10th attempt results in Tamil Nadu

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The Directorate of Government Examinations, Tamil Nadu Government has announced the results of the 10th Attempt which is also called as Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC). The results have been declared today that is November 18, 2010.

The 10th Attempt exams were conducted in the months of September and October, this year. The results have been published on the official website of Directorate of Government Examinations of the Tamil Nadu government.

The candidates who have appeared for this year’s 10th Attempt examination should click on the link provided below.

http://dge2.tn.nic.in/.

The students will be required to fill their registration numbers in order to have access to their results, without which they won’t be able to check their 10th Attempt results.

The Directorate of Government Examinations, Tamil Nadu has as many as seven regional offices situated at Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Chennai, Cuddalore and Vellore.

The best part of the DGETN is that it conducts examinations for the vocational courses as well, along with the main academic/ basic courses.

Ryan Reynolds is the sexiest man for this year

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The macho actor, Ryan Reynolds has been voted as the sexiest man for the year 201o by the People Magazine.

The Proposal star took this as a compliment and enjoyed the fact that he is categorized as a hunk now. He said, “My body is very natural and I want to look like Dick Van Dyke. When I stopped practicing, my body will turn into whisper of color. You just have to go with the flow.”

Reynolds better half of actress, Scarlet Johnson does not want to sound or look like a proud man after receiving the ‘Sexiest Man 2010’. He is quite calm about all this.

Reynolds believes that the ‘Sexiest Man 2010’ title would make him the center of attraction and a good teasing mantra for his family and friends. He said, “This makes my family come and tease me for the rest of my life.”

The actor joins the league of some of the more sexy people that were in the list in the past. The list of the sexiest men includes Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Johnny Depp who too had the opportunity to boast about their bodies.

Will Smith in Hong Kong to Promote

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Will Smith is making the rounds in Asia to promote his new film, "I am Legend."

Yesteday Will Smith was in Tokyo.

Today we find him in Hong Kong. 

I got to admit.

I have never gone to see a movie because the actor in the movie showed up somewhere to promote it.

Or have I?

How about you? 

 

 

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SMS or email from Tata

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A new internet scandal has surfaced. There have been many complaints regarding the appointment from one of the biggest companies of India, Tata Limited.

But the company has out rightly denied sending any such kind of mass SMSs. The people are getting SMS and email on ‘Tata Appointment 2010’, offering some jobs in the company.

The tata appointment 2010 email comes from the ID- tata.appointment.2010@gmail.com
The fraud SMS and email claims that the particular candidate has been shortlisted for the job position and the appointment letter for the has been delivered to the email address.

After some investigations and confirmation from the company itself, it has been revealed that the only reason for this is to dupe the people. This is nothing new as, things like this have been come up many times before also. But the fraud people have got access to our mobile phones is a scary part and all that people can do is be alert and aware the SMSs they receive from an unknown number.

themed photo challenge

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There are photo memes for every conceivable subject out there, from dried flowers to used facial tissues, so I thought "hey, why don't I jump on the bandwagon, too?"

And after a lot of thinking (if about 10 seconds could be considered a lot, and trust me, for many people it is), I decided to host my own photo challenge, with Mr Linky, a pretty badge (which I still need to design) and all that.

And the topic?

"Show Me Japan!"

The rules are simple:

1. You have a Japan related photo.
2. You post it on your blog between Friday 11PM and Sunday 11PM Japan time.
3. You stick the link to that post in the fancy Mr Linky widget which I will add to this blog.
4. You visit other links for more Japan-related photo goodness.
5. Hopefully, you will see some new things, learn new stuff and make new friends.
6. That's all.

So yes, I'll give it a try and see how it develops.

We will open for entries on Friday at 11PM Japan time and let it run all weekend. Get your cameras ready!

And just a random photo from Kanuma, because having a blog post without a photo is like... having a blog post without a photo.

A Turning Point for Serious Environmental Problems

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Artificial islands are sinking in the mire: Dubai has to face new environmental woes that come with “progress.”

