Over 100,000 people commit suicide in India last year

A research by the Indian National Crime Records Bureau revealed that there were more than 100,000 suicide cases in India last year, Press Trust of India reported on Sunday.

In 2006, the number of suicides in the country increased by 4,198 to touch 118,112 but there was a decline in the cases of farmers taking their lives last year.

The statistics revealed that the number of suicides by farmers were 17,060 last year as against 17,131 in 2005.

Two states, West Bengal and Maharashtra, have the highest number of suicides in the country, with West Bengal topped the list with 15,725 suicides, including 6,605 women.

Maharashtra, which topped the list of farmers' suicide with 4,453 compared with 3,926 in 2005, recorded 15,494 suicides in 2006.

These two states were followed by Andhra Pradesh with 13,276, Tamil Nadu with 12,381, and Karnataka with 12,212.

The national capital Delhi registered 1,492 suicide cases last year.

The main reasons for people taking the extreme step were family problems, failure in love affairs, illness, examination blues and dowry harassment, an official said, adding majority of them took to consuming poison or hanging.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/09/content_7221190.htm

Capturing that Special Moment (In Pics)

Like how that saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words!

NJOY N KEEP VISITING

पूर्व प्रेमी का ख़त

Why women cheat

10. Not enough sex
Remember the good old days when you could stay up forever fooling around? Then responsibility entered the mix — and kids — and before you knew it, sleep was more important than sex.

Well, women want to feel wanted. If you’re not making her feel that way, she could seek it elsewhere. Don’t let life get in the way of kissing, cuddling and sex.

9. Being the bad girl
Just as men feel the urge to sow their wild oats, some women have an inner sex kitten just waiting to be unleashed — and when the beast escapes from the cage, look out.

This frisky behavior usually rears its ugly head in response to some sort of life change — major weight loss, new job, new friends, mid-life crisis, etc.

Keep the lines of communication open and she’ll be more likely to talk to you instead of spilling her guts to a stranger in the night.

8. Self-esteem
Sex can be an instant pick-me-up; that makes women feel sexier, more beautiful and more loved.

If your wife or girlfriend has self-esteem issues, it doesn’t mean she’s automatically going to cheat — and it’s certainly not your fault if she does — but there are ways to make her feel secure in the relationship that could help her from straying.

7. Revenge for past wrongs
No, you didn’t cheat, but whether you blew your retirement fund in Vegas or got caught in a big lie, you did break her trust (and, possibly, her heart).

She feels wounded and betrayed — and wants to hurt you the same way you hurt her. To regain her trust, it’s not enough just to tell her you’re sorry; you have to show her.

6. Lack of intimacy
You have it all: the house, the two-car garage and the two-and-a-half bathrooms. But inside, the relationship is lacking the one thing women want most: intimacy.

It’s not just sex that makes women feel connected in a relationship; it’s touching, kissing, cuddling, and communicating. Women crave it, and she could seek it elsewhere if she’s not getting it at home.

5. Feeling neglected/ignored/ underappreciated
Women wear many hats in a relationship — housekeeper, errand-runner, grocery shopper, babysitter, etc.

When she feels more like a maid than a girlfriend/wife, that’s when she could stray. The fact that you spend all your time at work or on the golf course gives her double reason to seek attention elsewhere.

4. Your emotional withdrawal
Women are emotional beings. Not only do they need physical support, but they also need emotional support.

Once you retreat from the relationship, she sees it as a sign that things are through — a breakup is inevitable. So, she’s not really cheating, she’s moving on.

3. Bedroom boredom
Sex can become monotonous if you let it — the same position; the same setting; the same person. An affair adds adventure and gets her adrenalin flowing.

To avoid routine, avoid repetition. Sweep her away for the weekend, make out at the movies, kiss her for no reason at all. The unexpected adds excitement.

2. Exit strategy
Instead of breaking up with you, she cheats on you. That way she doesn’t have to deal with the broken relationship, which is much harder to fix.

An affair is the easy way out — or at least that’s how she sees it. That’s another reason communication is key. Let her know that she can talk to you about any issues in the relationship.

1. Revenge for your cheating
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Because you cheated, she wants to get back at you and give you a dose of your own medicine.

