Last Day of 2007

Hi Friends....

Wishing you a

Fantastic January
Lovable February
Marvelous March
Foolish April
Enjoyable May
Successful June
Wonderful July
Independent August
Joyful September
Tastiest October
Beautiful November
Happiest December.

As this year comes to an end today, I would like to put in my last post of 2007 today. Wish You All a Happy New Year. Let this year be filled with happiness and joy to everyone of you. Have a wonderful year ahead! Happy 2008!

Why Friendship?

Here goes the need for FriEndS...

Friendships are the gift to the man kind. The relation which we get in this world are blood related. But the only relationship which does not relate to blood is friendship. Friendship has many forms and shapes. It is like water. If we pour the water into a jug it takes the shape of jug. if you pour the same water into a bowl it takes the shape of a bowl. Sameway friendships will take a different shapes and sizes according to our heart. Friendship gives pleasure to human beings. Where there is friendship then there will not be any sorrow. When you see a child laughing you will forget your sorrows for a second, sameway when you are with a friend you forget your sorrows.

The world is rotating smoothly because of the friendly hearts in the world. It crosses boundries and share a mutual bonding of love. Friendships will take care of this entire world from problems. If we are friends then our countries will, when our countries are friends then there is not need of weapons. So take weapon named friendship and love and conquer the world with love. Friendship saves life. Trusted true friendships never make others down. It helps a lot to make friends to come up from a situation. Friendships never expect anything in return for all its offering. It saves life without looking into situations.

The Real Speciality Drink

I was just strolling around in an enjoyable mood and I came across an exhibition on products exclusively made by women entrepreneurs. As I peeped into the exhibition hall, there were several products on display namely herbal beauty care products, handicrafts, textiles & garments, soft toys, confectioneries, pickles and beverages. The one counter that attracted me was the Juices and Jams freshly prepared at home by ladies under the banner AmirthA Food Specialties. They had a variety of nine fruit syrups namely Grape, Orange, Mango, Lemon, Nannaari, Honey Lemon, Ginger lemon, Rose and Pineapple. The syrups are well packed in a pet bottle and are offered at a reasonable price.


They offered a cup of every flavor as a sample among which the delicious drink was the Lemon with Honey. Mango was also very tasty. They explained that honey lemon is being prepared specially for joggers and walkers as the drink would keep them brisk and serves to be a refreshing drink after their routine exercises. After having the taste of every flavour, I thought I could let everyone of you to know about the drink. In addition, they also offer Mixed Fruit Jams.It was heart-warming to know that they were allocating a portion of their margin for social causes.You may access for your requirements by mailing to amirthajuices@yahoo.com

EarthFrisk Search Engine

Hi friends, are you really bored of searching your queries on Google or Yahoo? You can find a full stop here. EarthFrisk is a new search engine which provide better results for anything you search in the web. It says "If you can't find it by using this site, it doesn't exist".

EarthFrisk is the first Hybrid Meta Social Engine using which you can search even for videos, images, maps and any directories. An effective search engine which has a Color Value (CV) rating system to rate your search comparatively better to Google page ranks. EarthFrisk also helps bloggers to know their traffic rankings with a single click on their tool bar button. It serves you in detail with whatever you ask. Use the EarthFrisk search engine for better results on your Queries.

Be Valuable

There is no human with no desires in life. Everyone of us set up a goal and will work towards it. We people obviously dream of achieving our pinnacle. In this post, I would like to share few words about a famous adage " I don't wish to be everything to everyone, but I would like to be something to someone ".

In today's world, if we do a right thing to a person, it appears to be wrong to the other. In a practical perspective, none of us can satisfy everyone's wish. But, as far as possible we could select a group of people and help them to achieve their goals. In turn, they would definitely help us. Consider friendship as an example. We could never make a good friend unless until he/she matches somewhere near to our wavelength. You might have heard people saying Friendship is a Give and Take policy. Yes, it is true in this case. If we help a friend during his tough times, he would certainly help us in return (wouldn't he?). So in any relationship find peoples who match your wavelength, so that you could be something valuable to your close ones. Be obdurate in choosing people.