When one thinks of Dubai shopping, economic prowess and cleanliness come to mind. While all three have become staples and synonymous with the Gulf city, the environmental toll that has been unleashed as a result is beginning to force government officials to take note. The city’s energy output, in order to turn sewage into fresh water, pump electricity into houses and the need to keep all the grand edifices running smoothly, is being hampered now by the environmental degradation that has come in its place. Officials are now worried that without action, Dubai could face major problems in the near future. … [visit site to read more]

Winner of Door

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And the winner of the Door of the Month contest is - drumroll please........
Deb Kantor from Mass. for her photo of this stunning and elaborate door at 29 Ave. Rapp in the 7th arr. Deb's door will be featured next week as the Door of the Month for November and I will write about the interesting history of the door. Deb will also receive a copy of Hemingway's Paris: Our Paris? by H.R. Stonebeck. Congratulations Deb and thanks so much for for submitting your terrific photo. Also, thanks to every one else who took the time to send their photos.

Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale

Pumpkin Risotto, creaminess

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I love risotto, but most risottos can be time consuming and a bit of a hassle to make.

However, I have been making oven risotto for years, and love it. It gives you the taste and creaminess of risotto, but it is so easy because the oven does the work for you.

Over the last couple of years I have adapted my basic oven risotto into a tomato and sausage version, and also a sweet potato and sausage version.

Last week I decided to try a pumpkin version of oven risotto and it was so good. The pumpkin gave it a really nice flavor and added an extra creaminess that we loved.

I made this with sausage because I served it as a main dish, but you could easily leave the sausage out and it would be perfect for a holiday side dish.

Pumpkin Risotto

• 2 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (I have used chicken broth and it works fine)
• 4 to 4  1/4 cups hot water
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ( the real stuff, not the stuff from the green can)
• 1 pound of sausage, browned
• 1 15 ounce can of pumpkin

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. In an ovenproof saucepan or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the rice and cook, stirring to coat the grains with oil, about 1 minute.
5. Stir in the wine and cook until it has completely evaporated, about 1 minute.
6. Stir in 3 1/2 cups water, the stock, salt, and pepper.
7. Bring to a boil and add sausage and pumpkin.
8. Cover, transfer to the oven, and bake, until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice, 20 to 25 minutes.
9. Remove from oven. Stir in 1/2 to 3/4 cup water, if needed. Sometimes I do not have to add this extra water. The consistency of the risotto should be creamy, but not too thin.
10. Add  the butter and cheese.
11. Serve immediately.

The crossroads of Europe

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By Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries—

Strasbourg is one of those places that is so easily missed. Fast trains pause there, but Strasbourg deserves at least a day or two. And the Alsace city is at its best in the run-up to Christmas as the German fad for Christmas markets spills over the border and onto the streets of Strasbourg’s historic city centre.

The city is one of those difficult-to-place communities. France with a twist, you might say. We knew just that when we wandered the streets of Strasbourg last week and found the Rue de L’Ail (“Garlic Street”) cheek by jowl with the Rue Martin Luther. France and Germany colliding, as it were.

Exploring Strasbourg

Choucroute garnie. Photo: Joel Abroad

The great thing about Strasbourg is that it is easy to reach, easy to explore on foot, and–if you choose your moment carefully–it won’t break the bank. The city is home to the European Parliament, but if you can visit at a time when the parliament is not in session, then you’ll get great deals on hotels.

The crossroads of Europe

The fast rail routes from Paris to Munich and Brussels to Zürich cross at Strasbourg. Even Milan and London are both less than six hours away by fast train, Marseille and Berlin less than seven.

So no surprise perhaps that Strasbourg styles itself “Le carrefour de l’Europe”–the crossroads of Europe. Yet despite having a nodal position in Europe’s transport networks, the city is relaxed and unhurried, a place to chill out for a few days.

Strasbourg’s Old Town

Wander the streets of “Petite France,” the old part of town just a five minute walk from the main railway station, where the street names tell of the local industries that brought wealth to medieval Strasbourg: lace-making, milling and tanneries. There are heaps of little cafés and restaurants in this part of town, which features on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

One of our favorites is the unfussy “La Petite Alsace,” which is a place to relax over a jug of the local Gewürztraminer, the aromatic slightly oily white wine which is the very essence of Alsace. Try it once and you’ll be smitten. There are hints of lychees in this not-quite-dry wine that is the perfect partner for choucroute garnie, Strasbourg’s signature dish. Choucroute is not grand cuisine, but good hearty winter fare, as unpretentious as Strasbourg itself.