Cheating is her vengeance, her chance to even the playing field. No, you can’t undo your indiscretion, but you can ask for her forgiveness, assure her it will never happen again.
—www.askmen.com

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1137244

India's internet user base @ 46 mn

For the first time ever, the internet user base in India grew by over 40 per cent to touch 46 million in September 2007 from 32.2 million in the corresponding month last year.

During the month, the number of active internet users reached 32 million, according the Internet in India Report 2007, published jointly by the Internet and Mobile Association of India and IMRB International.

"Although a growth of 40 per cent year-on-year makes us happy -- given that for the last couple of years the rate of growth was 30-35 per cent -- the growth rate is not very satisfactory relative to what can be achieved and what needs to be achieved," Subho Ray, president, IAMAI, said.

The report notes that growth of internet users is primarily driven by the number of people, who have the know-how, use a computer unaided has grown to 65 million from 15.8 million in 2000. Besides, 70 per cent computer literates have used the internet some time or the other in their lives.

"In order to make growth sustainable, broadband, which would drive more applications, functions and businesses, and, therefore, more users, really needs to take off. If broadband penetration targets are not met in the Year of the Broadband, there is a possibility of missing out on creating a virtuous cycle of better connectivity, content and more users," Ray said.

Mohan Krishnan, senior vice-president, IMRB said, "The demand for the internet continues to be primarily driven by urban areas."

Therefore, while the government was justifiably drawing up plans to take the internet to rural areas, it is also necessary that the urban digital divide should be bridged with appropriate policy measures."

http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/dec/05net.htm

10 Things You Should Never Mention In Your Online Profile

Creating an online dating profile can be challenging, particularly if you’ve never done it before. There are some definitely things you do and do not want to do when you create your profile in order to have the best success with your endeavour.

Here are the things you should definitely leave out.

1. Past Relationship Experiences

While it’s okay to mention what you’ve learned from past relationships, don’t ever go on and on about the way your ex treated you or anything of that resemblance. The more positive you are in your profile, the more positive people will think you are in real life - and everyone wants to date someone positive, right?

2.’Players Stay Away’

Nothing turns potential suitors off more than direct instructions of who should and who should not contact you. While you may think you are just stating what you don’t want, it comes across as slightly ignorant. Rather, state what you are looking for.

For example, using the player topic, if you aren’t at all interested in dating casually, and especially not having casual sex, state that you are at the point in your life where you’re ready to make a good commitment if the right person comes along. This then let’s others know what type of relationship you’re there for.

3. Previous Mental Health Issues

While it’s definitely not good to lie to a potential partner about your health, if you’ve suffered from any type of clinical health issues, it’s best to leave that off your profile. That is something that you should discuss, in person, if you meet. Otherwise, it’s just going to send a bad vibe.

4 .A List Of Requirements

While it’s great to have high standards in what you are looking for, don’t list them out like a drill sergeant. State what you are looking for and why those qualities are important to you. Just don’t make it come across as if someone does match everything you want to an exact ‘T’, they shouldn’t contact you. Do that and you’ll likely find a very empty inbox.

5.That You’re Embarrassed To Be There

So many people list in their profile that they aren’t the typical ‘freak’ who uses online dating. But why does using online dating automatically make them a freak? This is just going to give others the impression that you think you’re ‘too good’, and they will be hesitant to contact you.

If someone is viewing you, they are using online dating as well, so there is no reason to be embarrassed.

6.That You Don’t Know What To Say

Great. State the obvious. Writing profiles is hard but it’s a must if you hope to online date. Lack of words will translate to lack of dates. No need to broadcast it. If you are having trouble, simply say a few words about yourself, your interests, and what you are looking for, or consult a professional to get help with writing your profile.

7.Your Annoying Habits

Like the mental health issue, if you have random, odd habits, it’s best to leave those out of the profile. Just because you think it might be annoying, another person may not. Of course, if it is something you know may be a red flag for most people, then you will likely want to list it, but in this case, that type of personality trait will likely put you in a position where you are definitely only searching for a specific type of person.

It’s better to emphasize your positive traits and what you will bring to a relationship.

8.Too Much ‘Blogging’

While it’s great to expand upon your interests, avoid writing your entire life story in your profile. You do want to leave some to the imagination, right? Additionally, if you put everything about yourself on the table to start, there won’t be much to discuss in those first few messages.

