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Bangla Nababarsha celebrated at the Green University

2011-04-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

A colorful Rally and a Baishakhi Mela (Fair) followed by a cultural function was organized by the Green University of Bangladesh (GUB) to observe “Bangla Nababarsha (1418)” on 14 April, 2011. The Rally was attended by the Honorable Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Anwarullah Chowdhury and Registrar Md. Shahid Ullah along with the teachers, officers and students. All the students went round the rally with much enthusiasm. A “Baishakhi Mela” was organized in the University Campus for observing “New Year’s Day (Bangla Nababarsha)”. Various goods of small cottage industry, earthen dolls, different type of fruits, dugdugi, muri-murki, sweetmeats and various other choiceable items of different tastes were available in the fair (Mela). The students of GUB presented various songs, drama in the cultural function.

Tomorrow's New Hottest Jobs

2010-01-12T21:13:00.001-08:00

Wouldn't it be great to know which jobs will see growing demand in the future? It sure would help with planning a career change, or even with picking a college major.

Turns out, you don't need a crystal ball to find out. Every two years, researchers at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics create a new 10-year forecast detailing the specific occupations the government expects will grow and shrink over the coming decade. The 2008-2018 projections came out in December.

The new data is especially valuable because it includes the first year of the current economic downturn (2008). The new Occupational Outlook Handbook, which went up on the BLS Web site in mid-December, provides a first look at how specific jobs may recover -- or not -- over the next eight years.

Job-seekers may find the new report comforting, as BLS economists generally do expect us to pull out of our current job slump. Some broad job categories see big job growth over the next decade because they're projected from the recession-era low in 2008. An example is construction laborers, projected to add 256,000 new jobs by 2018 as the sector recovers from its current slowdown, says Dixie Sommers, assistant commissioner of occupational statistics and employment projections.

One particularly heartening piece of news involves wages: the previous fastest-growing jobs forecast showed just four of the 10 jobs had high wages. The 2018 forecast, by contrast, lists six jobs that pay more than $70,000 per year. If you're interested in health care, there's lots of opportunity for you ahead -- eight of the top 10 occupy some niche in the field.

Only three occupations appear on both the '06 and '08 top-10 fastest-growing lists -- networks systems and data communications analysts, home health aides, and personal-care aides. The other seven of the top 10 are new for '08. See these jobs listed below. Some are fairly small employment niches, but all are seeing exploding growth:

Biomedical engineer
This field's expected growth through '18 -- a whopping 72 percent -- far outstrips any other occupation. As health-care technology becomes ever more complex, demand will explode for more engineers who can combine medical knowledge with engineering principles to develop needed new medical devices and equipment. The BLS reports most have a background in another engineering specialty and additional medical training.

Financial examiner
Part of a broader trend of growth in supervisory positions, BLS foresees a 41 percent increase in demand for financial professionals who can analyze and enforce laws governing the financial and securities industries. The field is expected to add 38,000 jobs in the next decade. Most have a bachelor's degree.

Medical scientist (excluding epidemiologists)
As technology makes it possible to delve deeply into the causes of diseases, demand for medical scientists is expected to rise 40 percent. Most have a Ph.D. in a biological science.

Physician assistant
Physician assistants work under a doctor's supervision in big cities, or may be primary care providers in rural areas where doctors are in short supply. Apparently, more shortages are forecast as demand is set to increase 39 percent by 2018. Most physician assistants have a two-year degree on top of a bachelor's degree.

Biochemist/biophysicist
Biochemists study living things and their chemical composition, while biophysicists study how electrical and mechanical energy impact living things. Growth is expected to exceed 37 percent. Some in this field start with a bachelor's degree, while a Ph.D. may be needed for independent research work.

Skin-care specialist
Also known as aestheticians, skin-care specialists were No. 11 last year and made it to the top 10 at No. 8 in the 2018 projections. With expected 38 percent growth, this field is one of the quickest to get into in the top 10 -- a high-school diploma or G.E.D. and a cosmetology-school certificate are all that's required.

Athletic trainer
America's love affair with sports is forecast to grow in the future, spurring a projected 37 percent increase in the need for athletic trainers to keep our athletes fit and help them recover from injuries. Trainers usually work under a doctor's supervision or in cooperation with other healthcare providers. Most have a bachelor's degree, and more than half have an advanced degree, the National Athletic Trainers Association reports.

Change Your Career While at Work Today

2010-01-12T21:11:00.001-08:00

If you're jonesing for a new career in 2010, you're not alone. A surprising statistic from Robert Half International's 2009 Employment Dynamics and Growth Expectations (EDGE) Report revealed that more than half of employees plan to make a career change or go back to school as soon as the economy recovers.

Given those aspirations, you might want to take steps now -- while you still have a paying job -- to make your future transition easier. Here are a few tips for incorporating the career-change process into your daily routine:

When You Wake Up

When your alarm goes off, grab a journal and a pen and take 10 minutes to consider what you like and what you don't like in a work environment. Thought-starter questions include:

What is important to you and what are your values?
What is your definition of success?
How do you prefer to work?
What type of job would make you want to sit in traffic for hours just for the privilege of showing up?

While Drinking Your Morning Coffee

Instead of surfing Facebook, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Browse through the hundreds of thousands of occupations and make a note of the ones that interest you. Jot down the transferable skills required (i.e. project management, sales, marketing, finance), and as you're going through your day, think about how you may already be using those skills in your current job.

Over Lunch

Search for organizations on LinkedIn.com that do the kind of work you're interested in. Use this site, as well as resources like your college career center or alumni network, to connect with individuals currently working in your target fields. Email them and request a half hour informational interview in which you ask specific questions about training requirements, responsibilities, salary, work environment, and opportunities for advancement. As long as you are polite, no one will fault you for wanting the real scoop.

Before You Leave Work

When you're finished with your daily duties, stay after hours and check out an online course designed to help you facilitate a career change. Online video presentations often provide the same value as more expensive, time-consuming, and difficult-to-travel-to seminars. Feel free to check out newjobnewyou.com/webinar.html for an example.

On the Train Home

Many people resist changing careers because they feel like they can't afford it. Start creating a nest egg for your transition now by creating a spreadsheet in your Blackberry or PDA that keeps track of where your money is going on a daily basis. If you do this on the train for a month or even just for a few weeks, you'll be amazed at the data you'll accumulate.

You'll start to see patterns of unnecessary spending (your morning Starbucks run, sushi takeout, etc.) and areas where you can tighten your belt. A great question to ask yourself is: "Do I really need this?" If you honestly don't, then put the money away for your career change.

Move up by Focusing on Your Strengths

2010-01-12T21:07:00.001-08:00

The conventional wisdom on moving up the corporate ladder often stresses the importance of gaining new skills or improving weaknesses. But in many cases, a more effective career strategy might be to focus on developing your main talents.
According to research by Gallup on more than 2 million workers over a 30-year period, those who prioritized their core strengths enjoyed greater success than those who tried to bring up their faults.
Stand Out With Your Strengths
London-based economist and business strategist Vaughan Evans calls this best-foot forward approach the "Madonna method" because the pop diva has maintained her stardom by doing what she does best: constantly reinventing herself to keep up with the zeitgeist.
"The ideal situation is if your strengths are those strengths needed by your organization, and you invest further in them -- then you're in a terrific position, and you're immune from layoffs," says Evans, author of "Backing U! A Business-Oriented Guide to Backing Your Passion and Achieving Career Success."
But given today's far-from-ideal economic climate, Evans recommends having several fallback strategies to ride out the bad times and get ready for a recovery.
The Lower-Cost Approach
Under this scenario, you reduce your "cost" to your employer by agreeing to a salary cut, accepting an unpaid furlough, or switching to a four-day week.
"It's the Southwest Airlines strategy -- you make yourself indispensable based on price," Evans says. "It can be a strategy for success, but it also can be a strategy for survival in hard times like now."
How to 'Sharpen Your Act'
If you find your skills don't match well with your current position or your employer's core business, your long-term goal should be to determine your true passions and find a job that suits them.
But in the near term's difficult market, Evans suggests addressing any weaknesses simply to hold onto your job until conditions improve. This might entail taking classes or getting specialized training.
"In today's world with 10 percent unemployed, you're not going to take a risk of going on the open job market," Evans says. "This could be a valuable strategy for survival."
The Hybrid Approach
Sometimes a new set of circumstances can dictate a temporary change in career strategy.
For example, you may have been cruising along in a marketing position that tapped your abilities as a writer and strategist. Then you get a promotion that adds one of your major weaknesses -- a lack of good public speaking skills -- to your job description. What to do?
"The rules of the game have changed, and you would be well-advised to sharpen your act" by getting some speech training, Evans says.

