Bodyguard of Hitler stops replying Fan mails!

Did you know that one man who served Adolf Hitler as a bodyguard is still alive? 93 years old Rochus Misch, the last surviving bodyguard of Adolf Hitler, is saying goodbye to fan mails! Misch, who served Hitler during World War II has said that he can no longer reply to fan mails that he receives from different corners of the world because of his age.

Rochus Misch served Hitler as telephone operator, bodyguard and courier boy. After Hitler's suicide he was captured by Soviet forces. He is believed to be the last person alive who have seen Hitler. Misch has a large fan base who writes to him mostly for autographs. In the past he used to send fans autographed copies of wartime photos of himself in a SS uniform. Now the incoming fan mail, including letters and packages, piles up in his flat in south Berlin.

German tabloid Berliner Kurier quoted him as saying that "They (letters) come from Korea, from Knoxville, Tennessee, from Finland and Iceland - and not one has a bad word to say". But due to his age it was "no longer possible" to reply all those fan mails. Misch now depends on a walking frame to move around his apartment.

More about Rochus Misch: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochus_Misch

Chatroulette Piano Chat Video

Love Chatroulette? Someone named Merton is using this fun video chat site for piano improvement! Yeh, that's just for fun. Take a look at this video. Merton chats with random strangers on ChatRoulette while playing his piano. Definitely an interesting (and entertaining) way to chat on Chatroulette.

Hearing Problems and Cochlear Implants

Hearing loss or deafness is one of those conditions that makes life of a person more complicated. It first affects routine communication, as a deaf person find it difficult to understand sounds and speech. There are various causes of hearing loss. For example, prolonged exposure to environmental noise, exposure to chemicals, medications, injuries, diseases etc. Moreover, genetic factors may also play a great role in hearing impairment. So, nobody knows how, when and where one person may loss his/her hearing ability. Yes, there are may treatments for deafness. Hearing aids may reduce some of the problems but are often insufficient, specially for profoundly deaf people.

For severe deafness there is another solution. Yes, I am talking about cochlear implants, which can restore hearing even when conventional hearing aids fails. A Cochlear Implant is a small electronic device designed to help profoundly deaf people. During an operation this tiny device is placed in the inner ear. It works by turning sounds into electrical signals and then stimulating the hearing nerve directly. So, even a deaf person may be able to understand sounds and speech. For quick reference one may think about MedEL Cochlear Implants.

How reliable this procedure is? Various clinical studies have already proved that cochlear implants does help in speech and environmental sound recognition. Cochlear Implant is a good option for children and adults with severe hearing problems. It can be provided for children as young as 18 months old. But wait! These implants are recommended only when a person is badly or severely deaf. In other words, Cochlear Implants are for those who received little or no benefits from other hearing aids.

Cochlear Implant is an expensive procedure and requires patient training for effectiveness. Also there may be some risks associated with the Cochlear Implant Surgery and the whole procedure. That's why it is advised to consult a good doctor to see if a MedEL Cochlear Implant is right for a patient. Moreover, proper selection of implant candidates is also a must. As I have mentioned above, it is not for all. Normally, a candidate is selected after taking into account various factors such as hearing history, causes of hearing loss, hearing aid history, health status etc. So, don't mess with this stuff until and unless it is extremely unavoidable.

 

World's Smallest Baby Boy Survives

Doctors in Germany have released the photographs of the world's smallest baby boy, who was born prematurely at 25 weeks weighing just 275 grams. He was so little at birth that a tape measure laid next to his body was wider than his limbs. According to recorded information he is the lightest boy worldwide who has survived an early birth. Take a look at the picture.

The boy was born in June 2009 in the University Hospital at Goettingen through a Caesarean section. The boy was only 27 centimeters long. Doctors did not believe he would live when he was born but tried hard to keep him alive. And finally they win and the baby boy survived! In December, after six months in intensive care, the baby was allowed home with his parents. Now the boy weighs 3,700 grams, a normal birth weight.