Stopping off

Strasbourg makes the perfect one-night stop on long journeys by train across Europe. Come out of the station, with its assertively modern armadillo-like frontage, and you are spoiled for choice for hotels jostling for your euro.

Our advice is to ignore them all, but just head over to Rue Kuhn, a three-minute walk, where the Hotel Monopole Métropole is a classic French family-run hotel. It has a chic reception area with bar and coffee shop, and a really lovely lounge. Faded, but comfortable, and a place to linger on rainy days. We love this kind of hotel, which combines all creature comforts in the rooms with lashings of local character.

Three generations of the Siegel family have presided over the Monopole Métropole. Rooms for double occupancy from about €70. This rate is usually restricted to weekends, but it is always worth checking. You can make bookings direct with the hotel or via www.bestwestern.com.

Beaches of Rocha

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With 170 km of oceanic coasts, the department of Rocha is the easternmost region of Uruguay. Its beaches have cold and salty water, very refreshing after sunbathing. The sand can be white or golden, depending on where you go, the rocky areas separate one beach from another and the so-called shallow waters are often deep and sharp.

The coasts of the department of Rocha have a great variety of beaches to enjoy on a trip to Uruguay. If we go some 200 kilometers east from Montevideo, following the coastline, we will find traditional beaches like those in the resort town of La Paloma, and some more natural but with more modern constructions, like La Pedrera.

When it comes to vacations in Uruguay, Cabo Polonio deserves a special mention, being a small town with no electricity and which cannot be accessed by car. From there, a bit more east you can find the bohemian Valizas with its beautiful sand dunes, and the nearby protected forest of ombu trees. If you keep going northeast you will find the charming fishermen village of Punta del Diablo and the beautiful beaches of Santa Teresa.

In the following editions we will learn more details about these beaches of Uruguay. With your friends, family or partner, each beach has its own charms!

Mexico promotes national alliances

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Mexico is a big country and, as such, has very differentiated regions offering a great variety of touristic attractions. You can visit Mexico City if looking for history; you may want the Mariachi cultural heritage of the Jalisco region, the beaches of Cancun, the ruins of the Yucatán region or the fun of Tijuana.

The list is much longer, and it is not always easy for the tourist to figure out which would be a good itinerary to get a glimpse of all that’s best. An integrated tourism offer makes it much simpler: regions of Mexico advertise one another; tourism offers include combinations of two or more regions and packages to make your vacations in Mexico much more enjoyable.

Aware of these notions, JoinUniverse celebrates the recent decision of Marcelo Ebrard, Chief of Government in Mexico City, by which the capital will sign agreements with the main tourism destinations in Mexico, to strengthen the main tourism routes of the country.

Over 72% of overseas tourists fly first to Mexico City and is directed from there to other national destinations. According to the Tourism Secretary, agreements with Cancun and Los Cabos have already been approved, and those with Veracruz, Zacatecas, Querétaro, Campeche, Chiapas, Hidalgo, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Nayarit, Yucatán, Oaxaca, Sinaloa and Puebla are being processed.

Enjoying nature

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A new touristic route will take visitors through the spectacular landscapes in the border of Chile and Argentina, from Pucón –Chile- to San Martín de los Andes –Argentina-. The tour is expected to last 11 hours in which adventurous visitors will go through different small towns, natural reserves and glacial waters in the lakes.

With their unbeatable accesses to the high mountains, volcanoes, thick woods and wild rivers, these are the main destinations for those who are planning adventure tourism in Chile, or in Argentina. Now, with this new and easy connecting route, both cities are about to become important international destinations, according to the mayor of Pucón, Edita Mansilla.

The trip takes visitors by bus on the southern coast of Lake Villarrica, and then south to the town of Lican Ray and Lake Calafquén. They will also stop in Lake Panguipuilli and on the amazing falls of the natural reserve Huilo Huilo. After crossing Lake Pirihueico, the trip will take the mountains to the Argentinian pass Hua Hum, then going through Lake Lacar to San Martin de Los Andes, where visitors spend the night.