Juice Media

Juice Metriqs:

Gags, everyone are quite familiar with juice media. It is a software as a service organization that delivers technology solutions. Juice media is the first marketing 2.0 application that helps the clients to build up their softwares and deploy the same. Provides you with the media application so that people designing business update solution, marketing could make the use of this software to build up their solution. It is very happy to let you know that Juice Media extends its range in western coasts too. It leads us in achieving the exact target. Recently, a press release notes juice media as follows:


Juice Media Worldwide, LLC, a leading provider of on‐demand Marketing 2.0 software services and solutions has moved to new San Diego headquarters at 591 Camino de la Reina on the 11th floor of the prominent Valley Corporate Center building.
Located just 10 minutes from downtown San Diego, the nearly 4,000 square foot state‐of‐the‐art offices are double the size of the previous headquarters. The new office equips Juice Media with enough space for the company to grow its software development and client management staff by an additional 50 percent in 2008.

“Managing rapid growth is always a challenge for successful start‐ups. We evaluated several options for new offices to accommodate our growth and Valley Corporate Center was an ideal location for us,” said Rick Enrico, CEO, Juice Media Worldwide, LLC. ”The office tower’s expansive features and centralized location made it a great solution for our needs as we
expand our staff and client roster.”

Juice Media employees have access to a number of benefits with the move including an on‐site deli, gym, ocean view offices, and a park next door. The additional meeting space also enables Juice Media to develop even stronger relationships with its clients with more frequent and productive on site meetings.

About Juice Media Worldwide, LLC:
Based in San Diego, California, with additional offices in Minnesota, Juice Media Worldwide develops JuiceMetrIQs™, a Marketing 2.0 enterprise marketing management platform that is Software as a Service (SAAS) application. JuiceMetrIQs™ streamlines the marketing process by allowing companies to store customer interaction data (sales transactions, demographics, website data, email addresses, etc.) and segment that information to build relevant targeted marketing campaigns. Customer data is housed in a single data warehouse that is tied to a concise central reporting dashboard. JuiceMetrIQs™ provides seamless integrations with top enterprise vendors from online and offline marketing channels such as Email, Direct Mail, SMS Messaging, and Voice Messaging. JuiceMetrIQs™ empowers marketers with the ability to analyze, maximize, and measure cross channel customer purchase behavior across all distributed marketing channels for greater marketing success.

Juice Media Worldwide is a portfolio company of Petters Group Worldwide, which includes companies such as Polaroid, Sun Country Airlines, and uBid.com. For more information please visit http://www.juicemetriqs.com

Press Contact:
Morgan Witt

INDISMS Launched

Nokia and Vodafone today announced an alliance to offer INDISMS - Local Language SMS service for Vodafone customers who use Nokia phones. This service will enable both post- & pre paid customers to send and receive SMS in Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil and Telugu, on their Nokia phones.

Key Points

* Vodafone customers can send SMS in 9 different Indian Languages through INDISMS service.

* Languages are - Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil and Telugu.

* Service available on Nokia Phones.

* Application activate the service available for free on sending INDISMS as an SMS to 123.

For the first time Hutch customers who use Nokia phones, will be able to send and receive SMSs in their local language. The customers can get this application by sending INDISMS as an SMS to 123 and downloading through the WAP link. The customers can also download the application by logging on to PlanetHutch and clicking on the INDISMS link. The application itself is free of cost, though the customer will be charged Rs 1.60 only for downloading the 'INDISMS'. So friends, send messages in any of the languages you like.

Happy 2008!

With December 31 just around the corner, everybody are gearing up to ring in 2008 in myriad ways. This post is about how people are going to celebrate this year. The year 2007 is coming to an end and the build up to bring in 2008 is gripping everyone's attention. So gags, "what are your plans for the New Year?" is the question in everyone's lips. Hotels are gearing up to bring in the New year with pomp and festivity, families are congregating from all over to gather for a meet and many others are going away for an exotic holiday. So, plan for the New Year eve celebrations. Pack up your worries. Gear up, get ready to enjoy 2008. Happy 2008! Just enjoy!

