Flavors of India

Indian flavors replicate a perfect blend of various cultures and ages. As India is considered to be a food paradise, it is very important for you to know that Indian food is different from the rest of the world not only in taste but also in cooking process as it is influenced by various civilizations, which have contributed their share in its overall development and the present form. As spices play a major role in Indian cuisines one should definitely know that every single spice that is used in Indian cuisines have nutritional as well as medicinal properties. This weekend let us explore the mouth watering popular Indian flavors that are rich in its taste and you are sure to have a fun filled experience while having it.

1. Sweets of West Bengal: If you are planning to visit any of the cities or towns in the State of West Bengal, do remember to have the yummy sweets that the state offers like ‘roshogollas’, ‘Sandesh', 'Cham-cham', ‘Pantua’, Misti Doi ( Sweet Curd) etc. Apart from these mouthwatering sweets, there are also many other delicacies that are also quite popular in the region of West Bengal like Hilsa( Fish) cooked in mustard sauce and the combination of rice with variety of fish is a must try.

2. Idlies and Dosas of South:  South India is quite famous in the country for its rice based dishes and the most famous amongst these are the idlis and the dosas, which can be eaten at any hour of the day to quench hunger as it is quite filling. Although most people prefer to have the normal idlis and dosas. There are also different types of Idlis and dosas that can be found in south India like Aval idli , dhal idli, Rava idli, Kachipuram idli and the number of varieties of dosas include plain dosa, onion dosa, rava dosa, masala dosa etc.

3. Chole Bature of Punjab:  The Punjabi meal, chole bhature is rich in proteins, fiber and carbohydrates and a source of instant energy. What could be more fun filling for a person to go to Punjab and eat this delicious meal on a road side Dhaba (Restaurant). The chick peas and the puris is an instant hit among adults and children, and it is also quite popular in Indian weddings and bashes. Punjab is also quite famous for other dishes like Paratha, dahi vada and lassi ( butter milk).

4. Dhoklas and Khandvi’s of Gujrat: Dhoklas and Khandvi’s are considered to be a vegetarian delight. These Gujarati snacks are quite light and can be cooked easily at home. But one should definitely go for Khaman Dhoklas and Khandvi’s that can be bought from a typical sweet shop in Gujrat. The other famous Gujrati dishes are Bajri no Rotlo (Thick millet flour flatbread usually grilled over coals), Biranj (Steamed rice flavored with saffron, sugar, and dried fruit), Batata nu Shaak (Potato Curry) etc.





5. Vara Pao and Chats of Mumbai: Vara pao is a typical Maharastrian roadside snack that can be enjoyed in the streets of Mumbai. Although you can find variety of chats in all over India, keep in mind that the vendors at Juhu sells the best chats in India as it is not forgotten to relish by anyone who visit the famous Juhu beach from India or abroad. The city of dreams, Mumbai is also famous for other foods like Batata Vada, Butter chicken, Bombay sandwich etc.

Great things about being a virgin woman

Women are always in dilemma whether to have sex before marriage or not. So how about waiting for the right time, and someone really special in your life?

There is nothing worrisome about your virgin status. Instead you should feel proud of it. It's not a big deal for it can be lost anytime. We know sex feels great, but just remember that there are many advantages of being a virgin. It is one of the most special gifts god has given you.

So, for all virgin women out there, here is a list of few great things about being one.

Virgin meaning: According to Oxford dictionary, a virgin is typically a woman, who has never had sexual intercourse.

No pregnancy fears: Out of the many advantages, this one is the most obvious. Many women who have regular sex always worry about getting pregnant. So if you are a virgin you need not worry about this, and also no headache of popping those birth control pills.

No STDs: It's always safe to be a virgin in this society where STDs like HIV/AIDS, herpes, syphilis are so common. If you are not having sex that means you are much less likely to contract STDs.

No emotional trauma of a relationship: Sometimes there is nothing left in a relationship after sex. Love is not all about sex so there are many things a couple can do without sex in a relationship. Remember, a sexual disappointment can make you feel hurt, lonely and angry.