7 Steps to Seeing the World With a Great Job

2010-01-12T21:06:00.001-08:00

In this so-called jobless recovery, you might be wondering who in the world is hiring. Job markets in some countries are a little hotter than in the United States right now, and the New York Times recently reported how professionals shut out of jobs in the U.S. found their career calling in China and elsewhere.

Such reports may make it seem like it's easier for everyone to land a job overseas. Not so.

"If you are a true hotshot in your field, you may be wooed by another country, but everyone else has to do their homework first," says Jean-Marc Hachey, author and online publisher of "The Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas."

There are other considerations. In a September Yahoo! HotJobs poll, 45% of respondents said they were willing to work abroad, and an additional 28% would be willing to move abroad for the right job. But there's a difference between "willing to" and "well prepared to."

Before you look for an overseas job, you should determine whether you would even want to work in another culture, and if so, how "foreign" are you willing to go? Do you enjoy change? Do you mind learning new and sometimes odd protocol for everything from conducting a meeting to buying tomatoes?

If you are sure overseas work is for you, Hachey and other career experts recommend several steps.

1. Look for an American-based company.

The vast majority of professionals working overseas landed their job stateside, and it's much easier to land a job overseas before hopping on the plane. If you want to work abroad, look for international employers in your line of work. While some companies with a worldwide presence offer no mobility between countries, others encourage their employees to go all over the world. If you're the right fit, the company will handle your Visa and work permit, and will do their best to convince the local authorities that only you -- over anyone in their country -- could do the job in question.

2. Don't be picky about the country.

It is much harder to look for a professional job abroad if you limit your search to a particular country, according to Hachey. "If you just love Italy, for example, and won't go anywhere else, you'll have to find a company there who wants you, get a work permit from the Italian government, and prove to officials there's nobody in their country who can do that professional job better," he says. "If you want to pick grapes or do something low-skilled, that's another matter."

3. Boost your 'I.Q.'

To land a job overseas you'll need evidence you understand different cultures and are willing and eager to immerse yourself in them, Hachey says. That weeklong trip you took to Ireland five years ago won't cut it. He recommends boosting your International Quotient by learning a language -- any language -- and spending at least a month abroad, whether volunteering for a non-governmental organization (NGO) or working at an internship.

4. Find an international mentor.

An expert in your field who has worked overseas can help share where the opportunities are, and how to act, and not act, in, say India. How do you find these mentors? The same way you find any mentor (which every professional should be doing anyway): Network. A good place to find a mentor, or at least advice, is the Expat Forum.

5. Leave, now.

If you really must leave and have the resources to do so, go to the country of your choice on a tourist visa. Once there, meet with potential employers and consider volunteering, interning, or other work alternatives while you continue to search for that ideal position. "When job-hunting, nothing beats meeting with prospective employers face-to-face," says Randall Hansen, founder and president of Quintessential Careers.

6. Teach English.

Experts recommend teaching English as a foreign language overseas as a springboard to other jobs. Even if you don't want to make a career of teaching, you'll gain valuable insight into the culture and you'll already be in the country. There are a large number of English teaching job postings on the Web, and generally it's easier to get hired before you hop on the plane. You will, however, have to demonstrate some aptitude for teaching and a strong command for the English language.

7. Work while you wait.

The average job search abroad ranges between six to 12 months, and searching for a job in any country is a full-time job itself, Hansen says. In his working abroad tutorial at QuintCareers.com, Hansen recommends using your time productively before you get that offer. That means obtaining a passport (which can take six weeks or more), learning a language or two, and even taking some classes.

Visit the U.S. State Department to find travel advisories and other helpful information. Access the local tourism site for the countries where you may be interviewing for information about local customs. If there's a good chance you'll land a job abroad, check out what vaccinations are required, and obtain them before you leave.

5 Reasons Why the Best Time for Your New Career Is Now

2010-01-12T21:05:00.001-08:00

Making a drastic career change can be daunting at any time in your life, but it is especially scary during times of economic downturn. Shouldn't you hold onto your current job with all your might? While that seems the most logical thing at first blush, making a career change now could actually be the better plan.

Here's why.

1. Better Chances of Advancement

Have you reached a point in your career where advancement will happen only if you further your education? That's the story for many who choose to go back to school. Further your career training and earn your associate's or bachelor's degree to kick open new doors!

Inspiration: Registered Nurse
Nursing aides offer hands-on help for patients, including the basics of bathing, dressing, and cleanliness. The pay rate for nursing aides is a median of $23,850 per year. However, career training of one year and good grades on qualifying exams can earn the title of licensed practical nurse, with a higher annual pay of $39,030.

Those who choose to advance to registered nurse can bring home a healthy $62,450 per year. An associate's degree in nursing, a bachelor's degree in nursing, or a nursing diploma are the three ways to advance to the higher pay and title of registered nurse.

2. Higher Education Equals Higher Pay

Maybe you're already in a job you love, but your paycheck doesn't reflect all those years of hard work you have put in. Earning your online degree can add quite a hefty weight to that paycheck.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who hold an associate's degree can make an average of $5,600 more per year than those with only a high school diploma. Those with a bachelor's degree, however, make an average of $15,400 more than those with an associate's degree.

Inspiration: Web Designer
Web designers create websites for everyone from individuals to large corporations. Their education can be just as varied, ranging from an associate's degree to a doctorate. Typically, the higher the degree, the better the position and the higher the pay. According to Robert Half International, Web designers earn a median annual wage ranging from $47,000 to $71,500.

3. Realize Your Dream

Is there something you have always wanted to do, but obtaining your ideal job never seemed to be in the cards? You're not alone, but other savvy folks just like you have managed to make it happen. Hold onto your current job while taking courses at night or online, and before you know it, you will have a degree in that field of your dreams.

Inspiration: Teacher
If you've always wanted to touch the lives of children and instill a love of learning, now is the time. Elementary school teachers will be in high demand in the coming years, and can earn a median annual salary of $49,330. A bachelor's degree is required, as well as a state license to teach.

4. Turn Lemons Into Lemonade

When that dreaded pink slip lands on your desk, what happens after you leave the building? Before you dust off that resume, take a good look at what you can do with this unexpected downtime. This is the golden opportunity to do something fresh and exciting.

Inspiration: Chef
What's cooking? Anything you want when you're in charge of the kitchen as a professional chef. Start out with career training on the job while you pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree in culinary arts. This sweet career change can lead to a median annual salary of $38,770 when you become the head chef.

5. Getting Education Is Easier Than Ever

You might think earning your degree will take too much time, or cost too much money. While some positions might require a four-year bachelor's degree or a level of education even higher than that, there are just as many options that require two years of career training or less.

Inspiration: Dental Hygienist
Helping patients learn good oral hygiene is the job of the dental hygienist. A dental hygiene program takes from one to two years to complete. Get the degree, pass the license exam, and you're on track to make a median wage of $66,570 per year in one of the fastest-growing occupations today.

Ready for a Career Change?

Now is the time to make that career leap. Earn your online degree, then use your career training to open the door to a new career adventure. You've got nothing to lose, and a whole new occupation to gain.

Top Cities for Jobs in 2010

2010-01-12T21:03:00.003-08:00

There was a whole lot of shaking going on in 2009 -- job losses, volatile markets, recovery packages, a new president. But in surprising contrast to that, the rankings for top cities this year remained fairly steady.

"None of [the top 10] had a meteoric rise over the last year. Most of them went up and the couple that dropped did not drop dramatically," commented Kevin Klowden, managing economist at the Milken Institute, and co-author of Best-Performing Cities 2009 report. "The fact remains essentially that there are certain locations that have advantages in terms of lower costs, improved access to talent, certain key industry resources, and other factors that help to drive things."

