Saturday, May 23, 2009

BSF theme song by A R Rahman

BSF theme song - Hum Seema Suraksha Bal - By ARR
Oscar winner A R Rahman, who enchanted the world with his ‘Jai Ho’, has now composed the theme song for BSF (Border Security Force), his first for any paramilitary force. The five minute song– ‘Hum Seema Suraksha Bal… Veeron ka hai ye dal’ (We are the Border Security Force… it is the force of the brave) composed by Rahman praises the strength and valour of the border force. The credit for the song goes to Meghalaya Governor R S Mooshahary who is a former DG of the force. Rahman composed the song without charging any money for it.
The song, which also captures the emotional tribulations of a jawan guarding the border while leaving his family behind, comes with a video showing the BSF men in action along the border, undergoing training and the famous ‘change of guard’ ceremony at the Wagah border. The song and the video capture the true spirit of the force. Rahman has also promised to come and spend time with BSF men to boost their morale. A BSF jawan said, “It is a matter of pride that my idol Rahman has composed a song for me “. Video for this film will be released as an album ‘Border Man’ showing BSF men in action across the borders.



Earlier A R Rahman made an album Vande Mataram (1997) on India's 50th anniversary of independence. He followed it up with an album for the Bharat Bala–directed video Jana Gana Mana, a conglomeration of performances by many leading exponents/artists of Indian classical music.

Gold Plated









Friday, May 22, 2009

THE INDIAN ELECTIONS

It is truly the greatest show on Earth, an ode to a diverse and democratic ethos, where 700 million + of humanity vote, providing their small part in directing their ancient civilization into the future. It is no less impressive when done in a neighborhood which includes de-stabilizing and violent Pakistan, China, and Burma. Its challenges are immense, more so probably than anywhere else, particularly in development and fending off terrorism -- but considering these challenges and its neighbors, it is even more astounding that the most diverse nation on Earth, with hundreds of languages, all religions and cultures, is not only surviving, but thriving.

The nation where Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism were born, which is the second largest Muslim nation on Earth; where Christianity has existed for 2000 years; where the oldest Jewish synagogues and Jewish communities have resided since the Romans burnt their 2nd temple; where the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile reside; where the Zorastrians from Persia have thrived since being thrown out of their ancient homeland; where Armenians and Syrians and many others have to come live; where the Paris-based OECD said was the largest economy on Earth 1500 of the last 2000 years, including the 2nd largest only 200 years ago; where 3 Muslim Presidents have been elected, where a Sikh is Prime Minister and the head of the ruling party a Catholic Italian woman, where the President is also a women, succeeding a Muslim President who as a rocket scientist was a hero in the nation; where a booming economy is lifting 40 million out of poverty each year and is expected to have the majority of its population in the middle class, already equal to the entire US population, by 2025; where its optimism and vibrancy is manifested in its movies, arts, economic growth, and voting, despite all the incredible challenges and hardships; where all the great powers are vying for influence, as it itself finds its place in the world.

Where all of this is happening, is India, and as greater than 1/10 of humanity gets ready to vote, it is an inspiration to all the World.

— V Mitchell, New York, NY

Mera Bharath mahan hai!

Children's Train in Japan





Air Bus A380 - Emirates Airlines





Mickey Mouse's Voice is Dead

Wayne Allwine
The actor who voiced Mickey Mouse for more than 30 years has died, with his wife - who is the voice of Minnie Mouse - by his bedside.