Ron Bongo

In this ever-changing world with day-to-day advancements in software industry, Open Source technologies are becoming more popular. Ron Bongo is one of the famous open source executive who is currently delivering Microsoft Solutions. Joining hands with Jon Chakoff, he founded the CorraTech development firm. It is Ron who introduced the Customer Relationship Management (known to be CRM) open source technology. Having found the CRM, Ron reached greater heights and effectively managed the CorraTech's strategy. The CRM technology is much popular and accounts to its very best advantages. So, get your solutions through CRM.

Words Are Important

In life, we tend to speak to many people. But, at any point of time we can't speak just like that. The people to whom we speak most of the time are our parents, relatives and friends. Whomsoever we speak, we should speak with appropriate words. There are three P's that are vital while u speak. First is the politeness, second is the preciseness and the third is the positiveness.

Being Polite in every aspect solves many problems that occurs in and around you. Expressing your thoughts politely adds beauty to the words you speak and attracts more people. Everyone gets attracted to soft words which could only be expressed by being polite in your words. Rather than being harsh and scolding by words, adapt yourselves to be soft in handling situations by outpouring your words politely.It increases your gentleness too.

Secondly, the Precise nature. Every word you speak should be precise and articulate. Words, once when let out, can never be taken back. So, it is very important that your words are meaningful, apt to the current situation, loud and clear. Moreover, it is obvious that everyone listen to your words if it is too crispy. So, you will be praised if your words are clear.

Third comes the Positiveness. Positiveness is very important because if you had let any word irrelevant to the situation, the other person may get hurt and there may be a break in the relationship. The words you speak should lead the other people in a positive way. Never ever scold anyone with harsh or negative words. Try to be positive in every work you do. Make your mind set to be positive, automatically your words will come out positively. Speaking good words at right situations may increase the blandness in you and the surrounding people.

Be optimistic. Speak choosy words. Celebrate life!

Friendship

A best friend
is always there,
whether you need advice,
or a pep talk,
or even a shoulder to cry on.

A best friend
listens with his heart
and is always honest to you,
even though the truth
may not be
what you want to hear.

A best friend
knows all your secrets,
understands your fears,
shares your dreams.

A best friend
never stops believing in you
even if you give up
on yourself.
you are
that kind of friend
to me.

And no matter what happens,
you always will be.
You are my best friend,
My friend forever.

Spending Time In An Unusual Way!

This time, holidays are going smoothly with me doing no work. But this time, am doing unusual things which I never used to before. I generally get up at around 6.45 in the morning obeying my dad's words. But, this time allows he me to sleep till 8 (am puzzled). So, an hour's sleep extra (he he...). Am going to my dad's office at least thrice a week, sitting for hours and learning something which i never used to do before. Am writing some more blogs this month (you can see to my Archives). Then, almost a whole day in google chat, orkut and so on... Ippadium yedho holidays poindurku...

The Game - Golf

Golf has become so ingrained in the collective consciousnesses of all the people who play it, who are sometimes referred to as "Golf Addicts". Golf has become the unofficial sport of the corporate world and is often said that board meetings merely confirm decisions that are actually made in the golf course. Several business schools world over, consider golf skills as a vital part of the various aspects of business skills.

History of the game:

Golf was originated in Scotland in the 1100's and it records its first game played at Burntsfield Links in Edinburgh in 1456 AD. The word 'Golf' is derived from a Dutch word 'kolf' which meant bat or club. Though it was a popularly coming up game, it was banned by King James II as the game kept his subjects from their archery practices.

The Game:

Golf is one of the few games that does not uses a standard field. It involves playing a ball with a club from the teeing ground, into a hole, by a succession of strokes. A typical golf course consists of 18 holes. Each consists of a teeing area, fairway, rough and other hazards and the green with the pin and the cup. Every game is based on playing the 18 holes in a given order. The goal is to set the ball into the cup, in as few strokes as possible, despite various hazards. A hole is classified by its 'par', the number of strokes, a skilled player is required to complete a play to the hole.

Fore:

Fore is the term used by a golfer. A player will yell 'fore' at the top of his voice to warn other players that he has hit a bad shot and the ball is headed their way. It is a signal for the players to move out of the place.