The Milken Institute's report highlights the fact that the top cities didn't experience the same inflation in housing prices as the rest of the country, and so they avoided the devastating correction experienced elsewhere. Another factor in success was a prominence of the oil and gas industry. These two came together favorably for Texas, whose cities took five of the top 10 rankings.

All top performers, however, showed only mild increases in employment, if any at all. High marks in 2009 reflect how well a city's economic infrastructure weathered the storm, so it is important to look at a city's performance relative to the nation and other metro areas -- 2009 is not the year to focus on the numbers alone.

The Milken Institute rankings are based on a variety of factors, two of which include job and salary growth trends. Put together, these factors demonstrated a well-balanced local economy that should remain strong into the next year and likely beyond that for the following top 10 cities for jobs. Also listed is an example job position and its median annual salary in each town, according to online salary database PayScale.com.

1. Austin-Round Rock, Texas (pop. 1,653,000)
Last year's rank: 4
Job growth: 0.32%

Due to its well-prepared grads of top research institutions and its entrepreneurial spirit as evidenced by the high rate of self-employed workers, Austin has been cooking up a hot economy in recent years. It has been recruiting a lot of technology companies, due to low business costs in the area. Plus, Austin is positioning itself well in the clean tech industry, giving it an excellent outlook for the foreseeable future. Environmental engineer - $73,500

2. Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, Texas (pop. 379,000)
Last year's rank: 13
Job growth: 1.81%

A major army base, a strong concentration of health-care services, and robust higher education joined forces to earn this area the top spot for job growth in 2008, and it is continuing on that track in 2009. Texas A&M is in the process of building a new major satellite facility, drawing work that is already strong from Central Texas College's strong enrollment. Consolidation of military bases to Fort Hood has increased the population of stably employed workers as well. Additionally, the region had a very low rate of sub-prime mortgages, so the bursting housing bubble had a minimal effect on this region's economy. Registered nurse - $54,000

3. Salt Lake City, Utah (pop. 1,116,000)
Last year's rank: 3
Job growth: -2.58%

Holding steady in third position is Salt Lake City, with its strong technology industry and high number of quality jobs. The finance industry is also strong here, but appears to have played the lending game a little smarter than most of the country. The region demonstrated much less speculative activity and was minimally affected by the sub-prime mortgage fallout. State budget problems have been occurring, as in many capitals across the country. However, cutbacks appear to be modest, and Utah as a whole appears to be poised for growth and strong recovery in the next year. Financial analyst - $61,300

4. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas (pop. 1,116,000)
Last year's rank: 7
Job growth: -0.01%

McAllen has been coming on strong in the list of top cities over the past few years, driven by its top ranking for employment growth and high-tech GDP growth between the years of 2003-2008. The area has been luring companies with is low business costs, which has fueled employment growth numbers and helped to increase population. The service-based industry, which has taken such a hit elsewhere, continues to prosper. Software developer - $63,100

5. Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas (pop. 5,728,000)
Last year's rank: 16
2009 Job growth: -0.69%

As a leader in the oil and gas industry, and a major health services center, the greater Houston metro area rose from 16th to 5th in this year's top city rankings. Though it has experienced a slip in job growth in most recent months, partially due to cutbacks in natural gas exploration, forays into new energy technologies -- nuclear, wind, and other alternative sources -- are helping to set this area up for strong growth potential in the next year. Petroleum engineer - $114,500

6. Durham, North Carolina (pop. 490,000)
Last year's rank: 21
2009 Job growth: -1.75%

Making an even bigger jump up the list is Durham with its strength in technology, biopharmaceutical, medical research, and higher education. This area is a hotspot for young professionals, which has spurred positive population growth and has helped mitigate the effects of falling property prices. Most recently, communication technology company Nortel Network's bankruptcy has caused some hardship and layoffs, but the strength of the health and education industries has given Durham the balance needed to get through economic difficulties smoothly. Research laboratory technician - $42,800

7. Olympia, Washington (pop. 245,000)
Last year's rank: 9
2009 Job growth: -0.39%

Olympia, Washington's capital, offers a high percentage of government jobs. In recent years, the economy has also been bolstered by an influx of businesses relocating there due to its relatively low business and living costs compared to Seattle. This has encouraged employment rates; in fact, Olympia placed 14th in the nation for job growth between 2007-2008. However, significant state budget cutbacks are on the horizon, and employment with the state government is expected to take a dip in the coming year. High school teacher - $49,500

8. Huntsville, Alabama (pop. 396,000)
Last year's rank: 5
2009 Job growth: -2.19%

If you're looking for a new place with a well-diversified economy, Huntsville might be the spot for you. This city has been ranking consistently well in the last few years with its diverse industry profile, which includes professional, scientific and technical services; computer and electronic product manufacturing; biotechnology; aerospace industry; and a growing military base. Electrical engineer - $77,400

9. Lafayette, Louisiana (pop. 396,000)
Last year's rank: 14
2009 Job growth: -0.37%

High energy prices have been a boon to Lafayette's oil and gas exploration industry, pushing this metro area into the top 10 for the first time. This side of the economy is extremely vulnerable to price fluctuations, however, and for sustained growth and stability, Lafayette will need to begin moving away from reliance on its traditional industries for revenue. A focus on developing a skilled workforce, luring new businesses, and continued building of the already strong education and health industries are essential for prosperity down the road. Engineering technician, oil & gas - $51,100

10. Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina (pop. 1,089,000)
Last year's rank: 2
2009 Job growth: -3.36%

This metropolitan area's economy is founded on a strong base that educational and research institutions have created with the business community. It has laid the groundwork for Raleigh's strong technology, biopharmaceutical, and professional and business services industries. There seems to be a little bit of rough road ahead with state budget constraints leading to cutbacks, and looming changes to the pharmaceutical industry. However, Raleigh is expected to fare much better than other major centers during the readjustment and recovery. Information technology (IT) manager- $80,700

Earn More Than a Full-Timer: 10 Hot Contract Jobs

2010-01-12T21:03:00.001-08:00

Everyone wants a good salary. But today you might just need to think like a contractor to find it.

In an economic state like our current one, more employers offer contract jobs to save on benefits and other expenses involved in a full-time hire. But because they spend less in other areas, they're usually willing to pay better hourly rates to contractors.

The information technology industry is known for relying heavily on contractors and pays them particularly well. If that's not your field, there's still a wide variety of jobs where contractors are paid significantly better than a full-time employee (FTE). Online salary database PayScale.com ran the numbers on 10 common contracting jobs to find out just how much of a raise you could score by accepting one.

1. Registered Nurse
Median annual pay: $72,400
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +24%
Typical degree: Associate's Degree, Nursing

It's no secret that nursing services are in high demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) projects an added 587,000 new positions between 2006-2016, which is one of the highest increases of all occupations. That high demand puts potential employees in a strong position for salary bargaining. Put yourself in the driver's seat for salary negotiations, and you could earn a hefty raise over full-time positions -- a 24 percent increase on average.

2. Physical Therapist
Median annual pay: $78,400
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +15%
Typical degree: Master's Degree, Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is another health-care department that is expected to hire much faster than average over the next 10 years. Medical advances that help to save lives result in an increased demand for rehabilitative services. Though it takes an investment of time and money to complete the master's degree required for this field, the returns on that investment are great in terms of employment potential and the ability to dicker for more dollars in your contracting rate.

3. Project Manager, Construction
Median annual pay: $76,400
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +12%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Construction Management

The construction industry has taken a deep hit over the last year and a half, which has slowed and often halted building projects. However, management still pays in this industry, and as green works and recovery dollars continue to spur growth, more work opportunities should follow. Though a degree isn't always required to be a construction project manager, it is becoming more of the norm, especially as competition stiffens for these positions. Plus, the added education certainly helps when bargaining the terms of your contract.

4. Graphic Designer
Median annual pay: $42,300
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +10%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Graphic Design & Fine Arts

Tell mom and dad artists can make money. From package design to animation and computer graphics, designers create visual communications for our increasingly image- and video-hungry eyes. The BLS expects job growth to be average, with much of the increase coming from the video and Internet entertainment market. Keen competition is expected for these contracts, but if you land one, you can expect to get about 10 percent more pay than your full-time counterpart.