World Record for Holding Breath Underwater

Swiss freediver Peter Colat has just broken the Guinness World Record for holding a breath underwater by holding his breathe for 19 minutes and 21 seconds. The 38-year-old freediver from Zurich performed the feat in a water tank in St Gallen, Switzerland.

According to Colat, the first 12 minutes were easier. He was allowed to breathe pure oxygen for 10 minutes before the attempt. Colat beat the previous Guinness World Record, held by Nicola Putignano of Italy, by 19 seconds. Congratulations Colat. It was really impressive and impossible!

Photographer Orangutan's work on eBay

Nonja, the Orangutan that turned a photographer after receiving a digital camera from her keepers, is now selling her work on eBay. Each of her framed works printed on canvas also carries her trademark thumbprint signature. An exhibition of Nonja's best 20 snaps had also been unveiled in the zoo. Cash raised from the effort will go to protecting the habitat of wild orangutans in Borneo.

All these started when Nonja's keepers at Vienna's Schoenbrunn zoo in Austria gave her a digital camera that dispenses raisins when a picture is taken. The 33-year-old orangutan learned that when she press a button, the raisins pops up. In this way she became a photographer and got her own Facebook profile. Snaps from the digital camera are uploaded instantly over a WiFi link. Nonja was also a painter and her works often reached up to £2,000 at auction. Right now, she has 155 photos on Facebook and more than 82,000 fans. The above photograph was taken by Nonja. Amazing, isn't it?

World's Largest Pie Fight Record

A new world record has been set for world's largest pie fight! On January 7, 2010, carpet manufacturer and flooring provider, Shaw Floors successfully achieved the Guinness World Records for the World's Largest Pie Fight during the company's Dallas market event. The history-making event involved 434 participants as well as 1,200 cherry, chocolate and apple pies. Take a look at the pictures.

The new achievement by Shaw Floors shattered the previous Largest Pie Fight record of 269 participants, which was set by the television show "LIVE! With Regis and Kelly" on September 17, 2009. Shaw Floors held the pie fight event on its premium Anso nylon carpet as a way to demonstrate Anso nylon's superior ability to repel stains and to be easily cleaned. And yes, the carpet proved it's stain-repelling power, as 3,000 pounds of pie was cleaned from the carpet after the event!

Source: Shaw Floors

For better Health let your Kids get Dirty!

Worried about your kids hygiene? Always keep your little ones neat and clean by not allowing them to get in touch of mud or dust? If yes, you are probably doing something wrong, the findings of a study suggests! Because, exposure to infectious microbes early in life may actually protect individuals from cardiovascular diseases that can lead to death as an adult. During the study, a group of researchers from the Northwestern University found that ultra-clean, ultra-hygienic environments early in life may contribute to higher levels of inflammation as an adult, which in turn increases risks for a wide range of diseases. So, the researchers suggests that American parents should ease up on antibacterial soap and perhaps allow their little ones a romp or two in the mud or at least a much better acquaintance with everyday germs. Are you listening?

The Northwestern study is the first research on microbial effects on inflammatory systems in infancy that relate in later life to diseases associated with aging. Most provocatively, it suggested that exposure to infectious microbes early in life may actually protect individuals from cardiovascular diseases that can lead to death as an adult and exposure to ultra-hygienic environments early in life may create great problems in adulthood.

Exposure to clean, hygienic environment may cause harm, because humans only recently have lived in such hyper-hygienic environments. The research suggests that inflammatory systems may need a higher level of exposure to common everyday bacteria and microbes to guide their development. "In other words, inflammatory networks may need the same type of microbial exposures early in life that have been part of the human environment for all of our evolutionary history to function optimally in adulthood," said researcher McDade.

"In the U.S we have this idea that we need to protect infants and children from microbes and pathogens at all possible costs. But we may be depriving developing immune networks of important environmental input needed to guide their function throughout childhood and into adulthood. Without this input, our research suggests, inflammation may be more likely to be poorly regulated and result in inflammatory responses that are overblown or more difficult to turn off once things get started," McDade added.

