KNOWLEDGE IS WEALTH

1. Coca-Cola was originally green.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2. The most common name in the world is Mohammed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3. The name of all the continents ends with the same letter that they start with.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
4. The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
5. There are two credit cards for every person in the United States .
----------------------------------------------------------------------
6. TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the lettersonly on one row of the keyboard.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Women blink nearly twice as much as men!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
8. You can't kill yourself by holding your breath.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
9. It is impossible to lick your elbow.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
10. People say "Bless you" when you sneeze because when youSneeze, your heart stops for a millisecond.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
11. It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
12. The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is said to be thetoughest tongue twister in the English language.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
13. If you sneeze too hard, you can fracture a rib. If you try toSuppress a sneeze; you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neckand die.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Each king in a deck of playing cards represents great king fromHistory. "Spades" - King David; "Clubs" - Alexander the Great;" Hearts" - Charlemagne; "Diamonds" - Julius Caesar.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
15. 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
---------------------------------------------------------------------
16. If a statue of a warrior on a horse has both front legsin the air, the person died in battle. If thehorse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle.If the horse has a all four legs on the ground, the person died of naturalcauses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
17 What do bullet proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers all have in common?Ans. - All invented by women.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
18. Honey - This is the only food that doesn't spoil.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
19. A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
20. A snail can sleep for three years.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
21. All polar bears are left handed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
22. American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olivefrom each salad served in first-class.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
23. Butterflies taste with their feet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
24. Elephants are the only animals that can't jump.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
25. In the last 4000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
26. On average, people fear spiders more than they do death.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
27. Shakespeare invented the word 'assassination' and 'bump'.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
28. Stewardesses is the longest word typed with only the left hand.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
29. The ant always falls over on its right side when intoxicated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
30. The electric chair was invented by a dentist.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
31. The human heart creates enough pressure when it pumps out to thebody to squirt blood 30 feet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
32. Rats multiply so quickly that in 18 months, two rats could have overmillion descendants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
33. Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria inyour ear by 700 times.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
34. The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
35. Most lipstick contains fish scales.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
36.. Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different
---------------------------------------------------------------------

THE STORY OF VIJAYA

This is the story of Vijaya… she is a girl who was under full control of her parents. She did everything which was told to her by her dad and mom since she was a child.Her parents inculcated in her that she must study hard and hard and reach higher studies and, highest position in tertiary education.
Vijaya was brought up in that way since childhood, and had to achieve her goal… her father was a clerical assistant in the state departments of the country and it was his dreams that he wanted to see being realised by his daughter.

He was not able to reach higher studies and wished to see Vijaya do what he did not.He got married at the age of 21 while his wife (Vijaya’s mother) was only 17 at that time. It was a love marriage as he had seen her when he was travelling by bus to go to work those days and had a weakness for her and anyhow he was able to get their parents convinced to get them married.Now when Vijaya was growing up, her dad inculcated this also in her mind that she must NEVER take love into consideration, not to let any boy approach her and not to be influenced in anyway by love as that will cause disturbance in achieving her goal. He put in into her mind that love is something trivial and never good for the well being of the future in life. Yet he, himself was in love madly with his wife when he was in his youth….

Vijaya was 12 years old when her dad started brainwashing negatively about LOVE.So she was brought up in that way and was always keeping away with boys. She was never giving any chance for a boy to approach her. She had only girls in her circle of friends.Days went on Vijaya started going to college which was only for girls. She had no contact with any boys…. When she was in her teens the desire for love took the birth in her heart and she had a friend named Farzana who was in love with a boy and she was relating everything about her meeting and courtship with her boyfriend….

And Vijaya considered that to be a very BAD thing as she was taught by her dad and mom that the way of love is the worst….. but even though she was around 18 years old at that time and her heartbeats was going against what her parents had taught her…. She had a wish to have a boyfriend who would touch her, who would tell her in whispers that he loves her, who would meet her secretly, with whom she will elapse some intimate moments in his arms…. She desired to be loved and a fire within her was burning for love…..She curbed that desire to please her parents… she told herself that love will come in her life after she terminates her studies. She was comforting herself by telling that the boy she loves lives in her dream within herself and she would talk to him whenever she was alone in her room….