9.That You Haven’t Had Much Success With The Site So Far

Stating that you haven’t had much success so far is likely not your best approach. Why broadcast that no one seems to want to date you? Don’t give members of the opposite sex a reason to think there is something wrong with you. Lack of luck is probably more a result of you not writing an appropriate profile (see the rest of this article), or you not sticking with it long enough. Online dating is largely a numbers game and for most, it doesn’t happen over night.

10.Too Much Past Info

While it’s great to list the basics, don’t talk too much about your past. Others reading your profile are concerned with the present and future because that is the time they will be a part of.

So keep all of these tips in mind next time you are preparing an online dating profile. As long as you put some time and effort into it, you can come out with a profile that will garner a good amount of attention from potential dates.

http://www.15minutedate.com/blog/2007/11/23/10-things-you-should-never-mention-in-your-profile/

Mumbai und London sind die teuersten Bürostandorte der Welt

Mumbai und London sind die teuersten Bürostandorte der Welt

Ein internationales Ranking zeigt, wo Büromieten am teuersten sind. Wien mit seinen Durchschnittsmieten von bis zu 22 € schaffte es nicht unter die Top 50.

London West End, Mumbai, London City und Moskau sind die vier teuersten Bürostandorte der Welt. In dem von der internationalen Maklerfirma CB Richard Ellis veröffentlichten Report werden neben den teuersten Bürostandorten auch jene erfasst, in denen die Bruttomieten (d.h. Mieten plus Steuern plus Nebenkosten) in den vergangenen zwölf Monaten am meisten anstiegen.

Narimman Port in Mumbai/Indien liegt mit einer Bruttomiete von 119,35 € pro Quadratmeter an Platz zwei im Ranking der teuersten Bürostandorte.

Moskau findet sich zum ersten Mal unter den Top Fünf (Bruttomiete 113,85 €):

Tokios Inner Central und Outer Central Region belegen dagegen Platz sechs.

Midtown Manhattan liegt mit 63,48 € pro Monat auf Platz zwölf und ist der teuerste Bürostandort Nordamerikas.

Wien ist mit seinen Bürodurchschnittsmieten von bis zu maximal 22 € so günstig, dass es nicht einmal unter die Top 50 des Rankings fällt, wogegen Nachbar München mit seinen 36,98 € auf Platz 41 rangiert.

http://www.wirtschaftsblatt.at/home/news/immobilien/269505/index.do?_vl_backlink=/home/news/index.do

Body language at parties

Body language at parties

Here are some tips.

1. Stand near the food, thats where people hang out. I suggest that to meet guys stand near the buffaloe wings and meatballs and to meet women stand near the chocolate desserts.

2. Stand were there will be a flow of people so you can keep meeting new people and extracate yourself from someone you wish to stop talking with. If you stand near the entrance so you can greet people as they come in works well.

3. You know the arm cross thing? Use to make you feel secure if you are nervous entering a party, but stop hugging yourself once you plant yourself somewere. Instead hold a drink or plate as a security blanket.

4. Listening makes you much more interesting than talking. Have several provactive questions ready to ask people. Such as, “What’s the best thing that has happened to you in the last year?” and who is the most interesting person you have every met? What’s the most surprising thing your have heard or read about recently?

5. Make sure your heart is aimed towards the person you are talking to and not toward the exit.

6. Don’t sit down unless you are talking with someone and the conversation is VERY interesting. Sitting lowers your energy level, makes you less likely to be approached and can take away the vocal variation in your voice. Lean on a wall or rest your arms on the bar if you have to, but stand up.

http://bodylanguagelady.com/2005/12/30/body-language-at-parties/

The 20 Richest People in the World

1. William Gates, III

Net Worth: $56.0 billion

Age: 51

Fortune: Self-made

Source: Microsoft

Country of Citizenship: United States

Residence: Medina, Washington, United States

Industry: Software

Marital Status: Married, 3 children

Education: Harvard University, drop out

After numerous delays, Microsoft visionary released latest operating system, Vista, in January. Last June announced his retirement from company he cofounded 31 years ago. The Harvard dropout who promised "a computer on every desk and in every home" now focusing time and talents on tackling diseases (hepatitis B, AIDS, malaria) in Africa, boosting America's lackluster high school graduation rate and helping women abroad start small businesses. This summer bridge buddy Warren Buffett pledged majority of his Berkshire Hathaway stock to Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the next 20 years, potentially doubling foundation's endowment. Sells 20 million Microsoft shares a quarter, plows proceeds into personal investment vehicle Cascade. Today more than half of net worth invested outside Microsoft.

