Nandakumar Rajeshirke was suspicious of health insurance when he first heard about the idea three years ago. He had trouble understanding why it made sense to gamble on an unforeseen illness or accident when there was no guarantee he would ever see any money in return. Nandakumar Rajeshirke was suspicious of health insurance when he first heard about the idea three years ago. He had trouble understanding why it made sense to gamble on an unforeseen illness or accident when there was no guarantee he would ever see any money in return.But his insurance provider, a network of nongovernmental organizations called UpLift India Association, had already earned his trust by supplying him with reliable microcredit to fund his stone carving business in the city of Pune. Mr. Rajeshirke decided to buy coverage for his whole family at 50 rupees ($1.10) per person annually and renewed the plan for several years in a row.In 2005, his gamble paid off. Rajeshirke's wife needed a hysterectomy, a procedure that would normally cost 20,000 rupees ($446), one-third of his yearly salary."Without insurance," he says, "I would have had to sell some things from my house or get a loan from someone at high rates." Instead of facing financial ruin, he paid 6,000 rupees ($134) total and had help navigating the long process through diagnosis, surgery, and medication.Such plans, known as micro health insurance, are gathering momentum in regions of Asia and Africa that lack public health strategies. These nonprofit programs aim to provide quality healthcare at low premiums on a community-level scale. The idea is that, with creative planning, the poor can benefit from the same protections against risk as the rich.India is a world leader in this emerging field, with 5 to 10 million people enrolled in micro health insurance nationwide. Fewer than 10 percent of India's 1.1 billion people have any sort of health insurance, much of which covers only government employees. Poor people usually work in informal jobs or are self-employed, so they are extremely unlikely to be included in employment-related plans.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
MJF leaders close to agreement; Yadav and Gachhadar both to become ministers
There has been an agreement between Madheshi Janadhikar Forum chairman Upendra Yadav and parliamentary party leader Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar on the issue of joining the government.
An agreement has been forged where both leaders will participate in the government. Chairman Yadav will lead the party’s team, while Gachhadar will take charge of a powerful ministry.
The agreement was reached according to the recommendations of the task force formed Saturday to name the ministerial candidates from the party and suggest solution to the ongoing feud between the two factions.
The agreement has not been officially announced as a meeting ongoing to select other ministers from the party.
Earlier, the two leaders were seen in the verge of split with both organising separate press conferences on Saturday.
Gachhadar had reportedly handed over the list of MJF's ministerial team, led by himself, to PM Nepal, while Yadav had said the party would withdraw its support to the government had that been the case.
Gachhadar, in response, had said the party would have to face an unfortunate incident if the support to the government was withdrawn
An agreement has been forged where both leaders will participate in the government. Chairman Yadav will lead the party’s team, while Gachhadar will take charge of a powerful ministry.
The agreement was reached according to the recommendations of the task force formed Saturday to name the ministerial candidates from the party and suggest solution to the ongoing feud between the two factions.
The agreement has not been officially announced as a meeting ongoing to select other ministers from the party.
Earlier, the two leaders were seen in the verge of split with both organising separate press conferences on Saturday.
Gachhadar had reportedly handed over the list of MJF's ministerial team, led by himself, to PM Nepal, while Yadav had said the party would withdraw its support to the government had that been the case.
Gachhadar, in response, had said the party would have to face an unfortunate incident if the support to the government was withdrawn
Santander To Rebrand Its UK Operations From 2010
Spanish bank Santander has decided to operate under a single brand name across 40 countries of the Europe, particularly in the UK. Following this decision the Abbey, Alliance & Leicester (A&L) and Bradford & Bingley savings (B&B) will be rebranded as Santander from the first quarter of 2010
Early in the second half of 2009, Abbey Credit Cards will be re-branded as Santander and all new cards will be issued under the Santander name, when they come up for renewal. However, for the specialised-market brands they retain the existing names. These include Abbey for Intermediaries, cahoot, Cater Allen, James Hay and the international businesses of Abbey, A&L and B&B.
One of the key drivers in implementing the brand change has been the switch to Santander’s global IT platform, Partenon. The change in the IT platform allows Santander to offer its full range of products across enlarged UK network. As a result, Santander customers in UK can transact in all its Santander branches.
Upon the completion of the change, 25 million customers can manage their finances in the 1,300 branches across the UK under Santander’s branch network irrespective of, whether they belong to Abbey, A&L or B&B network. Moreover, this will also allow the UK business to leverage the expertise and product developments from Santander’s global business.
António Horta-Osório, Chief Executive of Santander’s UK Businesses, said: “Since Santander acquired Abbey in November 2004, we have set about transforming the business to reflect Santander’s business model and values.
Early in the second half of 2009, Abbey Credit Cards will be re-branded as Santander and all new cards will be issued under the Santander name, when they come up for renewal. However, for the specialised-market brands they retain the existing names. These include Abbey for Intermediaries, cahoot, Cater Allen, James Hay and the international businesses of Abbey, A&L and B&B.
One of the key drivers in implementing the brand change has been the switch to Santander’s global IT platform, Partenon. The change in the IT platform allows Santander to offer its full range of products across enlarged UK network. As a result, Santander customers in UK can transact in all its Santander branches.
Upon the completion of the change, 25 million customers can manage their finances in the 1,300 branches across the UK under Santander’s branch network irrespective of, whether they belong to Abbey, A&L or B&B network. Moreover, this will also allow the UK business to leverage the expertise and product developments from Santander’s global business.
António Horta-Osório, Chief Executive of Santander’s UK Businesses, said: “Since Santander acquired Abbey in November 2004, we have set about transforming the business to reflect Santander’s business model and values.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Health Insurance Reform in 2009
Health Insurance Reform in 2009 -
Make life evergreen like Phot
President Obama made this bold promise to hopeful Americans in his recent address to Congress. Few listeners debate the importance of health care, but providing quality affordable health care for every American will clearly challenge Democrats and Republicans to work together to meet this goal.As unemployment rises, even fewer Americans will have health insurance through an employer. And, rising medical costs are forcing small and large businesses to reduce coverage, increase co-pays and deductibles and raise the amount that employees must pay each month. Some small business owners have even converted traditional health insurance plans to high deductible plans.Insurance.com offers these tips for evaluating your health care options and saving money on your medical bills.