Indian Golf Players:

Jeev Milkha Singh
Jyoti Randhawa
Shiv Kapoor
Daniel Chopra and
Vijay Singh

Loans At Ease

In 1980's, people have to run behind bank employees to get a loan even for small sum of money. Nowadays, it has become the other way that banks are ready to offer loans but unfortunately there are no people to acquire these loans for the reason being people never want to have any debts to their account. Nationsfinance offer cheap online loans for you to make sure that you are not into heavy debts anymore. They provide loans for home improvements, for a wedding, for buying a new car. They offer loans even for personal purposes like education, paying your previous debts with low interests and so on. Additionally, nationsfinance also offers you with Insurance, mortgage funds and Banking facilities. Through Nation finance, you could apply for loans with ease from your desktop. So you need not run around anymore. Nationsfinance is right there to help you.

Jest 4 Jokes

Twelve differences between Men and Women:

Something very funny.

1. Names:

• If Laurie, Linda, Elizabeth and Barbara go out for lunch, they will call each other Laurie, Linda, Elizabeth and Barbara.
• If Mark, Chris, Eric and Tom go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla, Peanut-Head and Scrappy.

2. Eating Out:

• When the bill arrives, Mark, Chris, Eric and Tom will each throw ina $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want the change back.
• When the women get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

3. Money:

• A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
• A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.

4. Arguments:

• A woman has the last word in any argument.
• Whatever a man says, after that is the beginning of a new argument.

5. Pets:

• Women love pets.
• Men say they love pets, but when women aren't looking, men kick cats.

6. Future:

• A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
• A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

7. Success:

• A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
• A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

8. Marriage:

• A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
• A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change and she does.

9. Dressing Up:

• A woman will dress up to go for shopping, to water the plants, empty the garbage, read a book, and read the mail.
• A man will dress up only for weddings and funerals.

10. Natural Looks:

• Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
• Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

11. Offspring:

• A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.
• A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

12. Final Thought:

• A married man should forget his mistakes.
• There's no use in two people remembering the same thing.

Ha ha ha...

I Signed Up PPP

Hi friends, Most of you are into blogging. Many of us write blog posts in order to express our views in different fields. Blogs always help us in expressing exactly what is on our minds. Why not you get paid for what you write? Yes, nowadays blogging makes us earn money too. Money making is nevertheless a easier process but Pay per post makes it simple. Yes, Payperpost is one such service which provide you with ample of opportunities to make you a good blogger. Much more it adds professionalism to our blogs.

I myself as a blogger, love to write posts through payperpost as they provide me with a number of options to write for. Moreover, they give us many valuable offers which allows us to select the posts that satisfy our personal interests. Firstly, you must register your blog which will be reviewed and will be approved. Once approved, you could search out for various opportunities and can write posts on your own and you will then be paid for what you have written. Additionally, they offer us many add on tools to add beauty to our posts. Payperpost, thereby gives everyone a chance to develop their blogging skills. So what for you are waiting for? Just sign into payperpost and become a professional blogger. Happy blogging!

Physiotherapy

How many of us are aware of physiotherapy? Every time, we consult to doctors for any kind of disorders in our body. Why don't we try something different? Physiotherapies would serve equally good. Physiotherapies make us healthy and strong. If you have any kind of pain, you could just walk in to a physiotherapy center and get cured. It takes only about an hour to take up the treatment. Once you are with it, you feel much relieved from the pain.

Physiotherapies are quite advantageous because of the reason that they don't require the intake of medicines; they are very fast and cheap. Physiotherapies serve at its best when you require the proper natural function of fractured bones. Even, the doctors recommend physiotherapy treatments for patients who have got fractured bones. It is believed that only through such treatments or exercises, one could be physically fit and healthy.

Lake Cards!

Everyone would be sending greeting cards to your friends or relatives online. Are you really bored of searching more e-cards on the same web, here is another interesting website for greeting cards. Provides you a variety of e-cards under a number of categories. These cards hold 3D effects in them. For instance, if you choose a waterfall card, you can see as though a real waterfall has been photographed in front of you. These cards also seem to be funny. If you want to send some freaky messages to your friends, lake cards are very much useful. so, make use of this e-card website too.