Your man will feel so proud and happy: It's a fact; most men still prefer a virgin woman. No guys want to think about his girl having sex with other guys. Even though virgin women are not sexually experienced, men still love them and feel more sexually excited. He will respect your innocence, and also there won't be any arguments on your past relationships.

You are pure as an angel: Virgins are probably one of the sanest people on earth. Most virgin women have morals and respect themselves. Also they take relationship and marriage very seriously.

So now, save your virginity. Don't give it away on a platter.

New iPad: All That's New

Apple unveiled new version of iPad that enable user to access content available through 4G technology - latest standard of high speed wireless broadband, for price range starting $629.

This third generation device in its category will enable its user to access, record and edit high definition video.

The new iPad comes with Retina display feature which has 3.1 million megapixels that will provide more deep, detailed and clear images.

"The new iPad now has the highest resolution display ever seen on a mobile device with 3.1 million pixels, delivering razor sharp text and unbelievable detail in photos and videos." Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing Philip Schiller said in a statement.

Apple has introduced 5 megapixel rear camera which it has named as iSight camera in the product. This camera will enable user to capture photos and high definition video. This device supports iCloud service which means that an user can store content in a remote storage facility created by the company instead of storing in the device and connect using wireless network to access these contents which can be music, video, electronic documents and others. Apple also upgraded its Apple TV with high definition content.

The company unveiled two models of iPad namely iPad WiFi and iPad WiFi with 4G. While iPad WiFi has been priced between $499 to $699, buyers will have to pay between $629 to $829 for iPad with 4G. With launch of iPad 3, Apple also slashed starting price of its iPad 2 by $100 to $399.

The new iPad models will be available on Apple retails from March 16 in US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Switzerland, UK and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

By the end of March iPad will be available in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

However, there was no clarity on availability of iPad 3 in India. iPad 3 has 10 hours of battery and will last for 9 hours if used for accessing 4G technologies.

With today's version, iPad sees its third update since its debut in April 2010. iPads sales touched a staggering 40.5 million units last year, churning out $25 billion revenues for the technology giant. The product has even surpassed the records set by Mac computers.

As per estimates, Apple's iPad has a share of over 60 per cent in the fast-growing and highly-competitive global tablet market.

Apple in India sells it product through branded retail store chain that include Reliance Digital, Croma, Vijay Sales and others.

Here's a look at the key specs of new iPad:

Prices: 16GB Wi-Fi-only model for $499, 32GB for $599 and 64GB for $699; 4G models cost $130 more
Screen size: 9.7 inches diagonally
Thickness: 0.37 inches
Weight: 1.44 pounds (1.46 pounds for 4G model)
Screen resolution: "Retina display," 2048 by 1536 pixels
Cameras: 5-megapixel camera on back and a low-resolution camera on front, for videoconferencing
Video recording: high-definition (1080p, comparable to the resolution of a 40-inch flat-panel TV), up to 30 frames per second with audio
Battery life: 10 hours
Dual-core A5X processor (quad-core graphics subsystem)
U.S. wireless carriers: AT&T, Verizon Wireless

U.S. release date: March 16, 2012

Delhi Bomb: India Probing Iran's Quds Force's Role

Iran's secretive Quds Force or West Asian terror groups may have been behind the terror bombing on an Israeli embassy car last month, investigators said on Thursday, a day after an Indian freelance journalist was arrested for his alleged link to the attack.


The arrested journalist, Sayed Mohammed Ahmed Kazmi, has allegedly confessed to providing logistical support to the attackers - one of whom is said to have fled to Iran a day after the February 13 bombing that injured four people, including the wife of an Israeli diplomat.


Officials privy to the interrogation of 52-year-old Kazmi said he might not know the entire plot but there are indications that either the Quds Force or the Lebanese Shia militia Hezbollah may have schemed the bombing.


"We are investigating Quds Force role as it is said to be behind the attacks on Israeli nationals in Georgia and Bangkok last month. Besides, an Iran-based terror group and Hezbollah are also under suspicion," an official said.


