doudo-lee

Minggu, 13 Mei 2012

IF MEN RULED THE WORLD: TOP 26 LIST

1. Any fake phone number a girl gave you would automatically forward your call to her real number.

2. Nodding and looking at your watch would be deemed an acceptable response to “I love you.”

3. Hallmark would make “Sorry, what was your name again?” cards.

4. When your girlfriend really needed to talk to you during the game, she’d appear in a little box in the corner of the screen during a time-out.

5. Each year, your raise would be pegged to the fortunes of the NFL team of your choice.

6. The funniest guy in the office would get to be CEO.

7. “Sorry I’m late, but I got really wasted last night” would be an acceptable excuse for tardiness.

8. At the end of the workday, a whistle would blow and you’d jump out your window and slide down the tail of a brontosaurus and right into your car like Fred Flintstone.

9. It’d be considered harmless fun to gather 30 friends, put on horned helmets, and go pillage a nearby town.

10. When a cop gave you a ticket, every smart-aleck answer you responded with would actually reduce your fine. As in: Cop: “You know how fast you were going?” You:“All I know is, I was spilling my beer all over the place.” Cop: “Nice one. That’s $10 off.”

11. Tanks would be far easier to rent

12. Garbage would take itself out.

13. Instead of beer belly, you’d get “beer biceps.”

14. Instead of an expensive engagement ring, you could present your wife-to-be with a giant foam hand that said,“You’re #1!”

15. Valentine’s Day would be moved to February 29th so it would only occur in leap years.

17. On Groundhog Day, if you saw your shadow, you’d get the day off to go drinking. Mother’s Day, too.

18. St. Patrick’s Day, however, would remain exactly the same. But it would be celebrated every month.

19. “COPS” would be broadcast live, and you could phone in advice to the pursuing cops. Or to the crooks.

20. The only show opposite “Monday Night Football” would be “Monday Night Football from a Different Camera Angle.”

21. The candle shops in the mall would sell candles that smell like whiskey and beer.

22. Women suffering from PMS would be required to wear a burka.

23. Gun racks would be standard on all American cars.

24. There would be a device that automatically raised and lowered toilet seats.

25. 2006 Cloning Act: ”Only Jessica Alba may be cloned.”

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Rabu, 09 Mei 2012

13 Things You Might Not Know About ‘Gone With the Wind’

On 3rd may date 1937 about 76 years ago, Gone with the Wind won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. some facts about the classic book.

1. It was boredom that caused 25-year-old Margaret Mitchell to write 63 of the most beloved chapters in literary history. Mitchell was a journalist for the Atlanta Journal Sunday Magazine when she took a leave to recover from “a series of injuries,” according to the Margaret Mitchell House, including a recurring ankle injury. When the ankle proved slow to heal this time, she decided to occupy herself by writing.

2. Though Mitchell spent the next decade working on characters and plot development, almost no one knew she was writing a book. She went to extreme lengths to hide her work from friends and family, including hurriedly throwing a rug over pages scattered on her living room floor once when company showed up unexpectedly.

3. Despite spending 10 years of her life working on the tome, Mitchell didn’t really have much intention of publishing it. When a “friend” heard that she was considering writing a book (though in fact, it had been written), she said something to the effect of, “Imagine, you writing a book!” Annoyed, Mitchell took her massive manuscript to a Macmillan editor the next day. She later regretted the act and sent the editor a telegram saying, “Have changed my mind. Send manuscript back.”

4. You know her as Scarlett now, but for years, the heroine of Gone with the Wind was called Pansy. It probably would have stayed that way had the publisher not requested a name change. “We could call her ‘Garbage O’Hara’ for all I care,” Mitchell wrote to her friend and the book’s associate editor, “I just want to finish this damn thing.”5. Speaking of name changes, early drafts of GWTW referred to Tara as “Fountenoy Hall.”

6.There was another Southern legend in Margaret Mitchell’s family: Old West gunslinger (and dentist) Doc Holliday, her cousin by marriage. Many people believe that Mitchell used her famous kin as the inspiration for Ashley Wilkes.

7. Add Margaret Mitchell to everyone else who doesn’t know what ultimately happened with Scarlett and Rhett. She left the ending ambiguous with no “real” ending even in her own head. “For all I know, Rhett may have found someone else who was less—difficult,” she told Yank magazine in 1945.