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  2. Warren Buffett

  Net Worth: $52.0 billion

  Age: 76

  Fortune: Self-made

  Source: Berkshire Hathaway

  Country of Citizenship: United States

  Residence: Omaha, Nebraska, United States

  Industry: Investments

  Marital Status: Married, 3 children

  Education: University of Nebraska Lincoln, Bachelor of Arts/Science. Columbia University, Master of Science

  Nation's most beloved investor married longtime girlfriend Astrid Menks on his 76th birthday last August. Had long promised to give away his fortune posthumously. Then last June announced he had irrevocably earmarked the majority of his Berkshire Hathaway shares to charity. At the time the gift was worth $31 billion; believed to be the largest gift in history, it will go mostly to the Gates Foundation. Son of Nebraska politician delivered newspapers as a boy. Filed first tax return at age 13; claimed $35 deduction for bicycle. Studied under value-investing guru Benjamin Graham at Columbia, learned to hunt for undervalued stocks. Bought control of textile firm Berkshire Hathaway 1965; added insurance underwriting for the investable float. Today holding company has insurance (Geico, General Re), apparel (Fruit of the Loom), utilities (MidAmerican Energy), home furnishings (R.C. Willey). Also has noncontrolling stakes in Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo. Despite gifts, the Oracle of Omaha is $10 billion richer than last year: Berkshire stock up 22% in past 12 months.

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  3. Carlos Slim Helu

  Net Worth: $49.0 billion

  Age: 67

  Fortune: Self-made

  Source: Telecom

  Country of Citizenship: Mexico

  Residence: Mexico City, Mexico

  Industry: Communications

  Marital Status: Widowed, 6 children

  Education: N/A

  The world's third-richest man is $19 billion richer this year and catching up with Americans Bill Gates and Warren Buffett thanks to a strong Mexican equities market and the performance of his wireless telephone company, America Movil. The son of a Lebanese immigrant, Slim made his first fortune in 1990 when he bought fixed line operator TelŽfonos de MŽxico (Telmex) in a privatization. Last year he spent $3.7 billion to buy the Latin American operations of Verizon Communications, expanding his empire into Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. A widower and father of 6, Slim is a baseball fan and art collector. He keeps his art collection in Mexico City's Museo Soumaya, which he named after his late wife. In recent years he has donated close to $4 billion to education and health projects, and to the revitalization of downtown Mexico City's historical district.

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  4. Ingvar Kamprad & family

  Net Worth: $33.0 billion

  Age: 80

  Fortune: Self-made

  Source: Ikea

  Country of Citizenship: Sweden

  Residence: Lausanne, Switzerland

  Industry: Retailing

  Marital Status: Married, 4 children

  Education: N/A

  Peddled matches, fish, pens, Christmas cards and other items by bicycle as a teenager. Started selling furniture in 1947. Now his company Ikea, which sells hip designs for the cost conscious, is one of the most beloved retailers in the world, with an almost cultlike following. Ikea, which has stores in 34 countries, continues to expand into new markets such as Chengdu, China and opened its first store in Japan last April. As egalitarian as his brand, Kamprad avoids wearing suits, flies economy class and frequents cheap restaurants. Has been quoted as saying that his luxuries are the occasional nice cravat and Swedish fish roe. Says his home is furnished mostly with his own Ikea products.

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  5. Lakshmi Mittal

  Net Worth: $32.0 billion

  Age: 56

  Fortune: Inherited and growing

  Source: Steel

  Country of Citizenship: India

  Residence: London, United Kingdom

  Industry: Manufacturing

  Marital Status: Married, 2 children

  Education: St. Xavier's College Calcutta, Bachelor of Arts / Science

  Steel titan known for his dealmaking won six-month battle for rival Arcelor. The $34 billion merger created an industry behemoth that now accounts for 10% of world's production, putting it well ahead of Japan's Nippon Steel. Mittal owns 44% of combined $80 billion (sales) Arcelor-Mittal and is its chief executive. Mittal began his career working in the family's steelmaking business in India. Today Arcelor-Mittal operations span more than 60 countries and employ 330,000. Not content to dominate the steel industry, Mittal is branching out. Among his latest deals: spent $980 million for a 50% stake in Kazakh oil firm Caspian Investment Resources, a subsidiary of Russia's Lukoil. This Londoner is the UK's richest resident.

