Confirmed: April Is the Cruelest Month - Time Magazine

• Jessica Roy @JessicaKRoy
 

2:24 PM ET

Anybody wanna hibernate until May?

 “APRIL is the cruellest month, breeding Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing Memory and desire, stirring Dull roots with spring rain.”

That’s a quote from a T.S. Eliot poem, but according to everybody’s favorite astrologer Susan Miller, April 2014 is going to be an absolutely horrific month for almost all of us. Of course, that’s only if you believe in astrology.

New York Magazine points out that in an interview given to theGuardian in January, Miller noted that two “angry eclipses” destined for us in April will cause some intense emotional upheaval, particularly for anyone born between April 15 and 29. From NY Mag:

Eclipses have a mission to expose truths, Miller writes, and thereby sweep away elements that are no longer relevant in your life. You might think they are relevant or important, she notes, when they are taken from you on April 15 or April 29, but they’re not.

And it gets worse. From the Guardian story:

“Look at 29 April!” I look. “Some people feel the stock market is…” She pauses for such a long beat that I offer to complete her sentence: “…going to crash?” She shakes her head. “This is even worse – we’ve not had this since the American Revolution.”

Miller also said that April looks so scary she’s “giving classes on it.” 

At least Mercury won’t be in retrograde?

Read More

Where the world’s biggest coffee drinkers live

Not all coffee drinkers are made equal. By Roberto A. Ferdman @robferdman January 15, 2014

America might be famous for running on coffee, but it doesn’t run on much. Not compared to a handful of other countries, anyway. When it comes to actual coffee consumption per person, the US doesn’t even crack the top 15.

For much of Europe, and especially Scandinavia, the story is quite different. In a review in 2010 about Stieg Larsson’s hit Swedish trilogy, the New York Times wrote incredulously about how the books’ scenes seemed to always revolve around endless servings of coffee:

…everyone works fervidly into the night and swills tons of coffee; hardly a page goes by without someone “switching on the coffee machine,” ordering “coffee and a sandwich” or responding affirmatively to the offer “Coffee?”

But as it turns out—and as the Times soon thereafter learned—the coffee obsession has much less to do with Larsson than it does with Sweden. Or really, with all of Scandinavia, the Benelux countries, and bits of Eastern Europe. The Netherlands’ per-capita consumption of 2.4 cups a day is almost the same as those of the US, UK, Spain, and France combined.

Read More

10 Quotes That Will Inspire You to Have the Best Year Ever

If you're like me, you're probably wondering where the past year went. You probably feel a sense of accomplishment about the things you did — and you should! But there are probably other things that you didn't get to and wish you had.

It's true that you can't do everything, but sometimes, you need some extra inspiration to put yourself out there and do the things that you really want to do. It could be to try something you've always dreamed about, like starting your own business, or skydiving, or taking on last year's winner in the New York state hot-dog eating contest (um, what? Let's move on).

Either way, you can make this your year. On this beautiful day, go get inspired.

Read More

10 Visa Free Destinations for Indian Citizen

Indian travellers may rule the declining rupee but there are other perks to being an Indian citizen. Holders of Indian passports have visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to about 52 countries and territories around the world. At least 28 of these nations allow Indian passport holders to visit without a 

pre-issued visa. 

In many cases, an Indian citizen's country of residence determines the degree of access to other countries. Indian citizens holding permanent resident (Green Card) status in the United States do not require visas to visit Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean islands. Indians of particular professions with a residency in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are exempt from visas to enter the United Arab Emirates. Indian citizens do not, similarly, need a visa to enter Nepal or Bhutan.

1. BHUTAN

Bhutan, the happiest little nation in the world, is among the most sought-after Himalayan destinations for tourists but the Himalayan mountain kingdom is very conservative when it comes to tourism. Travel writer Pico Iyer mentioned it in his book, Falling off the Map, as one of the world's remotest places. Until recently, Bhutan restricted tourist numbers. Though that has changed.

2. BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Most Indians need to look up the British Virgin Islands on a map. They lie in the Caribbean Sea, and include over 60 islands and keys, of which about 43 are uninhabited. Indian citizens are granted a 31-day visa-free stay in the British Virgin Islands for tourism purposes. One of the best ways to visit the islands is by cruise ship, as many cruises operate from the United States to the nearby US Virgin Islands. There are no direct flights between India and the British Virgin Islands. 

