ചാറ്റിങ്ങ് ക്ലാസ്സ് - 4500 നൂതനാശയങ്ങള്‍ കിട്ടി
ചാറ്റിങ്ങ് ഒരു കലയാണ് , ചിലര്‍ക്ക് അത് ജന്മാനാ തന്നെ പൈതൃക
ഗുണമായിക്കിട്ടുന്നു , മറ്റ് ചിലര്‍ സ്ഥിരൊത്സാഹത്തോടെ
ആര്‍ജ്ജിച്ചെടുക്കുന്നു , എന്നിരുന്നാലും ശരിയായ ഒരു പരിശീലന പദ്ധതി
നിങ്ങളുടെ ഉള്ളിലെ ചാറ്റിങ്ങ് ജീനിനെ പരിപോഷിപ്പിക്കാനുതകും എന്ന
വിശ്വാസത്തോടെയാണ് , ഈ ചാറ്റിങ്ങ് ക്ലാസ്സ് ഇവിടെ ആരംഭിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത് .
അധ്യായം - ഡാ
നമ്മള്‍ എന്തു സംസാരിക്കുമ്പോഴും "ഡാ " എന്നു ചേര്‍ക്കണം..എന്നാലെ
നമ്മളോടൊപ്പം ചാറ്റ് ചെയ്യുന്ന വ്യക്തിക്ക് ഒരു ഇമ്പ്രെഷന്‍ കൊടുക്കാനാണ്
, അല്ലെങ്കില്‍ നമ്മള്‍ വെറും രാജ്യമാണെന്ന് [country] അവര്‍
തെറ്റിദ്ധരിക്കും
for ex : - iam going da , you come da , poda , same to you da , good
morning da ,
നമുക്കൊരു തെറ്റിദ്ധാരണയുണ്ട് ആണുങ്ങളെയാണ് നമ്മള്‍ “ഡാ” എന്ന്
വിളിക്കുന്നത് , അത് തികച്ചും തെറ്റാണ് , ഫെമിനിസത്തിന്റെ ഈ
കാലഘട്ടത്തില്‍ പെണ്‍കുട്ടികളെയാണ് നമ്മള്‍ കൂടുതലായി “ ഡാ “
വിളിക്കേണ്ടത് , എന്നാലെ നമ്മളും മോഡേണാവൂ ..
for ex : ഇത് ഒരു ആണ്‍കുട്ടിയും പെണ്‍കുട്ടിയും തമ്മിലുള്ള സംസാരമാണ് ,
A: yesterday i not sleep daa
B: me too daa
A : i luv u daa ,
B: i luv u 2 much daa
A. po daaa
ഇതിലാരാ ശരിക്കും “ ഡാ “ ശരിക്കും “ഡീ” എന്ന് ദൈവത്തിന് പോലും
തിരിച്ചറിയന്‍ കഴിയില്ല, അങ്ങനെയായിരിക്കണം ചാറ്റ് ചെയ്യേണ്ടത് .
പിന്നെയുള്ള ഒരു കാര്യം buddy , guys, lols , yaap. oops, nops എന്നൊക്കെ
ഇടക്കിടക്ക് പറയണം ഒരു കാര്യോമില്ലെങ്കിലും , ഞങ്ങട “ ഗഡ്ഡി “ എന്ന വിളി
ത്രിശൂര്‍ പൂരത്തിനു വന്ന സായിപ്പിനു ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടിട്ട് മൂപ്പരത് അത്
buddy ആക്കി മാറ്റി ഇംഗ്ലീഷിലിട്ടതാണ് , പിന്നെ “ guys “ എന്നൊക്കെ
ചാറ്റിങ്ങില്‍ അടിക്കുമ്പോള്‍ അക്ഷരം മാറി "gays " എന്നായാല്‍ അടി
പാഴ്സല്‍ വരുന്നത് കൊണ്ട് അവിടെ ഒന്ന് ശ്രദ്ധിക്കണം . LOLs എന്ന
വാക്കുണ്ടാക്കിയ സായിപ്പിന്റെ നിഘണ്ടുവില്‍ അതിനര്‍ത്ഥം " laughing out
loudly " ചിരിച്ച് പണ്ടാറമടങ്ങുക , പക്ഷെ നമ്മള്‍ അതൊന്നും
കാര്യമായെടുക്കരുത് , നമ്മളുടെ LOLs ന്റെ ഉദ്ദേശം വേറെ ആണ് , വളരെ ലോലമായ
ഹൃദയമുള്ള ആളെന്നോ , ലോലമായ മനസുള്ള ആളാണെന്നോ അല്ലെങ്കില്‍
നാട്ടുമ്പുറത്തെ ലോലന്‍ എന്ന പേരായോ എങ്ങനെ വേണമെങ്കിലും എടുക്കാം ,
പക്ഷെ LOLs ഒഴിവാക്കി ഒരു പരിപാടിയില്ല , അമ്മൂമ്മ സീരിയസ് ആയി ഡേറ്റും
കാത്ത് കിടക്കുന്നതിന് അനുശോചനം പറയാനായാലും ക്രൈസിസ് വന്ന് കമ്പനി
പൂട്ടിപ്പോവാന്‍ പോകുന്ന മെസ്സേജാണെങ്കിലും പറയണം LOLs , ഇംഗ്ലീഷുകാരോട്
പോവാന്‍ പറ , നമ്മള്‍ തീരുമാനിക്കും അര്‍ത്ഥോം പര്യായൊമൊക്കെ .
for ex :
how r u da ..lol
iam fine daa lol
how is crisis in ur company
very bad situation da ..lol
iam sorry daa lol
രണ്ടാം അധ്യായം - [chating special മലയാളം ]
“കൂട്ടം “ മലയാളത്തെ പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിക്കുന്നത് കൊണ്ട് ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് പദങ്ങള്‍
മലയാളീകരിച്ചിരിക്കുകയാണ് , ഇംഗ്ലീഷില്‍ ചാറ്റ് ചെയ്യില്ല എന്ന്
നിര്‍ബന്ധബുദ്ധിയുള്ള മലയാളികള്‍ക്ക് വേണ്ടി മലയാളത്തില്‍
പരിഭാഷപ്പെടുത്തിയതാണ് .ഇത് പൊതുവില്‍ ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്ന കുറച്ച് പദങ്ങള്‍
മാത്രമാണ് , അടുത്ത ക്ലാസ്സില്‍ അല്പം കൂടി വിപുലമാക്കുന്നതായിരിക്കും
good morning - നല്ല കാലത്ത്
whats up - എന്താണ് മുകളില്‍
get lost - നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ട് പോയി
carry on - ചുമന്നോളൂ
take care - സൂക്ഷിച്ച് എടുക്കൂ
fine - പിഴ
great - വലുത്
catch you later - നിന്നെ പിന്നെ പിടിച്ചോളാം
you Rockking - നീ പാറ രാജാവ്
മൂന്നാം അധ്യായം [ American english ]
ഇത് അമേരിക്കന്‍ ഇംഗ്ലീഷിന്റെ കാലമാണ്, അമേരിക്കന്‍ ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് പലതും
മലയാളത്തില്‍ തെറി പോലെ
ഒക്കെ തോന്നുമെങ്കിലും അതാണ് ഇപ്പോഴത്തെ ട്രെന്റ് , എന്തെങ്കിലും
പറയുമ്പോള്‍ അതില്‍ "wannaa " gonnaa " എന്ന് കൂട്ടിപ്പറയുക ,
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
20 Lazy Ways to Save Money
While the media can't decide if the recession is nearing its end or not, we do know that there hasn't been a tremendous surge in wages, job creation or the stock market. Consequently, most of us are staying pretty conservative on our spending. Here are a few relatively simple ways to keep an eye on your pennies while you're waiting for that brighter economic future to arrive.
