The Banana song

Rock your head to the banana song. It's really popular and not too bad actually.

My Humps parody by Alanis Morissette

If you haven't already seen the Alanis Morissette parody of "My Humps", originally sung by the band, "Black Eyed Peas", here it is:



Here's the original video of 'My Humps' by Black Eyed Peas

Google Reader

Google has come up with yet another useful tool called the "Google Reader". Basically, it is simply an online RSS reader where you can log on to your Google account and access all the RSS feeds. You can subscribe to some of the feeds that come with it, such as new Daily Show videos, or Colbert Report videos.

http://www.google.com/reader

For more new Google tools and services, visit Google Labs:

http://labs.google.com/

How Pakistani are you? Test yousrelf....

I don't think this is the most accurate test of your Pakistani-yat, but it's fun to take it anyway. I scored pretty low, but I'm not taking it too seriously. Some of the choices are pretty funny.

Arey, you are 35% Pakistani!

 

Not bad, but not good enough to call yourself a real Pakistani either! You seem more London than Lahore, so why not try wearing a shalwar kameez for a week and maybe that'll bump up your rating...

How Pakistani are you? (first class number one!)
Create a Quiz

Thinking about switching to wordpress...

A couple of weeks ago, I created a blog on wordpress, but it was more of a project than a personal blog, however, I realized wordpress offers several advantages over blogger. Despite that, the new version of blogger comes packed with a easy-to-use interface where one can add, remove and move around little modules to configure the look and feel of their blogs. The only feature I dislike about wordpress and that is probably the only thing holding me back from switching is the fact that I'd have to purchase a template in order to modify any of the code (Well, you could modify the code, but you can't save it). I guess when I'm serious about it, I will switch to wordpress and get myself a hosting service.

The fish that got away...

This is an amazing footage of a tigress attempting to subdue and prey on a lone zebra in what seems to be a lake, but the zebra isn't going to give up without a fight. Check it out.

Lion vs Warthog

Pretty evenly matched, but alas...

Search within Rapidshare and Megaupload

If you're looking for a particular audio, video, or eBook file, you can search for it on Rapidshare or Megaupload using the following link.

http://www.rapidsharer.org/

Have fun!

Predictions made in the year 1900 about the year 2000

This is pretty fascinating....

The Ladies Home Journal from December 1900, which contained a fascinating article by John Elfreth Watkins, Jr. “What May Happen in the Next Hundred Years”.

Mr. Watkins wrote: “These prophecies will seem strange, almost impossible. Yet, they have come from the most learned and conservative minds in America. To the wisest and most careful men in our greatest institutions of science and learning I have gone, asking each in his turn to forecast for me what, in his opinion, will have been wrought in his own field of investigation before the dawn of 2001 - a century from now. These opinions I have carefully transcribed.”

During the Year 2000, we included Mr. Watkins research in our feature articles. We invite you to comment on these predictions, whether they have been realized in some way or how they can never be accomplished! In any event, we know you’ll enjoy these entries.

Prediction #1: There will probably be from 350,000,000 to 500,000,000 people in America and its possessions by the lapse of another century. Nicaragua will ask for admission to our Union after the completion of the great canal. Mexico will be next. Europe, seeking more territory to the south of us, will cause many of the South and Central American republics to be voted into the Union by their own people.”

Prediction #2: The American will be taller by from one to two inches. His increase of stature will result from better health, due to vast reforms in medicine, sanitation, food and athletics. He will live fifty years instead of thirty-five as at present – for he will reside in the suburbs. The city house will practically be no more. Building in blocks will be illegal. The trip from suburban home to office will require a few minutes only. A penny will pay the fare. [...]

Thanks to my buddy n00p

More funny headlines with Jay Leno

Comedian Rob O'Reilly interviews people

Rob O'Reilly walks around on the streets of Boston humoring people...

How smart is the average person?

33 confirmed dead in Virginia Tech shooting

It is now clear that 33 people, including the gunman have died in a fatal shooting spree in at Virgina Tech University. For more details, please follow the links below.

Detailed updates

MSNBC's Report

BBC's Report

CNN's Report

Emails from Bryan Spangler, a computer science student at Virginia Tech regarding the shooting.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/apr/16/virginia_tech_emails_about_shooting/

Virginia Tech President's message on the main page:

http://vt.edu

15 ways to quit your job...

Taken directly from Msn careers...

