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Web site ProfessionalTravelGuide.com has come up with a list of the world's top nine celebrity-owned resorts where the celebrities lay out the red carpet.
This list was compiled by ProfessionalTravelGuide.com.
1. Robert Redford's eco-conscious Sundance Resort, North Fork Provo Canyon, Provo, Utah
The 5,000-acre resort at the base of Mount Timpanogos hosts musicals six times a week in summer, shows screenings of indie films and documentaries, and offers art classes.
2. Richard Branson's Necker Island, The Valley, Virgin Gorda, Necker Island, British Virgin Islands.
Branson's private island resort is one of the Caribbean's most exclusive and expensive retreats where guests rent the entire island at a cost starting from US$23,500 per night. Its sister property comes No. 7 in this list.
3. Francis Ford Coppola's Turtle Inn, Stann Creek Distrcit, Placencia, Belize
Located 3 kms out of town, this luxury resort with 18 rooms skirts a palm-studded beach. It is a chic beach counterpart to the jungle-bound Blancaneaux, listed No. 5 in this list, which is also owned by Coppola. Guests will often book partial stays at both.
4. Bono's The Clarence, 6/8 Wellington Quay, Dublin, Ireland
Founded in 1852, the property was a declining middle-grade house until its 1996 reincarnation as a posh 50-room boutique hotel. Across the river from The Morrison, this hotel is partly owned by impresario and venture capitalist, Bono, the frontman for the rock band U2, but his interest is purely profit.
5. Blancaneaux Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge, Cayo District, San Ignacio, Belize
Located 130 km southwst of Belize City, in the hard-to-reach foothills of the Mountain Pine Ridge National Park, guests can sip cocktails in a bamboo bar or play croquet on the velvety lawn amid lush foliage.
6. Clint Eastwood's The Mission Ranch Resort, 26270 Dolores Street, Carmel, California
Located on the Carmel River facing extensive wetlands, this resort has a reputation as an unpretentious and affordable retreat which continues to thrive under the guidance of owner Clint Eastwood. He converted a working ranch into this unique farm-style hotel. Local craftsmen replicated the original woodwork and iron hardware during restoration.
7. Richard Branson's Ulusaba Game Reserve, Sabi Sands Reserve, Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park, South Africa
At $2,400 a night, the Ulusaba Game Reserve on the banks of the Mabrak River is a place to relax after a long day of safari in Kruger National Park in South Africa.
8. Doris Day's Cypress Inn, Lincolm & 7th Street, Carmel, California
Just six blocks east of the ocean, this Carmel landmark has been successfully owned and operated by Doris Day and her son Terry Melcher for nearly three decades. Pet friendly -- with dogs parading and playing in all public areas -- this 1929 Moorish Mediterranean landmark property is for travellers and their four-legged friends.
9. Gloria Estefan's Cardozo Hotel, 1300 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, Florida
Owned by singer Gloria Estefan and producer and husband, Emilio Estefan Jr., this 1939 art-deco hotel is a frequent backdrop for celebrity sightings, and its popularity with Cubaphiles and salsa fans.
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Age: 61
Going at $22 billion
He became the 29th Sultan of Brunei 40 years ago as the heir of an unbroken 600-year-old Muslim dynasty. He rules the oil-rich land concurrently as prime minister, defense minister, finance minister and head of religion. His hobbies include collecting fine jewels and polo.
Going at $21 billion
Age: 59
He is the hereditary ruler of the tiny emirate Abu Dhabi, which holds one-tenth of the world's oil reserves. His endeavour is to reinvent the emirate as a 'cultural hub' of the Middle East.
Age: 83
Going at $19 billion
He became the king in August 2005. Shortly after he took the crown, he began the construction of a $26-billion city named in his honour. He is more cautious about spending money, however, than his half-brother, the late King Fahd.
Abdullah breeds Arabian horses as a hobby. His accomplishments also include the setting up of two libraries in Saudi Arabia and Morocco.
Age: 57
Going at $16 billion
The 'CEO of Dubai Inc.' shares his fortunes with his two brothers. In 2007, government-holding companies of Dubai bought big stakes in HSBC and Deutsche Bank and also bid for US retailer Barneys.