5. Business Analyst
Median annual pay: $75,300
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +7%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Computer Information Systems & Computer Science

Business analysts are very commonly contract positions -- 27 percent are self-employed, which is three times the average for most professions. Demand for analysts is expected to rise to help companies stay competitive as the business world continues to increase in complexity. Competition, however, is expected to be quite fierce since qualifications can vary widely, which increases the pool of potential applicants. Plus, the high earning potential is luring many into the fray for these lucrative contracts.

6. Software Developer
Median annual pay: $76,500
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +5%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Computer Science & Computer Engineering

Internet technologies and electronic data-processing systems in business, telecommunications and government are fueling an expected 38 percent increase in this field. That's an additional 324,000 new jobs available to developers, which is much faster than average growth. Employers look for candidates with strong practical experience usually in addition to a bachelor's degree in a related field. The BLS notes that if you can offer a good set of interpersonal and business skills, your chances for scoring the position will be greatest.

7. Programmer Analyst
Median annual pay: $69,500
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +5%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Computer Science

Computer analyst job prospects are expected to be very good due to positions opening up as workers move into managerial positions or other occupations. The best candidates demonstrate practical knowledge and hold a four-year degree in computer science or a related field. However, the BLS also notes that graduates in non-computer related fields who have taken courses in computer programming, systems analysis, and other information technology subjects should also be able to land a good contract.

8. Project Manager, IT
Median annual pay: $85,700
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +3%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Computer Information Systems & Computer Science

IT project managers are the go-to people for all phases of a firm's information technology projects. They create the requirements, budgets, and schedules to get the job done. Projects increasingly involve upgrades to the information security of an organization. Job growth is expected to be faster than the average, and workers with specialized technical knowledge and strong communications skills have the best chance of negotiating a healthy pay rate.

9. Administrative Assistant
Median annual pay: $31,900
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +2%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Business Management & Business Administration

Administrative assistants aren't the same paper pushers of times past -- they're increasingly taking on roles of information and communication managers. Job opportunities in this field are very good. Growth will be average, but positions tend to open up as many admins move into professional occupations. Applicants with bachelor's degrees will be in greater demand for managerial assistants and complex tasks, which can earn you a fair bit more in your next contract position.

10. Mechanical Engineer
Median annual pay: $70,400
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +2%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Mechanical Engineering

Out of all the engineering fields, mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, taking on projects from agriculture production to robots used in manufacturing. Despite the wide range of employment possibilities, mechanical engineering is expected to have a slower than average growth, increasing only by 4 percent. Emerging technologies, such as biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology offer the best opportunities for steady work and solid contracts.

Overqualified? 6 Tips to Shed the Label

2010-01-12T21:02:00.001-08:00

In a tight job market midcareer professionals often consider openings that are less lucrative and less prestigious than their last job. Sometimes employers are glad to hire seasoned workers at a bargain, but others dismiss the candidate as "overqualified."

What's behind the overqualified label is an employer's fear that if you're hired, you'll be searching for a better job before you learn where the restrooms are. But if you really want the job, there are ways of countering the perception that you're too good for it.

1. Re-read the job description.

Just because you earned more and had more responsibility in the past doesn't mean you're overqualified for this job. If you meet or exceed every criterion, consider yourself highly qualified. On the other hand, if you don't meet all the requirements -- you would be using a new technology you've never heard of, for example -- you may actually be underqualified.

"Too many job seekers think, 'If I can do this big thing, then surely I can do those smaller things,'" says Laura DeCarlo of Career Directors International. "Maybe they can do them, but it will be a tougher sell."

2. Fine-tune your resume.

"A resume is not a document set in stone," says John M. O'Connor, president of Career Pro, Inc. "You should always rewrite your resume to fit that particular job, and that may mean taking down the tone a notch and emphasizing exactly the skills needed in the new job." To tune your resume and cover letter, also consider the company culture and include relevant words, phrases, and technologies, O'Connor adds.

3. Don't lie about your history.

It's true that some screeners go right to the salary in order to weed out the "too expensive" candidates. If you were an executive earning six figures, don't say you were a junior accountant earning $40K. Then again, unless you're filling out an online form that requires your salary history, a sin of omission just to get in the door is fine.

Experts recommend addressing salary in a cover letter or interview by giving a wide range of income you would consider, or by saying you assume the company will pay competitive salary for the job.

"You want to steer the conversation to the tasks of the job and your history of longevity in other companies and away from dollar figures," Barbara Safani, president of Career Solvers, recommends. "If you can explain how previous lateral moves benefited you, that can diffuse their fear you'll be looking for a higher-paying job."

4. Check your sense of entitlement at the door.

Are you miffed at applying for a job "beneath" your abilities or ticked at defending a career that began when the interviewer was in diapers? Those attitudes won't do you any favors.

"People read energy and attitude," O'Connor says. One way to turn around your negative attitude and impress the interviewer at the same time, O'Connor recommends, is to come prepared with incisive questions about the job duties and the company. "Show you are in touch and engaged and understand their needs."

5. Clearly explain why the job will be good for you.

"If you hire me now, I won't lose my house" may be true, but it won't impress an interviewer. Have good reasons why it would benefit you personally and professionally. "If the position is in your area of passion, say so," DeCarlo advises. "You can make the case that even though you had a management job, for example, you want to move away from management. If the job is a good career fit, the employer will be much more impressed."

6. Make circumstantial evidence work for you.

Remember, the employer is looking for a good "fit," and that means cultural and personal fit in addition to hard skills. Do you have volunteer experience or community commitments that would interest a hiring manager at a "young, hip" company? Emphasize them.

Likewise, your network can speak volumes for your ability to fit in. But make sure those contacts are recent, O'Connor says. Referrals from people who haven't seen you in 20 years could give the impression your most productive days are behind you.

What about the age issue? Career coaches admit age discrimination exists, but it may not be as widespread as seasoned job seekers like to believe. An updated wardrobe, newer hairstyle, or current cultural references could hedge against ageism, or they could make you look silly. Experts agree that the best way to impress a hiring manager is showing how well you understand their immediate problem and how you're the solution.

That's true for job seekers at any stage of their careers.

Six-Figure Jobs You Don't Have to Go to College For

2010-01-12T21:01:00.001-08:00

Looking for a six-figure job without a four-year degree? These six lines of work boast potentially hefty paychecks without a traditional diploma. The data below is provided by PayScale.com and represents the benchmark cash earnings for high-earners (75th percentile), as well as the 90th percentile within the field for the year 2008.

1. Air Traffic Controller
75th percentile: $156,000
90th percentile: $186,000

Air traffic controllers monitor and direct air traffic to ensure the safety of all parties involved in private and commercial flights. Their direction keeps planes from colliding and can also lead to more efficient flights and fewer delays. In some countries, air traffic controllers are also used for defense purposes. The high salary of an air traffic controller comes with a huge amount of responsibility.

Prospective air traffic controllers must have four years of college or at least three years of full-time employment. Education and work experience can be combined to meet the requirement. Completion of the Federal Aviation Authority's Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program can also be used in place of college. AT-CTI schools offer two- or four-year programs.

2. Real Estate Broker
75th percentile: $151,000
90th percentile: $187,000

Real estate brokers bring together buyers and sellers in order to complete property transactions. They differ from real estate agents in that brokers are allowed to manage or own their own firms.

In order to become a broker, a college degree is not required. However, each state requires a specific number of hours of course work in order to obtain a real estate agent's license. Agents can typically obtain a brokerage license after three years of industry experience. (There's no guarantee that realtors will act in your best interest, but it may be worth hiring one anyway.)

3. Plumber or Pipefitter
75th percentile: $94,500
90th percentile: $130,000

Plumbers and pipefitters assemble, install, and make changes in pipe systems used to carry water, steam, air, and other liquids and gases. They may also install bathtubs, toilets, heating and refrigerating units.

Although these lines of work have many similarities and workers skilled in one area are often skilled in the other, the trades are often identified as separate. Either way, high earnings potential exists without a college degree. Even though a four-year degree is not required, an apprenticeship may take just as much time to complete. The typical apprenticeship lasts four to five years.