Those who want to return to Pucón –on a more direct northern route bordering the Lanín volcano- can do it the next day for an additional fee.

Even the horses dance

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Andalucía is a southern region of Spain, one of the seventeen autonomous regions in which the country is divided. Its southwestern province is called Cádiz and it is the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar. The biggest city in Cádiz is Jerez, located in the Jerez de la Frontera Municipality.

Your trip to Spain will be greatly enhanced by visiting Jerez, halfway between the mountains and the beaches of Spain. The capital of flamenco and sherry wine, Jerez de la Frontera is also home to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, a very prestigious riding school that aims to conserve the ancestral abilities of the Andalusian horse or Pure Spanish Horse (PRE), a breed developed in the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th century.

If you are doing tourism in Spain, you may want to go and check out the last performances of the equestrian ballet “How do Andalusian horses dance”, held every Tuesday and Thursday at noon until the 28th of December, and with a special performance on Saturday, December 4th. The performance includes 6-8 choreographies with Spaniard music and clothing from the XVIII century.

Spain is so much fun that even the horses dance!

Passports

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Women crossing lake on bamboo scaffolding by HepzOliver

HELP PASSPORTS WITH PURPOSE BUILD A VILLAGE!!

I sit here in my little “home office” staring at 3 monitors most every day. As I do, I also think about the world around ME. The things that I would like to have repaired – my sagging porch, my leaky garage roof, my leaky laundry room roof and replacing a 13 year old Neon with 230,000 miles on it. But, when it comes to the “bigger picture”, all of that is trivial. Though my roofs may leak, I have one (well, more than one). Though my car is old, I have one. I live a life of luxury compared to so many others. That statement alone brings me back to reality and…

I had not been aware of Passports With Purpose until coming onboard as Editor of TravelBlogs.com earlier this year. Okay, I still was not aware of it until a couple of months ago. Though I have been very involved with another organization – Kiva.org – PwP was new to me. Not any more.

This year, they are building a village in Tamil Nadu, India – but need your help. The goal – $50,000 and I know they will succeed.

Debbie Dubrow, Pam Mandel, Beth Whitman and Michelle Duffy are the driving forces behind this charity. It was started in 2008 when they connected with Heifer International. The goal was to help alleviate hunger and poverty worldwide. Passports With Purpose raised $7,800 for the project. In 2009, PwP teamed up with American Assistance for Cambodia, raised $30,000 and helped build a school equipped with much-needed amenities. This year, they are assisting LAFTI in building a village in Tamil Nadu, India – but need your help. The goal – $50,000 and I know they will succeed.

Taj Mahal by joffre

When most of us in the “first world” nations (yes, those with money) think of India, our thoughts usually conjure up images of the photo to the left. The Taj Mahal, large Buddhas and any number of iconic sites and landmarks we’ve read about or visited ourselves. Rarely do we envision the photo to the right and below – unless we’ve been on that train traveling past the non-existent villages along the rail’s route. I see the questioning of “non-existent” villages – if someone lives there, it is a village. No, it is not. Any number of inadequate living quarters, even in close proximity, do not make a true village, only something remotely considered shelter. With that thought in mind…

Treinreis Delhi-Jaisalmer by go-india

In the first 24 hours following the kick-off, PwP had already raised approximately $30,000!! Do not let this dissuade you from contributing. The more contributions, the more real housing that will be built. That’s a fact. Taken from the PwP website: “…we will build a village in India, providing homes for those that had never hoped to have a roof over their heads!” As mentioned earlier, I have a roof but so many do not. This is the time to rectify that situation for (at least) a small population of people. If everyone pulls together we can become “One Nation” and make a difference. To reiterate, this year, Passports with Purpose is working with LAFTI, an NPO, to make a difference for the disenfranchised Dalit caste. For more information on LAFTI, please see: LAFTI: Land for Tillers’ Freedom.

So, rather than give you statistics that you can find on the other sites, let me just give you the details on how you can connect, submit, donate and be part of the program. Oh, I’ll also tell you what TravelBlogs has added to the prize mix.