1. Schedule automatic payments. Have (at least) your fixed monthly bills paid automatically to avoid missing a payment and having to fork over extra money for late fees and/or interest. You can set up auto pay features through your bank's online bill paying service or by arranging it directly with the company or service provider.
2. Eat your groceries. Did you know that Americans regularly throw away nearly 15% of the food they buy at the grocery store each year? That can add up to hundreds or, depending on your supermarket budget, thousands of dollars each year. Save money by actually eating what you buy. Not sure how? Bypass the bookstore and borrow a cookbook from the library!
3. Bundle services. If you're paying different vendors for similar services you may be overpaying. Call your communications providers to see what price you'll be quoted if you switch and bundle your internet, phone and cable TV services.
4. Pay off credit card. If you're not paying off your credit card balance each month you're paying interest and, for most Americans, it's a pretty steep rate. Pay it off and you could save a tidy sum by eliminating your interest charges.
5. Mark your calendar. Whenever you rent something - library books, videos, etc. – mark it on your calendar and save money by avoiding those quickly mounting late fees. Many stores and libraries also now offer email reminders to help the constantly harried so sign up for the extra help!
6. File your taxes on time. Or if you need to file an extension at least pay what you owe on the due date. You'll avoid annoying notices from the IRS and, more importantly, save on penalties, fees and interest.
7. Roll it over. If you're switching jobs and you can't leave your 401(k) invested with your current company, roll your 401(k) into either your new employer's 401(k) or an IRA within the 60-day window instead of withdrawing the money. By doing so you'll keep the money invested - and earning interest - and avoid those nasty taxes as well as the additional 10% penalty.
8. Switch credit cards. If you're carrying a balance on a high interest rate credit card check out other card issuers to see if you could transfer your balance to one with a lower interest rate and fewer fees. Use sites like Creditcard.com or Bankrate.com to compare card rates, and pay careful attention to how long those terms last so you don't wind up paying a higher rate and erasing any potential savings.
9. Use your privileges. Are you an AAA member? Do you belong to the AARP? What about your local credit union? Check organizations you have memberships with to see if they offer buying privileges or discounts.
10. Rent instead of buy. You might be excited to expand your driveway but don't let your enthusiasm overtake good sense. Hold off on buying that jackhammer and think before you spend on big-ticket items or items that you'll use once or infrequently (like movies and books).
11. Buy instead of rent. Don't pay the exorbitantly high prices charged by rent-a-center type stores for items you'll use regularly and keep long-term like computers, furniture and appliances.
12. Ask. That's right, just ask. You can't be paying any more than you currently are, so why not ask if you can get the interest rate lowered on your credit cards or loans? Also, ask for a discount on services like your wireless phone, trash removal or pet care instead of switching to another vendor, and of course ask "is that the best you can do" on any big ticket purchases like cars, appliances and furniture.
In a tight economy it might be worth the seller's while to cut the price instead of losing the sale, and you'll both benefit in the end!
13. Just say no. To the extended warranty that is. They hardly ever make financial sense. Weigh the repair or replacement cost (and if you would even need or want to repair or replace it down the road) against the cost of the warranty and graciously pass when offered.
14. Have the awkward conversation. Americans average more than $750 yearly on holiday gifts and that's probably much more than most would like to spend. If your gift-giving is costing you more than you can realistically afford there's a good chance it’s more than your relatives can afford (or would like to spend) as well. Take the plunge and broach the subject. Offer a more reasonable alternative (say, limit giving to children or put a dollar amount on gifts per person). More than likely your relatives will be grateful SOMEONE finally raised the subject and you’ll save money in the process.
15. Eat at home. If the idea of cooking for yourself seems like too much work at least opt for take-out instead of dining out - you'll save on the tip, the alcohol and most likely the cost for appetizers or dessert.
16. Balance your checkbook. It might take a few minutes but it's something you should be doing anyway and it can pay off huge dividends by helping you avoid bouncing a check and incurring steep overdraft fees (not to mention a little embarrassment)!
17. Stick with your bank. When withdrawing cash drive or walk the extra minute it takes to use your bank's ATM and avoid the fee that could come with another bank's machine. Better yet - switch to a bank that doesn't charge fees!
18. Use your TV. If you're paying for cable why not use all of it - and save some money in the process? Cancel the video membership and watch movies through cable movie packages you're already paying for or check out your free "on demand" shows. Drop the gym membership and work out at home to channels like FitTV, and bag the magazine subscriptions and watch the same shows (like Martha Stewart) on TV instead.
19. Quit those bad habits. Smoking, overeating and drinking are costly habits to maintain. Okay - this is the "lazy" way to save, not necessarily the easy way. But you can save boatloads of money in two ways by saying sayonara to your favorite vices: (1) You'll save money by cutting out on the regular spending it's costing you, and (2) you'll probably save on insurance premiums and long-term health costs. It's the ultimate win-win.
20. Forget the pet. Sure it sounds heartless but did you realize that welcoming home a little Fido can cost you an average of more than $1,500 a year - or $15,000 over 10 years? Feline fluffies are pricey too - just under $1,000 a year or approximately $9,000 for 10 years of care. Looking at the long-term picture, that's a new car or the down payment on a home! Keep walking right past that pet store and keep the money in your pocket instead.
The recession won't last forever, but in the meantime take advantage of these lazy ways to stay on track financially, and develop some pretty good money management habits for the future!
1. Schedule automatic payments. Have (at least) your fixed monthly bills paid automatically to avoid missing a payment and having to fork over extra money for late fees and/or interest. You can set up auto pay features through your bank's online bill paying service or by arranging it directly with the company or service provider.
2. Eat your groceries. Did you know that Americans regularly throw away nearly 15% of the food they buy at the grocery store each year? That can add up to hundreds or, depending on your supermarket budget, thousands of dollars each year. Save money by actually eating what you buy. Not sure how? Bypass the bookstore and borrow a cookbook from the library!
3. Bundle services. If you're paying different vendors for similar services you may be overpaying. Call your communications providers to see what price you'll be quoted if you switch and bundle your internet, phone and cable TV services.