Age: 79
Going at $5 billion
Adulyadej, who is the world's longest-reigning monarch, is US-born, Swiss-educated and revered as a deity in Thailand. As an environmentalist, he has a royal car that runs on palm oil.
Age: 62
Going at $4.5 billion
His family, whose fortune goes back 900 years, has been collecting art for four centuries. He owns a private LGT bank, real estate and Rice Tec, a US producer of genetically engineered rice.
Age: 44
Going at $2 billion
He is nicknamed the 'king of the poor' on account of his efforts to alleviate poverty and improve human rights. His palace's reported operating budget exceeds $9,60,000 a day,much of which is spent on clothes and car repairs.
Age: 49
Going at 1.2 billion
This eligible bachelor inherited the tiny principality of Monaco after his father's death in 2005 (his father, you might remember, married legendary US actress Grace Kelly). He also inherited a fortune in real estate, art and a stake in Monte Carlo's casinos. This year, he hosted functions to pay tribute to his mother, Grace Kelly, who died 25 years ago.
Age: 55
Going at $1 billion
He overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1995. He is a sports enthusiast and is responsible for bringing events like the Asian Games to the tiny state. He funds the Al Jazeera and its English sister station.
Age: 70
Going at $1 billion
Only this year, he celebrated his 50th anniversary as leader of the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims. He is a suave businessman, operating businesses from France and Switzerland. He also owns large horse farms.
Husseini is currently in the process of divorcing his second wife. His first ex-wife received a reported $20 million after they parted ways.
Age: 81
Going at $600 million
The queen, who has been holding on to her throne for quite some time now, keeps an active travel schedule. She has real estate holdings in England and Scotland which are appreciating, and also owns a valuable stamp collection. She is also an amateur photographer and is passionate about Welsh Corgis (a cute, small dog) and horses.
Age: 78
Going at $500 million
He took over as emir in 2006 after the crown prince was deemed too ill to ascend the throne following the death of former emir Sheikh Jaber. Soon after he took the throne, however, he voted for a significant raise in the royal family stipend.
Age: 66
Going at $500 million
After six years of living under house arrest, this sultan overthrew his father in 1970. He then began an active modernisation programme after opening up his country to the outside world. His fortune today is tied up in oil. He has funded the restoration of over a dozen mosques.
Age: 69
Going at $300 million
This dynamic woman wields more power than most of Europe's reigning monarchs: She appoints the country's prime minister and deputies and also signs Bills into laws. Her family fortune includes real estate, equity investments and antiques, which she reportedly actively manages.
Age: 39
Going at $200 million
He is Africa's last absolute monarch, assuming the throne when he was 18 years. His gets his wealth from investments and real estate. He reportedly loves to spend his money, starting with building palaces for each of his 13 wives. He recently held a reported million dollar-plus birthday bash for himself, which critics denounced given the country's poverty and high AIDS rate.
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Angelina Jolie - Megan Fox
Keira Knightley - Natalie Portman
Penelope Cruz - Paz Vega
Roselyn Sanchez - Nicole ScherzingerRoselyn actually looks more like the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, now a solo artist.
Cameron Diaz - Helena Christensen
Megan Fox - Barbara Mori
Eva Mendes - Cindy Crawford
Charlize Theron - Natalie Maines
Eva Longoria - Marsha Thomason
Jessica Alba - Marlene FavelaFavela is a Latin actress, star of several 'telenovelas.'
Jennifer Lopez - Dania Ramirez
Jessica Alba - Alicia Keys
America Ferrera - Jordin Sparks
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Princess Diana sits in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra on February 11, 1992. (AP Photo/Udo Weitz)
Princess Diana sits in a meeting with Ana Paula dos Santos, wife of Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, on January 13, 1997, in Luanda, Africa.