Diplomacy is defined as "tact and skill in dealing with people." While it's always a good idea to be diplomatic in all your personal and business dealings, it's especially important when you are resigning from a job. The world is much smaller than we sometimes think, and with all the company mergers, consolidations and acquisitions, it's best not to burn bridges.

When you're leaving a job, it's not the time to finally give an irritating co-worker a piece of your mind. The co-worker or supervisor you've despised could wind up as your boss somewhere down the career road.

Here are a few tips to take into consideration before you announce your resignation.

1. Always use professionalism and courtesy in announcing your intention to leave the company.

2. Advise your direct supervisor first. Then tell colleagues and department staff. [...]

Giant Gypsum Crystals

There exist, in Mexico, extraordinarily large gypsum crystals that seem to have had the perfect condition for their development, new research shows. Some of these crystals are as long as 11m! Click here to read more about it.

Blind Cops - Episode 1 & 2

Just came across these funny clips that seems to be getting some fair amount of publicity. It's a short film based on two blind cops and their misadventures as law enforcement agents. Watch and enjoy.

Just another reason not to mess with lions

Tourists' spacecraft reaches ISS

The first space tourist ever, billionaire Charles Simonyi has successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS) along with two cosmonauts aboard a Russian spacecraft. I wonder if we will ever have space subways where people would be traveling back and forth from earth to the space station and back? Read on here.

Alternative to Youtube?

The team at Pakmusic.net has come up with a 'desi flavored' youtube called "Stopdesi" located at http:/www.stopdesi.com. You'll find humorous and informative desi clips on this site. Go on, give it a try. You know you want to.

Giant Octupus vs Shark

Can you guess which one prevails?

Google leads the way

Until yesterday, after reading an article on BBC's website, I hadn't realized how dependent (and grateful) I was on the services Google provides us. However, it also made me realize that nearly every aspect of my actions over the internet are surrounded by Google. That is not to say that is necessarily a bad thing, but why do I, or millions of Google fans not prefer to use other search engines such as MSN, A9, Yahoo, Altavista, Ask.com, etc? The following article discusses some important reasons why Google has such a huge following. Click here to read the article.

Jay Leno on Letterman back in the day

I recently found out that Jay Leno, before he hosted his own show, was a comedian who performed live from city to city. He was a regular guest on the Late Night show with David Letterman and he was extremely entertaining. Here is a two-part clips of his appearance long time ago.

Part 1




Part 2

In a Galaxy far far away....

An impression of HD 209458b

Scientists believe they have found what they believe to be evidence of existence of water vapor in the atmosphere of a planet outside our solar system. The following article has been taken from BBC's website:

Water has been detected for the first time in the atmosphere of a planet outside our Solar System. The planet, known as HD 209458b, is a Jupiter-like gas giant located 150 light-years from Earth in the constellation Pegasus.

Other scientists reported in February they were unable to find evidence of water in this planet's atmosphere, as well as in another Jupiter-like planet. The latest research is published in the Astrophysical Journal. Water vapour (or steam) was expected to be present in atmospheres of most known extrasolar planets, even those that orbit more closely to their parent star than Mercury is to our Sun. [...]

NC-17 rated blogs?

I came across this interesting article on BBC on whether blogs containing explicit/suggestive images or content be branded with a content rating or a warning? I personally believe they should, and in fact, a large one at that. Those warnings should be targeted for the adult readers who have developed a sense of conscience, not children.

It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure they monitor the internet activities of their children by installing family filters, or whatever is prudent to ensure they are protected from sexual predators, illicit activities and mature content. Take a look at the article and a poll on BBC's website here.

Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Personality Test

The Myers-Briggs personality test is supposedly one of the most accurate ones and in fact, certain employers use it to determine a candidate's suitability to their company. Take it here and try to understand yourself better.

Dan Nainan - Stand up Comedian

Check out this hilarious stand up skit from 1/2 Japanese, 1/2 Indian comedian named Dan Nainan.

Two faces of Madonna on Letterman

In the first video shows Madonna notorious interview on the late night show with David Letterman in 1994. Madonna was being arrogant, completely avoiding Letterman's questions and using abusive language despite warnings from Letterman several times.

The second and third clips are are two parts of the same interview, where Madonna appears on Letterman's show in 2007, is in stark contrast with the first one in that, Madonna has three children, and has matured greatly.