Mercedes introduces F700

Mercedes have released the complete information on Mercedes F700 which is powered by two engines. A DIESOTTO engine developing 238 hp and an electric motor engine developing 20 hp. The torque peaks at 400 Nm and 100 km/h comes in 7.5 seconds. The top speed of the car is 200 km/h and the gas emission level is at 127 g/km.

Mercedes-Benz redefines the idea of an effortless, superior refinement: The concept of future luxurious touring sedan shows that the outstanding riding quality can be combined with higher levels of environmental friendliness and good performance with exceptionally low fuel consumption. Thus, the 5.17 meter long F 700 with its innovative and very spacious interior design enables an entirely new and exceedingly comfortable mode of travel. The F 700 is the world’s first car that can anticipatively recognize the condition of the road and level out the uneven spots with its active pre scan suspension, further improving suspension comfort substantially. The forward-pointing DIESOTTO drive system is introduced in the F 700, a four-cylinder with a displacement of only 1.8 liters, combines the strong points of the low-emission gasoline engine with the consumption benefits of the diesel drive.

This car is designed using a forward-looking drive concept, the heart of which is the “DIESOTTO” technology – an advancement of the internal engine thought up by Mercedes-Benz. With its novel controlled auto ignition, direct fuel injection and turbo charging, it combines the high power of the spark-ignition engine with the exemplary torque and great fuel economy of a diesel. The drive system in the F 700, as four-cylinder featuring two-stage charging, attains the performance level of a current S-Class car with a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine or the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel.

Be Pragmatic!

Gags, I received a message in my mobile which read "who said nothing is impossible? I have done nothing in the past 20 yeas and believe me Nothing is indeed possible". Isn't it look funny? How could a person live on earth doing nothing? it is impossible. Other way around, why could not we look at it as "Everything is possible". It sounds positive and there won't be any way to such kind of messages. Every human being is unique in his own way. Its only the willingness of a person that matters the most. It is the mind set of the individuals to do the right kind of jobs. When we first look at a job with a dilemma whether to do it or not, believe me, half of your energy is gone there itself. Don't try to do something for someone's sake. Take up and do everything which fulfills your heart and mind. Rather than being idealistic, be pragmatic. This would take you to greater heights. Being practical in your thoughts will eventually bring you success. This makes everything possible for you.

" N o t h i n g is I m p o s s i b l e "

Unforgettable School Days

My Higher Secondary School life:

I did my higher secondary at SRM Nightingale Matriculation Hr. Sec. School. I took computer science as my major. In our school, there were two sections A1 and A2 for computer science students . I was put into A2 section where there were only two from my Xth circle of friends. Rest all seem to be new. Was very much worried about missing my old friends.

As usual,Occupied a seat in the first row. It took about a week to mingle with everyone, thereby my high school journey started with a mathematics hour. In my class, there was a guy who appeared to be gigantic. I was frightened at the very look of him. Then, at lunch, he came to us and asked ("indha sum enaku puriyavae illa da, ungalaku poda theriyuma??"). Hope now you would have guessed who is he. As the days passed by, we all came closer and realized friendship in everyone of us. We were binded and shared all the crazy pranks possible.

About my Teachers:

Firstly, I would like to mention about our class teacher Mr.Muthuraman. He handled chemistry for us in both XIth and XIIth. He is not only a guide but a friend to all of us. We enjoy all his hours. The best part of my XIIth std is the lab hours where we just do all the unnecessary things necessarily. "sridhar, yaarellam lab coat podalayo, athana peraiyum veliya anupu"... was the ever best dialog (edited version censored) of Muthu's and he was very famous for instant kalaai's.

Secondly, I would tell about our French master Mr.Natrajan. He is simply amazing. He speaks as if the world is just a tiny ball and asks why the people struggle to play with it. He had helped me in many ways. He is a person whom I respect forever. He has great morals and had preached moral values to all of us. Really a great individual with whom everyone likes to share their thoughts with.

Thirdly, its undoubtedly our English madam Mrs.Girija Muralidharan. A sweet and a very humorous lady. It all started with "Fall Of The Eve". Whatsoever we forget, I could never forget "Fall Into The Eve" story. She taught us not only the lessons but also the way we should be and the behavior we should possess and so on... ( Frank ah solla pona, naanum oru alavuku english la type paren na, adhuku indha madam oru kaaranam). Good at producing spontaneous comedies.