The Princess of Wales sits on Banana Beach in the West Indies as children play in the sand, on January 4, 1993. (AFP Photo)
A photo of Lady Diana taken on June 18, 1997. (AFP Photo)
Princess of Wales Diana jokes with her sons Harry and William on the shores of the property of her friend Sheikh Al-Fayed in Saint-Tropez, southern France, on July 14, 1997. (AFP Photo)
Britain's Diana, Princess of Wales, arrives at her health club in London on November 15, 2005. (AFP Photo)
The Princess of Wales wades through the surf at the Indian Castle Beach during her Nevis, West Indies vacation with her sons, on January 2, 1993. (AFP Photo)
Diana, Princess of Wales, a key volunteer of the British Red Cross Landmine Campaign, listens to speaker Ken Rutherford, who had been injured by a land mine in Somalia, at ceremonies at the Red Cross headquarters in Washington, DC, on June 17, 1997.
Diana, Princess of Wales, walks from the Chelsea Harbour Club in London after a fitness workout, on November 20, 1995. (AFP Photo)
A wind-blown Princess Diana leaves her London health club after her morning workout on January 24, 1996. (AFP Photo)
Diana, Princess of Wales, arrives at the Tate Gallery in London to attend a gala dinner to celebrate the Tate's centenary year, on July 1, 1997. It was also the Princess's birthday. (AFP Photo)
Diana, Princess of Wales, sprints to her car after leaving a gym in Earls Court, west London, on August 21, 1997. (AFP Photo)
Diana, Princess of Wales, watches for a wave while surfing at Indian Castle Beach, the West Indies, on January 2, 1993. Princess Diana was vacationing there with her sons William and Harry. (AFP Photo)
Princess Diana arrives at the Royal Geographical Society in London to address a conference on landmines, on June 12, 1997. In her speech, the princess hit out at countries which trade in landmines and called for an international ban on such weapons. (AFPPhoto)
Mother Teresa says goodbye to Princess Diana after the latter visited her in New York on June 18, 1997. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
Diana, Princess of Wales, reaches for a surf board at Indian Castle Beach, the West Indies, on January 3, 1993. (AFP Photo)
Lady Diana is taken by an unidentified young girl for a jet-ski ride on the sea off the property of her friend Mohammad Al-Fayed in Saint Tropez, the French Riviera, on July 14, 1997.
Princess Diana waits for a jet-ski ride on the property of her friend Mohammad Al-Fayed in Saint Tropez, the French Riviera, during a vacation with her sons, Princes William and Harry, on July 14, 1997.
Princess of Wales Lady Diana stands with her son Harry on the shores of her friend Sheikh Al-Fayed's property in Saint-Tropez, southern France, on July 14, 1997. (AFP Photo)
Princess Diana is welcomed in a traditional Hindu manner on her arrival at the Hindu temple Neasden in London on June 6, 1997.Neasden is the largest Hindu temple outside India. (AFP Photo)
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Show: 'Desperate Housewives' (2004-present)
Show: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' (1997-2003)
Show: 'Grey's Anatomy' (2005-present)
Shows:'T.J. Hooker' (1982-1986); 'Dynasty' (1981-1989); 'Melrose Place' (1993-1999))
Show: 'Dawson's Creek' (1998-2003)
Show: '7th Heaven' (1996-2006)
Show: 'Sex and the City' (1998-2004)
Shows: 'Las Vegas' (2003-2007); 'Unhappily Ever After' (1995-1999)
Show: 'Battlestar Galactica' (2003- present)
Shows: 'Lois & Clark' (1993-1997); 'Desperate Housewives' (2004-present)
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Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan poses for photographers before entering a gala dinner for Seeds of Peace in New York on May 7, 2007.
Jordan's Queen Rania attends the opening ceremony of the kingdom's first interactive children's museum with her daughters Princess Iman (centre) and Salma in Amman on May 23, 2007. (REUTERS/Ali Jarekji)
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Szilvia will represent Hungary on the Miss World final in Kiev, Ukraine in October.
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Even though she debuted with Yash Raj's 'Mohabbatein', she couldn't deliver a single hit after that movie. She grabbed the limelight because of her fling with Yuvraj Singh, but that didn't help her boost her career.
She was more than noticed when she debuted in the film 'Asoka' opposite none other than Shah Rukh Khan. Though 'Haasil' got her claim to fame, but she still has a long way to go in tinsel town.
Another 'Mohabbatein' girl failed to deliver any hits after her debut movie with Yash Raj. Her claim to fame has been her item songs 'Sharara Sharara' in 'Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai' and 'Chori Pe Chori' in Saathiya.