4. Construction Superintendent
75th percentile: $97,400
90th percentile: $116,000

Construction superintendents are involved in multiple phases of construction projects. They participate in the planning process, as well as scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Construction superintendents rely on supervisors to keep them informed of a project's progress.

No degree is required, but years of construction work are necessary in order to rise to the level of manager or superintendent. More than half of the construction superintendents in the United States are self-employed. Although formal education may not be required for a supervisory role, coursework in construction science, civil engineering, or building science can be a plus.

5. Radiation Therapist
75th percentile: $95,100
90th percentile: $116,000

Radiation therapy is a method of treating cancer. Radiation therapists record, interpret and administer the prescribed course of treatment. Their job responsibilities include using X-ray technology to locate tumors, using radiation technology to administer treatment, and monitoring a patient's response to treatment. The work of a radiation therapist involves heavy interaction with oncologists and patients.

In lieu of a four-year degree, employers typically require applicants to complete an associate's degree program and/or certification in radiation therapy. Requirements vary depending on your location, but most radiation therapists are required to become certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and licensed at the state level in order to practice.

6. Ultrasound Technologist
75th percentile: $82,500
90th percentile: $110,000

Ultrasound technologists operate machinery which uses sound waves to produce images of a patient's internal organs and tissues. The images are ultimately viewed and analyzed by physicians for diagnosis of possible medical problems. Ultrasound technologists work primarily in hospitals or diagnostic imaging centers, and their jobs involve interaction with patients and doctors.

A typical ultrasound technologist program is a two-year course of study. In addition to completing the program, registering with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Technologists (ARDMS) can improve chances of employment, as well as advancement in level and pay.

The Bottom Line
The path to a six-figure salary does not necessarily have to include a traditional degree, but it will more than likely include some form of education, whether it means obtaining industry-specific certifications or adhering to continuing education requirements. Regardless, it will involve hard work and hands-on experience, and in some instances, a substantial amount of overtime.

Apologizing on the Job

2010-01-12T20:59:00.001-08:00

Career success is all about relationships. And when something goes wrong, it's important to fix it. That may mean an apology is in order.

"Getting back on the right path as quickly as possible is what makes you a good employee," says Anna Post, an author and spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute.

Post and others offer advice on how to handle apologies in six common workplace situations:

1. You made a mistake that causes problems for your colleagues.

This is a clear-cut case where an apology is called for. You could simply say, "I'm sorry," followed by an offer to fix the problem.

If the situation is complex, use your apology to show you understand the effect of your actions. Meryl Runion, a speaker and author of six books on communication, suggests saying, "I regret that you have to do X, Y, and Z because of my mistake. I'm sorry. It won't happen again because in the future I will... ."

2. Someone in your company made a mistake, and you're dealing with an unhappy customer.

You don't want to pretend you did it, but you may want to issue a clear apology on behalf of the company. "There are times when you need to take one for the team," Post says. "Somebody needs to apologize." You'll look better making the apology than casting blame on your coworkers.

3. You're not sure whether you should apologize.

Perhaps you sensed during a meeting that your comment had upset a colleague. Before apologizing, try to find out what's going on. Post suggests saying, "'I felt some tension in that meeting. Is everything all right?' If they say they're fine, then you don't need to apologize."

Or maybe you want to express sympathy for a colleague's situation without appearing to accept responsibility for something you didn't do. "Say, 'I regret that it happened this way,'" Post suggests. "What you don't want to do is to apologize for mistakes that really aren't yours."

4. You contribute to your team missing a deadline.

This is tricky, since you want to accept the responsibility you deserve but no more than that.

"Definitely avoid sounding like you're pointing fingers," Runion said. "You might say, 'It wasn't one of our team's finer moments. I can see several things that I could do differently in the future to contribute to a more effective team effort.'"

5. You regret the words or tone you used, but you were expressing legitimate concerns.

In this case, Post suggests saying something like, "I apologize for my tone of voice. I do have some serious concerns. I would like to address those now."

6. You find yourself apologizing frequently.

Make sure you're not apologizing over and over for the same mistake. "Just because you're going to apologize later doesn't give you license to behave badly," Post says.

Nor should you apologize for non-mistakes -- this can be taken as a sign of insecurity. "People want to work with people who are confident," Post adds.

And when you do apologize, do it briefly for a small problem and save the long explanations for the big problems.

"If you over-apologize, that is a sign of deference and weakness rather than accountability and strength," Runion says.

Entry-Level Jobs With Big Earning Potential

2010-01-12T20:58:00.000-08:00

Competition for entry-level work is starched-shirt stiff right now.

But grabbing the first minimum-wage, dead-end gig that comes along won't serve you well in the long run. After all, you don't want to live in Mom and Dad's basement forever. A better strategy is to pursue a career that allows your responsibilities -- and your income -- to grow year after year.

Here are eight of our top picks for those who are just starting out, and their median annual salaries, according to PayScale.com.

Environmental engineer
Have a bachelor's degree in engineering? You're in luck! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, environmental engineers make among the highest starting salaries of all college graduates. Entry-level positions in the field are similar to "an apprentice situation," says workplace expert Alexandra Levit, whose latest book is "New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career." "As you get more senior, you receive more independence to work on your own, eventually supervising your own staff."
Median annual salary: $68,628.

Network systems/data communications analyst
Not a computer science major? Not to worry. In information technology, getting field certification is often more valuable than a formal education, Levit says. Once you cultivate an area of expertise, such as network security or enterprise software, "You can very quickly become the go-to person in the organization and eventually the head of IT," she says. "And you can make a very, very good living."
Median annual salary: $61,949.

Marketing research analyst
From high-tech and biotech to retail and hospitality, consumer-driven industries rely on market data to make smart business decisions. If you have a business marketing or statistical background, you may be able to analyze data from the get-go in this field rather than starting as "a [low-paid] telemarketer," says Laurence Shatkin, author of more than 20 books for job hunters, including "200 Best Jobs for College Graduates," which he co-wrote with Michael Farr.
Median annual salary: $58,423.

Copywriter
Fancy yourself the next Don Draper or Peggy Olson from "Mad Men"? Why not try your hand at writing ad copy? "Here's something for the English major to be doing, now that journalism doesn't seem to be such a prospect," Shatkin says. Although you might start by contributing text to lower-profile agency projects, in time "you can be involved to the point where you're developing entire ad campaigns," Shatkin says.
Median annual salary: $53,288.

Sales associate
The beauty of sales is that you can enter the field even if you majored in art history, Shatkin says. "With a lot of products, you can learn what you need to know from a short training program," he explains. "And sometimes you'll work with a more experienced salesperson your first few days out." To boost your income, he says, you can transition into selling bigger-ticket items, or you can move into management.
Median annual salary: $45,656.

Lobbyist
"There are all sorts of places where lobbyists exist: lobbying firms, public interest groups, trade organizations," Levit says. "You can start with an unpaid internship and move within a couple years to making six figures." To get your feet wet, Levit suggests volunteering for a political campaign or interning on Capitol Hill for a few months to see what causes interest you.
Median annual salary: $66,929.

Public relations assistant
"PR and digital marketing are hot hot hot," Levit says. "Everyone is switching their traditional marketing to online, and they can't fill positions fast enough." Expect to work your hide off at a PR agency, a field with a high burnout rate, Levit warns. On the plus side, she says, annual promotions are the norm, with the path from peon to supervisor fairly short.
Median annual salary: $42,810.

Financial analyst
Yes, the financial sector took a beating during the past year, but finance jobs are starting to bounce back, Shatkin says. So if you're looking to put that business, finance, or statistics education to use, consider analyzing financial data for a living. "Analysts contribute to the decisions that financial managers make," Shatkin explains. Specifically, financial analysts make investment recommendations to the banks, insurance companies, securities firms, and other businesses employing them. From this starting point, Shatkin says, the sky's the limit -- all the way up to company controller, CFO, or CEO.
Median annual salary: $60,952.

5 Low-Profile Careers With High Potential5 Low-Profile Careers With High Potential

2010-01-12T20:56:00.001-08:00

Some of the best opportunities in today's job market remain just off the radar for most job seekers. These careers may not have the name recognition, but they are quietly making an impact behind the scenes.

Here's a look at five low-profile careers that pay well for interesting work, and are poised for growth in tomorrow's economy.