Coming to mathematics, it is Mr.Dayalan who comes into the class, teaches and moves out (Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu). "Zero mark pa, FAIL mark pa" was the most funniest of his dialogs. He takes care of every student and gets depressed if anyone seems to be not performing well but we, as students had never given way to his words. We did whatever we liked.

Then, I could never forget our physics master Mr.Karthikeyan alias K->A->K->A . "some more Oral questions are possible". We all had teased him to the core, no no even beyond the core. We guys had never entered into our physics laboratory as we had never completed our observations and records. A typical physics teacher who don't even know the spelling for "viscosity".

Last but not the least, I would like to mention about our computer science madam Ms.Sripriya. She is the one with whom we can speak openly whatever we feel like. I had spent most of my hours at our computer lab just sitting and gossiping with her. Had many friendly fights with her. She is very friendly to all of us.

About my Friends:

I would term my higher secondary school life as the most enjoyed days only because of friends. Friends are always a treasure to be with. I got very good friends in my higher secondary and as mentioned, we were all united and there were equalities between us. I liked all the students of my class and there were no ego that one is the best and the other is not likewise. Everyone seemed to be jovial, witty, broad minded, funny (what not!) and all we experienced is only happiness and joy. Though we had fights in between, it all ended up with a positive note. Many many incidents had took place.. Unable to put them in words. Only thing that i could tell my friends is " I could never ever forget you all my dear friends".... ( Friendship to be continued in the next post). If you have any misunderstandings (with someone) in your heart, please forgive and don't forget. Forgiving is Godliness.

XII A2 Rockz!

Friendship Forever Buddies!

Do comment. Happy Life...!

Funmaza Ringtones

Mobile softwares

Do you own a mobile? Then, upgrade your mobile with latest Themes, wallpapers and ring tones. Funmaza offers new ring tones which are available as a shareware software. In order to get regular updates, you should download the software. Both monotonic and polyphonic ring tones are available. A wide range of wallpapers, themes and software updates are also available. Many of them are free to download softwares and some others are available at minimal costs. Some of the games softwares are also available for free. Make the best use of it.

Hathway Connections

Cable television connections are now available at ease. Cable television providers like Hathway offers some 125 channels at a nominal fare of Rs.150/- per month. They provide you with a set-top box for Rs.500/-(one time payment). They include all major channels that could entertain everyone. Instead of paying more to some other operators, Hathway could be a better option. So, if you are searching for a good cable operator services, you can make your way to nearest Hathway provider. Hathway operators are located in and around chennai. In addition, they provide you with internet broadband connections at cheaper rates. Try to make a best use of it.

Celebrities Born in December

December 1: Bette Midler

Born on December 1, 1945, the Divine Miss is known much for her
flamboyant personality for her talent in music, acting, and singing.
Two of Bette Midler's songs, Wind Beneath My Wings and The Rose, were named on 2004's "Greatest Songs of the century".

December 2: Britney Spears

Perhaps her 25th birthday will mark a new beginning for Britney Spears, the last few years have been wrought with drama, sadness, and even a few "wardrobe malfunctions." Despite the rough patch, fans of Britney Jean Spears believe the pop star's upcoming divorce and her post-baby weight loss to mark the start of a strong return to superstardom.

December 4: Tyra Banks

Born December 4, 1973, Tyra Lynne Banks grew up believing she was ugly. Mocked for being too skinny and having a big forehead, the December celebrity birthday girl has admitted that she suffered from low self-esteem. Who would have guessed she would one day be a wildy successful supermodel and talk show host? It is just a wonder.