Madonna on the Late Night Show in 1994



Madonna on the Late Night Show in 2007

Part 1



Part 2

New Transformers Trailer

Check out the new trailer for the upcoming movie, Transformers. It is set to release on the 4th of July, or 7.4.7 as it says in the trailer. Enjoy!

Mini flying saucer

Image Courtesy: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

A British ex-hovercraft engineer has designed a fascinating piece of technology: A saucer-helicopter hybrid drone. Read on for more information. A link to a video of the saucer is provided at the bottom of the post.

"My son said it was a bloody silly idea,' said Mr Hatton. "Now I've proved it works, he says sorry, he was wrong."

The 68-year-old has won a contract with the US government for his 3ft-wide contraption, a cross between a hovercraft and a helicopter. It is being considered for surveillance sorties.

"Unlike a helicopter, though, this is aerodynamically neutral and you can bump into walls and not smash the rotor,' said the inventor.

"And, unlike a hovercraft, you can fly it as high as you want."

The dome-shaped object is powered by an electricity-driven propeller on top that pushes air over the outer surfaces, and has controllable flaps.[...]

Video: Watch the flying saucer in action!

Best of Jay Leno Headlines

I haven't laughed this hard in a LONG time. These two videos will get you rolling on the floor. Check em' out!

Part 1



Part 2

Hometown Baghdad - Songs of Pain

An Iraqi movie crew that calls themselves "Hometown Baghdad", attempts to capture and manifest the rage, agony and hardships faced by three Iraqis living in the chaos that surrounds Baghdad in this short clip and others. There are several videos of "Hometown Baghdad" available on Youtube, definitely worth taking a look.

Description of the following video from Youtube:

"In this episode, Adel uses heavy metal to express his rage at the death and destruction surrounding him.

Hometown Baghdad was shot by an all-Iraqi crew and tells the stories of three young people trying to survive in Baghdad.

To view all videos in this series, go to http://www.youtube.com/chattheplanet

Please rate and comment on the videos. And please subscribe to our channel to see more videos in the Hometown Baghdad series. Our brave Iraqi cast and crew risked their lives to make this series. So please help us make sure the world listens by helping us spread the videos. Embed them to your site, email them around, favorite them.

And visit http://hometownbaghdad.com to learn more about the series and to leave comments for the cast members."

Animated video of the Imerpial History of the Middle East

Courtesy: My buddy Jason.

Why you shouldn't get too comfortable at work

Prehistoric Shark footage

This odd-looking aquatic life-form known as a "Deep Sea Frill Shark" was found off the coast of Japan. Unfortunately, it died shortly after it was discovered. Here's a video footage of the creature.

Mystery of how Pyramids were built, solved.

Personally, I think the answer to the question of how the Pyramids were constructed provides a major breakthrough in understanding Egyptian architecture and technology. This is an article taken directly from BBC's website.

A French architect claims to have solved the mystery of how Egypt's Great Pyramid was built.

Jean-Pierre Houdin said the 4,500-year-old pyramid, just outside Cairo, was built using an inner ramp to lift the massive stones into place. Other theories contend that the three million stones - each 2.5 tons - were pushed into place using external ramps. Mr Houdin studied the problem for eight years and used a computer model to illustrate how he thought it was done. "This is better than the other theories, because it is the only theory that works," said Mr Houdin as he unveiled his theory with a 3D computer simulation.

He believes workers used an outer ramp to build the first 43 metres (47 yards) then constructed an inner ramp to carry stones to the apex of the 137m pyramid. The pyramid was built to house the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu, also known as Cheops. The Grand Gallery inside the pyramid, another source of mystery for Egyptologists, housed a giant counter-weight used to hoist five 60 ton granite beams into position above the King's Chamber.

"This goes against both main existing theories," Egyptologist Bob Brier told Reuters news agency after Mr Houdin explained his hypothesis. "I've been teaching them myself for 20 years but deep down I know they're wrong." Mr Houdin said that an outer ramp all the way to the top of the pyramid would have blocked sight lines and left little room to work, while a long, frontal ramp would have used up too much stone.

Further confusing matters, there is little evidence left of external ramps at the site of the Great Pyramid. Mr Houdin said the pyramid could have been built by 4,000 people using his technique instead of 100,000, as postulated by other theorists. The architect is now assembling a team to verify his theory on site using radars and other non-invasive means.