4. Pay off credit card. If you're not paying off your credit card balance each month you're paying interest and, for most Americans, it's a pretty steep rate. Pay it off and you could save a tidy sum by eliminating your interest charges.
5. Mark your calendar. Whenever you rent something - library books, videos, etc. – mark it on your calendar and save money by avoiding those quickly mounting late fees. Many stores and libraries also now offer email reminders to help the constantly harried so sign up for the extra help!
6. File your taxes on time. Or if you need to file an extension at least pay what you owe on the due date. You'll avoid annoying notices from the IRS and, more importantly, save on penalties, fees and interest.
7. Roll it over. If you're switching jobs and you can't leave your 401(k) invested with your current company, roll your 401(k) into either your new employer's 401(k) or an IRA within the 60-day window instead of withdrawing the money. By doing so you'll keep the money invested - and earning interest - and avoid those nasty taxes as well as the additional 10% penalty.
8. Switch credit cards. If you're carrying a balance on a high interest rate credit card check out other card issuers to see if you could transfer your balance to one with a lower interest rate and fewer fees. Use sites like Creditcard.com or Bankrate.com to compare card rates, and pay careful attention to how long those terms last so you don't wind up paying a higher rate and erasing any potential savings.
9. Use your privileges. Are you an AAA member? Do you belong to the AARP? What about your local credit union? Check organizations you have memberships with to see if they offer buying privileges or discounts.
10. Rent instead of buy. You might be excited to expand your driveway but don't let your enthusiasm overtake good sense. Hold off on buying that jackhammer and think before you spend on big-ticket items or items that you'll use once or infrequently (like movies and books).
11. Buy instead of rent. Don't pay the exorbitantly high prices charged by rent-a-center type stores for items you'll use regularly and keep long-term like computers, furniture and appliances.
12. Ask. That's right, just ask. You can't be paying any more than you currently are, so why not ask if you can get the interest rate lowered on your credit cards or loans? Also, ask for a discount on services like your wireless phone, trash removal or pet care instead of switching to another vendor, and of course ask "is that the best you can do" on any big ticket purchases like cars, appliances and furniture.
In a tight economy it might be worth the seller's while to cut the price instead of losing the sale, and you'll both benefit in the end!
13. Just say no. To the extended warranty that is. They hardly ever make financial sense. Weigh the repair or replacement cost (and if you would even need or want to repair or replace it down the road) against the cost of the warranty and graciously pass when offered.
14. Have the awkward conversation. Americans average more than $750 yearly on holiday gifts and that's probably much more than most would like to spend. If your gift-giving is costing you more than you can realistically afford there's a good chance it’s more than your relatives can afford (or would like to spend) as well. Take the plunge and broach the subject. Offer a more reasonable alternative (say, limit giving to children or put a dollar amount on gifts per person). More than likely your relatives will be grateful SOMEONE finally raised the subject and you’ll save money in the process.
15. Eat at home. If the idea of cooking for yourself seems like too much work at least opt for take-out instead of dining out - you'll save on the tip, the alcohol and most likely the cost for appetizers or dessert.
16. Balance your checkbook. It might take a few minutes but it's something you should be doing anyway and it can pay off huge dividends by helping you avoid bouncing a check and incurring steep overdraft fees (not to mention a little embarrassment)!
17. Stick with your bank. When withdrawing cash drive or walk the extra minute it takes to use your bank's ATM and avoid the fee that could come with another bank's machine. Better yet - switch to a bank that doesn't charge fees!
18. Use your TV. If you're paying for cable why not use all of it - and save some money in the process? Cancel the video membership and watch movies through cable movie packages you're already paying for or check out your free "on demand" shows. Drop the gym membership and work out at home to channels like FitTV, and bag the magazine subscriptions and watch the same shows (like Martha Stewart) on TV instead.
19. Quit those bad habits. Smoking, overeating and drinking are costly habits to maintain. Okay - this is the "lazy" way to save, not necessarily the easy way. But you can save boatloads of money in two ways by saying sayonara to your favorite vices: (1) You'll save money by cutting out on the regular spending it's costing you, and (2) you'll probably save on insurance premiums and long-term health costs. It's the ultimate win-win.
20. Forget the pet. Sure it sounds heartless but did you realize that welcoming home a little Fido can cost you an average of more than $1,500 a year - or $15,000 over 10 years? Feline fluffies are pricey too - just under $1,000 a year or approximately $9,000 for 10 years of care. Looking at the long-term picture, that's a new car or the down payment on a home! Keep walking right past that pet store and keep the money in your pocket instead.
The recession won't last forever, but in the meantime take advantage of these lazy ways to stay on track financially, and develop some pretty good money management habits for the future!
Millions face shrinking Social Security payments
WASHINGTON – Millions of older people face shrinking Social Security checks next year, the first time in a generation that payments would not rise. The trustees who oversee Social Security are projecting there won't be a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the next two years. That hasn't happened since automatic increases were adopted in 1975.
By law, Social Security benefits cannot go down. Nevertheless, monthly payments would drop for millions of people in the Medicare prescription drug program because the premiums, which often are deducted from Social Security payments, are scheduled to go up slightly.
"I will promise you, they count on that COLA," said Barbara Kennelly, a former Democratic congresswoman from Connecticut who now heads the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. "To some people, it might not be a big deal. But to seniors, especially with their health care costs, it is a big deal."
Cost of living adjustments are pegged to inflation, which has been negative this year, largely because energy prices are below 2008 levels.
Advocates say older people still face higher prices because they spend a disproportionate amount of their income on health care, where costs rise faster than inflation. Many also have suffered from declining home values and shrinking stock portfolios just as they are relying on those assets for income.
"For many elderly, they don't feel that inflation is low because their expenses are still going up," said David Certner, legislative policy director for AARP. "Anyone who has savings and investments has seen some serious losses."
About 50 million retired and disabled Americans receive Social Security benefits. The average monthly benefit for retirees is $1,153 this year. All beneficiaries received a 5.8 percent increase in January, the largest since 1982.
More than 32 million people are in the Medicare prescription drug program. Average monthly premiums are set to go from $28 this year to $30 next year, though they vary by plan. About 6 million people in the program have premiums deducted from their monthly Social Security payments, according to the Social Security Administration.
Millions of people with Medicare Part B coverage for doctors' visits also have their premiums deducted from Social Security payments. Part B premiums are expected to rise as well. But under the law, the increase cannot be larger than the increase in Social Security benefits for most recipients.
There is no such hold-harmless provision for drug premiums.
Kennelly's group wants Congress to increase Social Security benefits next year, even though the formula doesn't call for it. She would like to see either a 1 percent increase in monthly payments or a one-time payment of $150.
The cost of a one-time payment, a little less than $8 billion, could be covered by increasing the amount of income subjected to Social Security taxes, Kennelly said. Workers only pay Social Security taxes on the first $106,800 of income, a limit that rises each year with the average national wage.