Rajasthan Udaipur Construction Workers by Edward Castaño

Bloggers: Procure a prize and it will be placed in a random drawing. (No donation to LATFI required.) Winners will be chosen on December 17th and posted on the Passports with Purpose website.

Donors to LATFI: Check out the Passports with Purpose Donation page. Make your bids!

TravelBlogs Prize

watch in Week 12

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Another busy week in college football. Here are five games to keep an eye on during Week 12 action.

Boise State coach Chris Petersen and the No. 4 Broncos will play host to Fresno State Friday. (James Snook/US PRESSWIRE)

Fresno State at No. 4 Boise State
When: Friday
Where: Bronco Stadium; Boise, Idaho
Time: 9:30
TV: ESPN2
Buzz: For Boise State, the goal is pretty simple. Handle the rest of your schedule and wait from someone above you in the BCS standings to slip up. The Broncos can’t overlook the Bulldogs, who lost a close one to Nevada, 35-34 last week. Boise State has won eight of the last nine meetings between the schools and looks to continue the nation’s longest winning streak (23). Keep an eye on Robbie Rouse. The Fresno State running back has rushed for back-to-back 200-yard games.

No. 9 Ohio State at No. 20 Iowa
When: Saturday
Where: Kinnick Stadium; Iowa City, Iowa
Time: 3:30 p.m.
TV: ABC
Buzz: Iowa’s 21-17 loss last week to Northwestern has thrust the Hawkeyes into the roll of spoiler this week. A loss by the Buckeyes and their chances of winning at least a piece of their sixth straight Big Ten conference title. Defense will be the name of the game with Ohio State (238.0 ypg) and Iowa (307) ranked No. 1 and 2 in the conference in total defense. Both quarterbacks — Iowa’s Ricky Stanzi (167.2) and OSU’s Terrelle Pryor (166.4) — lead the league in passing efficiency.

No. 16 Virginia Tech at No. 24 Miami
When: Saturday
Where: Sun Life Stadium
Time: 3:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Buzz: It’s a pretty simple scenario for Virginia Tech. Beat Miami on the road and the Hokies claim their fourth ACC Coastal Division titles in six years. If the Hurricanes win, Miami needs for Virginia to beat Virginia Tech on Nov. 27 for a chance to win the Coastal title and a trip to Charlotte for the ACC title game. Miami will turn to freshman quarterback Stephen Morris to lead them with starter Jacory Harris still bothered by a concussion. Morris will also rely on Damien Berry, Graig Cooper, Lamar Miller and Leonard Hankerson to help power the ‘Canes.

No. 8 Nebraska at No. 19 Texas A&M
When: Saturday
Where: Kyle Field; College Station, Texas
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ABC (Check local listings)
Buzz: With a return trip to the Big 12 Championship clearly in their sights, Nebraska hits the road for the final time. The Huskers need to beat the Aggies to claim the right to head to Arlington, Texas next month. Texas A&M is one of the hottest teams in the country, winning their last four games thanks in part to quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The junior has stepped into the starting roll over the last three games and has the Aggies still in contention for the South Division title.

No. 24 Florida State at Maryland
When: Saturday
Where: Byrd Stadium; College Park, Maryland
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ABC (Check local listings)
Buzz: The ACC Atlantic Division race is still up in the air with three teams with two losses each. Maryland and N.C. State both control their own destines, with each needing to win their remaining two games to get into the title game. Florida State needs to win Saturday and the Wolfpack to lose for the Seminoles to have a shot towards playing in Charlotte. Quarterback Christian Ponder continues to be a question mark for the ‘Noles but backup E.J. Manuel is a suitable replacement (4-1 as a starter).

Photos of Wrigley Field

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Saturday, Illinois and Northwestern will hit the field for a Big Ten match-up. That’ not the interesting part. The interesting part is the fact they will be playing at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.

It’s not the first time that the historic baseball field has been used for the gridiron. For five decades, the Chicago Bears called Wrigley Field their home until they moved to Soldier Field.

Here are some photos from this week’s transformation of Wrigley Field to a football field.

Wrigley Field being lined for Saturday's game with Illinois and Northwestern in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

Preparations for Saturday's college football game at Wrigley Field continue. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)