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  6. Sheldon Adelson

  Net Worth: $26.5 billion

  Age: 73

  Fortune: Self-made

  Source: Casinos, hotels

  Country of Citizenship: United States

  Residence: Las Vegas, Nevada

  Industry: Gambling/Leisure

  Marital Status: Married, 5 children

  Education: City College of New York, drop out

  Son of a Boston cabdriver borrowed $200 from his uncle to sell newspapers at age 12. Made first fortune in trade shows. Created computer industry's premier show, Comdex, mid-1980s; ran 70% profit margin renting space for 15 cents a square foot and leasing it to exhibitors for up to $40 a square foot. Sold show to Japan's Softbank for $862 million in 1995. Then Las Vegas: bought old Sands casino for $128 million, demolished it to build the $1.5 billion all-suites Venetian casino resort and the 1.2-million-square foot Sands Convention Center. Changed the way Vegas does business by enticing conventioneers to Sin City midweek, taking emphasis off gambling. Sold suites for $250 a night, added high-end retailers, celebrity-chef restaurants. Old guard mocked him: "I loved being the outsider. I didn't care what those guys said." Took Las Vegas Sands public December 2004. Building $1.8 billion Palazzo resort adjacent to arch-rival Steve Wynn's Wynn Las Vegas. Big bet on Asia: opened $265 million Sands Macau casino May 2004, recouped entire investment in one year. Ramping up construction on Cotai Strip: $6 billion project will place 7 hotel-casinos on Macau's 2 islands, Taipa and Coloane. Cornerstone of project will be $1.8 billion Venetian Macau. Last May won coveted Singapore gaming license. Plans to build $3.5 billion Marina Bay Sands on 51-acre site with a view of the city's skyline.

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  7. Bernard Arnault

  Net Worth: $26.0 billion

  Age: 58

  Fortune: Inherited and growing

  Source: LVMH

  Country of Citizenship: France

  Residence: Paris, France

  Industry: Diversified

  Marital Status: Married, 5 children

  Education: Ecole Polytechnique de Paris, Bachelor of Arts/Science

  Put up $15 million from his family's midsize construction firm to buy Christian Dior in 1985. Since then has built the world's largest luxury goods empire, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, whose brands also include Dom PŽrignon, Fendi and Tag Heuer Still heads the company, which is expanding rapidly in China, Russia and India. LVMH recently hired Frank Gehry to design a $127 million private museum in Paris. Son Antoine, 27, joined sister Delphine, 31, on LVMH's board last year. Arnault also set up an investment fund with his good friend Albert Frere in 2006; pair own two wineries together. In December opened his four-star hotel Le Cheval Blanc in ski resort Courcheval, France, where he often spends New Year's Eve. Said to be a skilled pianist.

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  8. Amancio Ortega

  Net Worth: $24.0 billion

  Age: 71

  Fortune: Self-made

  Source: Zara

  Country of Citizenship Spain

  Residence: La Coruna, Spain

  Industry: Apparel

  Marital Status: Married, 3 children

  Education: High School, drop out

  Son of a railway worker. Ranks among world's 20 richest for first time. With help from then-wife Rosal’a Mera, got start making gowns and lingerie in his living room 44 years ago. Business became one of world's most successful apparel manufacturers, $8.7 billion (2005 sales) Inditex. Group also owns 3,000 Zara retail stores in 64 countries. Ortega is chairman. Through his investment vehicles has invested in gas, tourism, banks and real estate; has properties in Madrid, Paris, London, Lisbon, plus luxury hotel and apartment complex in Miami. Reportedly owns a horse-jumping circuit and part of a soccer league. Shuns neckties.