But the limit only increases if monthly benefits increase.
Critics argue that Social Security recipients shouldn't get an increase when inflation is negative. They note that recipients got a big increase in January — after energy prices had started to fall. They also note that Social Security recipients received one-time $250 payments in the spring as part of the government's economic stimulus package.
Consumer prices are down from 2008 levels, giving Social Security recipients more purchasing power, even if their benefits stay the same, said Andrew G. Biggs, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington think tank.
"Seniors may perceive that they are being hurt because there is no COLA, but they are in fact not getting hurt," Biggs said. "Congress has to be able to tell people they are not getting everything they want."
Social Security is also facing long-term financial problems. The retirement program is projected to start paying out more money than it receives in 2016. Without changes, the retirement fund will be depleted in 2037, according to the Social Security trustees' annual report this year.
President Barack Obama has said he would like tackle Social Security next year, after Congress finishes work on health care, climate change and new financial regulations.
Lawmakers are preoccupied by health care, making it difficult to address other tough issues. Advocates for older people hope their efforts will get a boost in October, when the Social Security Administration officially announces that there will not be an increase in benefits next year.
"I think a lot of seniors do not know what's coming down the pike, and I believe that when they hear that, they're going to be upset," said Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who is working on a proposal for one-time payments for Social Security recipients.
"It is my view that seniors are going to need help this year, and it would not be acceptable for Congress to simply turn its back," he said.
By law, Social Security benefits cannot go down. Nevertheless, monthly payments would drop for millions of people in the Medicare prescription drug program because the premiums, which often are deducted from Social Security payments, are scheduled to go up slightly.
"I will promise you, they count on that COLA," said Barbara Kennelly, a former Democratic congresswoman from Connecticut who now heads the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. "To some people, it might not be a big deal. But to seniors, especially with their health care costs, it is a big deal."
Cost of living adjustments are pegged to inflation, which has been negative this year, largely because energy prices are below 2008 levels.
Advocates say older people still face higher prices because they spend a disproportionate amount of their income on health care, where costs rise faster than inflation. Many also have suffered from declining home values and shrinking stock portfolios just as they are relying on those assets for income.
"For many elderly, they don't feel that inflation is low because their expenses are still going up," said David Certner, legislative policy director for AARP. "Anyone who has savings and investments has seen some serious losses."
About 50 million retired and disabled Americans receive Social Security benefits. The average monthly benefit for retirees is $1,153 this year. All beneficiaries received a 5.8 percent increase in January, the largest since 1982.
More than 32 million people are in the Medicare prescription drug program. Average monthly premiums are set to go from $28 this year to $30 next year, though they vary by plan. About 6 million people in the program have premiums deducted from their monthly Social Security payments, according to the Social Security Administration.
Millions of people with Medicare Part B coverage for doctors' visits also have their premiums deducted from Social Security payments. Part B premiums are expected to rise as well. But under the law, the increase cannot be larger than the increase in Social Security benefits for most recipients.
There is no such hold-harmless provision for drug premiums.
Kennelly's group wants Congress to increase Social Security benefits next year, even though the formula doesn't call for it. She would like to see either a 1 percent increase in monthly payments or a one-time payment of $150.
The cost of a one-time payment, a little less than $8 billion, could be covered by increasing the amount of income subjected to Social Security taxes, Kennelly said. Workers only pay Social Security taxes on the first $106,800 of income, a limit that rises each year with the average national wage.
But the limit only increases if monthly benefits increase.
Critics argue that Social Security recipients shouldn't get an increase when inflation is negative. They note that recipients got a big increase in January — after energy prices had started to fall. They also note that Social Security recipients received one-time $250 payments in the spring as part of the government's economic stimulus package.
Consumer prices are down from 2008 levels, giving Social Security recipients more purchasing power, even if their benefits stay the same, said Andrew G. Biggs, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington think tank.
"Seniors may perceive that they are being hurt because there is no COLA, but they are in fact not getting hurt," Biggs said. "Congress has to be able to tell people they are not getting everything they want."
Social Security is also facing long-term financial problems. The retirement program is projected to start paying out more money than it receives in 2016. Without changes, the retirement fund will be depleted in 2037, according to the Social Security trustees' annual report this year.
President Barack Obama has said he would like tackle Social Security next year, after Congress finishes work on health care, climate change and new financial regulations.
Lawmakers are preoccupied by health care, making it difficult to address other tough issues. Advocates for older people hope their efforts will get a boost in October, when the Social Security Administration officially announces that there will not be an increase in benefits next year.
"I think a lot of seniors do not know what's coming down the pike, and I believe that when they hear that, they're going to be upset," said Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who is working on a proposal for one-time payments for Social Security recipients.
"It is my view that seniors are going to need help this year, and it would not be acceptable for Congress to simply turn its back," he said.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
അമേരിക്കയില്‍ വീഡിയോ ഗെയിം ഉല്‍പ്പന്നങ്ങളുടെ വില്‍പ്പന 29 ശതമാനം ഇടിഞ്ഞു.
അമേരിക്കയില്‍ വീഡിയോ ഗെയിം ഉല്‍പ്പന്നങ്ങളുടെ വില്‍പ്പന കുത്തനെ ഇടിഞ്ഞതായി റിപ്പോര്ട്ട്. ജൂലൈയില്‍ അവസാനിച്ച കണക്കുകള്‍ പ്രകാരം വീഡിയോ ഗെയിം ഉല്‍പ്പന്നങ്ങളുടെ വില്‍പ്പന 29 ശതമാനം ഇടിഞ്ഞു. ഗവേഷണ ഗ്രൂപ്പായ എന്‍ പി ഡി നടത്തിയ കണക്ക് പ്രകാരം 848.9 ദശലക്ഷം ഡോളറിന്‍റെ ഗെയിംസ് ഉല്‍പ്പന്നങ്ങളാണ് വിറ്റുപോയത്. ആഗോള സാമ്പത്തിക പ്രതിസന്ധിയാണ് ഇതിന് കാരണമായി സാമ്പത്തിക വിദഗ്ധര്‍ ചൂണ്ടിക്കാണിക്കുന്നത്.
മുന്‍ വര്‍ഷത്തിലെ കണക്കുകള്‍ നോക്കുമ്പോള്‍ ഗെയിംസ് ഹാര്‍ഡ്‌വെയര്‍ വില്‍പ്പനയില്‍ 37 ശതമാനത്തിന്‍റെ ഇടിവാണ് നേരിട്ടിരിക്കുന്നത്. വീഡിയോ സോഫ്റ്റ്‌വയര്‍ വില്‍പ്പന രംഗത്ത് 26 ശതമാനത്തിന്‍റെ നഷ്ടം നേരിട്ടപ്പോള്‍ വീഡിയോ ഗെയിം വില്‍പ്പനയില്‍ 12 ശതമാനം ഇടിഞ്ഞു.