Read the full article here: http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2009/12/germs.html

Shark's Caesarean Bite saves Four Babies!

Sharks do give birth by Caesarean operation! In an unbelievable act, a shark in a New Zealand aquarium bit the stomach of another one to gave birth to four babies. So, it was a Caesarean bite given to save the babies? According to news reports, the four babies are now safe and soon will be released into the wild.

Staff at Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, in Auckland were not aware that one of the female school sharks in the aquarium was pregnant. It is only when some visitors came running to tell that baby fish were spilling from a wound of shark, the aquarium stuff came to know about pregnancy. But it was already late and they found the female with a large gaping stomach wound and four babies swimming in the tank. Another shark already did the job of a surgeon by biting the female school shark's stomach.

In wild, sharks do bite each other, but till now it was not known that they do use the biting method to give birth. According to experts, the shark that helped had to bite a certain part of the stomach to release the babies without killing them or the mother. On the other hand, if the female shark had given birth naturally, most likely at night, the babies would have been eaten by adult sharks and stingrays before they could be rescued. So, it was really an incredible act. What you say?

Clearing Driving Theory Exam in 950th Attempt!

In her 950th attempt, a Korean woman has finally passed her driving theory test. Yes, you read it right. It was the 950th attempt for the theory test. According to news sources, Cha Sa-soon, 68, has been repeatedly trying to pass the multiple-choice exam since April 13, 2005. Even after intensive coaching, her results only barely touched the 60% pass mark that had eluded her for so long.

How she managed to appear 950 times in the same exam? According to news sources, Cha Sa-soon has taken the test every day apart from weekends and holidays. It cost her more than £6,000 in bus fares and test fees. But the greengrocer, of Jeonju, near Seoul, still has to tackle and pass the more difficult practical test before she can drive.

Why Ms Cha was so desperate to pass the exam? Actually, she need a driving license for her green groceries business. Because of her commitment to pass the driving theory exam, Ms Cha has already become a local celebrity, a Japanese reality TV star and a symbol of undaunted spirit, reports The Times.

Twin Ducklings hatch from One Egg!

Take a look at the picture. These two cute ducklings are the first recorded twin ducklings to ever hatch from same egg and survive. The ducklings hatched from the same egg at a British duck farm. The ducklings named Romulus and Remus will now become pets at the Cornish Duck Company in St Austell, Cornwall.

British farmer Roger Olver and partner Tanya Dalton had overseen the hatching of a group of eggs when they noticed that one was left uncracked and when she tried to help it turned out to a rare spectacle. When Tanya tried to break it, she saw a beak peck through at one end, but was stunned when seconds later another bird emerged from the other end.

"When we did the hatch there was one duckling left struggling to get out at the end," the Telegraph quoted Olver, 56, as saying.

"It was unbelievable. Two ducklings from the same egg. We managed to get them both out and now they are doing fine. They are in perfect health. They're looking pretty good, bearing in mind they were cooped up together in the same shell," Olver added.

Tanya Dalton, 38 has described the births as a "miracle" and has prepared an area at the farm where Romulus and Remus can be kept as pets.

Stop Singing in Shower to Save Water

According to the Daily Mail, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has instructed his citizens to stop singing in the shower. Why? Because his country is currently going through chronic water and energy crisis. So, by spending little time in the bathroom, people can save water.

"Some people sing in the shower, stay in the shower for half an hour," Chavez expressed his view in a televised cabinet meeting.

"No, kids," he urged, "three minutes is more than enough. I've counted, three minutes, and I don't stink." Warming to his subject, he continued: "If you're going to lie back in the bath with the soap and you turn on the Jacuzzi, imagine that - what kind of Communism is that?"

In recent months, Venezuelans are facing serious blackouts due to increased demand and a lack of investment. On top of that low rainfall is affecting the hydroelectric dams that generate much of the Venezuela's power. So, President Chavez is taking a lead in the fight against wasted energy. He has already announced measures to curb energy use, instructing government departments and nationalized companies to reduce their energy consumption by 20 per cent.