My employer offers an HMO and a PPO. How do I decide?
Both provide excellent care, but you may want to choose an HMO if its network of doctors and hospitals matches your needs. Health insurance with a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is generally less expensive. You're required to select an HMO physician to be your primary health care provider. This doctor will coordinate all of your medical care, including referrals to specialists within your HMO network. If you seek treatment from a non-network physician, you will generally pay most of the cost yourself.A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is more flexible than an HMO plan, but it still operates with a list of physicians and hospitals that are "within the PPO network." You may visit an out-of-network provider, but you will pay the difference between the PPO network and out-of-network prices. Usually offer a prescription drug benefit, as well. Some companies are offering.
President Obama made this bold promise to hopeful Americans in his recent address to Congress. Few listeners debate the importance of health care, but providing quality affordable health care for every American will clearly challenge Democrats and Republicans to work together to meet this goal.As unemployment rises, even fewer Americans will have health insurance through an employer. And, rising medical costs are forcing small and large businesses to reduce coverage, increase co-pays and deductibles and raise the amount that employees must pay each month. Some small business owners have even converted traditional health insurance plans to high deductible plans.Insurance.com offers these tips for evaluating your health care options and saving money on your medical bills.
My employer offers an HMO and a PPO. How do I decide?
Both provide excellent care, but you may want to choose an HMO if its network of doctors and hospitals matches your needs. Health insurance with a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is generally less expensive. You're required to select an HMO physician to be your primary health care provider. This doctor will coordinate all of your medical care, including referrals to specialists within your HMO network. If you seek treatment from a non-network physician, you will generally pay most of the cost yourself.A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is more flexible than an HMO plan, but it still operates with a list of physicians and hospitals that are "within the PPO network." You may visit an out-of-network provider, but you will pay the difference between the PPO network and out-of-network prices. Usually offer a prescription drug benefit, as well. Some companies are offering.
I can't afford full health insurance, but I want coverage for major emergencies
A high deductible health insurance plan or offer coverage for major illnesses or accidents. For example, a plan with a $5,000 deductible requires you to pay all of your medical expenses up to $5,000 before your insurer begins to pay. If you choose a high deductible plan, try to save a small amount of money each month in a (HSA) so that you're not overwhelmed by routine medical expenses
I have health insurance, but it seems like I'm always paying for something.
Sad but true. You may owe a for doctor's visits or a trip to the ER. Usually, this is a flat fee, but it can get expensive if you don't stay within your plan network.Secondly, payment for expenses is subject to your annual , which is the amount you pay toward your medical expenses before the insurance company begins to pay claims. Some HMO plans do not have deductibles but do have co-payments.Lastly, there's co-insurance, which is the percentage of your medical costs that you pay after you reach your annual deductible. 80/20 co-insurance is a common option, and that means that your insurer pays 80% of your bills and you pay 20%—after your deductible. So, anything you can do too.
A high deductible health insurance plan or offer coverage for major illnesses or accidents. For example, a plan with a $5,000 deductible requires you to pay all of your medical expenses up to $5,000 before your insurer begins to pay. If you choose a high deductible plan, try to save a small amount of money each month in a (HSA) so that you're not overwhelmed by routine medical expenses
I have health insurance, but it seems like I'm always paying for something.
Sad but true. You may owe a for doctor's visits or a trip to the ER. Usually, this is a flat fee, but it can get expensive if you don't stay within your plan network.Secondly, payment for expenses is subject to your annual , which is the amount you pay toward your medical expenses before the insurance company begins to pay claims. Some HMO plans do not have deductibles but do have co-payments.Lastly, there's co-insurance, which is the percentage of your medical costs that you pay after you reach your annual deductible. 80/20 co-insurance is a common option, and that means that your insurer pays 80% of your bills and you pay 20%—after your deductible. So, anything you can do too.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
German grant aid for Nepal
KATHMANDU: The government of the Federal Republic of Germany has agreed to provide a grant assistance of Euro7.50 million (equivalent to Rs 789.9 million) to Nepal for Town Development Project, Phase III.According to a Finance Ministry, the grant assistance will be used in urban economic and social infrastructure projects and renovation of municipal buildings damaged during the conflict period. Earlier, with grant assistance from Germany, two phases of Town Development Fund Project have been launched. Like the other two grant amounts, this one also will be administered by the Town Development Fund (TDF) — an autonomous financial institution established under the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works according to its Loan and Grant Policy 2009. By the end of 2012, TDF shall disburse the total fund with 80 per cent for loan financing and 20 per cent for grant financing to municipalities, small towns, users committee and the private sectors, according to a ministry statement. An agreement to this effect was signed by and exchanged between Rameshwore Prasad Khanal, secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Verena Grafin Von Roedern, Federal Republic of Germany’s ambassador to Nepal.
Learn How to Get a Discount from Insurance Companies
Personal Insurance
Business Insurance
What type of insurance you wish to quote?
Comparing Insurance Quotes = Equals Saving
Compare Auto, Homeowner, Health Insurance Quotes
Everyone knows that insurance premiums can be affected by your credit history or perhaps a spotty driving record in the case of auto insurance. But few people realize that an insurance company's loss experience is one of the biggest factors for determining how much they will pay for coverage. How so? Well, say for example an insurance company paid out a large amount of homeowner insurance claims due to a particularly catastrophic year of floods and fire damage. The same insurance company may also provide auto insurance coverage. To compensate for the losses experienced under their home owner insurance division, they may raise premiums for their car insurance customers even if they had no accidents or tickets. Or, they could simply increase the insurance prices for house insurance policyholders in another state.