ഗെയിംസ് ഉല്‍പ്പന്ന നിര്‍മ്മാണ മേഖലയിലെ പ്രമുഖ കമ്പനിയായ നിന്‍റെന്‍റോയുടെ വൈ തന്നെയാണ് വില്‍പ്പനയില്‍ ഒന്നാം സ്ഥാനത്ത്. മൈക്രോസൊഫ്റ്റിന്‍റെ എക്സ് ബൊക്സ് 360 രണ്ടാം സ്ഥാനത്ത് നില്‍ക്കുന്നു. സോണിയുടെ പ്ലേസ്റ്റേഷന്‍ മൂന്നാണ് മൂന്നാം സ്ഥാനത്ത്. എന്‍ സി എ എ ഫുട്ബോള്‍ പത്ത് എന്ന ഗെയിം വില്‍പ്പന രംഗത്ത് വന്‍ മുന്നേറ്റം നടത്തിയതായും എന്‍ പി ഡി അധികൃതര്‍ വ്യക്തമാക്കി.
മുന്‍ വര്‍ഷത്തിലെ കണക്കുകള്‍ നോക്കുമ്പോള്‍ ഗെയിംസ് ഹാര്‍ഡ്‌വെയര്‍ വില്‍പ്പനയില്‍ 37 ശതമാനത്തിന്‍റെ ഇടിവാണ് നേരിട്ടിരിക്കുന്നത്. വീഡിയോ സോഫ്റ്റ്‌വയര്‍ വില്‍പ്പന രംഗത്ത് 26 ശതമാനത്തിന്‍റെ നഷ്ടം നേരിട്ടപ്പോള്‍ വീഡിയോ ഗെയിം വില്‍പ്പനയില്‍ 12 ശതമാനം ഇടിഞ്ഞു.
ഗെയിംസ് ഉല്‍പ്പന്ന നിര്‍മ്മാണ മേഖലയിലെ പ്രമുഖ കമ്പനിയായ നിന്‍റെന്‍റോയുടെ വൈ തന്നെയാണ് വില്‍പ്പനയില്‍ ഒന്നാം സ്ഥാനത്ത്. മൈക്രോസൊഫ്റ്റിന്‍റെ എക്സ് ബൊക്സ് 360 രണ്ടാം സ്ഥാനത്ത് നില്‍ക്കുന്നു. സോണിയുടെ പ്ലേസ്റ്റേഷന്‍ മൂന്നാണ് മൂന്നാം സ്ഥാനത്ത്. എന്‍ സി എ എ ഫുട്ബോള്‍ പത്ത് എന്ന ഗെയിം വില്‍പ്പന രംഗത്ത് വന്‍ മുന്നേറ്റം നടത്തിയതായും എന്‍ പി ഡി അധികൃതര്‍ വ്യക്തമാക്കി.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Make Money by Simply Driving Your Car
You probably have heard stories about businesses that will pay you just to drive around with an advertisement on your car, but do these opportunities really exist? And, if so, how do you find them?
They're called "free car" programs or "get paid to drive" promotions. These programs do exist, although they aren't as plentiful as they once were. The key is knowing where to look and having what it takes to make you an ideal advertising driver.
How it works
Here's the basic premise of the "paid to drive" concept: A company seeks people -- regular citizens, not professional drivers -- to go about their normal routine as they usually do, only with a big ad plastered on their car. The ads are typically vinyl decals, also known as "auto wraps," that almost seem to be painted on the vehicle, and which often cover a large portion of the car's exterior surface.
The car owner is then compensated, usually a few hundred dollars per month, which is essentially a "rental" payment for letting the company use that space. In the past, there's also been a "free car" version of this concept. The company provided the driver with a new, prewrapped car. In this situation, the drivers usually didn't get any cash; their payment amounted to the free use of a new car. However, companies quickly discovered that giving away a bunch of free cars didn't make economic sense, so few still take this approach, says Drew Livingston, president of Free Car Media in Los Angeles.
What does the company get out of this type of ad strategy? Lots of exposure. The auto wraps tend to be colorful and eye-catching and attract lots of attention. Plus, it's a form of advertising with a captive audience, meaning people who are stuck in traffic and can't avoid seeing the wrapped car alongside them, Livingston says.
The companies usually select drivers who live in desirable locations such as high-traffic, urban areas. A company's ideal driver can vary depending upon the target demographic they want to reach, according to Brandon Clarke of DrivenMedia, a Phoenix-based advertising company that specializes in creating branded vehicle campaigns for clients. For example, a tech or electronics company may seek drivers who live on or near college campuses, so as to gain exposure with the college crowd.
The vehicles in these programs are often equipped with GPS tracking devices, so the companies can make sure the drivers spend sufficient time in the desired areas.
'Paid to drive' primetime
Paid-to-drive programs were very popular five to 10 years ago. Gas was cheaper, and people were spending more time on the road. There were plenty of Web sites devoted to these programs, including many fee-charging sites that acted as a middleman and promised to connect willing drivers with companies seeking vehicles for their ads.
Then, fuel prices spiked and people weren't spending as much time in their cars, Clarke says. At the same time, online advertising became the rage.
Current opportunities
Still, there are opportunities out there, if you know where to look.
Livingston says his company's client companies still have plenty of campaigns running nationwide. Business slowed slightly right before the recession but returned when the economy started going south.
"Consumers are seeking ways to make money, while companies are cutting back on spending for television campaigns and looking for more affordable advertising strategies," Livingston says.
On average, Livingston's clients put about 800 to 1,000 wrapped cars on the road.
Like other similar companies, Free Car Media serves as a matchmaker. Interested consumers register at MyFreeCar.com and then are notified when they meet the criteria a client seeks in potential drivers.
Drivers are paid an average of $700 to $900 per month, with campaigns usually running a few months long. Drivers use their own cars which are fitted with the wrap. "They don't actually get a free car," Livingston says. "But the monthly payment is generally enough to cover their auto expenses like car payment, gas, etc., for the month, so that's where the name comes from."
It doesn't cost anything for drivers to sign up, and Livingston warns people to avoid any sites that do charge a fee.
"There are a lot of unscrupulous companies that want to charge you $20, $30 or more when you can get this information yourself for free. I get calls on a weekly basis from people who are upset because they were scammed," he says. Livingston says that anyone who is directed to his site after paying a fee to another service should demand a refund.
Adding to the confusion, many of the sites -- legitimate and questionable -- have very similar names, often some variation of the words "free" and "car." So it's important to check out the Web site carefully, watching for any mention of fees or membership costs.
Finding drivers
Clarke says his company puts a lot of effort into recruiting brand influencers, or drivers who are a perfect fit for the client's target audience.
"Recent engagements have focused on family-oriented and consumer driven advertisers who are generally trying to create awareness within a specific region among active moms with active families," Clarke says, adding that busy soccer moms would make perfect driver candidates for these campaigns. "With active families being such a coveted demographic, incorporating their vehicles is ideal since they're getting tremendous exposure parked in the pick-up line at school, at the Saturday morning soccer games, etc."
