Why did Benjamin Franklin want the turkey to be the national bird of the United States?

I am on this account, not displeas'd that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turk'y. For in Truth the Turk'y is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America.... He is, (though a little vain and silly, it is true, but not the worse emblem for that,) a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British Guards, who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on. "
-Ben Franklin

Scientists find fossil of enormous bug

LONDON - This was a bug you couldn't swat and definitely couldn't step on. British scientists have stumbled across a fossilized claw, part of an ancient sea scorpion, that is of such large proportion it would make the entire creature the biggest bug ever.

How big? Bigger than you, and at 8 feet long as big as some Smart cars.

The discovery in 390-million-year-old rocks suggests that spiders, insects, crabs and similar creatures were far larger in the past than previously thought, said Simon Braddy, a University of Bristol paleontologist and one of the study's three authors.

"This is an amazing discovery," he said Tuesday.

"We have known for some time that the fossil record yields monster millipedes, super-sized scorpions, colossal cockroaches, and jumbo dragonflies. But we never realized until now just how big some of these ancient creepy-crawlies were," he said.

The research found a type of sea scorpion that was almost half a yard longer than previous estimates and the largest one ever to have evolved.

The study, published online Tuesday in the Royal Society's journal Biology Letters, means that before this sea scorpion became extinct it was much longer than today's average man is tall.

Prof. Jeorg W. Schneider, a paleontologist at Freiberg Mining Academy in southeastern Germany, said the study provides valuable new information about "the last of the giant scorpions."

Schneider, who was not involved in the study, said these scorpions "were dominant for millions of years because they didn't have natural enemies. Eventually they were wiped out by large fish with jaws and teeth."

Braddy's partner paleontologist Markus Poschmann found the claw fossil several years ago in a quarry near Prum, Germany, that probably had once been an ancient estuary or swamp.

"I was loosening pieces of rock with a hammer and chisel when I suddenly realized there was a dark patch of organic matter on a freshly removed slab. After some cleaning I could identify this as a small part of a large claw," said Poschmann, another author of the study.

"Although I did not know if it was more complete or not, I decided to try and get it out. The pieces had to be cleaned separately, dried, and then glued back together. It was then put into a white plaster jacket to stabilize it," he said.

Eurypterids, or ancient sea scorpions, are believed to be the extinct aquatic ancestors of today's scorpions and possibly all arachnids, a class of joint-legged, invertebrate animals, including spiders, scorpions, mites and ticks.

Braddy said the fossil was from a Jaekelopterus Rhenaniae, a kind of scorpion that lived only in Germany for about 10 million years, about 400 million years ago.

He said some geologists believe that gigantic sea scorpions evolved due to higher levels of oxygen in the atmosphere in the past. Others suspect they evolved in an "arms race" alongside their likely prey, fish that had armor on their outer bodies.

Braddy said the sea scorpions also were cannibals that fought and ate one other, so it helped to be as big as they could be.

"The competition between this scorpion and its prey was probably like a nuclear standoff, an effort to have the biggest weapon," he said. "Hundreds of millions of years ago, these sea scorpions had the upper hand over vertebrates — backboned animals like ourselves."

That competition ended long ago.

But the next time you swat a fly, or squish a spider at home, Braddy said, try to "think about the insects that lived long ago. You wouldn't want to swat one of those."

SRK 'hurt', says no more cricket matches for him

Shah Rukh Khan on Tuesday found himself in the centre of a controversy after a senior Cricket Board official alluded that cricket matches were being used by stars to promote films but the superstar hit back saying he does not have to depend on other's platforms to push his films.
Khan said he was sad and disappointed over the remarks by Ratnakar Shetty that use of the platform of cricket for promoting films by stars is "slightly debatable" in the wake of his latest film Om Shanti Om coming up for discussion during a chat with TV commentator Rameez Raja at the recent Jaipur ODI cricket match between India and Pakistan.
Shetty however said film stars were welcome to watch cricket matches. BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla said the Cricket Board has no objection to Khan or any other film personality coming to watch international cricket matches involving the national side.
A visibly hurt Khan said in Mumbai that "God has given me enough and I don't crave publicity."
"I went to watch the match for the love of sport, It is not in my nature to promote my films in others' platforms," he said.
"I don't think it can be so strange that just because I am popular, I can't take my children to watch a spectator sport without creating some kind of ill will or ill thought in the mind of people. I am very disappointed," Khan said.
Khan wryly said, "Maybe I will just send the children next time and tell them not to say they are my children."
Khan said he is not going to watch cricket matches in future if it has not gone well with the BCCI.
Khan said he had gone to watch the Jaipur watch for the love of the sport.
"My kids are fans of Sachin, Dhoni and Sourav," he added.
"God has given me enough. I don't crave publicity," Khan said.
Khan said his latest film came up during the Jaipur match proceedings when Rameez Raja said he and his family would like watch it.
So, it will be strange if film actors do not talk about films, he added.
Rajiv Shukla's statement comes in the wake of a media report, which quoted a BCCI source saying the board officials are unhappy with King Khan as he is using cricket to promote his movies knowing that this is a "much bigger platform" than a private television station.
"The BCCI has no objection if any film star watches any of the matches involving the national team," Shukla said.
"We do not think the players get distracted by the film stars or any other spectator," he said.
Off-late Shah Rukh has been appearing in matches involving the Indian team. He was there to cheer the team in the final of the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa and then again went to see the Twenty20 match against Australia in Mumbai, where Deepika Padukone --his co-star in his recent movie Om Shanti Om was also present. He was present in the last ODI against Pakistan in Jaipur as well and talked about his new movie in the commentary box.
He wanted to see the Kanpur ODI as well, but the local authorities vetoed the move saying it would be difficult for them to arrange for security and control the crowd.