In fact she needed to be loved and dearly wished to have someone for herself to share her love. But she knew her parents will never agree and there will be lots of problems.When she was 20, a boy anyhow came to know her as she was going to the same university. That boy named Ajay was madly in love with her and proposed her that he will do anything for her if only she accepted his love….

But Vijaya, despite that she found in Ajay the person she wanted to have, categorically refused him, telling him if he will persist she will report him of misbehaviour to the dean. For two years Ajay was around her on all especial occasion at the university yet she gave no way for him to get into her life…. Ajay truly loved her and the whole campus was aware for his love for Vijaya and they all knew that Vijaya will never accept….

Many friends talked on behalf of Ajay but to no avail.The father of Vijaya monitored almost all her activities. He always went to drop her at the university and went to take her back and even when she had to do some shopping her parents were with her…. Her dad watched that no boy ever turns around her….Vijaya had hardened herself so as not to let love dominate her life but instead she also like her parents aimed for higher studies, big certificates a big job with big salary.

And that happened when she was 27 years old.She soon got a job in a very big firm and was appointed the general manager and was earning 40,000 bucks monthly. She got a private car. Her parents were very happy. And her dad was the happiest man in the world…. She started getting marriage proposals… her dad was still reluctant… her mother talked to her in private telling her that if she will get married how will she repay her father for all he had done for her financially?... then Vijaya decided to work for the next three years to help her dad repay the loans he had taken for her studies.

By then she got a sort of scholarship from the company she works for to follow a certain course abroad…. She went to UK FOR TWO YEARS…again studies!!When she was back she was 32 years old!!!..... and now not even a marriage proposal?!.... She was so much involved in her works that she did not pay heed either she gets married or not.She met her friend Farzana who was now a mother of two cute kids. She got married to the same boy she was in love in her teens. They were both very happy and leading a pleasant life.And now Vijaya was earning over 50,000 bucks per month! Big money, car, luxuries of life and all that…. materially she had everything… but what was she missing in her life? She said she lacked nothing and was very happy as she was.Now her dad wanted to see his grandchildren!!

He was growing old and now it was his age to play with grandchildren!!...so it was at this moment that they talked marriage with her… and the proposals were no longer available!! The parents now started looking for an ideal pair!! Now they were aiming for a son in law who will be earning over the 50,000 than the daughter!!... the perfect match was it there??They got boys over the age of 45 for a girl who was reaching her 35!!!....

Did they think that there will be a boy in the twenties who will be waiting for Vijaya??VIJAYA HAD HARDENED HERSELF SO MUCH THAT SHE TOLD HERSELF SHE WILL NEVER GET MARRIED NOW AS SHE WAS HAPPY WITH WHAT SHE HAD!!Who is to be blamed for all this? Why now Vijaya was not interested to get married?.....One proposal was from a widower with two kids!.... other proposals were from men nearing the fifties!!... Who would accept now???And after two months the father of Vijaya died!!...

BEFORE HE EXPIRED HE ASKED TO BE FORGIVEN BY VIJAYA AS HE FELT GUILTY FOR HER FATE!!! Vijaya said no words at all!!! She was not talking so much lately….she was often found enclosed in her room not having any conversation with anyone, neither at work nor at home!She was living alone with her mother now, who was nearing her seventies and was becoming very difficult to adapt as the old woman was by then very eccentric…..Days went by, years moved ahead and Vijaya was soon 50 years old!!..

HER MOTHER WAS STILL HERE BUT WAS KEEPING THE BED SINCE THE LAST SIX MONTHS!!

And one day ViJAYA WAS INVITED TO ATTEND THE WEDDING OF HER FRIEND FARZANA’S DAUGHTER!!

After reading the invitation card she closed herself into her room and burst into a cry!!She talked to herself:…. “today I could have been a mother as well, I would be marrying my daughter as well, I would have had kids who would have called me mama!! I would have a husband who would have cared for me, who would LOVE me…I would have known LOVE… I don’t need all the money I have I don’t want the cars I don’t need the luxuries of life I need only love, affection and caring!...i have no one to love me, I am old yet unmarried, all this because of my greedy parents!! They snatched love out of my life. Today I am lonely and will die lonely. What the use of earning so much money? Who will inherit all my riches? What’s the use of having studies that much? I have no family. I am a poor orphan!”She cried her woes to herself….