8. Even if you haven’t read the book, you might have heard the last line: “Tomorrow is another day.” That was also the tentative title. Mitchell also considered calling it Bugles Sang True or Not in Our Stars. The title she finally decided upon comes from a poem called Non Sum Qualis Eram Bonae sub Regno Cynarae by Ernest Dowson: “I have forgot much, Cynara! gone with the wind,
Flung roses, roses riotously with the throng,
Dancing, to put thy pale, lost lilies out of mind”

9. Though Gone with the Wind is a classic now, not everyone was a fan of the epic novel when it was released – and that includes critics. Ralph Thompson, a book reviewer for The New York Times, was quite unimpressed. Among his criticisms:
“The historical background is the chief virtue of the book, and it is the story of the times rather than the unconvincing and somewhat absurd plot that gives Miss Mitchell’s work whatever importance may be attached to it.”
“Miss Mitchell writes from no particular point of view.”
“I happen to feel that the book would have been infinitely better had it been edited down to, say, 500 pages–but there speaks the harassed daily reviewer as well as the would-be judicious critic. Very nearly every reader will agree, no doubt, that a more disciplined and less prodigal piece of work would have more nearly done justice to the subject-matter.”
At the end, Thompson rather begrudgingly admits that, “Any kind of first novel of over 1,000 pages is an achievement and for the research that was involved, and for the writing Itself, the author of Gone With the Wind deserves due recognition.”

10. When movie mogul David O. Selznick purchased the movie rights for $50,000 in 1936, it was the most ever paid for rights to a book. Mitchell declined to be involved with the production of the movie, though she was said to have loved it save for a few details (she found Tara to be too opulent, for example).

Though she spent a decade writing her masterpiece, Margaret Mitchell only enjoyed the ensuing fame for a little more than that (truth be told, she didn’t really “enjoy” the fame). Mitchell was hit by a speeding car as she was crossing Atlanta’s Peachtree Street on her way to a movie in 1949. She died from her injuries a few days later.

11. Gone with the Wind is the only novel by Mitchell published during her lifetime.

12. It is the second favorite book by American readers, just behind the Bible, according to a 2008 Harris Poll.

13. Through its initial release in 1939, and subsequent re-releases throughout the years,the film Gone with the Wind has sold 225 million tickets, a feat unmatched to this day.

About the film

Enjoy these little known facts from MGM's classic film "Gone With The Wind".

14.1- Over 1,400 actresses were interviewed for the coveted role of Scarlet O'Hara.

2- The one actress whom all of Hollywood felt had the role (including herself) was Paulette Goddard, live-in girlfriend of comedian Charlie Chaplin. When the press leaked the information they were "living in sin", Paulette was quickly dropped from consideration.

3- British actress Vivian was finally selected to play Scarlett. There was, however, a slight problem...she was also living with her lover,fellow British actor Laurence Olivier out-of-wedlock in England! Fearing the loss of a 2nd "Scarlet", the studio did not allow the two to see each other during any of the filming, thus eliminating any scandal since the American public was not familiar with her as they had been with Goddard.

4- Vivian Leigh's hands were usually filmed while she wore gloves. This was due to the fact her hands were very large and disproportional in regard to her petite frame (5'3").

5- Both Vivian Leigh and Scarlett O'Hara's parents were French and Irish.

6- During filming, Vivian Leigh smoked 4 packs of cigarettes a day. Clark Gable smoked only 3 packs a day.

Casting The Roles - Rhett

1- Actor Gary Cooper was offered the role of Rhett Butler but turned it down. He was quoted with saying, "Gone with the Wind (1939) is going to be the biggest flop in Hollywood history," and, "I'm just glad it'll be Clark Gable who's falling on his face and not Gary Cooper."

2- The only reason Clark Gable accepted the role of Rhett Butler was tied into a divorce! Gable felt the general public had built up the role in their minds to the extent that no man could possible meet their expectations. He even called the role "career suicide". It was during this time Gable had fallen in love with Carole Lombard but was still married to his 2nd wife who demanded a whopping $500,000 settlement (a fortune during the Depression!) for a divorce. MGM agreed to give him the added financial help he needed to obtain his divorce that he very reluctantly agreed to be loaned to Selznick Pictures and take the role of Rhett.

3- Clark Gable wore false teeth, as well as having his large ears surgically altered. Both operations were done in 1933. He had a chronic case of Halitosis (bad breath) the rest of his life. It was so severe that many actresses would gag during kissing scenes!

Other Casting Notes

1- Judy Garland had been heavily considered for Scarlett's younger sister Carreen, but she was tied up with a previous commitment..."The Wizard Of Oz".

2- There were 2,400 extras and bit players in "GWTW".

3- 2,500 costumes were used by the female cast in the film's making.

4- Barbara O'Neil , the actress who played Scarlett's mother was only 28 years old when she played the role. Vivian Leigh was 25 years old.