December 18: Brad Pitt and Katie Holmes

Super dad Brad Pitt shares his birthday with the new Mrs. Tom Cruise. While William Bradley Pitt was born on December 18, 1963, Kate Noelle Holmes was born in 1978.
While most people first noticed sexy Pitt in Thelma and Louise, he actually had roles in Head of the Class, Growing Pains, and Another World prior to that career launching movie.
Everyone remembers Katie Holmes as girl-next-girl Joey on the teen drama Dawson's Creek. Holmes was able to parlay her television success onto the big screen with roles in Teaching Mrs. Tingle, Wonder Boys, The Gift, and Thank You For Smoking. Today, both stars are enjoying domestic bliss, Brad with Angelina Jolie and their ever-expanding brood, and Katie Holmes with Tom and the kids.

December 21: Samuel L. Jackson

Award winning actor Samuel Leroy Jackson was born in Washington, DC, in 1948. Jackson attended college in the racially turbulent South and took part in civil rights demonstrations. He later went on to achieve acclaim in such cult favorites as Pulp Fiction, Shaft, Star Wars, and Snakes on a Plane.

December 24: Ricky Martin

Bon-bon shaking Ricky Martin was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Christmas Eve in 1971. Martin started his career with the boy band Menudo. He later found solo success with hits like Livin' La Vida Loca, Maria, She Bangs, and The Cup of Life.

December 26: Jared Leto

Jared Joseph Leto was born December 26, 1971, in Louisiana. He is an actor and musician, but it is his colorful love life and his propensity for eyeliner that keep him in the tabloids. The 30 Seconds to Mars singer has been linked to Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johannson, and Cameron Diaz.

December 28: Denzel Washington

From his start in a made-for-television movie in 1975, Denzel Jermaine Washington Jr. has become one of the most sought-after and highly respected actors in Hollywood. Starring roles in Malcolm X, Crimson Tide, The Hurricane, and Inside Man ensured him a place in movie history. His longtime marriage to Pauletta Pearson Washington earns him a reputation as a bonafide family man.

December 29: Jude Law

Although his tempestuous offscreen relationship with actress Sienna Miller has frequently overshadowed his onscreen success, this December celebrity birthday boy is an Academy Award nominated actor. Law's performances in Road to Perdition, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and Cold Mountain catapulted him to stardom. David Jude Heyworth Law was born December 29, 1972.

December 31: Sir Anthony Hopkins

Born December 31, 1937, Philip Anthony Hopkins spent much of his early years painting and drawing. A chance meeting with Richard Burton gave him the boost he needed to pursue acting. The world is enternally grateful to Burton, as Hopkins has given spectacular performances in movies such as Silence of the Lambs, Amistad, Remains of the Day, and The Elephant Man. Welsh-born Sir Anthony Hopkins was named a Knight Bachelor in 1993, but he's always been royalty to us.

Other December Celebrity Birthdays

• December 1: Richard Pryor, Woody Allen


• December 3: Ozzy Osbourne


• December 8: Kim Basinger


• December 19: Alyssa Milano


• December 30: Julianne Moore

Top Universities for Masters

Top 30 Universities for Masters in Computer science:

Rankings as on November 2007:

Rank/School Average assessment score: out of 5.0

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 4.9
2. Stanford University (CA) 4.9
3. Carnegie Mellon University (PA) 4.8
4. University of California–Berkeley 4.8
5. University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign 4.6
6. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor 4.5
7. Georgia Institute of Technology 4.4
8. University of Texas–Austin 4.3
9. Cornell University (NY) 4.2
10. California Institute of Technology 4.1
11. Princeton University (NJ) 4.1
12. Purdue University–West Lafayette (IN) 4.1
13. University of California–Los Angeles (Samueli) 4.0
14. University of Washington 4.0
15. University of Southern California (Viterbi) 3.9
16. University of Maryland–College Park (Clark) 3.8
17. Rice University (Brown) (TX) 3.7
18. University of California–San Diego (Jacobs) 3.7
19. Columbia University (Fu Foundation) (NY) 3.6
20. Pennsylvania State University–University Park 3.6
21. Duke University (NC) 3.5
22. Northwestern University (McCormick) (IL) 3.5
23. Ohio State University 3.5
24. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY) 3.5
25. Texas A&M University–College Station (Look) 3.5
26. University of Minnesota–Twin Cities 3.5
27. Harvard University (MA) 3.4
28. Johns Hopkins University (Whiting) (MD) 3.4
29. University of Virginia 3.4
30. North Carolina State University 3.3