Her mother heard and tried hard to walk to Vijaya’s room and on seeing her in that state, she cried as well and asked forgiveness…. But Vijaya was so nervous that she shouted to her asking her to get out of her sight!! She blamed her mother to be greedy of fame and money like her dad! She told her to be his accomplice!Vijaya went to attend the wedding of Farzana’s daughter and she met all the friends of her teens days… they were all there and ALL WERE MOTHERS AND SOME WERE EVEN GRANDMOTHERS!!....

She cried her fate a lot with all of her friends, and she cursed herself for having listened to her dad and for having curbed her desire the days love was taking birth within her! How much she wished to be loved and to have a boy in her life those days but because of her dad’s wish she had turned down those feelings!If at that time she had listened to her heart she would be inviting others for the wedding of her children or would be playing with her grand children!!!!

She was very depressive when she was back home on that day after attending the wedding…..And the next morning she was found dead on her bed!This was the story of Vijaya.

Moral:
1.Never turn away love when it knocks at your heart’s door.
2. Parents must never force kids to do things against their will
3. Greed for money, fame, luxuries leads to nowhere.

HOW MUCH DOES A MIRACLE COST?

A little girl wentto her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully.
Threetimes, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.
Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, sheslipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store withthe big red Indian Chief sign above the door
.She waited patiently forthe pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment.Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing.
She cleared her throatwith the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good Finally she took aquarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone ofvoice.
I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' hesaid without waiting for a reply to his question.'Well, I want to talkto you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone.
'He'sreally, really sick...and I want to buy a miracle.''I beg your pardon?'said the pharmacist.'His name is Andrew and he has something badgrowing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now
So howmuch does a miracle cost?
'We don't sell miracles here, little girl.I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little.'
Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will getthe rest.
Just tell me ho w much it costs.'The pharmacist's brother wasa well dressed man.
He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of amiracle does your brother need?''
I don't know,' Tess replied with hereyes welling up.
I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs anoperation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.''How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago'One dollarand eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audibly.'And it's all the moneyI have, but I can get some more if I need to.
''Well, what acoincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of amiracle for little brothers. 'He took her money in one hand and withthe other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live.
I wantto see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle youneed.'That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon,specializing in neuro-surgery.
The operation was completed free of charge and itwasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well.Mom and Dad werehappily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder howmuch it would have cost?'Tess smiled.
She knew exactly how much amiracle cost..one dollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child.In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.Amiracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law.
I know you'll keep the ball moving!Here it goes. Throw it back tosomeone who means something to you!A ball is a circle, no beginning, noend.
It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends.
But the treasure insidefor you to see is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me.TodayI pass the friendship ball to you.Pass it on to someone who is a friendto you.
MY OATH TO YOU...
When you are sad....
I will dry yourtears.When you are scared.....
I will comfort your fears.
Whenyou are worried....
I will give you hope.When you are confused.....
Iwill help you cope.And when you are lost....
And can't see the light, Ishall be your beacon....
Shining ever so bright.This is my oath.....
Ipledge till the end.Why you may ask?....
Because you're my friend

THE EIGHT LIES

1.The story began when I was a child;I was born as a son of a poor family.Even for eating, we often got lack of food.Whenever the time for eating, mother often gave me her portion of rice.While she was removing her rice into my bowl,she would say "Eat this rice, son. I'm not hungry".That was Mother's First Lie

2.When I was getting to grow up,the persevering mother gave her spare time for fishing in a river near our house,she hoped that from the fishes she got,she could gave me a little bit nutritious food for my growth.After fishing, she would cook the fishes to be a fresh fish soup,which raised my appetite. While I was eating the soup,mother would sit beside me and eat the rest meat of fish,which was still on the bone of the fish I ate.My heart was touched when I saw it.I then used my chopstick and gave the other fish to her.But she immediately refused it and said "Eat this fish, son.I don't really like fish."That was Mother's Second Lie.

3.Then, when I was in Junior High School,to fund my study,mother went to an economic enterprise to bring some used-matches boxes that would be stuck in.It gave her some money for covering our needs.As the winter came,I woke up from my sleep and looked at my mother who was still awoke,supported by a little candlelight and within her perseverance she continuedthe work of sticking some used-matches box.I said, "Mother, go to sleep, it's late,tomorrow morning you still have to go for work." Mother smiled and said "Go to sleep,dear. I'm not tired."That was Mother's Third Lie.