5- Actress Lillian Gish was originally approached to play Scarlett's mother.

6- Billie Burke (remember her as Glenda, the Good Witch in "Wizard of Oz"?) was first considered to play Aunt Pitypat. She did not get the role because she was considered "too young". She was 54. The role went to Laura Hope Crews. She was 59 years old.

7- Did the voice of the reminiscent soldier in the Atlanta hospital scene talking about his "brother Jeff" sound familiar? It should. It was the voice of Cliff Edwards. . He was the voice of Jiminy Cricket from Disney's animated movie "Pinocchio".

8- The horse Thomas Mitchell (Gerald O'Hara) rode throughout the movie, including the infamous jumping scene went on to be one of the most famous horses of movie history...Silver of "The Lone Ranger" (1949) fame.

9- The actor who played Aunt Pittypat's servant, Uncle Peter was a a regular on popular 1940's radio star Jack Benny's show...he was gravel-voiced Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson .

10- Melanie Hamilton was originally the intended heroine when Margaret Mitchell began writing "GWTW". It was while she was writing that Scarlett began to emerge as the strong-willed heroine.

11- The original name of Margaret Mitchell 's book was "Tomorrow Is Another Day" with the female heroine being named Pansy O'Hara.

And Ending On An Odd Note...
In 1999, singer Michael Jackson paid $1.5 million for the 1939 Oscar for Best Film...It was for "Gone With The Wind".

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Holy Basil or Tulsi Benefits

Tulsi plant has a lot of significance for mankind, due to the manifold medicinal benefits it provides. Tulsi leaves are widely used in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. It is known to promote the longevity of life. The extracts obtained from the plant are extensively brought to use for curing various diseases such as the common cold, inflammation, malaria, heart disease, headaches, stomach disorders, kidney stones, heart disorders, and many more. The Indian basil Tulasi also aids in the purification of atmosphere.

Tulasi plant serves as a fabulous repellant in fighting against flies, mosquitoes and insects. It is especially valuable in combating malarial fever. It is said that at the time of establishment of Victoria gardens in Bombay (now Mumbai), the workers became victims of mosquito bites and suffered from chronic malaria. Seeing the pitiable situation of the workers, some of the Hindu managers recommended the plantation of Tulsi plant in the garden. On following their advice, fruitful results were obtained. Thus, holy basil Tulsi helped to abate the growth of mosquitoes and control malaria.

There are numerous uses of Tulsi plant. The plant is increasingly finding its way in the Ayurvedic treatment of diseases. Tulsi leaves are widely used due to their healing power. It is a tonic for the nervous system and thus, helps a great deal in sharpening the memory. This aromatic plant supports the removal of phlegm and catarrhal matter from the bronchial tube. It also works wonders in preventing stomach disorders. The herb Tulsi is known to cure the respiratory disorders. The decoction prepared by mixing honey, ginger and Tulsi leaves is quite helpful in combating bronchitis, influenza and asthma.

The leaves of Tulsi plant are extremely beneficial during the rainy season, when diseases like malaria and dengue victimize the country. Boil the tender leaves of Tulsi in tea and give it to the patient. The juice extracted from Tulsi leaves serves as the best remedy to bring down fever. Tulsi is an essential ingredient in the preparation of Ayurvedic cough syrups. It is highly useful in getting rid of cold and flu. Even, for sore throat, the leaves of medicinal plant Tulsi is of great value. Just boil the leaves of Tulsi in water and ask the patient to gargle with this decoction.

Tulsi has the ability to strengthen the kidneys. For those suffering from the problem of renal kidney stones, the decoction prepared by mixing the juice of Tulsi leaves with honey, if taken sincerely for six consecutive months can oust these stones via the urinary tract. For maintaining healthy heart, Tulsi is of utmost value. It helps in lowering the level of cholesterol in blood. Thus, Tulsi plant serves as the most effective remedy to combat cardiac diseases.

15 Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi)

The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here're top fifteen medicinal uses of tulsi.

1. Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.

2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.

3. Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.

4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.

5. Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.

6. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.

7. Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.

8. Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.

9. Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.

10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.

11. Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.

12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.

13. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.

14. Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.

15. Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.

16. Acts on nervous system:It act on nervous system providing them strength, relieves stress and helps in relieving pain.

17. It work as appetizer and promotes digestion by helping in secretion of digestive enzymes.

18. It helps in preventing flatulence and avoids constipated stool.

19. Tulsi juice drops are very effective in earache.

20. Keep powder of tulsi root in water for overnight and take it early morning for diabetes natural cure.

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Selasa, 08 Mei 2012

Tips to Improve your Listening Skills

Etiquette and polish, both in personal and business settings, are linked to how well we communicate.
Most people think communication is all about speaking and devalue the importance of listening. And many others don't realise what a vast difference there is between simply hearing what is being said and really listening.