However, Delhi Police refrained from naming any country suspected to be behind the attack.


Police Commissioner BK Gupta said the arrest of two or three more suspects was likely in the coming days. He refused to give details other than that police had seized a mobile phone and a laptop from Kazmi's possession.


But a police official, refusing to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the media, said that Kazmi's interrogation has revealed his links with extremist groups in the West Asian region.


Kazmi has told his interrogators that the blast plan was prepared last year, said the official.


The journalist has allegedly told them that two or three bombers came to the capital 15 days before the attack. They stayed in a Paharganj hotel, where they prepared the magnetic bomb which one of them attached to the embassy car.

A two-wheeler with Haryana registration number was recovered from Kazmi's house and it is suspected that this was used for reconnaissance of the Israeli mission around four days before the attack.


"The main bomber had left it at Kazmi's house on February 14 before fleeing to Iran," said the official. Police have also recovered the black Hero Honda Passion motorcycle used in the attack. The motorbike was rented from Karol Bagh on the day of the blast.


Kazmi, a post-graduate in Persian language from Delhi University, was arrested on Tuesday. He was later remanded to 20-day police custody by a Delhi court on Wednesday. Originally from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, he has been residing in South Delhi's BK Dutt colony near Jor Bagh area for several years.


Kazmi has been working as a freelance journalist and has also reported for a Tehran-based radio. He is a Press Information Bureau (PIB) accredited journalist and has also worked with Iran-based Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). He was also a contractual Urdu newsreader with state-run Doordarshan.

Indian Two-wheelers that We Miss

Indian streets were introduced to the heroic two wheelers in 1950’s and since then, are seen as a symbol of status by the populace. From parades to blockades, action movies to romantic songs, highways to gullies, two wheelers have ruled the Indian roads. More than usual, swanky four wheels are seen jostling for space with our ever reliable sturdy steed.


It took seven decades for this two-wheeled beauty to reach India from Germany after its invention in 1885 by Gottlieb Daimler and today India stands second largest two-wheeler producer -manufacturer in the world. It stands next only to Japan and China in terms of the number of two-wheelers produced and domestic sales respectively.

 350cc Royal Enfield Bullets entered India when Indian government needed powerful and reliable motorcycles for its Army and police to patrol in the craggy and rocky highways. And today there is influx of swanky, sturdy, glitzy steeds, so much that some of the time primed beauties are used no more. So here is an account of two-wheelers which ruled regal times.


Lambretta

The Italian born motor scooter, Lambretta was bought by Indian government immediately after independence. Incorporated with Automobile Products of India (API), they began assembling Innocenti-built Lambretta scooters. And after getting the license of the model 2, Li150 series in the early sixties, India started manufacturing its own. Li150 was renamed as Lamby 150, after Scooter India Ltd acquired the brand name. Lampy Polo was the last remodeled version by API. After Scooter India Ltd bought the entire manufacturing rights, the last Innocenti-built Lambretta, GP 150, they renamed it as ‘Vijay Super’. The manufacturing units were closed down after British Leyland overtook the company. Today, the brand name Lambratta/ Lambro is owned by SIL.



Rajdoot 350

The Yamaha had come up with Rajdoot 350 in the year 1983 to compete with Royal Enfield Bullet 350 which was the biggest capacity bike in India at that time. The bike was manufactured by Escort Groups. Due to its high fuel consumption, Rajdoot 350 also known as RD 350, could not survive in Indian market for long time and by 1990, company had ended the production.  The bike is very fondly remembered as the ‘350cc two stroke engine that roamed the Indian streets.’









Yezdi Classic

Ideal Jawa, the French company produced Yezdi classic and it was initially known as Jawa.Yezdi was the craze in India for two decades beginning from 1960s. Even Bollywood featured Yezdi in most of the films of yester years. Competing with Bullet bikes, Yezdi could win young hearts. Manufactured without plastic or fiberglass, Yezdi is called the all-metal bike.  From the year 1978, Yezdi was leadying in motorbike market. Even today, this two stroke 250 cc air cooled Yezdi bike has so many fans around.