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  9. Li Ka-Shing

  Net Worth: $23.0 billion

  Age: 78

  Fortune: Self-made

  Source: Diversified

  Country of Citizenship: Hong Kong

  Residence: Hong Kong, Hong Kong

  Industry: Diversified

  Marital Status: Widowed, 2 children

  Education: High School, drop out

  Asia's richest resident. His fortune is centered on conglomerates Cheung Kong and Hutchison Whampoa. Through them Li is the world's largest operator of container terminals, a major supplier of electricity to Hong Kong, a cell phone provider, retailer and real estate developer. Also has a nearly $10 billion stake in Canadian oil company Husky Energy. Recently announced plans to donate one-third of wealth over time, calling it "his third son." Eldest son, Victor, helps run massive empire; son Richard struck out on his own in early 1990s. Once a poor immigrant, Li got his start selling plastic flowers in Hong Kong in the 1950s.

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  10. David Thomson

  Net Worth: $22.0 billion

  Age: 49

  Fortune: Inherited

  Source: Inheritance

  Country of Citizenship: Canada

  Residence: Toronto, Canada

  Industry: Media/Entertainment

  Marital Status: Divorced, 3 children

  Education: N/A

  Took control of family fortune after his father, Kenneth Thomson, died last June. Had already succeeded his father as chairman of Thomson Corp., media conglomerate in which the family has a 70% stake, in 2002. Grandfather Roy founded the business in 1934. Company traded away traditional printed titles in order to move into software and electronic media for professionals, like Westlaw, a legal research tool. With his brother Peter also serves as cochair of family's investment concern, Woodbridge. Well known art collectors, the family bought $5 million worth of native North American art at auction last year, including a $1.8 million face mask, the highest amount ever spent on a single piece of native North American art. David said the family bought the collection in honor of his late father.

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  11. Lawrence Ellison

  Net Worth: $21.5 billion

  Age: 62

  Fortune: Self-made

  Source: Oracle

  Country of Citizenship: United States

  Residence: Redwood City, California, United States

  Industry: Software

  Marital Status: Married, 2 children

  Education: University of Illinois, drop out

  Brash software titan still at helm of Oracle Systems, database outfit he cofounded 30 years ago. Reshaping the industry with a massive shopping spree; spent $19 billion buying 21 software companies in past 3 years. Biggest acquisitions: PeopleSoft for $11 billion, Siebel Systems for $5.9 billion. Deals added $4.6 billion to company's annual revenue, 18,000 to employee count. Combination makes Oracle, already strong in database management, a big player in business applications like accounting and personnel. Now stitching it all together into software suite Fusion for release by 2008. Predicts earnings will grow 20% a year for the rest of the decade. Chicago native studied physics at U of Chicago; didn't graduate. Started Oracle in 1977. Took public in 1986, a day before Microsoft. Companies have been fiercely competitive ever since. Spends lots of time on distractions: tweaking his 40-acre Japanese-style estate, cruising on his 453-foot yacht, Rising Sun (world's second largest). Plans to sail in 2007 America's Cup in Spain. Turned blasŽ on being a billionaire: "Money is just a method of keeping score now."

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  12. Lilliane Bettencourt

  Net Worth: $20.7 billion

  Age: 84

  Fortune: Inherited

  Source: L'Oreal

  Country of Citizenship: France

  Residence: Paris, France

  Industry: Manufacturing

  Marital Status: Married, 1 child

  Education: N/A

  Daughter of L'OrŽal founder Eugene Schueller, a man who is said to have a checkered past with wartime ties to the Nazi regime. Liliane has held onto a controlling stake in the cosmetics giant for more than 4 decades. Her Bettencourt Schueller Foundation supports medical, cultural and humanitarian endeavors in France and developing countries.

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  13. Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud

  Net Worth: $20.3 billion

  Age: 50

  Fortune: Self-made

  Source: Investments

  Country of Citizenship: Saudi Arabia

  Residence: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

  Industry: Investments

  Marital Status: Married, 2 children

  Education: Menlo College, Bachelor of Arts/Science. Syracuse University, Master of Science

  The most active and successful investor in the Middle East is a nephew of the Saudi king. His risky bet on Citigroup in the early 1990s paid off hugely and accounts for nearly half his fortune. A plan to list shares in his Kingdom Holding Company on the Saudi stock exchange late last year was delayed by weakness in the Saudi market, which has fallen 60% since it peaked in late February 2006. The drop in value of Alwaleed's Saudi holdings was offset by gains in investments such as Citigroup and News Corp. In February 2006 Alwaleed listed Kingdom Hotel Investments, which encompasses his hotel holdings in the Middle East, on the Dubai exchange. Alwaleed loves hotels. Last year he and a partner also closed a $3.9 billion deal to buy Fairmont Hotel & Resorts and more recently he announced that, with Bill Gates, he would take Four Seasons Hotels private for $3.8 billion, including debt.