Insurance is a business, and like any other business it needs to generate profit. Monetary losses from an excessive amount of insurance claims are usually shifted to the consumer in the package of higher insurance premiums. If the insurance company had an extremely profitable year, they may lower rates to attract more customers and increase the number of policyholders they have. For this reason, insurance rates vary greatly from one company to another.
Health and life insurance rates are very low right now in this competitive insurance industry. However, some health and life insurance companies offer low initial rates to gain insurance customers and then gradually increase these teaser insurance rates over time. The best way to ensure you are getting the best price for your insurance needs is to review your policy rates regularly and compare them against what other competing insurance companies are offering. You can do this by requesting insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies.
Use Technology to Find an Affordable Coverage
In the past, obtaining insurance quotes was a time consuming affair that involved hours on the phone or lengthy meetings with individual insurance agents. With the technology advancements of today, you can request insurance quotes quickly and efficiently. It only takes about two minutes to fill out the online insurance questionnaire provided on 2insure4less.com. Our cutting edge technology allows you to instantly compare insurance coverage and premium quotes from multiple competing companies. The best part is you only have to enter your information once instead of traveling from website to website. We are not an insurance company, but we offer tips on how to determine the amount of insurance coverage you need.
So, whether you are looking for a cheaper auto insurance rate for an expiring car insurance policy, or you simply want to make sure you are getting the best deal on house, renters, disability, long term care, cancer, burial (final expense), life insurance, and annuity, 2insure4less is here to help both men and women find affordable insurance coverage. Why not see if you can save a little extra money on your health insurance premiums? You have the option of comparing cheap insurance coverage quotes online or speaking with a qualified insurance agent licensed in your state.
Learn How to Get a Discount from Insurance Companies
Our learning center is dedicated to helping insurance consumers become educated on their insurance needs. Our library of educational material, insurance guides and coverage calculating tools will help you in a variety of insurance situations. The next time you have an accident or need to file an insurance claim you can be prepared. We'll also tell you about what to do when a claim is denied and your rights as a policyholder. You'll also learn how to understand your insurance policy and of course, there are many tips on how to save money on insurance.
Don't pay more for insurance than you have to. Take time to compare your current insurance rates with comparable coverage from other insurance competitors. It only takes a few minutes to select the type of coverage you are interested in, and you'll be on your way to comparing insurance quotes and saving money.
Comparing Insurance Quotes = Equals Saving
Everyone knows that insurance premiums can be affected by your credit history or perhaps a spotty driving record in the case of auto insurance. But few people realize that an insurance company's loss experience is one of the biggest factors for determining how much they will pay for coverage. How so? Well, say for example an insurance company paid out a large amount of homeowner insurance claims due to a particularly catastrophic year of floods and fire damage. The same insurance company may also provide auto insurance coverage. To compensate for the losses experienced under their home owner insurance division, they may raise premiums for their car insurance customers even if they had no accidents or tickets. Or, they could simply increase the insurance prices for house insurance policyholders in another state.
Insurance is a business, and like any other business it needs to generate profit. Monetary losses from an excessive amount of insurance claims are usually shifted to the consumer in the package of higher insurance premiums. If the insurance company had an extremely profitable year, they may lower rates to attract more customers and increase the number of policyholders they have. For this reason, insurance rates vary greatly from one company to another.
Health and life insurance rates are very low right now in this competitive insurance industry. However, some health and life insurance companies offer low initial rates to gain insurance customers and then gradually increase these teaser insurance rates over time. The best way to ensure you are getting the best price for your insurance needs is to review your policy rates regularly and compare them against what other competing insurance companies are offering. You can do this by requesting insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies
Insurance is a business, and like any other business it needs to generate profit. Monetary losses from an excessive amount of insurance claims are usually shifted to the consumer in the package of higher insurance premiums. If the insurance company had an extremely profitable year, they may lower rates to attract more customers and increase the number of policyholders they have. For this reason, insurance rates vary greatly from one company to another.
Health and life insurance rates are very low right now in this competitive insurance industry. However, some health and life insurance companies offer low initial rates to gain insurance customers and then gradually increase these teaser insurance rates over time. The best way to ensure you are getting the best price for your insurance needs is to review your policy rates regularly and compare them against what other competing insurance companies are offering. You can do this by requesting insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies
PM Nepal to address the nation
Newly elected Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal will address the nation Tuesday afternoon, reports say.
PM Nepal will address the nation from his office in Singha Durbar at 4.00 pm. He is expected to talk about the policies and programmes of the new government in his address. He will also consult other coalition partners on cabinet formation.
PM Nepal assumed office from Monday after being sworn in by President Ram Baran Yadav. He then briefed high level government officials. Later in the afternoon PM Nepal met with security agency chiefs and took stock of the security situation in the country
PM Nepal will address the nation from his office in Singha Durbar at 4.00 pm. He is expected to talk about the policies and programmes of the new government in his address. He will also consult other coalition partners on cabinet formation.
PM Nepal assumed office from Monday after being sworn in by President Ram Baran Yadav. He then briefed high level government officials. Later in the afternoon PM Nepal met with security agency chiefs and took stock of the security situation in the country
Entertainment
NEW YORK
jon and Kate Gosselin arrived separately for their sextuplets' fifth birthday party. During the party, the spouses barely spoke to each other.
Clearly, the Gosselin marriage was under a strain as the new season started for the TLC series, "Jon & Kate Plus 8."
No wonder. The daily challenges of a super-size family with eight kids in the house have recently been overshadowed by reports that Jon and Kate cheated on each other. Both of them have denied the allegations.
But on Monday's premiere (along with scenes of the party), Kate and Jon addressed the media firestorm that has engulfed them from beyond the carefully tended boundaries of their own reality show.
"Did I ever think I'd see myself on the front of the tabloids?" said Kate indignantly. "Or see those words that are there? No. It kills me!"