300 seconds of 300

Check it out, a 300 second clip from the highly talked about movie, "300". Trust me, you will not be disappointed. Credit: n00p

http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?name=movies&id=1553704&vid=136403

World's most premature baby

Image Source: BBC

A baby girl said to have spent the shortest time in her mother's womb is to be released from the hospital in Miami where she was born. Amillia Taylor is believed to be the first baby to have survived following a gestation period of less than 22 weeks. She weighed a mere 10 ounces (284 grams) at birth on 24 October. Doctors generally consider that babies born weighing less than 14 ounces (400g) at birth stand no chance of survival.[...]

Stumpy the "four-legged duckling"

Image Source: BBC

An ugly duckling has made waves on a farm after being born with four legs. A rare mutation has left eight-day-old Stumpy with two extra legs behind the two he moves around on. Owner Nicky Janaway, of Warrawee Duck Farm in the New Forest, Hampshire, said she was gobsmacked when she turned Stumpy over to check his sex. "It was absolutely bizarre. I was thinking 'he's got too many legs' and I kept counting: One, two, three, four,'" she said. [...]

The Pacific Islanders who worship an American GI

There is always something strange in the newspapers, and here is something you don't get to hear everyday. There is a small population on an Island in the Pacific that believes that one day an American GI by the name of "John Frum" will bring them wealth and happiness - their own version of the Christian Jesus. Read for yourselves.

At the base of a sacred volcano in an isolated corner of the South Pacific young men play the "Star Spangled Banner" on bamboo flutes. Every February they parade in old US army uniforms with wooden weapons. Others go bare-chested with the letters "USA" painted in bright red letters on their bodies.

Nearby, a giant Stars and Stripes flutters in the breeze from the main flagpole. This is the heart of John Frum country on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. Villagers at Sulphur Bay worship a mystical figure who they believe will one day bring them wealth and happiness.[...]

Metal Storm - The Next Generation Weapon

Condolicious - The Condoleezza Rap

The 10 worst technologies in Q2 2006

We love seeing great new tech, but there's also a side of us that takes delight in seeing the other end of the technological spectrum. Like with a bad movie that achieves cult status because it's just that bad, we love to hate something about these unlucky 13 products and downloadable duds from the past three months. Keep in mind, each of the items listed below has its share of redeeming qualities. But each of them also stands out for all the wrong reasons. In no particular order, here are some recent tech turkeys. And if you want to catch up on the entire year's most worthless gear, read our roundup of the worst tech of the first quarter. Compiled by CNET Reviews.

1. Worst new sport: Segway polo

Hmm, if only there were a way to combine the dorkiness of riding a Segway with the snobbery of a polo match. It seems Apple Computer co-founder Steve Wozniak's next venture is to popularize the game of Segway polo, once he's done finding ways of cheating in it and forcing them to rewrite the rules every week. When Woz isn't busy annoying everyone on the Segway polo grounds with "tactics" such as throwing his mallet and clubbing shots over their heads, he's busy braining passersby with errant shots. See all this and more in our incredibly uncomfortable video. [...]

The beautiful people of Kalash

Not too long ago, I first read about a small tribe of people called the "Kalash" who reside in the valleys of Hindu Kush, Pakistan. By the looks, it would be difficult for one to determine the origin of this intriguing civilization. Some claim they are descendants of Alexander the Great himself, however, DNA testing has shown little contribution from the Greeks and it seems as though they are an aboriginal people. When I first read about them and heard about their pagan culture, I was highly impressed. A small population with such contrasting identities to their host nation have found a piece of heaven for themselves and have survived for centuries. Here are a few pictures of the Kalash people and some of their handicrafts. It will give the reader an idea of how colorful their culture is.

Another video on lovely Karachi

Drive by Farting

Driveby Farting - video powered by Metacafe

Snake Charmer

Trailer for new movie "Transformers"

This is simply amazing. I used to watch the cartoons when I was a kid. Can't wait for this one to come out, along with 300

New: Unseen Saddam's Video Footage

Saddam The Unseen Video - video powered by Metacafe

Amazing Japanese Robots

Some of these machines are simply mind-blowing. Pay particular attention to the movement of the 'snake robot' and the 'helix'.

Magical Magnetic Ring

This is pretty cool! They even sell bracelets, etc at their website located at http://dynomighty.com. Do check it out. Enjoy!