Hero Honda CD 100

The joint venture of Hero India and Honda of Japan came up with Hero Honda CD 100 in 1985. It became popular cost-centric market for being the best mileage bike. It was a big hit in India where CD 100 suited Indian men’s pocket with less fuel consumption. It charted in the executive class. With its affordable price and durability, Hero Honda CD 100 was known as the decent bike where Yamaha stands for younger generation. This 100 cc air cooled and single cylinder bike was powered with 4 stroke engine. Today this joint venture Hero Honda has become the largest two-wheeler manufacturer.






Bajaj Chetak


Termed as ‘Humara Bajaj’ in India and affordable by millions of Indian families in 1980s, Bajaj Chetak, was a runaway hit. It was one of the popular Indian-made motor scooter by Bajaj Auto. Based on the Italian Vespa Sprint, Chetak was manufactured in India. The name Chetak was after the legendary horse of Indian warrior Rana Pratap Singh. The competition with advanced model bikes and cars, Chetak lost its ground in 2000s and it ended the production in 2009. Its chief competitor was LML NV in the earlier days.

Samsung Launches Next Generation LED Monitor Series

Samsung Electronics announced the launch of its new LED monitor series in India. This feature packed range is backed by superior LED technology to deliver best picture quality and comes with stunning design features. The new range is available in 18.5”, 20”, 21.5”, 23” and 27” screen sizes to cater to different requirements of the consumers and offers them a complete display solution for their personal and business requirements.

Announcing the new range, Mr. Ranjit Yadav, Country Head-Samsung Mobile & IT said, “Samsung has been a dominant player in the monitor market and has always pioneered new technology and innovative products in this segment. The new range of LED monitors reiterates our commitment to bring the best to our consumers. Features such as Wide Viewing Angle, Mega DCR, ToC (Touch of Color) technology along with the stunning curve design available in the new 2012 series, makes this range highly appealing.”

Samsung LED Monitors provides the maximum level of dynamic contract ratio. Samsung LED monitors offers Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio (5,000,000:1) thus delivering the best picture quality. The new LED range allows consumers to experience an almost unlimited viewing angle, 178 degrees vertically and horizontally. To ensure the best possible viewing experience to the user, the monitors come with the innovative Samsung Magic Angle, which enables the user to experience the most optimized picture quality at any position. This unique technology by Samsung can significantly overcome the limitations of positioning of the monitor and the viewing angle can be enhanced by up to 50° vertically.

ToC (Touch of Color) is the innovative molding technology that has been developed and adopted exclusively for Samsung monitors. The monitors have a floating design and as you move your eyes around the frame, you can watch the highlighted colors slowly change. These monitors, with their Eco-aware design, help to preserve our environment and are completely free of VOCs, lead and mercury.

The monitors are equipped with Eco Saving, which helps the user to select the energy consumption level easily and simply with just a few clicks of the OSD menu. Upon setting the Eco Saving mode, you can choose the most optimal level of power consumption and its costs. Eco Saving can help you save energy consumption by up to a whopping 50%.

The HDMI support in the device provides high-speed transmission of high definition digital data from multiple HDMI compatible devices, including set-top boxes, DVD and Blu-ray players straight into your monitor. Another innovative feature of the monitors is the 2D to 3D conversion technology that allows users to instantly convert 2D content to 3D content with the touch of a key.  Not only this, you can also adjust your level of immersion by customizing the 3D depth to your taste from level 1 to level 10 and fully enjoy 3D immersive experience.

The Samsung LED models are available in the screen sizes of 18.5”, 20”, 21.5”, 23” and 27” and are priced in the range between Rs.6,200 to Rs.20,500. The monitors come with a three year on-site warranty.

LEDs, camera create 'invisible' Mercedes Benz

Using optical camouflage, technology experts at Mercedes Benz have figured out how to make an entire car disappear.

The researchers created the illusion that their new zero emissions F-Cell Mercedes Benz is not even there at all, the Daily Mail reported.

Taking the principal that to see through something you need to see what's behind it, they covered the driver's side of the car in mats of LEDs, and mounted a digital SLR camera on the opposite side of the vehicle.