Approximate cost of round trip flight: INR 1,60,000 (via Paris and Saint Maarten) 

3.COOK ISLANDS

The Cook Islands lie in Polynesia, off the coast of New Zealand. They are named after Captain James Cook, who discovered them for the western world in 1770. Since 1965, the islands have been self-governed with free association to the government of New Zealand, which controls the islands' defence,Rarotonga International Airport, the main port of entry to the Cook Islands, is connected to Auckland via daily flights and weekly flights from Sydney, Fiji and Los Angeles. 

Approximate cost of round trip flight: INR 1,60,000 (via Singapore and Auckland).

4. DOMINICA

Not to be confused with the Caribbean nation known as the Dominican Republic, the island of Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by the British. It has beautiful hiking trails, rainforests and beaches with great opportunities for snorkelling. Indian citizens are allowed to stay for 22 months without a visa. 

Approximate cost of round trip flight: INR 2,00,000 (via Paris and Saint Maarten)

 

5. EL SALVADOR

El Salvador, the most densely populated country in Central America, lies between Guatemala and the Honduras. Volcanoes, mountains and cloud forests offer plenty of nature discovery and hiking opportunities. Old colonial towns and UNESCO World Heritage Sites beckon heritage tourists. Indian nationals are permitted to stay for a maximum of three months without a visa. 

Approximate cost of round trip flight: INR 1,44,000 (via Paris and Miami)

6. GRENADA

The beautiful Caribbean islands of Grenada offer much to tourists in the form of beaches, waterfalls, historic forts and spice gardens. Indian tourists can travel visa-free in Grenada for up to 90, but must show proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of their travel.

Approximate cost of round trip flight: INR 1.60,000 (via London and Miami).

7. HAITI

Haiti is off the travel map for most tourists owing to the devastation left by the 2010 earthquake. One of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere, its current political situation and concerns over the safety of tourists has prompted many countries to issue strict travel advisories. That said, Indian tourists are welcome without a visa for a maximum stay of three months.

Approximate cost of round trip flight: INR 1,52,000 (via Dubai and New York)

8. JAMAICA

Jamaica is the most populous of the English-speaking Caribbean countries and its easygoing culture, cuisine and music, besides its many beaches, are attractive to tourists. Indian tourists can stay without a visa on producing a passport valid for six months and sufficient proof of funds and onward travel. 

Approximate cost of round trip flight: 1,53,000 (via Dubai and New York/ Toronto)

9.MONTSERRAT 

Not to be confused with the Spanish region of the same name, Montserrat is an island in the Caribbean southeast of Puerto Rico and once a popular resort. Since 1989, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions forced its closure but the island is slowly limping back. Indian citizens must show proof of citizenship but can travel visa-free on furnishing proof of onward travel and adequate funds. 

Approximate cost of round trip flight: 1,30,000 (to Antigua, via London) and a 15-minute air-hop from Antigua to Montserrat (about INR 5,000)

10. MICRONESIA 

The far-flung Federated States of Micronesia are a group of 607 islands in the Western Pacific Ocean, comprising the states of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. It is considered one of the most remote and beautiful places in the world, with pristine coral reefs, quaint cultures, exotic food and picturesque islands. Indian citizens can travel visa-free for 30 days upon producing proof of sufficient funds, onward travel and accommodation. 

Approximate cost of round trip flight: 2,04,000 (via Hong Kong, Guam and Truk) 

 

image credit :- http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com

Read More

How Different Industries are Benefiting from Online Trainings

Online trainings are being increasingly used by a number of industries after proven potential of being a cost effective and efficient solution for achieving greater efficiency in work performance.

Even though the work needs of each industry differ from the other, online training is an essential tool for each modern industry. In this globalized world, online trainings can be attributed for helping businesses and individuals to learn, relearn, conduct business, improve and grow across geographical, cultural and political boundaries.

Every business in each industry wants to excel in performance and benefit from greater profitability. With motivation driven by this objective, each industry is striving in finding better ways to incorporate online trainings modules into its work environment for the mutual benefit of all concerned stakeholders of the business.

Some of the prominent industries that are using online trainings include:

Banking Industry

The success of every business is linked to the productivity of its employees. As online banking has got popular, the banking industry has experienced an increase in the number of online trainings being utilized.