1. Occupational Therapist

As more and more Americans enter their golden years, occupational therapists are experiencing a surge in demand for their services. Occupational therapists play an important supporting role in the treatment of illness and disability. They help patients with disabilities regain their independence through adaptive technology and life skills training.

A master's degree is the minimum requirement to become licensed as an occupational therapist. As of 2007, 124 programs offered occupational therapy graduate degrees, and an additional 66 offered combined bachelor's-master's degree programs.

Salary: $67,920 (mean annual wages from 2008 as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unless otherwise specified)

2. Video Game Designer

Who knew that a video gaming habit could pay off in a lucrative career? Video game designers make a comfortable living creating concepts, story lines, and animated effects for computer games. According to the Entertainment Software Association, the video game industry earned $11.7 billion last year in the U.S. alone.

A game design career requires top-notch programming and artistic skills. An associate's or bachelor's degree in game design helps you develop the technical background. You may choose to specialize in interactive programming (using C or C++ language), script writing and character development, or computer-generated special effects.

Salary: $62,380 for all multimedia artists and animators

3. Cybercrime Investigator

Cybercrime investigators are unlikely to inspire a "CSI"-style television drama, but their forensics work is no less heroic. These behind-the-scenes digital detectives use their computer skills to make the Web a safer place to surf and do business. They apply advanced forensics techniques to pursue and help prosecute the hackers, and identify thieves and financial scam artists lurking online.

Cybercrime investigators may kick off their careers with an associate's degree in computer science, programming, or a specialized computer crime, economic crime investigation, or digital forensics degree. For the best opportunities, continue on to a bachelor's degree in the field.

Salary: $46,370 for all computer support specialists (mean annual wage, BLS, 2008); $51,164 for credit card fraud investigators (Salary.com)

4. User Experience Designer

As personal electronics reach a peak in technical development, the high-tech industry is looking to usability to differentiate their products. Apple, for example, has come to dominate the market for computers and communication devices on the strength of its intuitive interface and compelling designs. As a user experience designer, you'll make sure that products are easy to use and pleasing to look at. The job brings together creative and technical skills, making it a lucrative niche for artistic types.

A bachelor's degree in computer science or graphic design can lead to a career as a usability specialist. For best results, supplement your degree with courses in cognitive psychology and marketing. Some colleges offer a specialized master's degree in usability.

Salary: $87,900 for computer applications engineers, $46,750 for graphic designers

5. Curriculum Designer

Curriculum designers are tackling the challenge of education reform head-on. These specialists select textbooks, develop new curriculum materials, and train teachers. They incorporate new educational technology into the classroom. And they review educational programs to make sure learning outcomes meet standards set by government agencies.

A master's degree in education is the standard requirement for a career in curriculum design. You'll learn about educational technology, program review techniques, and current research in learning and child development. Most states also require a teaching or administrative license.

Salary: $59,780

Tomorrow's high-impact careers are today's low-profile winners. Stay one step ahead of the curve by seizing these opportunities before they knock. By lining up your career training now, you can stake your claim to a satisfying, high-paying job before the rest of the market catches on.

10 Job Sectors in Decline

2010-01-12T20:55:00.001-08:00

People in almost every profession may feel like jobs are scarce right now. For many industries, this is a temporary situation. But jobs in some fields are expected to continue disappearing even after the economy picks up.

Is your industry on the decline? The federal government projects that a number of industries will lose jobs from 2008 to 2018.

"You can't sit around and wait for news to come out about what's going to happen to your industry," said Alexandra Levit, author of "New Job, New You." "You have to be proactive about this."

Disappearing Jobs

Here's a list of the top 10 industries expected to lose the most jobs by 2018 -- and what to do if you're working in one of them:

1. Department stores: Projected to lose 10.2 percent of the 1.56 million jobs they had in 2008.

"People are doing their shopping online," Levit said. To survive, stores need to offer value beyond the products they sell, such as special events or superior customer service. To increase the chances that you'll keep your own job, you need to "be on the innovation train."

"You need to be front and center with management, giving them suggestions for how they can remain competitive," she said.

2. Semiconductor manufacturing: Projected to lose 33.7 percent of the 432,000 jobs it had in 2008.

Semiconductors are one of several manufacturing industries on the declining list. Because so many different types of manufacturing jobs are disappearing, it will not be easy to simply get another manufacturing job. You may need to develop some completely new skills.

Levit suggests beefing up your resume with volunteer work so you can show skills that will be applicable in other industries. For example, helping a volunteer organization deal with its members can show that you have client-service skills.

3. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing: Projected to lose 18.6 percent of its 544,000 jobs.

4. Postal service: Projected to lose 13 percent of the 748,000 jobs it had in 2008.

5. Printing and related jobs: Projected to lose 16 percent of its 594,000 jobs.

6. Cut-and-sew apparel manufacturing: Projected to lose 57 percent of its 155,000 jobs.

7. Newspaper publishers: Projected to lose 24.8 percent of its 326,000 jobs.

8. Mining support jobs: Projected to lose 23.2 percent of its 328,000 jobs.

9. Gas stations: Projected to lose 8.9 percent of its 843,000 jobs.

10. Wired telecom: Projected to lose 11 percent of its 666,000 jobs.

Are You Affected?

What should you do if your industry is on this list? First, don't panic. The job declines in these industries are projected to take place over a decade. And many jobs -- a majority in most of these industries -- will remain even after 10 years.

Still, it's good to start thinking about Plan B. Build your savings and start researching what other industries might be able to use your skills.

If you're nearing retirement and had been planning to move into a different field, you might want to make the move earlier. And if you have many years of work ahead of you, you should consider seriously whether it's feasible for you to stay in your industry for the long term.

"Start sharpening your transferrable skills," Levit said. These include project management, budgeting, and customer service. "You want to be developing a resume that showcases the skills you have in all those areas."

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol at “My Name Is Khan” Press Meet - Bollywood World

2009-12-22T22:15:00.002-08:00

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol at “My Name Is Khan” Press Meet - Bollywood World: "Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol and director Karan Johar at “My Name Is Khan” Press Meet at JW Marriott. Pics of My Name Is Khan Press Meet.

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Top 5 comedy Bollywood films |

2009-12-19T20:24:00.000-08:00

Top 5 comedy Bollywood films |: "5 All Time Great comedies

It isn’t easy to make people laugh. And certainly not in India, where the audience full paisa vasool, and at the same time, the critics expect a fine cinematic example. It is nigh impossible to pick the best of the lot and make up a list of only five films. Here is what we came up with:

Hera Pheri - Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty, Tabu

5. Hera Pheri: Priyadarshan entered the comedy genre with this rollicking flick. The story is basically revolves around the wrongly attributed telephone number of a rich businessman’s house to that of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte's (Paresh Rawal) garage in the telephone directory and all the hassles and situations that follow and precede the climax. With sub-plots as funny as the main ones, this film is a must watch for all comedy lovers. Check it out for the impeccable comic timing perfected by Rawal and Akshay Kumar (who was a welcome change from his Khiladi series).

Chupke Chupke - Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore

4. Chupke Chupke: This Hrishikesh Mukherjee classic is a delight to watch with family and friends. The story is basically about Prof. Parimal Tripathi (Dharmendra) who is a botany professor and decides to stage a drama to fool his wife’s (Sharmila Tagore) jijaji, after she praises him to no ends. The hilarious sequences involving Dharmendra as the crazy driver Pyaare Mohan and Om Prakash (Jijaji) are still etched in viewers’ minds. Amitabh Bachchan as another actor in the ‘drama’ also provides genuinely funny moments.

Padosan - Sunil Dutt, Kishore Kumar, Saira Banu

3. Padosan: A timeless classic, the story involved is a very simple one. A simpleton (Sunil Dutt) falls in love with his neighbour Bindu (Saira Banu). To impress her by singing, he seeks Guru’s (Kishore Kumar) help. The situations that follow make for some amazing comic scenes. There is also the famous song Ek Chatur Naar, sung by Kishoreda and Manna Dey, which has gained cult status. The film belongs to the sublimely talented Kishore Kumar, both as an actor and a playback singer. The jolly gang with its sharp characters certainly is a treat to watch.