Best Television Service in Your Area

I am a web savvy person, but do love television. Why love television? Because it stops me from getting bored when I am doing nothing or when I am away from my computer. And, now we have digital television that provides crystal clear picture and incomparable packages of both entertaining and informative channels. So, why shouldn't I love television?

Just like me, I am sure that most of you love television. Do you use satellite TV services such as Directv? Or still with your favorite cable TV services? In my case, it is Directv satellite television service, with which TV watching becomes more fun and interesting. And even if I move to a new city, I am not gonna miss this service. Because it is available all over the country.

Do your work requires moving around? Or are you moving to a new home in another state? How you gonna find a good television service? First know the available options. For example, if you are moving to a city in California, first try to find the best cable or satellite TV provider in California. You can do that easily with the help of a website called MyTVOptions.com. Visit that site, type your zip code and specify what TV channels you want. Voila! Instantly you will recommendations based on your preferences. On the other hand, if you are a Directv fan, you can use this site to find Direct TV in California or in any other state.

Moreover, MyTVOptions have lots of information on different Directv packages. So, if you want to try a new package, you may refer to their site. It may also help you find special Direct TV offers in your area, which means you could save a lot of money while getting the best of the best in television entertainment. So, in my view that site is worth visiting, specially when you are moving to a new state.

Scarlett's Magic : World's Tallest Domestic Cat

Scarlett’s Magic, an F1 Savannah cat from Corona, California, has been named the World's Tallest Domestic Cat by Guinness World Records. Scarlett’s Magic, who measures 43.43 centimetres (17.1 inches) from shoulder to toe, is also awaiting the result on a second nomination as the longest (tip of the nose to tip of the tail) domestic cat. Take a look at the picture. Cute animal. Isn't it?

Scarlett’s Magic is 18 months old and has a beige coat and dramatic auburn and black spots. "The Savannah is the most intelligent, loving and beautiful animal companion a family could wish for," Kim Draper, the owner of Scarlett said.

Savannah cats are a cross between an African Serval and a domesticated breed. According to Draper, Savannahs are becoming increasingly popular in California due to their unique appearance and learning abilities. Dropper is Savannah breeder and owns the Californian-based, Savannah Cat Shoppe, with her husband Lee.

Ideas Stolen at Work? One in Four said 'Yes'!

According to a recent survey, more than one in four employees have had their ideas stolen at work and more than half of those who have had their ideas stolen never did anything in response. It means idea theft is prevalent in workplace and most idea thieves get away without any problem. This is really scary, specially when we talk about teamwork. Isn't it?

The interesting survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a staffing service, and was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with 444 workers 18 years of age or older and employed in an office environment. At the end of the survey, it was found that 29% employees had said 'Yes' to the question: "Has a coworker ever taken credit for your idea?". It means more than one-quarter of employees have had their ideas stolen at work. Surprisingly 51 % of them said 'Nothing' to the question "What did you do in response?". So, more than half of those ideas thieves get away without

"Today's workplace is more competitive than ever and, unfortunately, there are people who will go to great lengths to make themselves look good or get promoted, including taking credit for someone else's ideas," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Being proactive in sharing your vision with your manager and colleagues early on can help ensure others know the concept originated with you."

OfficeTeam offers the following tips for getting the credit you deserve:

• Report up. Use status updates to remind your manager of your ideas and the progress being made to implement them.
• Look for patterns. If a minor contribution is occasionally overlooked, you may decide to let it go. However, if other people routinely get credit for your ideas, it's a sign that you need to be more assertive.
• Don't act in haste. When someone receives credit for your idea, try to get to the bottom of the situation. It could be a misunderstanding. Be sure to give your colleague the opportunity to present his or her side of the story to you.
• Set the record straight. If you are credited with a coworker's idea, be sure to swiftly correct the situation. Your colleague will appreciate it.
  

via: OfficeTeam

Credit Card Fraud : Miss Singapore Quits

Miss World Singapore 2009 winner Ris Low, who was revealed to be a convict of a credit card fraud, has decided to back out of the finals at Miss World 2009 to be held in South Africa in December. I think it was for the first time in Miss World history, a contestant backed out because of revealed fraud.