Bodies hit the floor

This is one of my favourite songs!

DMV Prank

This is unbelievable as well as hilarious.

Snake swallowing an egg

Simply amazing...

Nickelback attacked with water bottles mid-performance

This is pretty messed up.

Astana

Kazakhstan has unveiled a new architectural project for its capital Astana - a giant transparent tent that will contain an indoor city.

The 150m-high (500ft) dome, designed by UK architect Norman Foster, will be built in just over a year. The tent is being made from special material that absorbs sunlight to create the effect of summer inside. Astana lies in the very heart of the Central Asian steppe. Temperatures there often drop to -30C in the winter.

'Difficult project'

The final shape of the world's biggest tent was revealed in a 3D model by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Underneath, in an area larger than 10 football stadiums, will be a city with squares and cobbled streets, canals, shopping centres and golf courses. The idea is to recreate summer, so that when the outside temperature is -30C, the residents of the Kazakh capital can play outdoor tennis, take boat rides or sip coffee on the pavement cafes.

Called Khan Shatyry, the project is designed by Lord Foster, who has recently built a giant glass pyramid in Astana. "Nothing of the sort has been done before, and from the engineering point of view it's an extremely difficult project," says Fettah Tamince, the head of Turkey's development company Sembol that is building the tent. Mr Tamince is nevertheless confident the company can complete the construction in just 12 months. [...]

What is beauty?

Every now and then, we hear one person say: "He/she is beautiful". In response, we'll hear someone say: "No way, he/she is ugly". There's nothing wrong with either person's remark, because I think the definition of beauty stems from one's perspective. However, at times you will come across people arguing about another person's looks, about how he/she is or isn't beautiful. I think that argument is ridiculous, because as I stated earlier, what one person may find attractive, may be equally repulsive to another.

There seems to be a vague, yet generally accepted definition of beauty for both men and women, the classic: "Tall, dark and handsome" for men, and "Tall, thin and blonde". When we get into details, there seem to be widely different conceptions of beauty. People in the West generally seem to find darker skin, darker hair and darker eye color more attractive, whereas in the East, people find lighter, blonde hair, and lighter eye colors a sign of beauty. It seems that that old saying: "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" holds when it comes to describing beauty as well.

Verdict: What you may deem ugly, may be beautiful to another, so respect the preference of other people by accepting their idea of beauty rather than indulging in a long, fruitless argument about how they could possibly find something or someone attractive to the senses.

Techno Monkey

Rumsfeld Gets Cute

Arabic Usher

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 30 million people, with another 40 million people positive for HIV, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 3.1 million (between 2.8 and 3.6 million) lives in 2005 of which, more than half a million (570,000) were children.

The concept of a World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. Since then, it has been taken up by governments, international organizations and charities around the world. From 1988 to 2004, the World AIDS Day was organized by UNAIDS, who, after consultation with other organizations, chose a theme.

In 2005 UNAIDS handed over responsibility for World AIDS Day to The World AIDS Campaign (WAC), an independent organisation. In 2005, they chose Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise as the theme for World AIDS days through to 2010. This theme is not specific to World AIDS Day but also to the work WAC does throughout the year. The student element of the campaign, the Student Stop AIDS Campaign (SSAC), is a key part of increasing awareness among young people across the UK.

Source: Wikipedia

A video of lovely Karachi, the city of lights.

Freestylin' while ordering at McDonalds

Do the monkey dance!

12 days of Indian Christmas

This is hilarious!

UCLA Student Tazered by Police

CAIR-LA CALLS FOR PROBE OF UCLA TASER INCIDENT
Student given multiple stun gun shocks by campus police

(ANAHEIM, CA, 11/16/06) - The Southern California office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today called for an independent investigation of an incident late Tuesday in which a student at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) was given multiple “Taser” stun gun shocks by campus police.

CAIR-LA was contacted by several UCLA students who expressed their concern about possible civil rights violations by police officers.

The incident began when the student, Mostafa Tabatabainejad, was asked to leave a computer lab after he failed to produce a student ID during a random check. The entire incident was captured on video by another student. While being stunned, Tabatabainejad informed the officers he had a medical condition. [...]

The following is a video footage of the incident recorded by a student present at the scene.

Warning: The following footage contains disturbing language and violence. Viewer discretion is advised.