The camera shoots video on the passenger side of the car and the video is displayed in real time on the driver side of the automobile.

This ingenious approach, originally pioneered by scientists at the University of Tokyo, works on the same principles of the blue screen used by TV weather forecasters and Hollywood filmmakers.

The idea also mimics the iPad 2 Halloween costume that seems to display a gaping hole in the human body.

In Mercedes' promotional video, stupefied Muggles stare and fall about in shock as the team put the car through its paces along the highways of Hamburg and the bridges of Bavaria.




Meanwhile online, while some pessimistic YouTube users were wary, anticipating that invisible cars would no doubt lead to brutal crashes, others fantasised about being able to park anywhere at all, without getting a ticket.

Can your beauty salon harm you?

If you're planning on some post party indulgence, here's why you should think twice

The quickest way to pamper yourself is to indulge at the salon. However, a recent study claims that a simple fish pedicure that involves tiny toothless carp nibbling away at dead skin could spread deadly infection and disease. And that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. So, if you have intentions of stopping by the salon for a beauty treatment, read on.

Skin-tillating? ...not at all! If you have a weak immune system, or condition like diabetes and psoriasis in particular, experts advise you to stay away from your local beauty parlour. They warn of the dangers of contracting Hepatitis C from the use of unsterile scissors (through a nick during a haircut or even a manicure). A website even reports how American singer Paula Abdul suffered a long and painful thumb infection she picked up at a Los Angeles nail salon and testified before legislators in support of a bill to increase nail salon health standards.

"If a person is already infected with a bacterial or fungal infection and warts or molluscum (viral) and bleeds into the water in the tank, then there definitely is a very chance this could be passed to another client, either via the fish or contaminated tank water; if this not taken care of it can be harmful," says skin expert Dr Krupa Amonkar. In addition, there is a danger of contracting the Hepatitis c virus from unsterile scissors either through a nick during a haircut or during a slip that draws blood in a manicure. A website reports how singer and American Idol judge Paula Abdul suffered long, painful thumb infection that she apparently picked up at a Los Angeles nail salon and testified before legislators in support of a bill to increase nail-salon health standards. Mike Comins, chairman of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors, says: "Hepatitis C is a robust virus that can live outside the body for quite a long time and may not display any symptoms at all. It can linger for decades, increasing your risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. It's very contagious and not routinely tested for." Adds skin doctor Rita Shah, "One has to be careful. If the instruments are not sterilised properly, there's a risk they could spread blood-borne infections." Hair and now! Ever thought a simple blow dry could nix it for you? That's apparently that case.

You can actually suffer 'asphyxiation' from a Brazilian Blowdry as a major ingredient in the straightening treatment dubbed the Brazilian, or permanent, blowdry is said to be formaldehyde. And inspite of certain restrictions on the amount of the chemical that can be used, and new formaldehyde-free formulations, certain firms are still selling products that can cause breathing difficulties and other unpleasant side-effects. That's a scare, not counting smaller woes like head lice from dirty brushes! And don't forget hot wax has the potential to be seriously dangerous if it's not handled properly or even a stroke from a washbasin! If you have managed to just end up to with a crick in your neck and shoulder after a shampoo, count your blessings. Research indicates that the position in which you have to hold your neck while being shampooed over a basin could, in a few cases result in a stroke, known as Beauty Salon Stroke Syndrome. The result can be dizziness, facial numbness, and even a blood clot in the brain. This is especially dangerous for those with high blood pressure. The warning signs are out, next time you might want to do a re-think before your hairdo or manicure.

Windows 8 Preview Downloads to break 3 Million Mark

Microsoft’s Windows 8 consumer preview has crossed one million downloads in the first 24 hours after it was launched on Wednesday, the company announced on its Windows 8 twitter account.

"One day later...one million downloads of the consumer preview," tweeted the account. The download rate is expected to pass the 3 million mark over this weekend. The earlier developer’s preview, which Microsoft released in September 2011, had taken seven and a half weeks to pass the 3 million mark.