A resemblance to Aishwarya Rai got her 'Lucky' opposite Salman Khan. Though she has not been lucky as far as her career in Bollywood goes. She later appeared with Salman's younger brother Sohail Khan in 'Aryan' which also went unnoticed.
This former Miss India Universe got the eye of viewers with her bikini act in her debut movie 'Qayamat' and later with her bold role in 'Julie'. But is yet waiting for the role which will make her one of the leading ladies in Bollywood.
This UK born singer cum VJ tried her hands in Bollywood with the movie 'Shaadi No.1', which went unnoticed. Though she managed to grab some attention with 'Pyaar Ke Side Effects', she is yet to create magic on silver screen.
Her first break in Bollywood was an item number in Ram Gopal Verma's 'Road'; the song 'Khullam Khulla' became a big craze, and made her quite famous. But she has managed to get just one lead role out of around dozen flicks, in 'Ek Khiladi Ek Hasina', which was a flop too.
She made waves in Bollywood with her debut movie 'Style', more for her skimpy clothes than her acting. Unlike her sister Raima, she hasn't got any meaningful role in kitty.
This sexy Southern siren was first noticed in Pankaj Udhas' album 'Ahista'. She also won accolade for her role in her debut movie opposite Sohail Khan in 'Maine Dil Tujhko Diya', but is still waiting for that meaty role in her plate.
She was discovered after her role in the television soap, 'Amanat'. Gracy has not been able to repeat her success in spite of acting in 'Lagaan' and 'Munnabhai MBBS', two of the biggest hits in Hindi movies.
She was also one of the heroines who made her debut with Yash Raj's 'Mohabbatein', which was a huge hit. But did no good to Preeti, as she was seen in some B-grade Hindi movies.
This famous MTV VJ made her acting debut in Bollywood with 'Mumbai Matinee' and was well noticed for her item song 'Lut Gaye' in the movie. Later 'Virrudh' opposite John Abraham brought her back in news, she is yet to grab a single heroine flick.
A debut opposite the king Khan of Bollywood in 'Swades', definitely made people feel that a star has arrived. But she just proved to a one hit wonder and quit Bollywood. She is happily married to Vikas Oberoi and is blessed with ababy boy.
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The show and auction included art and 'black' themed objects donated by celebrities to raise money for the HIV and AIDS charity, Lighthouse services.
The diamonds are part of a stunning range of dog accessories to go on sale at Harrods, one of London's top department stores.
in the classic 1961 film 'Breakfast at Tiffanys', in central London in this Wednesday July 26, 2006 file photo. Hepburn's Givenchy dress sold at auction Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006, for 410,000 pounds (US$807,000, 607,000) at Christie's auction house in London.
Tereza Maxova Charity Foundation's newprogram "30 minutes for live" is taking care of adopted children.

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The traditional Bavarian Dirndl dress is covered with Swarovski jewels and costs 100,000 euros (about $127,000).
Despite their hefty price and relatively limited functions, sleek handcrafted phones manufactured by Vertu, an independent unit of wireless communications giant Nokia, are becoming sought-after status symbols in Asia.
The 12 bedroom mansion has been bought by one of the richest tycoons living in Britain multi-billionaire steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal for a record US$128.3 million.
For their 125th company anniversary Germany Steiff company released a limited edition of 125 luxury bears, each one for 29,000 Euro (US$35,000).
The bears are fitted with gold, diamonds and saphires.
The Cohiba Behike, at 15,000 euros for a box of 40 with only 100 boxes made personally by Cuban cigar roller Norma Fernandez from the El Laguito factory in Havana are to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Cohiba cigars.
Cruise operators averted a sit-in that some passengers had threatened to protest a last-minute itinerary shift when the Queen Mary 2 arrived here early Friday. Passengers, scheduled to disembark in Rio, had threatened the sit-in after the world's largest and most expensive ocean liner cut stops in Barbados, St. Kitts and Salvador, Brazil, to make up for lost time due to a damaged motor.
Rio de Janeiro erupted to the beat of drums over the weekend as the half naked dancers from the city's samba schools showed off their skills to win what promised to be the most expensive Carnival yet.