People who know how to listen learn more, care more, and end up being the ones we want to be around socially as well as professionally.

Want to improve your listening skills?

Understand why you need to listen and remember to practise these tips the next time you conduct a conversation.

Are your eyes listening?
Your eyes are a dead giveaway if you are not listening. When your mind wanders and you begin thinking of something or someone else, your eyes show your disinterest. And the person speaking to you is well aware that you are not paying attention. And this is true even if you don't look away. Blank stares don't conceal boredom!

How can you know if you are a bad listener?
A good listener uses his/ her eyes and mind while listening.
If you find yourself already formulating your next sentence in your mind while someone is speaking to you, you are doing injustice to the conversation. You will get more out of the conversation if you understand, comprehend and assimilate what is being said BEFORE responding.
Good etiquette = listening!
Do you make these common listening mistakes?

The difference between being a good listener versus a great listener is using your heart in addition to your eyes and mind while listening.
Do you do this?

If a friend tells you something is wrong, you immediately tend to give advice or criticism.
If a friend tells you about something wonderful that has happened, you usually chip in with something similar that you have experienced.

Rarely do we share joy or sympathise with pain. Rarely do we just let others speak. To improve your listening skills, practise with those closest to you. When family members or friends share their thoughts and feelings, curtail the urge to relate what you hear to one of your own.
What if a conversation bores you?
I believe 'interested people are interesting'.
Similarly, 'boring people get bored'.

You don't need to know a lot about a subject to have a conversation. You just need to have a desire to learn, understand and make things interesting.

For example, if someone tells you they are a teacher, instead of saying, "That's nice," and moving on to the next topic, try to find out why they are teaching, how they decided on this profession and what their current thoughts on teaching are.
Dig deep and create meaningful conversations.
How do I get others to listen to me?

Listen more intently, question more, and speak with emotion. Build interesting conversations instead of one-way lectures.
Engage people while you speak. Ask questions like, "What do you think?" or "Do you agree?"

Try not to speak continuously for long periods. People tend to have short attention spans.
When you do not listen to what others are saying and only care to listen to your own voice, this is an indication that you really do not care for other people's opinions.

Think about who you really enjoy being around, at work or in your personal life. Usually it is those who really listen and care about you. Are you listening?

"We forget that forgiveness is greater than revenge. People make mistakes. We are allowed to make mistakes. But the actions we take while in a rage will haunt us forever".

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Senin, 07 Mei 2012

Shot Guns

When buying a shotgun, there are many different factors to consider. Gauge, size, type and brand to name a few, but one of the first things you must consider is what type of shotgun is best for you. There are four basic types of shotguns, all of which accomplish the same goal which I have briefly described below. Each type has its own pros and cons; you must carefully consider each type and what the gun will be used for.

A single shot shotgun is a gun that only holds one shell at a time. They are typically the least expensive type of shotgun available, mainly because you only get one shot before you have to open the breach and reload a new shell before it may be fired again. These types of guns are great for the inexperienced or youth as they tend to be safer with only one shot at a time.

Pump-action shotguns are the most common type of shotgun, they are reliable and typically on the lower end of the price range. These guns hold multiple shells and require you to pump the forend after each shot to eject the spent shell and load a new shell.

Auto-Loader – These guns are also known as semi-automatics and use a variety of different automatic systems to eject the spent shell and load a new shell with only the pull of the trigger. This type of shotgun also tends to have less recoil (about 30% less) due to the automatic cycling action absorbing some of the recoil. Automatic loading shotguns generally are more expensive than pump-action and depending on the quality of the gun, they can be as reliable as a pump-action.

Double Barrel – A double barrel shotgun is a gun that only holds two shells at a time and can be found in one of two styles; over/under or side-by-side. One of the main advantages of a double barrel is that a hunter or shooter can insert a different choke into each barrel; this increases the chance of a successful shot which can depend on the distance of the target. Due to reliability and usability, double barrel shotguns tend to be the most expensive of all the shotgun types. Magazine fed guns need about 3 extra inches of barrel to allow for the action cycling of the gun which makes the barrel of a double barrel shotgun shorter and lighter. These guns are usually well balanced and swing effortlessly with a natural feel to them. Without a place to hide, a shell can be seen at a quick glance, making this gun type one of the safest. Due to the fact that the barrel is not connected to the firing action, double barrel guns may be broken open when you’re carrying your gun around camp or to your hunting spot without the chance of an accidental discharge.

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