Current statistics show the preview, with a new Touch- centric Metro-style UI, has so far been well received by the industry. The preview is available for download in both an image format (.iso) and a file format.


Microsoft has not announced an exact date on the shipping of product. According to Steven Sinofsky, president of Windows, “Windows 8's development cycle would emulate Windows 7's, with a near-final "Release Candidate" next in line, followed by a build that will be marked "Release to Manufacturing" to signal it's ready to pass along to computer manufacturers, or OEMs.”


Most of the reviews about the OS have been positive with some of them saying it will be a big concern for Android in tablets. A ComputerWorld report stated that 1 million downloads doesn’t mean that many users have actually installed the preview quoting a tweet from user Zack Williamson which said "To be fair, I downloaded it something like 4 times."

BSNL Launches 3 Tablets, Lowest Model Priced at Rs.3250

State-owned telecom services provider BSNL has launched three tablets with the cheapest model costing a mere Rs.3,250, making a quiet entry into the increasingly competitive market for the hand-held computers.

Recently, Datawind, promoted by a Canadian India, had made a much-publicised entry into the market

in a tie-up with the government to provide cheap networking devices ''Aakash'', priced at Rs.2,250 for students.

The three tablets launched by BSNL are priced at Rs.3,250, Rs.10,999 and Rs.13,500. Two of them come with 7-inch resistive screen with Android 2.3 operating system, while the third comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, a BSNL official said.

Made by Noida-based Pantel, these tablets will be sold with discounted data plans from BSNL, sources said.

According to Pantel, the T-PAD IS701R has 1GHz processor and 256M RAM and is wi-fi enabled. The built-in 2GB memory can be expanded by up to 32GB.
The second model T-Pad WS704C has 512MB DDRIII RAM and can be connected to TV through HDMI.

The costliest model, T-PAD WS802C is powered by a 1.2GHz processor and 512MB DDRIII RAM and also has a built-in Global Position System.

Lytro Camera: Shoot Now Focus Later

 Lytro, a startup camera maker has unveiled its first Lytro consumer light field camera. The Lytro camera introduces a new way to take and experience pictures. The amazing feature in this camera is it captures all the rays of light in a scene which helps to focus a picture after it is taken.

This camera offers

a powerful 8x optical zoom lens in an iconic rectangular design and creates interactive living pictures that can be refocused constantly. The camera feature a light field sensor that collects the color, intensity, and the direction of every light ray flowing into the camera, capturing a picture in four dimensions. In addition to that, the camera uses a light field engine which allows refocusing pictures directly on the camera.

The camera has a sleek design, no unnecessary modes or dials it just have two buttons: power and shutter buttons and has a touchscreen display. The camera also comes with a Lytro’s desktop software, through which you can easily imports pictures from camera and computer. The software allows users to view, interact with snaps, organize and share it to social networking sites.  The camera is available in two models: 16 GB and 8GB, in three colors: red hot, graphite and electric blue and has a starting price of $399. This device is not yet available in India

4 ways Windows 8 beats iOS and Android

Windows 8 debuted recently, and most reviews are raving about how good it is. Microsoft, in fact, even announced that the OS had made more than 1 million downloads in the first 24 the OS’ test version was released.


One report even stated that Microsoft could leapfrog Apple with Windows 8, but how does the OS compare against Android?
Well according to a report on Wired.com, the customer preview beats the best that iOS and Android have to offer for now. Here are 5 ways Windows 8 beats iOS and Android:


1. The Picture Password: The picture password feature has been talked about since Windows developer preview and the test version of Windows 8 has made it open to everybody to try out. This alternative system unlocking option is easy, convenient and a lot more fun to use compared to the other options traditionally used, according to Wired’s review of the Windows 8.