The platinum HelloKitty, 56mm in height and weighing 590 grams, wears a with ruby studded ribbon with sapphier, diamond, brown diamond, amethyst, topaz and quartz.
The exhibition featuring over 150 guitars, including "The Frying Pan" - the world's first electric guitar, opens on February 2, 2007 until March 3, 2007.

The five hundred colour, 3x4 metre long carpet, weaved with 25 million knots in the Iranian city of Tabriz, is considered one of themost expensive such pieces in the world. Valued at $5 million by its owners, it is not on sale but for exhibition only.
Named the McDonald Sandwich, after it's creator, chef Scott McDonald, the ingredients are Wagyu beef, fresh lobe foie gras, black truffle mayonnaise, brie de meaux, rocket, red pepper and mustard confit, and English plum tomatoes, all packed into 24-hour fermented sour dough bread - and it sells for 85 pounds (US$ 148.33: euro 122.53) each.
A Hong Kong property tycoon and his wife have paid euro125,000 (US$160,406) for the huge Italian white truffle, expected to be the world's most expensive ever.
The violin, one of the most expensive musical instruments in the world, was recently acquired and brought to Russia by lawyer and entrepreneur Maxim Viktorov.
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Tags: Actress, Heroine, Tamil Actress
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Actress Geneelia Gallery Popular actress Geneelia D’Souza was born on August 5 in England. Genelia is also known to people close to her as Harini. Her parents originally hail from Goa and later moved to England. After being born in England, Genelia studied at Apostolic Carmel High School in Bandra, Mumbai. After school, Geneelia joined the St. Andrews College, Bandra to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree. Actress Genelia made her move from England to India in pursuit of her childhood dream of becoming an actress. Genelia got her first break in the movie ‘Boys’ directed by Shankar. The film was a box-office hit and soon Genelia started getting more roles. Genelia has so far acted in over a dozen Telugu, Tamil and Hindi movies.
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Love is a single word but it carries many deep feelings within itself. These are care, understanding, devotion, dedication, respect for each other, and sense of responsibility thereby making this feeling so powerful and incredible. The feeling of love comes instantly in a person’s heart and it has the power to merge an individual within itself. Love: a four letter word which fills everybody’s heart with smile, happiness and joy. It is a delicate thread which binds two people in such a strong relation. It makes life so beautiful. Everything around you seems to blossom. Love brings meaning to ones life. It makes you feel special in its own way. You just can’t stop thinking about your beloved. When you are in love you can never be lonely wherever you go. Love is when you want to be with your soul mate every time and everywhere. Love makes each day worth getting up for. It’s magic! It can do wonders. It is the feeling of heart not mind.
You don’t have to go overboard by going to a fancy restaurant every other day or going on vacations that you cannot afford. Mind you those things help but, sometimes the little things that mean the most. Here are five things you can do that will improve your relationship and will allow you to have the best love making experience:
1. Listening
The lack of communication can be very frustrating to women but not listening can really get their dander up. Many men have been accused of concentrating more on whatever was on television than our wives and girlfriends. To a large degree it’s true. Most women like to talk about personal matters that have a direct bearing on their lives, their family or friends. What’s on TV at that time is irrelevant. Show that you appreciate her by listening. Don’t just wait for her to start talking. Initiate the conversation sometimes, and then listen carefully not only to what she says but her body language as well. This is not a one shot deal. Listening to her on a steady basis can only help better your relationship.
2. The Small Occasion Celebration
We’ve all seen the shows where the woman gets upset because the husband forgets their anniversary or birthday. That quite honestly should never happen. However for a lot of women, there are many smaller occasions that mean just as much; for instance the anniversary of your first date or the day both of you bought something together.
Being able to surprise your lady with little things that you know mean something to her (something she probably figured you took no notice of) can be a major relationship booster. If you have to “cheat” a little bit then get your own personal journal to keep track of these things.
3. Get to Know her People
Women value their relationships. While many men are of the take it or leave it mentality, it is very important to most women that you get to know her family and friends. These are people who make up a special part of her life and by taking the energy and effort to genuinely get to know them, you are showing her how much you love and care for her.