And Jon, who insisted he was "being innocent and hanging out" despite reports of an affair with a 23-year-old schoolteacher, said, "I never read a tabloid magazine until I was in one. And the first one I bought was the last one I bought."
As they reflected on the scandals that have made their lives so difficult and put their marriage in peril, the Gosselins were filmed individually, each seated alone on a sofa — in itself, a revealing touch.
"Very swiftly we turned into two different people," Kate said at one point, as she described how she has grown apart from her husband of 10 years, "and it's just hard."
While Kate has spent a lot of time on the road, making personal appearances for the show, Jon has mostly stayed home.
"So he's angry with me that he's home and I'm not," Kate said. "Yet he doesn't really feel great about me, so he wants me to travel.
"It is so involved I almost can't put it into words," she added wearily.
Kate expressed her own share of anger.
"I think the thing that makes me the maddest is: Jon made some mistakes and he was out and whatever, and that made people question him," she said. "I'm doing what I'm SUPPOSED to be doing. I'm working and traveling" — which led to reports that she was having an affair with her bodyguard.
Declaring that she was only doing her job by traveling, she said, "I'll be darned if they're going to take me down with that."
"I have a lot of anger," she summed up, "because this is not where we were supposed to be, this is not what I envisioned for us."
Premiering two years ago, "Jon & Kate" is TLC's most-watched show, and has made the Gosselins famous. The arrival of its new season was highly anticipated and highly promoted.
"Jon and Kate face each other for the first time," an announcer teased on an ad that aired repeatedly beforehand.
And so they did, sort of, as they sat side-by-side on the sofa in the episode's final seconds.
An off-camera voice asked, "Do you guys know what the future holds?"
Both of them looked puzzled. Neither replied. Then the episode was over. The season had started with lots of suspense.
Clearly, the Gosselin marriage was under a strain as the new season started for the TLC series, "Jon & Kate Plus 8."
No wonder. The daily challenges of a super-size family with eight kids in the house have recently been overshadowed by reports that Jon and Kate cheated on each other. Both of them have denied the allegations.
But on Monday's premiere (along with scenes of the party), Kate and Jon addressed the media firestorm that has engulfed them from beyond the carefully tended boundaries of their own reality show.
"Did I ever think I'd see myself on the front of the tabloids?" said Kate indignantly. "Or see those words that are there? No. It kills me!"
And Jon, who insisted he was "being innocent and hanging out" despite reports of an affair with a 23-year-old schoolteacher, said, "I never read a tabloid magazine until I was in one. And the first one I bought was the last one I bought."
As they reflected on the scandals that have made their lives so difficult and put their marriage in peril, the Gosselins were filmed individually, each seated alone on a sofa — in itself, a revealing touch.
"Very swiftly we turned into two different people," Kate said at one point, as she described how she has grown apart from her husband of 10 years, "and it's just hard."
While Kate has spent a lot of time on the road, making personal appearances for the show, Jon has mostly stayed home.
"So he's angry with me that he's home and I'm not," Kate said. "Yet he doesn't really feel great about me, so he wants me to travel.
"It is so involved I almost can't put it into words," she added wearily.
Kate expressed her own share of anger.
"I think the thing that makes me the maddest is: Jon made some mistakes and he was out and whatever, and that made people question him," she said. "I'm doing what I'm SUPPOSED to be doing. I'm working and traveling" — which led to reports that she was having an affair with her bodyguard.
Declaring that she was only doing her job by traveling, she said, "I'll be darned if they're going to take me down with that."
"I have a lot of anger," she summed up, "because this is not where we were supposed to be, this is not what I envisioned for us."
Premiering two years ago, "Jon & Kate" is TLC's most-watched show, and has made the Gosselins famous. The arrival of its new season was highly anticipated and highly promoted.
"Jon and Kate face each other for the first time," an announcer teased on an ad that aired repeatedly beforehand.
And so they did, sort of, as they sat side-by-side on the sofa in the episode's final seconds.
An off-camera voice asked, "Do you guys know what the future holds?"
Both of them looked puzzled. Neither replied. Then the episode was over. The season had started with lots of suspense.
Today in History - May 26
Today is Tuesday, May 26, the 146th day of 2009. There are 219 days left in the year.
Today's Highlight in History:
On May 26, 1940, the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk, France, began during World War II.
On this date:
In 1521, Martin Luther was banned by the Edict of Worms because of his religious beliefs and writings.
In 1868, the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson ended with his acquittal on the remaining charges.
In 1908, the first major oil strike in the Middle East occurred in Masjid-i-Suleiman, Persia (present-day Iran).
In 1913, Actors' Equity Association was organized in New York.
In 1938, the House Un-American Activities Committee was established by Congress.
In 1960, U.N. Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge accused the Soviets of hiding a microphone inside a wood carving of the Great Seal of the United States that had been presented to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
In 1969, the Apollo 10 astronauts returned to Earth after a successful eight-day dress rehearsal for the first manned moon landing.
In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev signed the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in Moscow. (The U.S. withdrew from the treaty in 2002.)
In 1981, 14 people were killed when a Marine jet crashed onto the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz off Florida.
In 1994, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley were married in the Dominican Republic. (They divorced in 1996.)
Ten years ago: House Republicans pushed through legislation that would put new obstacles in the way of spending government surpluses that came from Social Security taxes. Indian aircraft fired on separatist guerrillas in Kashmir province and Pakistan threatened retaliation; it was the first use of air power in years in the long-running conflict over the Himalayan border region.
Five years ago: Nearly a decade after the Oklahoma City bombing, Terry Nichols was found guilty of 161 state murder charges for helping carry out the attack. (Nichols later received 161 consecutive life sentences.) Fantasia Barrino was crowned the "American Idol" in the Fox TV talent contest.