Allwine is survived by his wife, Russi Taylor, whom he married in Hawaii in 1981, and is one of Hollywood's most famous voice actresses. She has been the voice of Minnie since 1986.
Wayne Allwine, 62, died on Monday of complications from diabetes, the Walt Disney Company said. "Over the last 32 years, he gave so much joy, happiness and comfort to so many around the world by giving voice to our most beloved, iconic character, Mickey Mouse." Born in Glendale, California, Allwine joined Disney in 1966 when he took a job in the mail room. He went on to work in the sound effects department and began voicing the company’s main mouse in 1977 after using his natural falsetto to win an open audition.
He was only the third man behind Mickey's voice. The first was Walt Disney himself, who spoke for the mouse from 1928 to 1947, before passing the role to Jimmy MacDonald, the studio's sound effects wizard. MacDonald had already been Allwine's mentor in the studio and told him after passing on the reins: "

Allwine's first voice work as Mickey was for television but also provided the mouse's voice for movies including "Mickey's Christmas Carol" (1983), "Who Framed Roger Rabbit", (1988), and "The Prince and the Pauper" (1990) and for Disney theme parks, radio and live stage events.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

World's Biggest Stock Exchanges

1. New York Stock Exchange: $21.79 trillion share trades
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is nicknamed the 'Big Board'. This is the largest stock exchange in the world by dollar volume with 2,764 listed securities. The NYSE originated on May 17, 1792.

2. NASDAQ: $11.81 trillion share trades
The NASDAQ is the acronym for National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. An American stock exchange, NASDAQ is the largest electronic screen-based equity securities trading market in the US. It is owned and operated by the NASDAQ OMX Group. NASDAQ came into being in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers. NASDAQ was the successor to the over-the-counter (OTC) and the 'Curb Exchange' systems of trading. As late as 1987, the NASDAQ exchange was commonly referred to as the OTC.


3. The London Stock Exchange: $7.57 trillion share trades
London Stock Exchange, or LSE, is located in London, England. It is part of the London Stock Exchange Group plc. One of the largest stock exchanges in the world, LSE was founded in 1801.The trade in shares in London began with the need to finance two voyages: The Muscovy Company's attempt to reach China via the White Sea north of Russia, and the East India Company voyage to India and the east. Unable to finance these costly journeys, the companies raised the money by selling shares to merchants, giving them a right to a portion of any profits eventually made.

4. Tokyo Stock Exchange: $5.82 trillion share trades
The Tokyo Stock Exchange, or TSE, located in Tokyo, Japan, is the second largest stock exchange in the world by market value, second to the New York Stock Exchange, but 4th in terms of worth of shares traded. It currently lists 2,271 domestic companies and 31 foreign companies. The Tokyo Stock Exchange was established on May 15, 1878, as the Tokyo Kabushiki Torihikijo under the direction of then Finance Minister Okuma Shigenobu and capitalist advocate Shibusawa Eiichi. Trading began on June 1, 1878. In 1943, the exchange was combined with 10 other stock exchanges in major Japanese cities to form a single Japanese Stock Exchange. The combined exchange was shut down and reorganised shortly after the bombing of Nagasaki.

5. Euronext: $3.85 trillion share trades
Euronext N.V. is a pan-European stock exchange based in Paris with subsidiaries in Belgium, France, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal and the United Kingdom. In addition to equities and derivatives markets, the Euronext group provides clearing and information services.Not too long ago, Euronext merged with NYSE Group to form NYSE Euronext, the 'first global stock exchange'. Euronext was formed on September 22, 2000 in a merger of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, Brussels Stock Exchange, and Paris Bourse. In December 2001, Euronext acquired the shares of the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange, which continues to operate under its own governance.

Friday, May 15, 2009

JAI HO

After digging to a depth of 100 meters last year, Russian scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 1000 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network one thousand years ago.

So, not to be outdone, in the weeks that followed, American scientists dug 200 meters and the headlines in the US papers read: ' US scientists have found traces of 2000 year old optical fibers, and have concluded that their ancestors already had advanced high-tech digital telephone 1000 years earlier than the Russians.

One week later, Indian daily newspapers reported the following:
.....
.....
.....
.....
After digging as deep as 500 meters, Indian scientists have found absolutely nothing. They have concluded that, 5000 years ago, their ancestors were already using Bluetooth and Wireless technology.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Energy Saver