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Gandhi's "Seven Blunders of the World" That Lead to Violence

Blunders of the World

---

Wealth without work

Pleasure without conscience

Knowledge without character

Commerce without morality

Science without humanity

Worship without sacrifice

Politics without principle

Self Management

You are responsible for everything that happens in your life. Learn to accept total responsibility for yourself. If you do not manage yourself, then you are letting others have control of your Life. These tips will help "you" manage "you."

Here is a list of things that help you in self management and which will in turn lead you to the path of success: -

-) Look at every new opportunity as an exciting and new-life experience.

-) Be a professional who exhibits self-confidence and self-assurance in your potential to complete any task.

-) Agree with yourself in advance that you will have a good attitude toward the upcoming task.

-) Frequently ask, "Is what I am doing right now moving me toward my goals?"

-) Do it right the first time and you will not have to take time later to fix it.

-) Accept responsibility for your job successes and failures. Do not look for a scapegoat.

-) Do not view things you do as a "job." View all activities as a challenge.

Quick Tips to Improve Self Confidence

Here are some quick tips to improve your Self Confidence. If we are committed to have a healthy self confidence there are many things you can do every day to boost your self confidence, each small steps that will help you to reach your goal. The good news is that self-esteem is not fixed and can be improved, try some of the steps below to boost your confidence and self-esteem.

1) Identify your successes. Everyone is good at something, so discover the things at which you excel, then focus on your talents. Give yourself permission to take pride in them. Give yourself credit for your successes. Inferiority is a state of mind in which you've declared yourself a victim. Do not allow yourself to be victimized.

2) Look in the mirror and smile. Studies surrounding what's called the "facial feedback theory" suggest that the expressions on your face can actually encourage your brain to register certain emotions. So by looking in the mirror and smiling every day, you might feel happier with yourself and more confident in the long run.

3) Exercise and eat healthy. Exercise raises adrenaline and makes one feel happier and healthier. It is certainly an easy and effective way to boost your self-confidence.

4) Turn feelings of envy or jealousy into a desire to achieve. Stop wanting what others have just because they have it; seek things simply because you want them, whether anybody else has them or not.

5) When you're feeling superbly insecure, write down a list of things that are good about you. Then read the list back. You'd be surprised at what you can come up with.

6) Don't be afraid to push yourself a bit - a little bit of pressure can actually show just how good you are!

7) You can try taking a martial arts or fitness class/course (or both). This will help build confidence and strength.

8) Invest in some new clothing and donate some of your old clothing to send a message to yourself that you both look sharp and feel sharp.

9) Try to make yourself talk positively at all times. When you hear yourself saying you can't do something, stop and say you can. Unless you try, you will never know whether you are able to or not.

10) Don't get wrapped up in your mistakes and dwell on bad points; they can contrast your good points or even give you something to improve. There's no feeling like being good at something you were really bad at.

11) Don't confuse what you have with who you are. People degrade their self worth when comparing possessions.

12) Surround yourself with nurturing friends, not overly critical individuals who make you feel inadequate or insecure. This could do great harm and damage to your self confidence.

10 Things You Don't Know About Women: Patricia Heaton

"We love it when you try."

1. Despite our protests, we are secretly amazed and even a little bit jealous of how comfortable you are with your bodies. The kick you get from farting, burping, and scratching is impressive.

2. The sports obsession is not a problem. Go to the sports bar for Monday Night Football. Take the whole weekend to golf. Please. Expand poker night to Tuesdays and Thursdays. It just gives us more time to run the world in your absence. We do this regardless, but it's nice not to have you breathing down our necks.

3. We know about the three grand in parking tickets. We just haven't said anything. Yet.

4. We love it when you try.

5. Whenever you start to tell that story, the hilarious one that shows how great you really are, we have a place we go to in our minds. They have blender drinks there and cute cabana boys. Did I say "cute"? I meant "mute."

6. Please don't wear jewelry. Of any kind. Ever. Just smell good and change your underwear once in a while. You are wearing underwear, aren't you?

7. We know you look back fondly on your days with Kathy Psycho-Slut. She's now fifty, wearing the same miniskirt and tube top that she wore twenty years ago, and she can't quite keep her lipstick inside the lines. By the way, she called. Knock yourself out.