One year ago: President George W. Bush paid a Memorial Day tribute to America's fighting men and women who died in battle, saying national leaders must have "the courage and character to follow their lead" in preserving peace and freedom. Chinese officials said they would waive their one-child policy for families with a child who was killed, severely injured or disabled in the country's devastating earthquake. Oscar-winning movie director Sydney Pollack died in Los Angeles at age 73. Composer Earle H. Hagen, who wrote the themes for "The Andy Griffith Show," "I Spy," "The Mod Squad" and other TV shows, died in Rancho Mirage, Calif., at age 88.
Today's Birthdays: Actor James Arness is 86. Actor Alec McCowen is 84. Sportscaster Brent Musberger is 70. Rock singer-musician Levon Helm (The Band) is 69. Country musician Gates Nichols (Confederate Railroad) is 65. Rock musician Garry Peterson (Guess Who) is 64. Singer Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac) is 61. Actress Pam Grier is 60. Actor Philip Michael Thomas is 60. Country singer Hank Williams Jr. is 60. Former astronaut Sally K. Ride is 58. Actress Margaret Colin is 52. Country singer-songwriter Dave Robbins is 50. Actor Doug Hutchison is 49. Actress Genie Francis is 47. Comedian Bobcat Goldthwait is 47. Singer Lenny Kravitz is 45. Actress Helena Bonham Carter is 43. Rock musician Phillip Rhodes is 41. Actor Joseph Fiennes is 39. Singer Joey Kibble (Take 6) is 38. Actor-producer-writer Matt Stone is 38. Contemporary Christian musician Nathan Cochran is 31.
Thought for Today: "Life is a tragedy full of joy." — Bernard Malamud, American author (1914-1986
Today's Highlight in History:
On May 26, 1940, the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk, France, began during World War II.
On this date:
In 1521, Martin Luther was banned by the Edict of Worms because of his religious beliefs and writings.
In 1868, the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson ended with his acquittal on the remaining charges.
In 1908, the first major oil strike in the Middle East occurred in Masjid-i-Suleiman, Persia (present-day Iran).
In 1913, Actors' Equity Association was organized in New York.
In 1938, the House Un-American Activities Committee was established by Congress.
In 1960, U.N. Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge accused the Soviets of hiding a microphone inside a wood carving of the Great Seal of the United States that had been presented to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
In 1969, the Apollo 10 astronauts returned to Earth after a successful eight-day dress rehearsal for the first manned moon landing.
In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev signed the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in Moscow. (The U.S. withdrew from the treaty in 2002.)
In 1981, 14 people were killed when a Marine jet crashed onto the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz off Florida.
In 1994, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley were married in the Dominican Republic. (They divorced in 1996.)
Ten years ago: House Republicans pushed through legislation that would put new obstacles in the way of spending government surpluses that came from Social Security taxes. Indian aircraft fired on separatist guerrillas in Kashmir province and Pakistan threatened retaliation; it was the first use of air power in years in the long-running conflict over the Himalayan border region.
Five years ago: Nearly a decade after the Oklahoma City bombing, Terry Nichols was found guilty of 161 state murder charges for helping carry out the attack. (Nichols later received 161 consecutive life sentences.) Fantasia Barrino was crowned the "American Idol" in the Fox TV talent contest.
One year ago: President George W. Bush paid a Memorial Day tribute to America's fighting men and women who died in battle, saying national leaders must have "the courage and character to follow their lead" in preserving peace and freedom. Chinese officials said they would waive their one-child policy for families with a child who was killed, severely injured or disabled in the country's devastating earthquake. Oscar-winning movie director Sydney Pollack died in Los Angeles at age 73. Composer Earle H. Hagen, who wrote the themes for "The Andy Griffith Show," "I Spy," "The Mod Squad" and other TV shows, died in Rancho Mirage, Calif., at age 88.
Today's Birthdays: Actor James Arness is 86. Actor Alec McCowen is 84. Sportscaster Brent Musberger is 70. Rock singer-musician Levon Helm (The Band) is 69. Country musician Gates Nichols (Confederate Railroad) is 65. Rock musician Garry Peterson (Guess Who) is 64. Singer Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac) is 61. Actress Pam Grier is 60. Actor Philip Michael Thomas is 60. Country singer Hank Williams Jr. is 60. Former astronaut Sally K. Ride is 58. Actress Margaret Colin is 52. Country singer-songwriter Dave Robbins is 50. Actor Doug Hutchison is 49. Actress Genie Francis is 47. Comedian Bobcat Goldthwait is 47. Singer Lenny Kravitz is 45. Actress Helena Bonham Carter is 43. Rock musician Phillip Rhodes is 41. Actor Joseph Fiennes is 39. Singer Joey Kibble (Take 6) is 38. Actor-producer-writer Matt Stone is 38. Contemporary Christian musician Nathan Cochran is 31.
Thought for Today: "Life is a tragedy full of joy." — Bernard Malamud, American author (1914-1986
NKorea test Nucler again
South Korean spy chief Won Sei-hoon had informed lawmakers earlier Tuesday that a missile test was likely, according to the office of Park Young-sun, a legislator who attended the closed-door briefing.
Yonhap reported that North Korea was preparing to launch a third missile from a west coast site, again citing an unnamed official.
North Korea appeared to be displaying its might a day after conducting an underground atomic test in the northeast that the U.N. Security Council condemned as a "clear violation" of a 2006 resolution banning the regime from developing its nuclear program.
France called for new sanctions, while the U.S. and Japan pushed for strong action against North Korea for testing a bomb that Russian officials said was comparable in power to those that obliterated Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.
South Korea, meanwhile, announced it would join a maritime web of more than 90 nations that intercept ships suspected of spreading weapons of mass destruction — a move North Korea warned would constitute an act of war.
North Korea had threatened in recent weeks to carry out a nuclear test and fire long-range missiles unless the Security Council apologized for condemning Pyongyang's April 5 launch of a rocket the U.S., Japan and other nations called a test of its long-range missile technology. The North has said it put a satellite into orbit as part of its peaceful space development program.
Monday morning's nuclear test appeared to catch the world by surprise, but Won told lawmakers that Beijing and Washington knew Pyongyang was planning a test some 20-25 minutes before it was carried out, said Choi Kyu-ha, an aide to lawmaker Park.