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  14. Mukesh Ambani

  Net Worth: $20.1 billion

  Age: 49

  Fortune: Inherited and growing

  Source: Petrochemicals

  Country of Citizenship: India

  Residence: Mumbai, India

  Industry: Manufacturing

  Marital Status: Married, 3 children

  Education: University of Bombay, Bachelor of Arts/Science. Stanford University, Master of Business Administration

  Snatched title of India's richest resident from Azim Premji. Since splitting with younger brother Anil in 2005 and taking control of $20 billion (revenues) Reliance Industries, founded by his late father Dhirubhai Ambani, fortune has soared by $11 billion. Oil-refining subsidiary Reliance Petroleum, in which Chevron has 5% stake, listed May 2006. Betting $5.5 billion on retail ventures including Reliance Fresh, a chain of food stores; 60 are now open. Megaplans include $10 billion investment to develop special economic zones. Recently got board approval to hike personal stake in Reliance Industries from 44% to 48%.

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  15. Karl Albrecht

  Net Worth: $20.0 billion

  Age: 87

  Fortune: Self-made

  Source: Aldi

  Country of Citizenship: Germany

  Residence: Mulheim an der Ruhr, Germany

  Industry: Retailing

  Marital Status: Married, 2 children

  Education: N/A

  Germany's richest man. After World War II Karl and his younger brother, Theo, developed their mother's corner grocery store into discount supermarket giant Aldi, which now has more than 7,000 stores and $49 billion in sales. They eventually split ownership and management of the chain into North and South regions. Now retired, Karl used to manage more profitable southern half of Aldi's business in Germany. Fiercely private: Little known about him other than that he apparently raises orchids and plays golf.

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  16. Roman Abramovich

  Net Worth: $18.7 billion

  Age: 40

  Fortune: Self-made

  Source: Oil

  Country of Citizenship: Russia

  Residence: London, United Kingdom

  Industry: Oil/Gas

  Marital Status: Married, 5 children

  Education: Drop out

  Orphaned as a child, Abramovich dropped out of college, then made a fortune in a series of controversial oil-export deals in the early 1990s. His fortune took off in 1995 when he teamed up with Boris Berezovsky to take over oil giant Sibneft at a fraction of its market value. (When Berezovsky fled Russia in 2000 to escape fraud charges, he sold out to Abramovich.) In 2003 to 2004 sold his stake in Russian Aluminum to Oleg Deripaska. In Fall 2005 liquidated his biggest asset, selling his 72.6% stake in Sibneft to Gazprom for $13 billion. Last year got back to business in Russia, buying a stake in the country's largest steel maker Evraz Group. Sent a letter of resignation to Vladimir Putin, asking to be relieved of the post of governor of the remote northern province of Chukotka, where he has raised living standards and earned a set of passionate supporters; Putin refused. He's reportedly building a private hospital in Moscow.

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  17. Stefan Persson

  Net Worth: $18.4 billion

  Age: 59

  Fortune: Inherited and growing

  Source: Hennes & Mauritz

  Country of Citizenship: Sweden

  Residence: Stockholm, Sweden

  Industry: Retailing

  Marital Status: Married, 3 children

  Education: University of Stockholm, Associate in Arts/Science

  Has run Swedish retailer Hennes & Mauritz, founded by his father, for 25 years. The hip clothing chain now has 1,300 stores in 24 countries. It plans to open its first stores in Hong Kong and Shanghai in 2007. Member of the board of the Mentor Foundation, which fights youth substance abuse and whose trustees include the Queen of Sweden and Queen Noor of Jordan. Enjoys downhill skiing, tennis and golf.