People had their doubts about its efficacy in keeping password thefts at bay, but Microsoft detailed how this method is actually better, in a blog post, saying “the use of three gestures provides a significant number of unique gesture combinations and a similar security promise to a password of 5 or 6 randomly chosen characters. Additionally, using three gestures ensures a Picture Password that is easy to remember and quick to use.”
The same blog post also explained how this method could be even more secure than the traditional PIN-based security measures.  “If the user is free to use any combination of taps, circles, and lines, then the total number of permutations is, where n is the length of the picture password, and m is the number of points of interest.” (We’ll leave you to do the math). “Assuming the average image has 10 points of interest, and a gesture sequence length of 3, there are 8 million possible combinations, making the prospect of guessing the correct sequence within 5 tries fairly remote,” the blog post said.
 A report on Ars technica had Amol Sarwate, research manager at security management vendor Qualys, back Microsoft’s claim, saying “Based on your gestures, the circles you draw, the size of the circle, the direction of the circle, the lines that you draw on the screen, the machine creates a password which is virtually impossible to crack.”



2. You can switch apps easily based on your gestures:  It’s obvious that Windows has taken time off to implement a cohesive design-sensitive interface, but the way the OS works with regard to recent apps, is just easy and intuitive, according to Wired’s review. Google’s latest Ice Cream Sandwich version of the Android OS had this feature: it pulled up the most recently used apps when you clicked on the system bar icon; but Windows 8’s feature comes off as a lot more instinctive-- a swipe from the left edge of the device immediately brings up the last app you used. Since it’s a natural gesture, Wired says there are very few chances of you doing it by mistake.



The best part of this feature is that it’s as fast as channel browsing—but on your tablet.
If you have a number of apps open, the gesture-based app-switching feature allows you to move through the apps by swiping (or moving your mouse) back and forth along the edge of the (touch)screen to show you preview windows of the apps you have open. From there, the app is just a click or a touch away.
Now although iOS 5 for iPad too had a similar strategy to navigate through the open apps, you would either have to double-tap the icons of all the apps lined up, or you’d have to use four fingers to swipe your way to the app you need. In comparison with the gesture needed to navigate through Windows 8, it’s unnatural.


 Swiping with just a finger-- and allowing you to do it with ease is another elegant, quick and involuntary solution that makes the Windows 8 OS score.


3. The “Chromeless” full-screen app experience: The whole OS is designed like the Metro interface that was introduced in the Windows 7 phones. The interface on the OS is stripped of “chrome”, i.e. all those busy interface elements that can trash a desktop or app interface are all gone. There are no menu bars, task bars or even navigational buttons which are permanently pinned to the display. Now icons such as the battery signal (which indicates the charge on your device), time, navigational buttons and other icons that link to other information are all done away with. When you are using an app, you are given access to the full-screen app, so that your activity is not interrupted by such icons. You can check the time when you want to, or check out other apps at a whim.
This is another way the Windows 8 OS beats the iOS and Android—they have these icons pinned to the user interface no matter what app you are on.
A number of iOS apps have the navigational buttons persist across the app's entire user experience. And even apps that don't do this have a thin bar at the top of the screen showing data connection strength, the time, and other things. These icons are permanently locked to the iOS home display.
In the case of the Android Ice Cream Sandwich there are three virtual navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen that persist all over the UI. Most of the time there is also a bar across the top of the screen (which mimics the iOS screen) in addition to the buttons at the bottom of the screen.


4. The style and utility of the Home Screen:  iOS allows you to organize your home screen app icons so you can place your favorite ones within reach. Android on the other hand, allows you to add to rearranged icons, the ones that have updated information so that your home screen looks personalized.
Windows 8 gives you the best of both of these so that you can organize your apps tidily like you can on an iOS, but also do it with the freedom of personalization, and utility that was offered by Android.
Moreover, Android widgets usually have their own developer-specific themes and designs, so when you put them all together on your home screen, you could end up with a busy and chaotic patchwork-quilt-looking home screen. Windows 8, in comparison has live tiles which update information just like the Android widgets. Although you can organize them in any order they have a consistent look and feel, and you can choose whether they should be square or rectangular in shape.