Online trainings in the banking industry in the form of comprehensive online banking training programs focus on areas such as bank principles, customer service, handling clients, technological innovations, internet banking, document management and others.

Health Care Industry           

The healthcare industry has one of the fastest growing occupations and is crucial for public healthcare solutions. As it is a 24/7 industry, it has been pushing with innovative solution that offer flexible learning, reduced costs, a competitive edge and improvement in operations.

The healthcare industry utilizes online trainings in the form of online healthcare diplomas, degrees and short certificate courses that give a competitive edge to the careers of medical professionals and useful knowledge to other members.

Other modules for online trainings include induction, orientation, employee training and patient management.

Telecommunications Industry

The telecommunications industry has been increasingly making use of technology in its products and working. Online trainings in the telecommunication industry cover topics such as brand and customer relationship management, innovation and future technology, cellular principles, voice and data communication, wireless communications, carrier networks, Ethernet and others.

Food Industry

The food industry has been using online trainings that cover different aspects of food production such as food safety, food processing, hygiene, food quality assurance, food packaging and food marketing. Online trainings provide an easy and cost effective method to learn from leading businesses in the industry, share knowledge, adopt best practices, build capacities and try and achieve near bench mark performances.

Government Organizations

Governmental organizations are realizing that their processes can be much more effectively managed after being upgraded with technology, which will in turn help them serve the public better. Online

trainings being adopted by government organizations are aimed at increasing the proficiency in data management, improving work processes and staff performance.

Military Services

The military services has advanced their trainings methods by making use of online trainings wherever possible as well. Online workshops to impart tips, guidelines, discuss pressing issues and develop combat strategies are crucial tools to military services which speed up the process and increase military efficiency.

With military services personnel attending interactive webinars, it becomes easier to get acquainted with requirements, identify practical approaches, handle on-ground scenarios, and manage complex risks along with other issues related to armed conflicts before actually facing them. It improves efficiency, simplifies trainings and brings in enhanced learning.

Education Industry

The education industry comprising of universities, colleges, schools, research centers, technical and vocational centers and other academic institutes increasingly utilize online training resources as well. Online trainings support the education industry in multiple ways which include help in setting standard modules to adopt and implement, enhance the capacities of the teachers, help improve the quality of education offered, increases student knowledge, simplify learning and bring greater content retention.

Author Bio

David Miller is an educational researcher who has vast experience in the field of teaching, LMS Systems and online training. He is associated with prestigious universities and many leading educational research organizations. He's also an ed-tech veteran, currently pursuing research in new eLearning developments, and is a contributing author with ProProfs.

Read More

The Gold Colour iPhone 5S Craze !

Check out our review of the Apple iPhone 5S smartphone.

Though not necessarily worth its weight in gold, a shortened supply in Apple’s new iPhone 

5S in luxurious gold is causing its price on sites like eBay creep up on sites like eBay at 

exorbitant prices.

One of Apple’s big highlights at its big press event about two weeks ago was 

the announcement of its brand new smartphone, the iPhone 5S. Of the three colors 

released, gold is the one that caught the most attention. Apple’s supply of gold iPhones 

was excessively low at launch, with some stores getting not a single golden iPhone, and 

even Apple’s own flagship store in San Francisco receiving only around 20.

Due to the short supply, many are turning to eBay and Craigslist to get their hands on their 

very own iPhone 5S, complete with a finish even Richie Rich could appreciate. An 

average 16GB Gold iPhone 5S can fetch nearly $1,000 from impatient iPhone fanatics – 

nearly 30 percent higher than an identical, though less flashy space-gray or silver. In 

China, golden iPhones are clocking in at nearly twice as much as their retail value.

As crazy as people may seem for picking up a golden iPhone for $1,000, all eyes are on 

that eBay auction where in just 24 hours a golden iPhone started at just 99 cents before 

ballooning to a crazy $10,100. However, this price is an anomaly. Someone with zero eBay 

feedback set a ridiculous $10,000 offer for the golden iPhone – and then someone else 

outbid him. The winning bidder has real eBay feedback, suggesting that perhaps he or she 

really wanted a $10,000 iPhone. There is a chance that the listing will get canceled by eBay.