4.At the time of final term,mother asked for a leave from her work in order to accompany me.While the daytime was coming and the heat of the sun was starting to shine,the strong and persevering motherwaited for me under the heat of the sun's shine for several hours.As the bell rang, which indicated that the final exam had finished,mother immediately welcomed me and poured me a glass of teathat she had prepared before in a cold bottle.The very thick tea was not as thick as my mother's love,which was much thicker. Seeing my mother covering with perspiration,I at once gave her my glass and asked her to drink too.Mother said "Drink, son. I'm not thirsty!".That was Mother's Fourth Lie.

5.After the death of my father because of illness,my poor mother had to play her role as a single parent.By held on her former job, she had to fund our needs alone.Our family's life was more complicated. No days without sufferance.Seeing our family's condition that was getting worse,there was a nice uncle who lived near my house came to help us,either in a big problem and a small problem.Our other neighbors who lived next to us saw that our family's life was so unfortunate,they often advised my mother to marry again. But mother,who was stubborn, didn't care to their advice,she said "I don't need love."That was Mother's Fifth Lie.

6.After I had finished my study and then got a job,it was the time for my old mother to retire.But she didn't want to; she was sincere to go to the marketplace every morning,just to sell some vegetable for fulfilling her needs.I, who worked in the other city, often sent her some money to help her in fulfilling her needs,but she was stubborn for not accepting the money.She even sent the money back to me.She said "I have enough money."That was Mother's Sixth Lie.

7.After graduated from Bachelor Degree,I then continued my study to Master Degree.I took the degree, which was funded by a company through a scholarship program,from a famous University in America .I finally worked in the company. Within a quite high salary,I intended to take my mother to enjoy her life in America .But my lovely mother didn't want to bother her son,she said to me "I'm not used to."That was Mother's Seventh Lie.

8.After entering her old age,mother got a flank cancer and had to be hospitalized.I, who lived in miles away and across the ocean,directly went home to visit my dearest mother.She lied down in weakness on her bed after having an operation.Mother, who looked so old, was staring at me in deep yearn.She tried to spread her smile on her face;even it looked so stiff because of the disease she held out.It was clear enough to see how the disease broke my mother's body,thus she looked so weak and thin.I stared at my mother within tears flowing on my face.My heart was hurt, so hurt, seeing my mother on that condition.But mother, with her strength, said "Don't cry, my dear.I'm not in pain."That was Mother's Eight Lie.

WANT TO READ NEWS PAPERS FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF WORLD?

NEWSEUM:641 front pages from 62 countries. See how papers all over the place are covering a story. Interesting. The Newseum displays these daily newspaper front pages in their original, unedited form. Some front pages may contain material that is objectionable to some visitors. Viewer discretion is advised.

NEED TO ADD GOOD WIDGETS?

LAB PIXIES: is a free online directory for web gadgets (also known as "Widgets"). Add cool and useful gadgets to your home page, or embed them to enrich your blog or website. Simply click the "add to" button of your favorite gadget and start personalizing your online experience!

FREE ONLINE PRESENTATION SOFTWARE

EMPRESSR:Empressr was developed by Fusebox, an award winning creative and technology firm that creates rich Internet applications (RIAs), and advertising and marketing programs for global 1000 companies. Empressr was developed in response to what we saw as the limitations of existing presentation applications. If streaming video and Flash are more dynamic ways to present important information, then why shouldn't everyone have access to this medium? So our creative and technology experts teamed up to develop a way for anyone to create rich media presentations, easily. The result is the first-of-its-kind visual story telling and presentation application that is revolutionizing the industry.

WANT TO REPAIR ANY HOUSEHOLD ITEM?

FIX IT CLUB: In order to help you discover the fun and the function of fixing things around your home -- from air conditioners to zippers! We offer Ten Good Reasons to fix or recycle things that break. Then we give you 175+ Fix-It Guides with illustrated steps to guide you in troubleshooting and repairing or recycling anything around your home and household. Here's how you can get started right now. FIX IT