Won said Pyongyang warned it would test the bomb unless the head of the Security Council offered an immediate apology. Russia said the test went off at 9:54 a.m. local time (0054 GMT) Monday. Won confirmed that two short-range missile tests from an east coast launch pad followed.
Yonhap reported that three missile tests were carried out Monday, and two more Tuesday.
North Korea's neighbors and their allies scrambled to galvanize support for strong, united response to Pyongyang's nuclear belligerence.
President Barack Obama and South Korea's Lee Myung-bak "agreed that the test was a reckless violation of international law that compels action in response," the White House said in a statement after the leaders spoke by telephone. They also vowed to "seek and support a strong United Nations Security Council resolution with concrete measures to curtail North Korea's nuclear and missile activities."
Obama also spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, the White House said, with the leaders agreeing to step up coordination with South Korea, China and Russia.
Obama reiterated the U.S. commitment to defend both South Korean and Japan, U.S. and South Korean officials said.
North Korea responded by accusing the U.S. of hostility, and said Tuesday that its army and people were ready to defeat any American invasion.
"The current U.S. administration is following in the footsteps of the previous Bush administration's reckless policy of militarily stifling North Korea," the North's main Rodong Sinmun newspaper said in commentary carried by the country's official Korean Central News Agency.
In Japan, which suffered the devastation of two atomic bombs in 1945, the lower house of parliament quickly passed an unanimous resolution condemning the test and demanding that North Korea give up its nuclear program, a house spokeswoman said.
"This reckless act, along with the previous missile launch, threatened peace and stability in the region, including Japan," the resolution said.
"North Korea's repeated nuclear tests posed a grave challenge to international nuclear nonproliferation," it said. "Japan, the only nation to suffer atomic attacks, cannot tolerate this." Japan is considering tightening sanctions against North Korea, the statement said.
Russia, which called the test a "serious blow" to the effort to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, suspended a Russia-North Korean intergovernmental trade and economic commission, apparently in response to the nuclear test. The slap on the wrist was a telling indication that Moscow, once a key backer of North Korea, was unhappy with Pyongyang.
Seoul reacted to the nuclear test by joining the U.S.-led Proliferation Security Initiative, joining 94 nations seeking to intercept ships suspected of carrying nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, materials to make them, or missiles to deliver them.
North Korea for years has warned the South against joining the U.S.-led blockade. The Rodong Sinmun last week said South Korea's participation would be "nothing but a gambit to conceal their belligerence and justify a new northward invasion scheme."
Joining the PSI would end in Seoul's "self-destruction" it said.
In Beijing, the defense chiefs of South Korea and China were holding a security meeting Tuesday, South Korean officials said.
South Korean Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee and China's Gen. Liang Guanglie were expected to discuss ways to respond to the nuclear test, Cho Baek-sang, international policy director at the Ministry of National Defense in Seoul, was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency.
China said Monday it "resolutely opposed" North Korea's test and called on Pyongyang to return to talks on ending its atomic programs.
Yonhap reported that North Korea was preparing to launch a third missile from a west coast site, again citing an unnamed official.
North Korea appeared to be displaying its might a day after conducting an underground atomic test in the northeast that the U.N. Security Council condemned as a "clear violation" of a 2006 resolution banning the regime from developing its nuclear program.
France called for new sanctions, while the U.S. and Japan pushed for strong action against North Korea for testing a bomb that Russian officials said was comparable in power to those that obliterated Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.
South Korea, meanwhile, announced it would join a maritime web of more than 90 nations that intercept ships suspected of spreading weapons of mass destruction — a move North Korea warned would constitute an act of war.
North Korea had threatened in recent weeks to carry out a nuclear test and fire long-range missiles unless the Security Council apologized for condemning Pyongyang's April 5 launch of a rocket the U.S., Japan and other nations called a test of its long-range missile technology. The North has said it put a satellite into orbit as part of its peaceful space development program.
Monday morning's nuclear test appeared to catch the world by surprise, but Won told lawmakers that Beijing and Washington knew Pyongyang was planning a test some 20-25 minutes before it was carried out, said Choi Kyu-ha, an aide to lawmaker Park.
Won said Pyongyang warned it would test the bomb unless the head of the Security Council offered an immediate apology. Russia said the test went off at 9:54 a.m. local time (0054 GMT) Monday. Won confirmed that two short-range missile tests from an east coast launch pad followed.
Yonhap reported that three missile tests were carried out Monday, and two more Tuesday.
North Korea's neighbors and their allies scrambled to galvanize support for strong, united response to Pyongyang's nuclear belligerence.
President Barack Obama and South Korea's Lee Myung-bak "agreed that the test was a reckless violation of international law that compels action in response," the White House said in a statement after the leaders spoke by telephone. They also vowed to "seek and support a strong United Nations Security Council resolution with concrete measures to curtail North Korea's nuclear and missile activities."
Obama also spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, the White House said, with the leaders agreeing to step up coordination with South Korea, China and Russia.
Obama reiterated the U.S. commitment to defend both South Korean and Japan, U.S. and South Korean officials said.
North Korea responded by accusing the U.S. of hostility, and said Tuesday that its army and people were ready to defeat any American invasion.
"The current U.S. administration is following in the footsteps of the previous Bush administration's reckless policy of militarily stifling North Korea," the North's main Rodong Sinmun newspaper said in commentary carried by the country's official Korean Central News Agency.
In Japan, which suffered the devastation of two atomic bombs in 1945, the lower house of parliament quickly passed an unanimous resolution condemning the test and demanding that North Korea give up its nuclear program, a house spokeswoman said.
"This reckless act, along with the previous missile launch, threatened peace and stability in the region, including Japan," the resolution said.
"North Korea's repeated nuclear tests posed a grave challenge to international nuclear nonproliferation," it said. "Japan, the only nation to suffer atomic attacks, cannot tolerate this." Japan is considering tightening sanctions against North Korea, the statement said.
