-else resume. Employers want the real you on the page. Try it!
Source:http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-experts-10_phrases_that_can_sink_your_resume-115
Thursday, April 15, 2010
ICICI Bank told to pay Rs 13 lakh to NRI customer
CHENNAI: It could well be termed the country’s first legal adjudication of a dispute raised by a victim of a cyber crime.
In a verdict in the first case filed under the Information Technology Act, Tamil Nadu IT secretary on Monday directed ICICI Bank to pay Rs 12.85 lakh to an Abu Dhabi-based NRI within 60 days for the loss suffered by him due to a phishing fraud. Phishing is an internet fraud through which sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details are obtained by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. The compensation includes the loss suffered by the petitioner, the travel expenses and the financial loss incurred on account of “complete lack of involvement of the respondent bank,” said TN IT secretary PWC Davidar in his order. The order came on a petition filed by Umashankar Sivasubramaniam, who claimed he received an email in September 2007 from ICICI, asking him to reply with his internet banking username and password or else his account would become non-existent. Though he replied, he found Rs 6.46 lakh transferred from his account to that of a company, which withdrew Rs 4.6 lakh from an ICICI branch in Mumbai and retained the balance in its account. In his application for adjudication filed under the IT Act to the state IT secretary on June 26, 2008, he held the bank responsible for the loss. But ICICI Bank claimed that the petitioner had negligently disclosed the confidential information such as password and had fallen prey to a phishing fraud. “Customers are fully apprised on security aspects of internet banking through various channels. We reassure that our security systems are continuously audited and neither the security nor our processes have been breached,” said a bank spokeperson.
The bank said it will appeal the order. “ICICI Bank endeavours to offer world-class service to its customers. Today, we have hundreds types of transactions, which can be completed online without having to walk into a branch. We strive for convenience and safety of our customers and uninterrupted availability of our services through self-service channels. We also continuously upgrade our systems and technology to ensure that our customers get the best experience and a safe environment while transacting online,” the spokesperson added.
Techno-legal consultant Na Vijayashankar, who appeared for the petitioner, said while the order may lead to tightening of cyber laws in the country, the judgement reflects the lack of accountability of using internet banking. “Phishing fraud is very common but banks are not accepting the liabilities. Such a ruling will set a good precedent.”
Though there are 300-odd phishing cases recorded or contended within the country, they have not been pursued under proper legal framework, he said noting that some such cases were filed at consumer courts.
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/banking/finance/banking/ICICI-Bank-told-to-pay-Rs-13-lakh-to-NRI-customer/articleshow/5798944.cms
In a verdict in the first case filed under the Information Technology Act, Tamil Nadu IT secretary on Monday directed ICICI Bank to pay Rs 12.85 lakh to an Abu Dhabi-based NRI within 60 days for the loss suffered by him due to a phishing fraud. Phishing is an internet fraud through which sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details are obtained by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. The compensation includes the loss suffered by the petitioner, the travel expenses and the financial loss incurred on account of “complete lack of involvement of the respondent bank,” said TN IT secretary PWC Davidar in his order. The order came on a petition filed by Umashankar Sivasubramaniam, who claimed he received an email in September 2007 from ICICI, asking him to reply with his internet banking username and password or else his account would become non-existent. Though he replied, he found Rs 6.46 lakh transferred from his account to that of a company, which withdrew Rs 4.6 lakh from an ICICI branch in Mumbai and retained the balance in its account. In his application for adjudication filed under the IT Act to the state IT secretary on June 26, 2008, he held the bank responsible for the loss. But ICICI Bank claimed that the petitioner had negligently disclosed the confidential information such as password and had fallen prey to a phishing fraud. “Customers are fully apprised on security aspects of internet banking through various channels. We reassure that our security systems are continuously audited and neither the security nor our processes have been breached,” said a bank spokeperson.
The bank said it will appeal the order. “ICICI Bank endeavours to offer world-class service to its customers. Today, we have hundreds types of transactions, which can be completed online without having to walk into a branch. We strive for convenience and safety of our customers and uninterrupted availability of our services through self-service channels. We also continuously upgrade our systems and technology to ensure that our customers get the best experience and a safe environment while transacting online,” the spokesperson added.
Techno-legal consultant Na Vijayashankar, who appeared for the petitioner, said while the order may lead to tightening of cyber laws in the country, the judgement reflects the lack of accountability of using internet banking. “Phishing fraud is very common but banks are not accepting the liabilities. Such a ruling will set a good precedent.”
Though there are 300-odd phishing cases recorded or contended within the country, they have not been pursued under proper legal framework, he said noting that some such cases were filed at consumer courts.
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/banking/finance/banking/ICICI-Bank-told-to-pay-Rs-13-lakh-to-NRI-customer/articleshow/5798944.cms
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