Ris Low was already under presser after a slew of negative media reports, where she incurred the ire of the public for her poor English, according to local radio 938 Live. Later, news of her conviction for credit card fraud in May also surfaced, which put her in the spotlight again. She was sentenced to two years' probation for using illegally obtained credit cards to purchase expensive items and dining at posh restaurants, running a bill close to 8,000 dollars.

There was controversy on whether she could or should represent the country. Many Singaporeans wanted her to be stripped of her title, while others requested her not to represent Singapore in the finals of the Miss World pageant to be held in South Africa in December. China Press reported that Low pleaded to be given a second chance, and asked for forgiveness from Singaporeans.

The 19-year-old beauty said that it would be better for everyone and that giving up the crown is the best choice she could make. ERM World Marketing, organizer of Miss Singapore World pageant, said it will be interviewing a new representative to represent Singapore at Miss World 2009 in the coming days.

Funny Sign : Birds Poop Every 15 Minutes!

Love funny pics? Take a look at the picture. The sign tells that birds poop their frequently. It says, "Birds poop every 15 minutes". So, it is not a good idea to stand there for a longer period of time. If you did, someone  chances are more that birds just pooped on your head! Funny but important sign. What you say?

Asteroid named after Rescuer of Anne Frank's Diary

On Sunday, an asteroid between the planets Mars and Jupiter has been named after Miep Gies, the woman who saved the diary of Anne Frank. The asteroid, discovered in 1972, orbits between Mars and Jupiter and has an estimated diameter of seven kilometers. From now on it will be known as Miep Gies. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) said it wanted to draw attention to the steadfast courage of the now 100-year-old last surviving helper of the Frank family who hid in a building behind a house in Amsterdam during World War II.

Gies, now aged 100, took care of the Franks - the teenaged Anne, her parents and sister - and other Jews who hid from the Nazis in the Netherlands. Anne kept the diary from 1942-1944, while living in a building at 263 Prinsengracht. After they were discovered and deported, it was Gies who found and hid Anne's diary.

Anne Frank died of typhus at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in March 1945, shortly before her sixteenth birthday and the end of the war. After the war, Gies gave the only surviving family member, Otto Frank his daughter's diary. The world famous diary of Anne Frank, which is now in Anne Frank museum, attracts nearly a million visitors as year from all over the world.

In a diary entry dated July 11, 1943, Anne wrote: "Miep is just like a pack mule, she fetches and carries so much. Almost every day she manages to get hold of some vegetables for us and brings everything in shopping bags on her bicycle."

Ig Nobel for Gas Mask Bra

A bra that can save your life by turning into two gas masks during terrorist attack or disasters, is one of the many unusual scientific achievements that won  the 2009 Ig Nobel prize. Take a look at the picture.

Designed by Dr Elena Bodnar, a young Ukrainian medical student, the fashionable bra can be converted into a pair of emergency HEPA-filter gas mask in a matter of seconds. Dr Elena Bodnar won the Ig Nobel in public health for the bra. She demonstrated her invention and gave one to each of the Nobel laureates as a gift.

Ig Nobel awards are intended to celebrate the unusual, the imaginative and spur people's interest in science, medicine, and technology. It is a parody of the Nobel Prizes and are given each year in early October for ten achievements that "first make people laugh, and then make them think"

Michael Jackson and Osama! Funny Pic

Take a look at the picture below. What's odd in the picture? Osama and Michael Jackson together! Okay they are just portraits. Still, doesn't it looks odd? One is world's most wanted terrorist and the other one is the world's greatest singer - the King of Pop. Perfect timing! What you say?