Russia, which called the test a "serious blow" to the effort to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, suspended a Russia-North Korean intergovernmental trade and economic commission, apparently in response to the nuclear test. The slap on the wrist was a telling indication that Moscow, once a key backer of North Korea, was unhappy with Pyongyang.
Seoul reacted to the nuclear test by joining the U.S.-led Proliferation Security Initiative, joining 94 nations seeking to intercept ships suspected of carrying nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, materials to make them, or missiles to deliver them.
North Korea for years has warned the South against joining the U.S.-led blockade. The Rodong Sinmun last week said South Korea's participation would be "nothing but a gambit to conceal their belligerence and justify a new northward invasion scheme."
Joining the PSI would end in Seoul's "self-destruction" it said.
In Beijing, the defense chiefs of South Korea and China were holding a security meeting Tuesday, South Korean officials said.
South Korean Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee and China's Gen. Liang Guanglie were expected to discuss ways to respond to the nuclear test, Cho Baek-sang, international policy director at the Ministry of National Defense in Seoul, was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency.
China said Monday it "resolutely opposed" North Korea's test and called on Pyongyang to return to talks on ending its atomic programs.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Nepal Tourism Year 2011 promoted
KATHMANDU: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), along with five private travel trade companies and the national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation participated in the ATM- 2009 held in Dubai, UAE, from May 5-8, 2009, says a release from Nepal Tourism Board. Considering the increased air accessibility to the Middle East region Nepalese tourism industry gave the continuity to the Arabian Travel Market participation for the third time to keep tapping the expatriates as well as the Emirate travelers’ market for Nepal from the UAE countries. This year the special focus was to create awareness for Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, inaugurated the ATM on May 5, 2009 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). Arabian Travel Market 2009 boasted more than 2,100 exhibitors and stand-sharers, from 69 countries, including 70 new-to-market representatives, as well as nearly 60 national tourist bodies representing six continents. Organized by Reed Exhibitions Middle East, ALUMINIUM Dubai featured 166 travel trade participants from 24 countries and kept the steady flow of buyers to ATM 2009 for three continuous days. The last day was exclusively for consumers and careers, and brought the mix nationality individual travelers to ATM 2009 to look for various holiday options.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Where you live affecs your cancer diagnosis
ILLINOIS: Living in the city could lead to certain common cancers being diagnosed at much later stages of their development, new research has found.A study of residents of Illinois finds that city dwellers are more likely to have doctors spot breast, colorectal, lung or prostate cancer later in the disease's progression than their peers residing in the suburbs or rural areas. The rates for these late-stage cancers were highest in Chicago, the most densely populated and urban of the areas in the analysis, and tapered off the more rural and sparse an area's population became, according to the findings, which were based on a review of the 1998 to 2002 Illinois State Cancer Registry. "The concentration of health disadvantage in highly urbanized places emphasizes the need for more extensive urban-based cancer screening and education programs, especially programs targeted to the most vulnerable urban populations and neighborhoods," the study's authors, Sara L. McLafferty of the University of Illinois and Fahui Wang of Louisiana State University, wrote in their article, to be published in the June 15 print issue of the journal Cancer.Age and race may account for much of the geographical difference in when colorectal and prostate cancers were diagnosed while they played a smaller role in the timing of breast cancer detection, the researchers noted. Urban blacks, for example, were much more likely to receive a late-stage diagnosis while older people living in rural areas were more likely to have their cancer diagnosed early because, it is speculated, this group is likely to visit doctors more often and receive age-related screenings for various diseases. For lung cancer, the authors found that age and race did not explain the geographic disparities for stage of diagnosis, leading them to guess that other factors might be responsible.
Oprah bids farewell to Dr. Oz
CHICAGO: Oprah Winfrey's in-house medical and health expert is leaving his spot as a regular on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" for his own syndicated program.Winfrey will bid Dr. Mehmet (meh-MEHT') Oz farewell on Tuesday's episode of her talk show. His program, "The Dr. Oz Show," is to debut Sept. 14.Oz has been featured on Winfrey's show for five years and 55 episodes. He would often offer diet tips or discuss life-threatening diseases.Tuesday's show ends with Oz and Winfrey raising a champagne toast.According to Oz's biography on oprah.com, the best-selling author and heart surgeon is a surgery professor at Columbia University and directs the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
Gilles Marini dominates `Dancing' semifinals
LOS ANGELES: Gilles Marini may be the front-runner for the "Dancing With the Stars" mirrorball trophy.The 33-year-old actor earned a perfect score of 60 points from judges Monday for his two dances in the semifinal round.Marini and his professional partner, Cheryl Burke, wowed judges with their waltz and salsa. Carrie Ann Inaba called the couple's waltz "sweet, subtle perfection." Head judge Len Goodman said their salsa left him "almost speechless.""I wish I had an 11th paddle," he said, referring to the scoring paddles judges raise after each performance.Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson came in second place with 56 points out of 60. She and her partner, Mark Ballas, earned a perfect score of 30 for their Argentine tango. Goodman said the 17-year-old gold medalist "danced with a maturity I didn't expect," adding that the performance was her best yet. Judges called the pair's jive "strong" and "wonderful," but gave it 26 points out of 30."The Bachelor" reject Melissa Rycroft, who fractured a rib during dance practice two weeks ago, earned a combined 55 points for her quickstep and chacha with partner Tony Dovolani. Judge Bruno Tonioli said the couple's quickstep "wasn't as exhilarating and crispy and zingy as it could have been." Goodman called their chacha "lackluster."Rodeo champ Ty Murray, who narrowly escaped elimination last week, finished in last place Monday with 48 points out of 60. He and partner Chelsie Hightower performed the samba and the Viennese waltz. While neither earned a coveted "10" from judges, they praised his efforts throughout the ABC dance-off.Goodman said, "No one has struggled more than you and no one, definitely, has tried more than you throughout this series to become a dancer," while Inaba named him "the most valuable player of season eight."One celebrity contestant will be eliminated Tuesday when viewer votes are combined with judges' scores. A new "Dancing" champ will be crowned on ABC on May 19.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Bank of fear
KATHMANDU: The International has a bank as villain which comes near to proving that the BCCI scandal could very well happen again. As indeed many people feel it’s happening now.