Countries without Military Forces

India spends nearly $41.3 billion a year on its military which is about 2.7 percent of its GDP while the United States tops in military spending, way ahead of India, with around $1630 billion spent in 2010. However, in this era of mindless pursuit for sophisticated military force, there are a few countries with no set military forces at all, quite surprisingly. Here is the list of 10 countries that manages to survive, not going by the global trend of developing a strong military for the country.

1. Costa Rica

Bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast, Costa Rica stands tall with no military force on its own, though it had a military force in the past. Costa Rica, which means "Rich Coast", constitutionally abolished its military permanently in 1949 when the then president, Jose Figueres Ferrer, signed legislation against a formal army after the deadly civil war in the country that killed almost 2,000 people. Marking the abolition of army, the president himself broke the wall of Cuartel Bellavista, which was once an army headquarters location. Costa Rica has been a part of the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance of 1947 which enables the country to depend on other 21 countries including U.S. if any war situation arises. The country has a public security force, Fuerza Publica which manages law enforcement, border patrol, ground security and many other common duties held by a police force.

2. Solomon Islands

The country, consisting of nearly one thousand islands, had a heavy ethnic conflict between 1998 and 2006 which was ended at the intervention of countries Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific countries. Though the country has no standing military forces, it has a police force of nearly 500 includes a border protection unit. The police force is responsible for fire service, disaster relief, and maritime surveillance. In 1983, the United Kingdom instituted a protectorate over the Solomon Islands and the country was free of major violence until the beginning of ethnic conflicts in 1998. Although Solomon Islands has no set protector of the Solomon Islands, Australia would be the first one to protect the Island nation.

3.  Vatican City

The smallest country in the world, Vatican City, has no military force of its own; however, it maintains a Gendarmerie Corps for internal policing. Many militaristic groups were formed to protect the Pope and the country and the Swiss Guard belongs to the Holy See, not the Vatican City State. Pope Paul VI had abolished the Noble Guard and the Palatine Guard in 1970. The Pontifical Swiss Guard is assigned with the duty of protecting the Pope and the Palace of the Vatican. The Gendarmerie Corps responsible for traffic control, public order, border control, and investigating criminal activity, is a civilian force rather than military. Although there is no defense treaty with Italy, Italian military protects Vatican City as it’s located in Rome.


4.    Nauru

The smallest island country in the world, Nauru has no set military force and probably due to its size, doesn’t even have a capital. The 8.1 sq miles spread country has a Police Force that maintains the stability of the country. Nauru, placed in a group of thousands of tiny islands called Micronesia, is totally relied on easily accessible phosphate. Australia protects the country under an informal agreement between the two.


5. Liechtenstein

Like Costa Rica, Liechtenstein abolished its existing army in 1868 as after the Austro-Prussian War as it was too expensive for the country to afford it. Once the country was out of the German Confederation, it was obliged to create an army for its own but the funding was not available. Principality of Liechtenstein National Police, the police force of the country, keeps the stability and peace of the country. Switzerland might help the country in the event of an attack, although there is not official word about it.

Toshiba Releasing World's Thinnest Tablet 'Excite LE'

Toshiba’s new tablet ‘Excite LE’ which is thinner than Droid Razr and lighter than iPad is going to be launched on March 6, 2012. Excite LE showed its first appearance at CES 2012 and was initially named Excite X10, and now it has got a final release date.

Excite LE is a 10.1-inch tablet which is unbelievably thin measuring only 0.3 inches and weighs just 535 grams. Excite LE is meant to compete with Samsung Galaxy Tab 2- a 10.1-inch tablet which is 0.38 inches thick and weighs 589 grams and iPad-9.7-inch screen tablet which is 0.34 inches thick and weighs 603 grams.


Excite LE has a 1.2GHz dual-core OMAP 4430 processor from Texas Instruments and runs on Android 2.3 which will be upgraded to Android 4.0 in this spring. The device also features Micro-USB, HDMI, Micro SD ports and front and rear-facing cameras.


Initially the device will be shipped to U.S. market costing $529.99 for the 16GB model and $599.99 for the 32GB model. Toshiba has not net confirmed this new device’s availability in the world market, but the company says variants of this tablet will be released soon for other countries.