Whether $1,000 or $10,000, the fact remains that stock has dwindled for the iPhone 5S, 

making some wait well into October for the latest Apple smartphone. Whether this is due 

to unexpected sales or artificial scarcity is unclear, but in either case Apple better hope it 

leads to a better earnings quarter as Samsung continues to steal the show.

Lastly, since we know some of you will be disappointed the new iPhone 5S lacks any real 

gold, remember you can always settle for the iPhone 5 featuring 24 karat gold, platinum, 

and Swarovski Crystals. Take your pick folks

Since the rumors for the gold iPhone 5C have popped up, the web has got filled with reports about whether the gold iPhone will be lucky or unlucky for Apple. Some reports have gone too far that they have even traced the luckiness of golden color in different countries as well. Details below.

Many analyses for the gold iPhone says that golden color is considered lucky in China and therefore this change to golden color might boost Apple’s sales in China. So let’s see what colors Chinese actually prefer.

As per the chart of auto colors compiled by Fortune’s Philip Elmer-DeWitt, the favorite or the lucky color of Chinese consumers (at least for buying autos) is silver, not gold. Even the second most favorite color is not gold. It is black. While golden color holds the eighth position, that doesn’t seem to be impressive enough. Well, does this mean that gold iPhone is not going to bring riches for the fruit company? Maybe no.

Golden color might bring fortunes for Apple in India. This is because gold is a traditional color there, due to the extensive use of gold jewelry, especially in weddings. So we can say that the significance of gold in India can give some fame to the golden-colored iPhone 5C.

However, there is one thing that might make people less attracted towards this gold iPhone and that is that there are already smartphones of other companies in golden color, then why would one choice gold iPhone? But since Apple’s products’, in particular iPhone is considered to be something more than just a smartphone, therefore those who want best gold smartphone might go for this one.

Do you think the gold coloured iPhone will be a success?

Read More

Top 10 Most Popular Android Apps

There are more than 700,000 apps in the Google Play store. You don't need every one of them, but you do need to download these 10 must-have apps right now.

image credit  http://www.pcmag.com

When I first created my Must-Have Android list two years ago, the Android Market was still playing catch up to the Apple's App Store. Now, a renamed and revamped, Google Play offers more apps than Apple. Developers are increasingly launching new apps on Android first and then porting them to iPhone. Clearly, a lot has changed. So has my list of essential applications.

A few disclaimers before we get into the list. First, these are *essential* downloads. If you want the 10 Best Android Apps, we have a list for that as well. These are my picks for the *first* 10 apps you should download. And yes, I had to leave some really great apps off the list.

I talked to lot of the guys in labs about these picks, but I should be clear my opinions are sometimes different from the analysts. I would have probably made SnapSeed an Editors' Choice, but Jeff Wilson has some reservations. This is my personal list so it shows some of my idiosyncrasies.

For example, when I think of "essential apps," I don't think games. Angry Birds and Temple Run 2 are fantastic time killers, but you already know that. They will get a million downloads whether I list them here or not.

I've also chosen not to include what I consider no-brainer Google apps, such as Google Maps. As far as I'm concerned, Google Maps is a gimme. If you are an Android user, you should already have it installed. And, this goes for the native Gmail client as well. Google+ and Google Music are neat apps, but they have a way to go before I would call them essential. And while I love the new Google Chrome Beta for Android, it isn't available on enough devices for me to recommend. that are as follows:- 

1. Twilight

Twilight continues to solidify itself as one of your top apps to download.

2. Taskbar – Windows 8 Style

Great application for those looking to replicate the Windows look on their device.

3. Floating Touch

Floating touch provides quick access to settings options on your device including turning on/off WiFi and adjusting the brightness.

4. Pimp Your Screen with Widgets

Pimp Your screen helps you customize your device.

5. Awoken – Lucid Dreaming Tool

If you’ve ever desired to learn about Lucid dreaming, make sure you check out Awoken.

6. Locket

Locket allows you to earn money simply from swiping your lock screen.

7. dialapp: context aware dialer

Dialapp is a solid dialer replacement that utilizes a new approach in managing your call history.

8. PowerLine

Powerline is a great app that provides a slick visual overview of your device.

9. Sparky Lock Screen

Simple and unique lock screen options make Sparky stand out.10. Unit Converter UltimateThis is my new go-to application when needing to convert units.pls don't miss to see  How to Unlock Android Pattern Lock And Password Lock

Read More