Andaz Apna Apna - Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon, Karishma Kapur

2. Andaaz Apna Apna: Rajkumar Santoshi’s comic caper, which released in the 90’s, set off the careers of two stars (Aamir and Salman). The crazy plot, insane characters and unmatchable performances by the whole cast makes this movie a must for every movie lover. Ask anyone in India the same question which we are answering now and AAA will be a film certainly to be included.

Golmaal - Amol Palekar, Utpal Dutt, Bindiya Goswami

1. Gol Maal: Finally down to number one. This film is perhaps one of the most well written films of all time. The story is basically about Ramprasad Sharma (Amol Palekar) who is looking for a job. He manages to get one at Bhavani Shankar’s (Utpal Dutt) company, but Bhavani Shankar has a set of rules and ideals which he expects from the youngsters. Ramprasad overdoes it and rib-tickling situations follow. Utpal Dutt’s act as the suspicious boss and father is one of his best known roles."

5 Most Awaited Bollywood Releases of 2010

2009-12-19T20:13:00.001-08:00

The second half of 2009 was a dull one. With duds like What's Your Raashee, Main aur Mrs. Khanna, Blue, the only way to look up is to look forward. Here's a look at some of the releases for next year.

5. Karthik Calling Karthik: This one is starring Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone. Having been in the news for quite a long time, this film, scheduled for a February release promises to be a good watch, especially with the very natural and amicable Farhan in the lead.

4. Rajneeti: This one comes from Prakash Jha, the director of the critically acclaimed Gangaajal. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay Devgan and Manoj Bajpai (Nana Patekar isn’t there anymore), it’ll be surely interesting to watch how chocolate boy Ranbir handles serious cinema.

3. Ishqiya: We've all seen the trailers and they look absolutely fabulous (yes, even Vidya Balan). The unconventional story with a Vishal Bharadwajesque treatment by his protégé Abhishek Chaubey, ‘thif one fould be on the lift for every film enthusiast. The film is said to have some really bold scenes and powerful dialogues (there's Naseeruddin Shah, no?)

2. Rann: Ram Gopal Verma returns to what he does best. Dark and powerful cinema. The first look of the film is enough to lure viewers to the screens, even if RGV carries the baggage such ‘Aag’ and ‘James’ with him. Watch out for Amitabh Bachchan’s performance as a news media baron.

1. My Name Is Khan: It’s been talked about for almost two months. Karan Johar returns to direct his favourite couple SRK and Kajol set again in New York, but this time in a serious backdrop, that of the 9/11 massacre. There have been many controversies created regarding the film, and it has all worked for the publicity. Let’s see if the film lives up to its mammoth expectations.

Amanda Knox: News & Videos about Amanda Knox - CNN.com

2009-12-06T02:32:00.001-08:00

Amanda Knox: News & Videos about Amanda Knox - CNN.com

2009-12-06T02:32:00.000-08:00

Amanda Knox: News & Videos about Amanda Knox - CNN.com

10 Web trends to watch in 2010

2009-12-06T02:25:00.000-08:00

By Pete Cashmore, Special to CNN

Mashable's Pete Cashmore says real-time communication, Internet TV and social gaming will be big in 2010.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Mashable's Pete Cashmore lists his 10 Web trends that we'll be talking about next year
Sparked by Twitter, Facebook and FriendFeed, the real-time communications trend will grow
The cloud-computing movement will see a major leap forward in the first half of 2010
2010 will be the breakthrough year of the much-anticipated mobile payments market

Editor's note: Pete Cashmore is founder and CEO of Mashable, a popular blog about social media. He is writing a weekly column about social networking and tech for CNN.com.

(CNN) -- As 2009 draws to a close, the Web's attention turns to the year ahead. What can we expect of the online realm in 2010?
While Web innovation is unpredictable, some clear trends are becoming apparent. Expect the following 10 themes to define the Web next year:
Real-time ramps up
Sparked by Twitter, Facebook and FriendFeed, the real-time trend has been to the latter part of 2009 what "Web 2.0" was to 2007. The term represents the growing demand for immediacy in our interactions. Immediacy is compelling, engaging, highly addictive ... it's a sense of living in the now.
But real-time is more than just a horde of new Twitter-like services hitting the Web in 2010 (although that's inevitable -- cargo cults abound). It's a combination of factors, from the always-connected nature of modern smartphones to the instant gratification provided by a Google search.
Why wait until you get home to post a restaurant review, asks consumer trends tracker Trendwatching, when scores of iPhone apps let you post feedback as soon as you finish dessert? Why wonder about the name of that song, when humming into your phone handset will garner an instant answer from Midomi?
Look out, too, for real-time collaboration: Google Wave launched earlier this year, resulting in both excitement and confusion. A crossover between instant messaging, e-mail and a wiki, Wave is a platform for getting things done together. Web users, however, remain baffled. In 2010, Wave's utility will become more apparent.
Location, location, location
Fueled by the ubiquity of GPS in modern smartphones, location-sharing services like Foursquare, Gowalla, Brightkite and Google Latitude are suddenly in vogue.
As I ruminated in this column two weeks ago, Foursquare and its ilk may become the breakout services of the year ... provided they're not crushed by the addition of location-based features to Twitter and Facebook.
What's clear is that location is not about any singular service; rather, it's a new layer of the Web. Soon, our whereabouts may optionally be appended to every Tweet, blog comment, photo or video we post.
Augmented reality
It's yet to become part of the consumer consciousness, but augmented reality has attracted early-adopter buzz in the latter part of 2009.
Enabled by GPS, mapping data from the likes of Google and the accelerometer technology in modern phones, AR involves overlaying data on your environment; imagine walking around a city and seeing it come to life with reviews of the restaurants you walk past and Wikipedia entries about the sights you see.
When using Layar, for instance, the picture from your phone's video camera is overlaid with bubbles of information from Yelp, Wikipedia, Google Search and Twitter. The challenge for such services is to prove their utility: They have the "cool factor," but can they be truly useful?
Content 'curation'
The Web's biggest challenge of recent years is that content creation is outpacing our ability to consume it: "Information overload" has become an increasingly common complaint.
In the attention economy, with its millions of daily status updates and billions of Web pages vying for our time, how do we best allocate that scarce resource? One solution has been algorithmic: Sites like Google News source the best stuff by technical means, but fall short when it comes to personalization.
In 2008, the answer revealed itself: Your friends are your filter. With the launch of its Facebook Connect program, Facebook allowed sites to offer content personalization based on the preferences of your network.
Meanwhile, Google's Social Search experiment is investigating whether Web searching is improved by using information gleaned from your friends on Twitter, Facebook, Digg and the rest. Increasingly, your friends are becoming the curators of your consumption, from Web links to movies, books and TV shows.
Professional "curation" has its place, too: Who better to direct our scarce attention than experts in their fields? I explored this possibility in a CNN article last month titled "Twitter lists and real-time journalism" .
Cloud computing
Cloud computing was very much a buzzword of 2009, but there's no doubt this transition will continue. The trend, in which data and applications cease to reside on our desktops and instead exist on servers elsewhere ("the cloud"), makes our data accessible from anywhere and enables collaboration with distributed teams.
The cloud movement will see a major leap forward in the first half of 2010 with the launch of "Office Web Apps," free online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote released in tandem with Microsoft Office 2010.
Next year will also see the launch of Google's Chrome OS, a free, Web-centric operating system that forces us to ask: How many desktop applications do we really need?
Internet TV and movies
Is 2010 the year the majority of our television starts coming to us via the Internet? There's certainly more activity here than at any other time: Among the early-adopter set, Hulu, Boxee, Apple TV and Netflix's Roku box lead the field.
Hulu in particular has sustained remarkable growth this year, while the movie studios are getting on board with the launch of Epix, a Hulu for films.
Convergence conundrum
The outlook for devices in 2010 appears somewhat contradictory: While the convergence trend continues apace and many of our gadgets are folded into the smartphones we carry around every day, we're seeing a converse trend in which task-specific devices gain popularity.
GPS device maker TomTom recently introduced a $100 iPhone app that removes the need to buy a TomTom hardware device. Google then one-upped the company by releasing free turn-by-turn directions on devices running its Android operating system. Garmin and TomTom beware: Standalone GPS devices may meet their demise in 2010.
Also on the endangered gadgets list: Flip video cameras, which PC World declared dead upon the launch of the iPhone 3G S. Meanwhile, Apple executives say the iPhone is cannibalizing the iPod: Why carry two devices when you only need one?
Paradoxically, the e-book reader is seeing traction as a single-use device. With hard-to-read, power-hungry laptop screens proving impractical for reading, and smartphone screens proving too small, the Kindle and its competitors are gaining buzz.
However, I'd argue that the e-book reader is a fad: Carrying an extra device is never desirable, and the major factor preventing convergence is the lack of superior screen technology. Flexible, expanding low-power screens on cell phones might tip the balance.
The real power of Amazon's Kindle is its ease of use: a virtual bookstore so simple that it does for books what Apple's iTunes did for music. The devices will converge, but the "app store" model for books will persist across all devices. The technology won't be with us in 2010, however.
Social gaming
There's little risk of social gaming proving a bad bet in 2010 -- Zynga's FarmVille game on Facebook now counts more active users than Twitter, claims a Facebook executive. Meanwhile, rival Playfish was recently acquired by Electronic Arts in a deal valued at up to $400 million.
Of growing interest in 2010, however, will be the virtual currencies these games have spawned: In the allegedly unmonetizable world of social media, virtual buying and selling may be the route to riches for some social media sites -- a concept I outlined in this column under the title "Is Facebook the future of micropayments?"
Mobile payments
I'd wager that 2010 will be the breakthrough year of the much-anticipated mobile payments market. While much of Asia has embraced the technology, the U.S., in particular, has lagged. There's reason for optimism in 2010, however: From PayPalX to Amazon's mobile payments platform for developers, the big players are seizing the mobile payments opportunity.
Meanwhile, newcomer Square, founded by the creator of Twitter, began its rollout this week to much early-adopter excitement: The company enables merchants to accept payments via Apple's iPhone.
Fame abundance, privacy scarcity
Warhol was right: Fame is now abundant. Social media has birthed a galaxy of stars in thousands of niches: We're all reality stars now, on Facebook, Twitter and all the myriad online outlets where we hone our personal brands.
We're seeing the ongoing voluntary erosion of privacy through public sharing on Facebook and Twitter, the rise of location-based services and the inclusion of video cameras in a growing array of devices.