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  18. Anil Ambani

  Net Worth: $18.2 billion

  Age: 47

  Fortune: N/A

  Source: Diversified

  Country of Citizenship: India

  Residence: Mumbai, India

  Industry: Diversified

  Marital Status: Married, 2 children

  Education: University of Bombay, Bachelor of Arts/Science. University of Pennsylvania Wharton School, Master of Business Administration

  Feud with older brother Mukesh led brothers to split up family fortune, created by late father Dhirubhai Ambani, in 2005. While Mukesh got Reliance Industries and Reliance Petroleum, Anil took over family's telecom, finance and power interests. Net worth has surged by more than $12 billion in past year, thanks in part to 2006 listing of telecom operator Reliance Communications, of which he holds 66%. Lost out to Vodafone in race to acquire Hutchison Whampoa's 67% stake in Hutchison Essar, India's third-largest mobile phone operator. Is a marathon runner; wife Tina, a former Bollywood actress, is a patron of contemporary Indian art.

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  19. Paul Allen

  Net Worth: $18.0 billion

  Age: 54

  Fortune: Self-made

  Source: Microsoft, investments

  Country of Citizenship: United States

  Residence: Mercer Island, Washington, United States

  Industry: Software

  Marital Status: Single

  Education: Washington State University, drop out

  Former Microsoft geek added considerable luster to jock credentials when his NFL Seattle Seahawks went to the Super Bowl in 2006; this year made it to the second round of the playoffs. Hoops proving less rewarding: underperforming Portland Trail Blazers losing Allen millions. Recently abandoned efforts to sell NBA franchise. Losing ground on World's Billionaires rankings, but should have ranked lower all along: Our previous net worth estimates failed to account for high levels of debt, other investment losses following burst of tech bubble. Teamed up with high school friend Bill Gates 1975 to start computer company. Left Microsoft after bout with Hodgkin's disease 1983; retained more than a quarter of company's stock. Selling ever since. Invests proceeds through personal holding company Vulcan Inc.; owns dozens of stakes in media, technology, biotech. Also oil: bought energy outfit Plains Resources for $460 million 2004. Along with founding partners Jeffrey Katzenberg, David Geffen and Steven Spielberg made a few hundred million selling off DreamWorks. Remains chairman of onetime cable darling Charter Communications. Devotes majority of time to philanthropy (medicine, education), socializing. Toys include Octopus, a 413-foot yacht that contains 2 helicopters and a 60-foot submarine; large collection of vintage military aircraft.

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  20. Theo Albrecht

  Net Worth: $17.5 billion

  Age: 84

  Fortune: Self-made

  Source: Aldi, Trader Joe's

  Country of Citizenship: Germany

  Residence: Foehr, Germany

  Industry: Retailing

  Marital Status: Married, 2 children

  Education: N/A

  After World War II Theo and his older brother, Karl, transformed their mother's corner grocery store into discount supermarket giant Aldi, which now has more than 7,000 stores and $49 billion in sales. They eventually split ownership and management of the group into North and South regions. Theo still manages Aldi's less profitable northern chain with the help of his 2 sons. In the U.S. owns gourmet food retailer Trader Joe's and a stake in Supervalu Inc. After being kidnapped for 17 days in 1971 has shunned the limelight. Little is known about him, though rumor has it that he is very thrifty, collects old typewriters and loves to golf.

http://www.boomj.com/?page=finance/20RichestPeople

'Chocolate, sex boost brain power'

Forget crosswords. If you really want to boost your brain power, eat dark chocolate, consume cold meat and have plenty of sex, if possible everyday.

A team of international researchers has carried out a study and found that while dark chocolate and plenty of cold meat for breakfast boost grey matter, sex keeps the brain fit in later life, the Daily Mail reported in London on Monday.

According to the study, those wishing to improve their mental ability should also avoid smoking cannabis, watching soap operas and hanging out with those who moan. Instead, cuddling a baby, cheating at homework, reading out loud and doing a business degree can boost their mind power.

The theories of the researchers are contained in the book Teach Yourself: Training Your Brain .

"What we eat and drink, how we learn at school and what type of moods we have are all crucial. People can make lifestyle choices that will constantly increase our cognitive capacity throughout our adult lives.

"Mix with people who make you laugh, have a good sense of humour or who share the same interests as you, and avoid people who whinge, whine and complain, as people who are negative will make you depressed," the book's author and one of the researchers, Terry Horne, was quoted as saying.

The book also contains mental exercises and radical thinking on how diet, the environment, stress and other aspects of modern life affect our mental capacity.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chocolate_sex_boost_brain_power/articleshow/2591312.cms