There are important criteria for driving candidates. "Background, driving record, employment verification, personal interview, as well as having mandatory minimum auto insurance coverage are part of the vetting process," Clarke says. "We're also looking to incorporate an online personality assessment tool and a short online defensive driving course."
Interested drivers can sign up for opportunities at Drivenmediaonline.com. "We compensate drivers within a range of $300 to $500 per month, with incentives and other engagements that allow them to earn more," Clarke says. "Our typical campaign lasts three to six months, with the time frame and vehicle type being the primary factors for determining their monthly compensation."
They're called "free car" programs or "get paid to drive" promotions. These programs do exist, although they aren't as plentiful as they once were. The key is knowing where to look and having what it takes to make you an ideal advertising driver.
How it works
Here's the basic premise of the "paid to drive" concept: A company seeks people -- regular citizens, not professional drivers -- to go about their normal routine as they usually do, only with a big ad plastered on their car. The ads are typically vinyl decals, also known as "auto wraps," that almost seem to be painted on the vehicle, and which often cover a large portion of the car's exterior surface.
The car owner is then compensated, usually a few hundred dollars per month, which is essentially a "rental" payment for letting the company use that space. In the past, there's also been a "free car" version of this concept. The company provided the driver with a new, prewrapped car. In this situation, the drivers usually didn't get any cash; their payment amounted to the free use of a new car. However, companies quickly discovered that giving away a bunch of free cars didn't make economic sense, so few still take this approach, says Drew Livingston, president of Free Car Media in Los Angeles.
What does the company get out of this type of ad strategy? Lots of exposure. The auto wraps tend to be colorful and eye-catching and attract lots of attention. Plus, it's a form of advertising with a captive audience, meaning people who are stuck in traffic and can't avoid seeing the wrapped car alongside them, Livingston says.
The companies usually select drivers who live in desirable locations such as high-traffic, urban areas. A company's ideal driver can vary depending upon the target demographic they want to reach, according to Brandon Clarke of DrivenMedia, a Phoenix-based advertising company that specializes in creating branded vehicle campaigns for clients. For example, a tech or electronics company may seek drivers who live on or near college campuses, so as to gain exposure with the college crowd.
The vehicles in these programs are often equipped with GPS tracking devices, so the companies can make sure the drivers spend sufficient time in the desired areas.
'Paid to drive' primetime
Paid-to-drive programs were very popular five to 10 years ago. Gas was cheaper, and people were spending more time on the road. There were plenty of Web sites devoted to these programs, including many fee-charging sites that acted as a middleman and promised to connect willing drivers with companies seeking vehicles for their ads.
Then, fuel prices spiked and people weren't spending as much time in their cars, Clarke says. At the same time, online advertising became the rage.
Current opportunities
Still, there are opportunities out there, if you know where to look.
Livingston says his company's client companies still have plenty of campaigns running nationwide. Business slowed slightly right before the recession but returned when the economy started going south.
"Consumers are seeking ways to make money, while companies are cutting back on spending for television campaigns and looking for more affordable advertising strategies," Livingston says.
On average, Livingston's clients put about 800 to 1,000 wrapped cars on the road.
Like other similar companies, Free Car Media serves as a matchmaker. Interested consumers register at MyFreeCar.com and then are notified when they meet the criteria a client seeks in potential drivers.
Drivers are paid an average of $700 to $900 per month, with campaigns usually running a few months long. Drivers use their own cars which are fitted with the wrap. "They don't actually get a free car," Livingston says. "But the monthly payment is generally enough to cover their auto expenses like car payment, gas, etc., for the month, so that's where the name comes from."
It doesn't cost anything for drivers to sign up, and Livingston warns people to avoid any sites that do charge a fee.
"There are a lot of unscrupulous companies that want to charge you $20, $30 or more when you can get this information yourself for free. I get calls on a weekly basis from people who are upset because they were scammed," he says. Livingston says that anyone who is directed to his site after paying a fee to another service should demand a refund.
Adding to the confusion, many of the sites -- legitimate and questionable -- have very similar names, often some variation of the words "free" and "car." So it's important to check out the Web site carefully, watching for any mention of fees or membership costs.
Finding drivers
Clarke says his company puts a lot of effort into recruiting brand influencers, or drivers who are a perfect fit for the client's target audience.
"Recent engagements have focused on family-oriented and consumer driven advertisers who are generally trying to create awareness within a specific region among active moms with active families," Clarke says, adding that busy soccer moms would make perfect driver candidates for these campaigns. "With active families being such a coveted demographic, incorporating their vehicles is ideal since they're getting tremendous exposure parked in the pick-up line at school, at the Saturday morning soccer games, etc."
There are important criteria for driving candidates. "Background, driving record, employment verification, personal interview, as well as having mandatory minimum auto insurance coverage are part of the vetting process," Clarke says. "We're also looking to incorporate an online personality assessment tool and a short online defensive driving course."
Interested drivers can sign up for opportunities at Drivenmediaonline.com. "We compensate drivers within a range of $300 to $500 per month, with incentives and other engagements that allow them to earn more," Clarke says. "Our typical campaign lasts three to six months, with the time frame and vehicle type being the primary factors for determining their monthly compensation."
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
മിസ് കേരള 2009 - അര്‍ച്ചനാ നായര്‍ കിരീടം ചൂടി.
ഏറെ വിവാദങ്ങള്‍ക്കും കോടതി ഇടപെടലിനും ശേഷം അരങ്ങേറിയ മിസ് കേരള 2009 മത്സരത്തില്‍ അര്‍ച്ചനാ നായര്‍ കിരീടം ചൂടി. കൂടെ മത്സരിച്ച ഇരുപത് സുന്ദരികളെ പിന്നിലാക്കിയാണ്‌ അര്‍ച്ചനയെന്ന പത്തൊന്‍പതുകാരി കേരളത്തിന്റെ സൌന്ദര്യറാണി പട്ടം കരസ്ഥമാക്കിയത്. മിസ് ടാലന്‍റഡ്, മിസ് ബ്യൂട്ടിഫുള്‍ മൈന്‍ഡ് പദവികള്‍ നേടിയെടുത്ത്, മിസ് കേരളയായ അര്‍ച്ചന തിരുവനന്തപുരം സ്വദേശിനിയാണ്. താമസം ഇപ്പോള്‍ അമേരിക്കയിലെ മിനസോട്ടയിലും.
അമേരിക്കയിലെ കാലിഫോര്‍ണിയില്‍ സ്റ്റാന്‍സ്‌ഫോര്‍ഡ്‌ യൂണിവേഴ്സിറ്റിയില്‍ ബയോ എന്‍ജിനീയറിങ്‌ വിദ്യാര്‍ത്ഥിനിയാണ് അര്‍ച്ചന. തിരുവനന്തപുരം സ്വദേശികളായ ഡോ. അപ്പുക്കുട്ടന്‍നായരുടെയും ലതാനായരുടെയും മകളാണ്‌.