The incredible efficiency of Web-based communication and our Google-fueled appetite to know everything about everything (or everyone) right now are combining to make Tiger Woods the canary in the privacy coal mine. Expect personal privacy -- or rather its continued erosion -- to be a hot media topic of 2010.

Pakistani Taliban claims responsibility for mosque strike - CNN.com

2009-12-06T02:21:00.000-08:00

Pakistani Taliban claims responsibility for mosque strike - CNN.com

Asian University Rankings | Top Universities

2009-12-06T01:52:00.000-08:00

Asian University Rankings | Top Universities: "Asian University Rankings"

Top 100 Engineering colleges & universities of India

2009-12-06T01:44:00.000-08:00

1. IIT Bombay (Top JEE students join every year)
2. IIT Kanpur
3. IIT Delhi (Location factor pushes it up in its ranking)
4. BITS, Pilani University (Admissions only on basis of Merit.)
5. IIT Kharagpur (Oldest IIT has excellent faculty, research)
6. IIT Madras (Placement factor lets it down)
7. IIT Varanasi(ex-IT BHU) (New Tag was just final step in making a complete package)
8. IIIT Allahabad (established in 1999)
9. IIT Guwahati (Not so good location and not up to the mark placements)
10. ISM Dhanbad (Petroleum and mining placements make it to number 10)
OTHERS (Not updated)
11. College of Eng., Anna University, Guindy
12. NIT- National Institute of Technology, Warangal
13. New IITs (Without campuses but academically and students input still moves IITs up)
14. BIT, Mesra, Ranchi
15. NIT- National Institute of Technology, Trichy
16. Delhi College of Engineering, New Delhi
17. Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh
18. NIT- National Institute of Technology, Suratkal
19. Motilal Nehru National Inst. of Technology, Allahabad
20. IIIT, Hyderbad
21. Bengal Eng. and Science University, Shibpur, Howrah
22. MANIT, Bhopal
23. PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore
24. Thapar Inst of Engineering & Technology, Patiala
25. Harcourt Butler Technological Institute, Kanpur
26. Malviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur
27. VNIT, Nagpur
28. NIT- National Institute of Technology, Kozhikode
29. Dhirubhai Ambani IICT, Gandhinagar
30. Osmania Univ. College of Engineering, Hyderabad
31. College of Engineering, Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam
32. Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, New Delhi
33. NIT- National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra
34. NIT- National Institute of Technology, Rourkela
35. SVNIT, Surat
36. Govt. College of Engineering, Pune
37. NIT- National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar
38. JNTU, Hyderabad
39. R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore
40. NIT- National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur
41. University Visvesvaraya College of Eng., Bangalore
42. VJTI, Mumbai
43. Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
44. Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore
45. SSN College of Engineering, Chennai
46. IIT Roorkee
47. College of Engineering, Trivandrum
48. NIT Durgapur, Durgapur
49. SIT, Calcutta
50. Mumbai University Inst. of Chemical Tech, Mumbai
51. Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Mumbai
52. P.E.S. Institute of Technology, Bangalore
53. Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune
54. Amrita Institute of Technology & Science, Coimbatore
55. National Institute of Engineering, Mysore
56. B.M.S. College of Engineering, Bangalore
57. Laxminarayan Institute Of Tech., Nagpur
58. Nirma Institute of Technology, Ahmedabad
59. IIIT, Pune
60. Amity School of Engineering, Noida
61. JNTU, Kakinada
62. S.J. College of Engineering, Mysore
63. Chaitanya Bharathi Inst. of Technology, Hyderabad
64. IIIT, Bangalore
65. SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
66. SASTRA, Thanjavur
67. Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore
68. The Technological Inst. of Textile & Sciences, Bhiwani
69. IIIT, Gwalior
70. JNTU, Anantpur
71. M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore
72. Gitam, Vishakhapatnam
73. NIT- National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur
74. Manipal Institute of Tech, Manipal
75. SV University Engineering College, Tirupati
76. NIT- National Institute of Technology, Raipur
77. Vasavi College of Engineering, Hyderabad
78. The ICFAI Inst. of Science and Technology, Hyderabad
79. NIT- National Institute of Technology, Patna
80. Cummins Colleges of Eng. of Women, Pune
81. VIT, Pune
82. Shri Ramdeo Baba K.N. Engineering College, Nagpur
83. Muffakham Jah Engineering College, Hyderabad
84. Karunya Institute of Technology, Coimbatore
85. D.J. Sanghvi, Mumbai
86. Sathyabhama Engineering College, Chennai
87. Kongu Engineering College, Erode
88. Mepco Schlek Engineering College, Sivakasi
89. Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana
90. Hindustan Inst. of Engineering Technology, Chennai
91. SDM College of Engineering, Dharwad
92. R.V.R. & J.C. College Of Eng., Guntur
93. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
94. K.L. College of Engineering, Veddeswaram
95. Dharmsinh Desai Institute of Technology, Nadiad
96. S.G.S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore
97. Jabalpur Engineering College, Jabalpur
98. Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering, Trivandrum
99. G.H. Patel College of Eng. & Technology, Vallabh Vidyanagar
100. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneshwar

Indian Urdu Newspapers Web Links

2009-12-05T19:31:00.005-08:00

The Inquilab Urdu Daily - Online popular Newspaper.
Daily Munsif - India
Siasat Daily
Urdu Times -Top indianurdunewspapers.
ETEMAAD DAILY
Urdu news from Kashmir
The Sahafat URDU Daily

Indian Telugu Newspapers

2009-12-05T19:31:00.003-08:00

Indian Telugu Newspapers Web Links


	Eenadu - Daily Newspaper from Andhra Pradesh Andhra Jyothy AndhraBhoomi Publish Post Andhra Prabha Vaartha Praja Shakti Kaliyuganarada - Teligu English, Andhra Pradesh Swatantra Vaartha - (Andhra Pradesh)