They maybe coming from a perspective that you are not crazy about but hang in there. Be open minded and respectful. The chances are that somewhere down the line you will want her to meet your people. Extend the same courtesies to her family and friends that you would expect from her if the situations were reversed.
It’s easy to get stuck in a routine and set in our ways. But it’s most important to continually show the lady of your life that you love her. Again it doesn’t take extravagance. Get to know her people, be mindful of the small big occasions and above all listen. Doing these three things is planting the seeds of long term healthy relationship.
4. Give up Trying to Change the Other Person
The desire to fix or change the other person is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Plus, it causes power struggles within relationships and issues of control. One person feels she cannot love the other unless the other changes. The other feels hurt, inadequate and as though something is wrong with him.
Having a healthy relationship means having the ability to love your partner as they are. Our partners have been put here to grow, develop and discover who they are. This can be a lengthy and challenging process. But the surprising thing about change is that the less we push and disapprove of others, the more easily and naturally they grow and change.
5. Develop Patience
Patience is an old-fashioned word in today’s world. However, there is no way to rush growth in relationships or in the development of joy. If you’re eager to get on the right track, there are two ways to get started: Learn how to be more giving and make an effort to be a better listener. But each one of these tasks takes time to master — and patience. That’s why it is necessary to realize that as we are, right now at this moment, we are lovable and acceptable. If you’re ready to increase the amount of joy you feel in your own relationship, take back the responsibility for finding joy in your life, you will be pleased at the results.
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Each year, MAXIM chooses 100 of the most successful women of the year in film, television, music, sports and fashion. Here are the winners.

10. Fergie

09. Eva Longoria

08. Rihanna

07. Eva Mendez

06. Ali Larter

05. Jessica Biel

04. Christina Aguilera

03. Scarlett Johansson

02. Jessica Alba

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Its going to be Namitha who is going to seduce Srikanth and not the otherway round in her next movie Indira Vizha. The movie story revolves around lady boss Namitha who tires to seduce her handsome employee Srikanth. The story revolves around 3 main characters namely, Santhosh Srinivasan - role played by Srikanth,Kamini played by Namitha and Savithri-played by Hemamalini who is Srikanth’s wife in the movie. The movie is said to be inspired by Hollywood flick ‘Disclosure’. Demi Moore and Michael Douglas played lead in that film. The movie has also been made into Bollywood movie by the name of Aitraz with Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor in the lead roles.
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LATEST NEWS MphasiS 3600 IT JOB OPENINGS IN CHENNAI TAMIL NADU-MphasiS to add 3,600 seats in Chennai
MphasiS, an EDS company, today announced its intention to add 3,600 seats to its Chennai operations by the end of 2008, as a part of its expansion plans in the city. The company is looking to expand in both capacity and capability.
Further, the company today inaugurated its Enterprise Labs,an information technology (IT) centre providing engineering, development and testing environments for MphasiS and EDS service offering development and delivery teams worldwide.
Development activities in Chennai, which are an integral part of EDS’ global virtual laboratory capability, focus on IT industry priorities such as server virtualisation (running multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single server) and “Green IT,” as well as continuously improving delivery quality and speed.
Commenting on growth plans and the Enterprise Labs opening, Jeya Kumar, CEO, said, “Based on what we see in the global marketplace, we expect our infrastructure management business to be a major growth driver for MphasiS. Opening the Enterprise Lab is an important milestone to accelerate ITO expansion and provides high-quality solutions to MphasiS and EDS clients in India and around the world”.
“The facility will accelerate the efforts of development teams and enable us go to market faster with domain-based services that address customer needs. We are aggressively recruiting and hiring professionals for our ITO business and all parts of MphasiS,” added Jeya Kumar. Source: business-standard
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Washington, March 7 : Alcohol is considered to be a major cause of many university students experiencing violence. Now a study has reinstated this fact by saying that drinking at a fraternity, sorority or campus residence increases the chances of aggression.at 1:44 AM
Washington, December 4: Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found a link between clinical diagnosis of alcohol dependence in young adults and having a high number of sex partners.at 12:23 AM
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New Delhi, May 30: There is a ban on smoking in public and 'No Smoking' boards are common in government and corporate offices. But as world observes May 31 as 'No Tobacco Day' there is little sign that Indians are willing to heed the warning.