The Real Kazakhstan

What does Borat get right and wrong about his native land?
By Eric Weiner
Updated Friday, Nov. 3, 2006, at 4:57 PM ET

First, a disclaimer: My wife and I recently adopted a baby girl from Kazakhstan, so my interest in researching whether Sacha Baron Cohen's new film, Borat, presents a realistic portrayal of the formerly obscure Central Asian republic is more than academic. After all, would you want your daughter associated with a urine-drinking, wife-beating, cow-punching, sister-f******, prostitute-ridden, anti-Semitic nation?

Having said that, I assure you I kept an open mind while doing my research. My conclusion: Borat's Kazakhstan bears little resemblance to the real Kazakhstan. Little resemblance, but not no resemblance. Here is a rundown of the many things Borat gets wrong about Kazakhstan, and the few things that he gets right.

Language

Let's start with the man himself. Borat is not a Kazakh name (though there is a name Bolat). No one in Kazakhstan greets you with "Jagzhemash," which is most likely gibberish or mangled Polish. The official language in Kazakhstan is, not surprisingly, Kazakh, although Russian is widely spoken. Among the country's large ethnic Russian population, Russian is the only language they speak. And, oh yes, khrum is not the word for testicles, in either Russian or Kazakh.[...]

Busy busy busy

Hola amigos y amigas! I've been a little preoccupied with school and work, hence the lack of updates. My apologies to the handful of readers who feel who do visit my blog out of sympathy, for my apparent disinterest lately. I want to assure you all that it isn't indifference towards this blog, rather, it is just an increase in school workload that is keeping me away. After the 22nd of December, the last day of school, I will flourish this blog with lots and lots of updates! I promise! Thanks for sticking around brothas and sistahs. Until then, enjoy this little clip:

Why waste a temper tantrum if nobody is around to see it?

Using Water to generate musical notes

China's execution machine

As China's economy sprials into a whirlwind, which may eventually absorb the global economy one day, their human rights record remains patchy. Sky News has done an inside story on China's 'mobile execution buses'.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/video/videoplayer/0,,30200-p21983_waghorn,00.html#

Running late...

I was at work today and this girl walked in, with a freaked out look on her face. She ran up to me and asked me how to connect to the "wireless thingy" because she had a paper due in about 15 minutes from that time and she had to print it out, run all the way across campus and submit it to her professor. It was a midterm paper, so it was really important to her.

I asked her to calm down first, and instead of having her install the printer drivers, putting money on her account, printint it out, and carrying all her stuff all the way to the other end of the campus, I decided to print it out from my work account (unlimited prints) and upon her request, have her leave her stuff with me so she could run to her professor's office to turn in her paper.

She came back with a depressed look on her face: she had missed her professor by a few minutes. I then helped her email the document to her professor and dictated the contents of the email to her. I had her tell him that it was my fault that she got delayed because I couldn't help her connect to the wireless connection, which is why she couldn't turn her paper on time. She was so happy at the end and thanked me profusely for all my help. It felt good doing a good samaraitan. The simple smile of gratitude on her face made my day. I sincerely hope her professor accepts her paper and that she passes with flying colors!

Japanese Bathroom Prank

Waterbed Prank

Japanese Sauna Tricks

This is hilarious!

Trailer for Frank Miller's 300th

All I can say is WOW! Thanks to N00p for this.



Update: I've embedded the trailer within the post since now it has been officially released and it is now safe to do so. The official trailer for the movie is now available in High Definition on Apple's website, which I HIGHLY recommend watching. I'm simply speechless after watching the trailer for the movie. Check it out here. Enjoy!

Google purchases Youtube for $1.65 Billion

Google Inc. has laid speculation to rest--it will buy YouTube for $1.65 billion in a stock transaction. YouTube operates a wildly popular Web site where original videos appear in a range of quality from amateurish to professional. It will continue to operate independently after the Google acquisition "to preserve its successful brand and passionate community," Google said today. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter.

Though YouTube CEO and cofounder Chad Hurley had previously insisted that YouTube wasn't for sale, his view changed when Google agreed to allow YouTube to operate independently, Hurley said during a conference call that included Google and YouTube executives this afternoon.

'A Better Experience'

Bringing YouTube into the ever-growing Google empire will mean that users have a "better, more comprehensive experience" when they upload, watch, and share videos, Google said. It will also give professional content owners more opportunities to get their work out to a wider audience, Google and YouTube executives said during the conference call. Rumors of the purchase first surfaced last week.[...]