സൗന്ദര്യമല്‍സരം വിലയിരുത്തി റിപ്പോര്ട്ട് സമര്‍പ്പിക്കാന്‍ ഹൈക്കോടതി നിയമിച്ച അഭിഭാഷക കമ്മിഷന് മുന്നിലായിരുന്നു മത്സരം അരങ്ങേറിയത്. കൊച്ചിയിലെ മെരിഡിയന്‍ ഹോട്ടലിന്‍റെ കണ്‍വന്‍ഷന്‍ സെന്‍ററായിരുന്നു മത്സരവേദി. പത്തുവര്‍ഷമായി മിസ് കേരള മത്സരം സംഘടിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഇംപ്രസാരിയോ ഇവന്‍റ് മാനേജ്മെന്‍റും ഐടിസി ബ്രാന്‍ഡ് വിവലും ചേര്‍ന്നാണ് ഇത്തവണയും പരിപാടി സംഘടിപ്പിച്ചത്. എന്നാല്‍ വനിതാ ശിശു സംരക്ഷണ പദ്ധതിയുമായി സഹകരിച്ചാണ് ഇത്തവണ മിസ് കേരള മത്സരം നടത്തിയത്.
തിരുവനന്തപുരത്തു നിന്നുള്ള ഗീതുക്രിസ്‌റ്റിയാണ്‌ ഫസ്റ്റ്‌ റണ്ണറപ്പ്‌. കൊച്ചിക്കാരിയായ ബോണി മേരി മാത്യു സെക്കന്‍ഡ്‌ റണ്ണറപ്പുമായി. ബികോം വിദ്യാര്‍ഥിനിയാണ് ഗീതു. ബോണിയാവട്ടെ കമ്യൂണിക്കേറ്റീവ്‌ ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് പഠിച്ചുകൊണ്ടിരിക്കുന്നു.
സംവിധായകന്‍ പ്രിയദര്‍ശന്‍, ചലച്ചിത്രതാരങ്ങളായ നരേന്‍, ബാല, ഗായിക ഉഷാ ഉതുപ്പ്‌, നര്‍ത്തകി പല്ലവി കൃഷ്‌ണന്‍, മോഡലും ഹിന്ദി നടിയുമായ കൈനാഥ്‌ അറോറ, മേത്തര്‍ ഗ്രൂപ്പ്‌ എം ഡി റാഫി മേത്തര്‍, അക്വാ വാട്ടര്‍ സിസ്‌റ്റം എംഡിയായ എന്‍ രാജീവ്‌ എന്നിവരായിരുന്നു വിധികര്‍ത്താക്കള്‍.
മിസ് കേരള മല്‍സരവും റിയാലിറ്റി ഷോകളും പോലെയുള്ള പരിപാടികള്‍ ധാര്‍മികതയ്ക്കു നിരക്കുന്നതല്ലെന്നും പെണ്‍കുട്ടികളെയും യുവതികളെയും ചൂഷണം ചെയ്യുന്നതാണെന്നും ആരോപിച്ച് ഹൈക്കോടതിയില്‍ ഹര്‍ജി നല്‍കിയിരുന്നു. ഇതിനെ തുടര്‍ന്നാണ് സൌന്ദര്യമത്സരം നിരീക്ഷിക്കാനായി അഭിഭാഷക കമ്മിഷനെ കോടതി നിയമിച്ചത്. ഒരാഴ്ചക്കുള്ളില്‍ കമ്മീഷന്‍ നല്‍‌കുന്ന റിപ്പോര്‍ട്ടായിരിക്കും ഇന്ത്യയില്‍ നടക്കുന്ന സൌന്ദര്യമത്സരങ്ങളുടെ ഭാവി നിര്‍ണയിക്കുക.
അമേരിക്കയിലെ കാലിഫോര്‍ണിയില്‍ സ്റ്റാന്‍സ്‌ഫോര്‍ഡ്‌ യൂണിവേഴ്സിറ്റിയില്‍ ബയോ എന്‍ജിനീയറിങ്‌ വിദ്യാര്‍ത്ഥിനിയാണ് അര്‍ച്ചന. തിരുവനന്തപുരം സ്വദേശികളായ ഡോ. അപ്പുക്കുട്ടന്‍നായരുടെയും ലതാനായരുടെയും മകളാണ്‌.
സൗന്ദര്യമല്‍സരം വിലയിരുത്തി റിപ്പോര്ട്ട് സമര്‍പ്പിക്കാന്‍ ഹൈക്കോടതി നിയമിച്ച അഭിഭാഷക കമ്മിഷന് മുന്നിലായിരുന്നു മത്സരം അരങ്ങേറിയത്. കൊച്ചിയിലെ മെരിഡിയന്‍ ഹോട്ടലിന്‍റെ കണ്‍വന്‍ഷന്‍ സെന്‍ററായിരുന്നു മത്സരവേദി. പത്തുവര്‍ഷമായി മിസ് കേരള മത്സരം സംഘടിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഇംപ്രസാരിയോ ഇവന്‍റ് മാനേജ്മെന്‍റും ഐടിസി ബ്രാന്‍ഡ് വിവലും ചേര്‍ന്നാണ് ഇത്തവണയും പരിപാടി സംഘടിപ്പിച്ചത്. എന്നാല്‍ വനിതാ ശിശു സംരക്ഷണ പദ്ധതിയുമായി സഹകരിച്ചാണ് ഇത്തവണ മിസ് കേരള മത്സരം നടത്തിയത്.
തിരുവനന്തപുരത്തു നിന്നുള്ള ഗീതുക്രിസ്‌റ്റിയാണ്‌ ഫസ്റ്റ്‌ റണ്ണറപ്പ്‌. കൊച്ചിക്കാരിയായ ബോണി മേരി മാത്യു സെക്കന്‍ഡ്‌ റണ്ണറപ്പുമായി. ബികോം വിദ്യാര്‍ഥിനിയാണ് ഗീതു. ബോണിയാവട്ടെ കമ്യൂണിക്കേറ്റീവ്‌ ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് പഠിച്ചുകൊണ്ടിരിക്കുന്നു.
സംവിധായകന്‍ പ്രിയദര്‍ശന്‍, ചലച്ചിത്രതാരങ്ങളായ നരേന്‍, ബാല, ഗായിക ഉഷാ ഉതുപ്പ്‌, നര്‍ത്തകി പല്ലവി കൃഷ്‌ണന്‍, മോഡലും ഹിന്ദി നടിയുമായ കൈനാഥ്‌ അറോറ, മേത്തര്‍ ഗ്രൂപ്പ്‌ എം ഡി റാഫി മേത്തര്‍, അക്വാ വാട്ടര്‍ സിസ്‌റ്റം എംഡിയായ എന്‍ രാജീവ്‌ എന്നിവരായിരുന്നു വിധികര്‍ത്താക്കള്‍.