"I would say that there is apparently some increase in smoking levels. I don't think bringing in legislation banning smoking has resulted in decrease in smoking level but strict enforcements of such bans are always welcome," says Dr. S.K. Jindal, Professor and Head, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
Based on a government order, the tobacco companies will soon introduce "skull and cross bones" and other pictorial warnings on their packs. Delhi has also made it illegal to smoke while driving.
A visit to any cigarette stall in Delhi invites you with a banner prominently displaying that it is illegal to sell tobacco products to minors or those below the age of 18 but yet in spite all these, smoking has only become more prominent.
Even though, rules have been framed to curb the use of tobacco, market trends reveal a different picture. In India, the last one year has seen more than four new cigarette brands entering the Indian market along with the dominant players who have introduced new swanky cigarette packs to attract customers along with new flavours.
"The new brands are doing reasonably well. It will take some time for it to make great sales. The older ones continue to do well," says Tapan Kumar, running a cigarette stall in Connaught Place, Delhi. He also truthfully adds that he sells tobacco products to everyone who comes to him irrespective of age.
"Its difficult to ask for one's age everytime you interact with a customer," he says. However, even as World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked for a complete ban on smoking in all indoor workplaces and public places thereby making them 100% smoke-free, experts suggest ban alone would not help.
WHO's theme for this year's World NO Tobacco Day (May 31) is "Smoke Free Environments'. WHO is asking for a complete ban on smoking in all indoor workplaces and public places thereby making them 100% smoke-free.
It states that second-hand smoke causes cancer, acute and chronic heart disease. It has also been linked linked to bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. In children, it is linked to lower respiratory infections, asthma, middle-ear infections and sudden infant death syndrome.
According to a study conducted by Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 2005, bidi was the commonest form of smoking, more so in the rural areas.
The mean number of cigarettes/bidis smoked per day was 14 and the mean age of starting smoking was 20.5 years. Increasing age, low socio-economic status and rural residence were important factors associated with smoking. Vigorous anti-tobacco measures under the tobacco control programmes yielded only a quit-rate of 10 percent.
"I now go to various schools on their invitation to give presentation on harmful effects of smoking. I can see that smoking age is going down and even school authorities have realised this," says Dr P.K. Dal, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.
Experts argue that complete banning and imposing fines is not the only solution. "Smoking has more to do with Psychology than anything else and hence banning or imposing fines won't help much.
Its all in the mind," says Aruna Broota, Psychologist based in the capital. She further adds, "A person smokes to gain diversion from something and he thinks he is getting a good feeling.
He also thinks that he is very hep and is also getting a kick out of smoking. Some smoke because they think through this they are becoming powerful and hence defiles his close ones who ask him not to smoke. A smoker needs Psychotherapy."
In India, tobacco-related cancers account for half of all cancers among men and one fourth of all cancers among women in India, according to Cancer Patients Aids Asscociation (CPAA). As per the WHO country profiles, CPAA has mentioned that tobacco usage is a major cause of death and illness all over the world with India being no exception.
The latest study conducted by WHO ahead of the World NO Tobacco Day, tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death globally, causing more than five million deaths a year. It further adds, tobacco use continues to expand most rapidly in the developing world, where currently half of tobacco related deaths occur.
By 2030, if current trends continue, 8 out of every 10 tobacco-related deaths will be in the developing world.
"The complete smoking ban is not at all encouraging. I agree that one should not smoke when non-smokers and children are around but one cannot impose rules to prevent me from smoking at all. It would be against my freedom of choice," laments a young executive from the banking sector.
"People should be made aware of harmful effects of smoking. We should not forget that we are world leader when it comes to highest number of mouth cancer. People are not aware that smoking causes many other ailments other than just cancer," says Dr Dal.
He further adds, "Banning is just not possible because of the huge revenue that the government gets through taxes. Moreover, then we will have have to ban more products other than just tobacco. The main way out is to increase awareness and tax the tobacco companies heavily. Higher prices will become a deterrent for many."
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