South Asia Earthquake: One Year on

Image Courtesy: BBC

Slow pace of quake reconstruction

Musadiq Iqbal is one of the lucky ones - he will soon be moving to his new earthquake-resistant house after his old one collapsed in the 8 October, 2005 quake. Only a few are in his position in Katahi, some 50km (25 miles) south-east of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In most cases, compensation has not been paid or does not meet the costs of the compulsory new quake-resistant design. Thousands in this mountainous region will have to brave a second chilly winter in temporary shelters.

Under the World Bank-funded government compensation scheme, each home owner is to receive 150,000 rupees (nearly $2,500) in three instalments to reconstruct his or her house. Those whose houses were partially damaged get 50,000 rupees for repairs. Musadiq Iqbal has used savings as well as his compensation and reckons the final rebuild cost will be 400,000 rupees. Workers are busy giving the house its final touches and he is hoping to move in just before winter.[...]

Stunning Images of Dubai

Dh250m Great Dubai Wheel spins into action

Dubai: Dubai Municipality has approved the master plan of the Dh250 million Great Dubai Wheel project.Developers say the wheel will be the tallest observation wheel in the world, and will be larger than the London Eye, which was recently voted the world's best tourist attraction. Work will begin shortly on the 185-metre Observation Wheel, one of Dubailand's key tourist attractions, which will welcome its first visitors in early 2009 and provide a panoramic view of Dubai.

It will have 30 orbiter capsules with a total capacity of 7.5 million guests per year. The project also includes a restaurant and condominiums.During the journey on the wheel, the visitor will be able to view distances of up to 50 kilometres. The master plan was presented to Dubailand and Dubai Municipality by Great Wheel Corporation, a company that develops, finances, builds and operates Great Wheels.

Currently, the group is working on various sites around the world. "Gaining the approval of Dubailand and Dubai Municipality is crucial to the development of the Great Dubai Wheel, and we are grateful to both for their unstinted support through every phase of the project to date," said Leon Heijkoop, representative of the Great Wheel Corporation in Dubai. The master plan was prepared by a team of experts with the support of Dubailand's project consultants. [...]

South Indian version of MJ's "Thriller"

Folks, this is absolutely hilarious! This is a South Indian version of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video. For comparison purposes, I've posted both videos in this post. Enjoy!

South Indian Version:



MJ's Original Version:

Little Superstar

This video was played on Jay Leno's show a couple of weeks ago. n00p had linked to it about a week before it was aired on Leno's show, so I was shocked to see it on Tv! It's hilarious!

Karachi 2006

A pretty cool video on Karachi, the city of lights!

Stunning video of the Peekskill Meteorite

Take a look at this video.

A house I'd like to own someday

Scientists develop more powerful nuclear fuel

By Scott DiSavino

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. researchers have designed a reactor fuel that they believe can make nuclear power plants 50 percent more powerful and safer, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said.

Researchers say their new technology should be ready for commercial use in existing reactors in about 10 years.

In a nuclear reactor, the fission of uranium atoms provides heat used to produce steam for generating electricity.

Already, one pickup truck full of uranium fuel in a nuclear reactor can supply a city with enough electricity for a year. The MIT scientists believe they have found a way to make the fuel go even further, boosting output by about 50 percent.

Uranium fuel typically is formed into cylindrical ceramic pellets about half-inch in diameter. The pellets look like a smooth, black version of food pellets for small animals. [...]

White House turns away "Kazakh reporter" Borat

Image Courtesy: Reuters

Jagshemash! Sasha Baron Cohen, the star behind the characters Ali G, Borat and Bruno, was turned away when he tried to enter the White House dressed up as his character, Borat, pretending to be a Kazakh reporter. Read about it here.

Satellite Images as Wallpapers

This is fascinating. Check it out here.

President Musharraf on the Daily Show

President Musharraf on CBS's 60 minutes

Truth about Pakistan

A lovely video on what Pakistan really is about. Perhaps this will educate people who think Pakistan is a 'terrorist state', etc. Pakistan is a powerful, swiftly developing, sovreign nation. Pakistan Zindabad. Enjoy!

A Ramadan Message

A Ramadan message from the chairman of the Fiqh Council of North American on the calcuation of the full-moon and consequentially the declaration of the beginning of Ramadan on the 23rd of September, 2006.