As Pete Hammond says, “Looking like it was ripped from the headlines; The International focuses on the corrupt dealings of a fictional bank that will go to any means possible to serve as a conduit for illegal weapons sales to people who shouldn’t be getting them. Enter an Interpol agent (Clive Owen), who is teamed with a New York assistant District Attorney (Naomi Watts) to go after a network of suave, crafty Europeans bent on carrying out their dirty business as they always have. Following their trail around the world in such locales as Berlin, Italy, New York and Istanbul, the two become targets in an unending high stakes game of murder and intrigue.
Looking more unkempt and unshaven than ever, Owen totally connects with the role of an eccentric agent who stumbles on to a worldwide conspiracy which eventually leads to a group of corrupt bankers. Who knew? It makes you realise what an ideal James Bond he would have been.
German director Tom Tywker, who broke out with the riveting and stylish Run Lola Run 10 years ago, has his best outing since that film, carefully navigating the numerous and colourful locations with just enough pacing and attention to detail to keep this from turning into yet another Bourne rip-off. He seems totally in control of the complicated and dense storyline, pulling off a sensational set piece at New York’s Guggenheim Museum (actually meticulously re-created in a Berlin warehouse), where Owen gets involved in a shootout to end all shootouts with numerous bad guys. It’s a stunning scene, running about 15 minutes — and a textbook example of how to shoot an action sequence. It’s reminiscent of some of the best cold war spy thrillers of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and that’s a high compliment. See it.”
The British perspective by Chris Hicks is, “If the latest Bond instalment left you cold, Tom Tykwer’s unexpectedly electrifying spy thriller offers more than a quantum of solace.
Starring one-time 007 candidate Clive Owen as an Interpol agent pitting his wits against a Luxembourg bank that’s writing cheques for terrorists, The International is a globe-hopping Ipcress File for the credit crunch age.
Things kick off in Berlin, with Louis Salinger (Owen) the powerless witness at
the broad-daylight murder of his partner, who has been sniffing around the bank’s dodgy dealings.
Determined to bring the organisation to justice, Salinger joins sides with US District Attorney Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts). Their investigations lead them to an electioneering Italian politico who’s tried
to dish the dirt on the bank once before, only to find his chief witness fatally silenced.
It’s moments before he goes the way of silence himself, taken out by a sniper during a rally in Milan. Central European locations with the chill of the Cold War. Faceless multinational companies who will stop at nothing to conceal their corruption.
There’s no wisecracking to let us off the hook after the movie’s undoubted highlight, a scorching shoot-’em-up at the Guggenheim in New York, with Salinger getting more than he bargained for after trailing the sniper to the gallery. And, as the place erupts in a hailstorm of machine-gun fire that lasts longer than is comfortable, it’s as if Michael Mann has stepped behind the camera.”
As Pete Hammond says, “Looking like it was ripped from the headlines; The International focuses on the corrupt dealings of a fictional bank that will go to any means possible to serve as a conduit for illegal weapons sales to people who shouldn’t be getting them. Enter an Interpol agent (Clive Owen), who is teamed with a New York assistant District Attorney (Naomi Watts) to go after a network of suave, crafty Europeans bent on carrying out their dirty business as they always have. Following their trail around the world in such locales as Berlin, Italy, New York and Istanbul, the two become targets in an unending high stakes game of murder and intrigue.
Looking more unkempt and unshaven than ever, Owen totally connects with the role of an eccentric agent who stumbles on to a worldwide conspiracy which eventually leads to a group of corrupt bankers. Who knew? It makes you realise what an ideal James Bond he would have been.
German director Tom Tywker, who broke out with the riveting and stylish Run Lola Run 10 years ago, has his best outing since that film, carefully navigating the numerous and colourful locations with just enough pacing and attention to detail to keep this from turning into yet another Bourne rip-off. He seems totally in control of the complicated and dense storyline, pulling off a sensational set piece at New York’s Guggenheim Museum (actually meticulously re-created in a Berlin warehouse), where Owen gets involved in a shootout to end all shootouts with numerous bad guys. It’s a stunning scene, running about 15 minutes — and a textbook example of how to shoot an action sequence. It’s reminiscent of some of the best cold war spy thrillers of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and that’s a high compliment. See it.”
The British perspective by Chris Hicks is, “If the latest Bond instalment left you cold, Tom Tykwer’s unexpectedly electrifying spy thriller offers more than a quantum of solace.
Starring one-time 007 candidate Clive Owen as an Interpol agent pitting his wits against a Luxembourg bank that’s writing cheques for terrorists, The International is a globe-hopping Ipcress File for the credit crunch age.
Things kick off in Berlin, with Louis Salinger (Owen) the powerless witness at
the broad-daylight murder of his partner, who has been sniffing around the bank’s dodgy dealings.
Determined to bring the organisation to justice, Salinger joins sides with US District Attorney Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts). Their investigations lead them to an electioneering Italian politico who’s tried
to dish the dirt on the bank once before, only to find his chief witness fatally silenced.
It’s moments before he goes the way of silence himself, taken out by a sniper during a rally in Milan. Central European locations with the chill of the Cold War. Faceless multinational companies who will stop at nothing to conceal their corruption.
There’s no wisecracking to let us off the hook after the movie’s undoubted highlight, a scorching shoot-’em-up at the Guggenheim in New York, with Salinger getting more than he bargained for after trailing the sniper to the gallery. And, as the place erupts in a hailstorm of machine-gun fire that lasts longer than is comfortable, it’s as if Michael Mann has stepped behind the camera.”
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