മിസ് കേരള മല്‍സരവും റിയാലിറ്റി ഷോകളും പോലെയുള്ള പരിപാടികള്‍ ധാര്‍മികതയ്ക്കു നിരക്കുന്നതല്ലെന്നും പെണ്‍കുട്ടികളെയും യുവതികളെയും ചൂഷണം ചെയ്യുന്നതാണെന്നും ആരോപിച്ച് ഹൈക്കോടതിയില്‍ ഹര്‍ജി നല്‍കിയിരുന്നു. ഇതിനെ തുടര്‍ന്നാണ് സൌന്ദര്യമത്സരം നിരീക്ഷിക്കാനായി അഭിഭാഷക കമ്മിഷനെ കോടതി നിയമിച്ചത്. ഒരാഴ്ചക്കുള്ളില്‍ കമ്മീഷന്‍ നല്‍‌കുന്ന റിപ്പോര്‍ട്ടായിരിക്കും ഇന്ത്യയില്‍ നടക്കുന്ന സൌന്ദര്യമത്സരങ്ങളുടെ ഭാവി നിര്‍ണയിക്കുക.
Doctors baffled by Indian village of over 200 sets of twins
KODINJI, India (Reuters Life!) – Walk around Kodinji village and you'll think that you have double vision.
The village is home to as many as 230 sets of twins. Nobody knows why there are so many twins in the village of 15,000 people, although one local doctor suspects it might be due to the water.
In fact with about 35-45 twins per live birth, this village in North Kerala, India, has four times more twins than normal. Not surprisingly, the village has been dubbed "the twin village."
The latest official estimates by the Kodinji's Twins and Kins Association (TAKA), which conducted door-to-door surveys at the start of the year, found that there were 204 sets of twins.
Based on births since the survey was conducted, there are probably now around 230 sets of twins in the village, locals said. That number is set to rise as there are five women pregnant with twins.
"It's an amazing phenomenon to see a medical marvel occurring in such a localized place where the people are not exposed to any kinds of harmful drugs or harmful chemicals. It's a virgin village," said Dr Sribiju, a researcher.
Pathummakutty and Kunhipathutty, 65, are the oldest surviving twins in the village. The youngest are Rifa Ayesha and Ritha Ayesha, born on June 10. Their proud parents already see a slight difference between them as one lies fast asleep, while the other kicks away with a mischievous grin on her face.
Being a twin is not always easy. Pathummakutty, who like many in the village have a single name, recalls how her family struggled financially when she was a child. But she also remember good times such as laughter after yet another mix up with her twin sister.
It is not uncommon to run into an identical twin while walking down the hilly roads of Kodinji and there are many tales of teachers getting mixed up between twin students.
At the local school, 15-year-old Salmabi said teachers often confused her for her twin sister and she was once reprimanded for something that her twin did.
"It happens all the time," the students pipe in a chorus.
Scientists are still trying to uncover the mystery of why there are so many twins in the village.
"Based on scientific facts, we feel something in the environment is causing this. It could be something in the water," said a local doctor, M.K. Sribiju.
"All the world over the cause of twins is mainly because of drugs. Everywhere in the Western world, people are exposed to fertility drugs, their food habits, they consume more dairy products. Everywhere the age of marriage is increasing. There are late marriages predisposed to occurrence of twins," he said.
However in Kodinji, most marriages are between people aged 18 to 20 years old.
"All the factors leading to the occurrence of twinning world wide, we cannot see it here. There is something unknown that is causing this phenomenon," he said.
The locals also believe it is to do with the water. Kodinji is surrounded by water in the fields and during the monsoon season it becomes inaccessible from heavy rains.
As scientists try to find the reason for the large numbers of twins in the village, the parents are busy trying to tell their children apart. It doesn't help that many of the twins have similar names and often wear similar clothes.
While parents light-heartedly point out that their twins even seem to fall sick together, not all traits are shared. Identical twins Anu and Abhi prefer different film stars and one of the boys likes to play cricket, while the other prefers kicking a soccer ball.
With all the attention being showered on the twins of Kodinji, Ajmer, a 12-year-old school boy, feels like the odd one out in a village where being a twin is trendy.
The village is home to as many as 230 sets of twins. Nobody knows why there are so many twins in the village of 15,000 people, although one local doctor suspects it might be due to the water.
In fact with about 35-45 twins per live birth, this village in North Kerala, India, has four times more twins than normal. Not surprisingly, the village has been dubbed "the twin village."
The latest official estimates by the Kodinji's Twins and Kins Association (TAKA), which conducted door-to-door surveys at the start of the year, found that there were 204 sets of twins.
Based on births since the survey was conducted, there are probably now around 230 sets of twins in the village, locals said. That number is set to rise as there are five women pregnant with twins.
"It's an amazing phenomenon to see a medical marvel occurring in such a localized place where the people are not exposed to any kinds of harmful drugs or harmful chemicals. It's a virgin village," said Dr Sribiju, a researcher.
Pathummakutty and Kunhipathutty, 65, are the oldest surviving twins in the village. The youngest are Rifa Ayesha and Ritha Ayesha, born on June 10. Their proud parents already see a slight difference between them as one lies fast asleep, while the other kicks away with a mischievous grin on her face.
Being a twin is not always easy. Pathummakutty, who like many in the village have a single name, recalls how her family struggled financially when she was a child. But she also remember good times such as laughter after yet another mix up with her twin sister.
It is not uncommon to run into an identical twin while walking down the hilly roads of Kodinji and there are many tales of teachers getting mixed up between twin students.
At the local school, 15-year-old Salmabi said teachers often confused her for her twin sister and she was once reprimanded for something that her twin did.
"It happens all the time," the students pipe in a chorus.
Scientists are still trying to uncover the mystery of why there are so many twins in the village.
"Based on scientific facts, we feel something in the environment is causing this. It could be something in the water," said a local doctor, M.K. Sribiju.
"All the world over the cause of twins is mainly because of drugs. Everywhere in the Western world, people are exposed to fertility drugs, their food habits, they consume more dairy products. Everywhere the age of marriage is increasing. There are late marriages predisposed to occurrence of twins," he said.
However in Kodinji, most marriages are between people aged 18 to 20 years old.
"All the factors leading to the occurrence of twinning world wide, we cannot see it here. There is something unknown that is causing this phenomenon," he said.
The locals also believe it is to do with the water. Kodinji is surrounded by water in the fields and during the monsoon season it becomes inaccessible from heavy rains.
As scientists try to find the reason for the large numbers of twins in the village, the parents are busy trying to tell their children apart. It doesn't help that many of the twins have similar names and often wear similar clothes.
While parents light-heartedly point out that their twins even seem to fall sick together, not all traits are shared. Identical twins Anu and Abhi prefer different film stars and one of the boys likes to play cricket, while the other prefers kicking a soccer ball.
With all the attention being showered on the twins of Kodinji, Ajmer, a 12-year-old school boy, feels like the odd one out in a village where being a twin is trendy.
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