Ramadan Kareem

I'd like to wish everyone a warm Ramadan greeting. Ramadan is an austere time, the purpose of which is to help an individual learn discipline, tolerance and strength, both of the mond and the body. A muslim is to fast from sunrise until sunset during which time he/she may not eat or drink, apart from a few other prohibitions. During the fast, one must learn to restrain one's anger, eating habits, and increase tolerance for others. After 30 days of living through this daily cycle of restraint and order, one's mind and body become strong. Hence, this is a time for accomplishing many personal goals. Once again, Ramadan Kareem to all the Muslim brothers and sisters. Before I leave, I'd like to share this important Ayat with you all.

"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-" (2:183) - The Holy Qur'an.

Hadiqa - Mehr Ma

Hadiqa Kiani's new song, Mehr Ma. The video isn't extraoordinary, but Hadiqa looks stunning in the video. The beats are pretty catchy as well. Enjoy!

Stunning nature discovery in Indonesia

An Epaulette Shark

Discoveries of hugely diverse fish and coral species in the Indonesian archipelago have amazed researchers.

The Bird's Head region in Papua may be the most biologically diverse in all the oceans, say scientists from Conservation International (CI). Among 50 species believed to be new are bottom-dwelling "walking" sharks and "flasher" wrasse, which feature colourful male courting displays. CI is working with the Indonesian government to protect the ecosystem.

"Five years ago we ran our first expedition to Raja Ampat [islands off the Bird's Head], and this revealed what we felt to be the epicentre of marine biodiversity on the planet," said Mark Erdmann, a CI scientist on the project. [...]

Nissan Anuncio 4x4 - The Mechanical Creature

This commercial is amazing. It's a must see! Thanks to Jason for this.

First Woman Space Tourist takes off

Anousheh Ansari
Image Courtesy: BBC

The first woman space tourist has taken off abroad a Russian designed "Soyuz" rocket. The rocket took off from the launching pad in Kazakhstan located in the city of Baikonur. The woman, Anousheh Ansari, is a 40-year old Iranian-born US citizen. The rocket was also carrying additional crew members for the International Space Station (ISS). Ms. Ansari is reported to have paid an amount around $20 million for the space tour.

For more information, click here.

Quote of the Day

Baha'u'llah - born Mírzá
Ḥusayn-`Alí (1817 - 1892)

"... man's glory lieth in his knowledge, his upright conduct, his praiseworthy character, his wisdom, and not in his nationality or rank."

--- Baha'u'llah

Matt Damon's outburst on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Matt Damon gets extremely upset on Jimmy Kimmel's show when he is invited on stage Kimmel runs out of time without saying a word to Matt. Previously, in several shows, Kimmel had invited Matt on the show, but had always run out of time before he could get Matt on stage. This was the last straw when Matt was finally invited on stage, but didn't get a chance to say a single word! Check it out.

Politically Savvy girl

This little girl is six years old, and she knows more about politics than I would know in my entire life. She may become the first female US president someday!


Genius Girl - video powered by Metacafe

India's 'monster eater'

Restaurant owners in the town of Trissur in the Indian state of Kerala can breathe a huge sigh of relief - the "monster eater" is retiring. They can now think again about launching "eat as much as you like" lunches and buffets. That is because Rappai - the man with the giant appetite - has been warned by medics to curb his food intake. In his prime it would have been an under-statement to describe Rappai's appetite as voracious.

'Unlimited meals'

This was a man who quite easily could plough his way through two buckets of rice and accompanying chicken and vegetable dishes. For breakfast it was said he could devour 75 idlies (rice cakes) and still have room for more. On one famous occasion, the man who locally became known as Theeta (monster eater) took advantage of a local restaurant's "unlimited meals" coupon. He reputedly scoffed three bucketfuls of rice, one bucket of fish curry and 10 kgs of cooked meat. [...]

Woman wins $1 million lotto twice!

What are the odds of winning a lottery twice? The number I would assume, is too minute to be worth mentioning. Read on...

Wilson, 56, beat some long odds to pull off her double victory.

In 2002, her winning ticket in the Cool Million scratch-off game, which has since been discontinued, was a shot of 1 in 5.2 million, according to the New York State Lottery. Last month, she beat odds of 1 in 705,600 when she got the $1 million prize in the New York lottery’s Jubilee scratch-off game.[...]