8. Occasionally, we find your cluelessness attractive. There's something about your blind enthusiasm for the Sharper Image, your ability to pick all the wrong people as friends, and your devotion to reorganizing the CD collection you never listen to that is endearing the same way that having a slightly mentally ill brother is.

9. We use your razor because it's there.

10. If the house were burning down and we could take only one thing with us, it wouldn't be the red Manolo Blahniks. It would be you. But you'd have to take the shoes.

Patricia Heaton is a star of Everybody Loves Raymond and the author of Motherhood & Hollywood: How to Get a Job Like Mine.

10 Secrets About Men

1. You don't want to be judged for your looks; we don't want to be judged for our wallets. Unless we're ugly and have lots of money. Then it's OK.

2. You're not the only person who likes to be called "sexy."

3. Saying "I love you" is a major step in a man's life. That's why we wait for you to take that step first.

4. We are not being cheap when we make $35,000 a year and can't afford to pay every single date. We are merely being practical.

5. A guy who spends too much time in the gym is making up for something else that's lacking. Unfortunately, you can't figure out what it is until it's too late.

6. Don't get mad at us because we don't remember what you were wearing on our first date, or the angle of the light during our first kiss. We were probably drunk.

7. You're good in bed if you make us feel like stallions.

8. Jealousy isn't a sign that you love us more, it's a sign that you trust us less.

9. Hanging up on us is a surefire way to make sure we go to bed mad.

10. We're sorry. Whatever it is, we're sorry.

Arsenal 2-2 Man Utd: Fergie vents his fury over Gallas equaliser

Sir Alex Ferguson's frustration over the injury-time William Gallas equaliser that denied Manchester United victory over Arsenal boiled over into a furious tirade at referee Howard Webb.

The Scot also hit out at Arsenal, branding security at the Emirates Stadium for Saturday's lunchtime clash a "disgrace" after he and his staff were abused by Gunners fans sitting close to their dugout.

The United manager was convinced his side had done enough to win Saturday's top-of-the-table clash when Cristiano Ronaldo rounded off a sweeping move to put them 2-1 up with eight minutes left.

But Gallas ruined his afternoon with an equaliser the Scot insisted should have been ruled out because of a foul in the build-up.

"I think Howard Webb has a great chance to be the top referee but today was a big game for him and, at times, he favoured Arsenal," Ferguson said.

"Their second goal came from him not giving a free-kick for a foul on Louis Saha on the far side. It should have been a foul for us."

Ferguson believes it can be difficult for referees not to be influenced by hostile home crowds.

"It is very difficult for the referee," he said. "On our bench, we were getting terrible abuse from people two or three feet away from us.

"There is a lack of security here. It is absolutely disgraceful the abuse you and your staff take. All sorts of things are been shouted and screamed at you and there is an absolute danger here."

Ferguson added: "We played some good football. It was a great piece of football between Louis Saha and Patrice Evra, and a great pass for Ronaldo (for the second goal).

"Arsenal had some good possession, but I think we had the better chances during the game.

"We were controlling the game, but one cross took a faint touch across the face, was sent back in from the back post, and it was over the line.

"I thought we had done it, but this is football. I can't believe it. We have thrown it away."

Ferguson was equally disappointed at the way United allowed Cesc Fabregas to score two minutes after half-time, cancelling out the Gallas own goal that had given United the lead just before the interval.

"It was a lack of concentration, particularly for their first goal," Ferguson added. "We should have cleared it towards the corner flag, but didn't.

"Then in the second, the ball took a faint touch and went across the face of goal, was sent back in at the back post, and then was over the line. We lost our bearings."

The name is Irfan Khan, not Irfan Pathan

"Aur kitne chahiye [How much more is needed]?" asked Irfan Pathan's mother, her face veiled, fingers fidgeting with every passing second as her son batted gallantly on day one of the second Test against Pakistan.

"Bus ek aur chahiye [Only one more]," replied his father, a strapping man in his fifties, with a golden beard, matching Jinnah cap and sky blue shirt, buttoned up to the collar.

Irfan, on 49, was closing in on his first Test half-century when he offered the simplest of catches to leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.

His mother's hands froze as they shaped to applaud her son's feat; his father shuffled in his seat, his smile dissolving into a grimace.

Collecting themselves again, the proud parents clapped, and clapped loud, as Irfan made his way back to the pavilion after stitching a century stand for the eighth wicket. His partnership with Yuvraj Singh pulled India out of the doldrums and also made his parents' trip worthwhile.

Seated in the front row of the chairman's box, Mehmood Khan and Shamim Bano were cheered by Pakistan Cricket Board CEO Rameez Raja, VVS Laxman's parents and wife, and the wives of Rahul Dravid, Murali Kartik and Ajit Agarkar.

Irfan's parents have had a whirlwind three days in Lahore. From the masjid of Mandavi Gate area in Baroda to an airplane and a five-star hotel, it's been an unforgettable experience. It is the first time they are staying in a five-star hotel, flew in an aircraft and traveled abroad.

"Aisa lag raha hai khwaab dekh raha hu [It seems like I am dreaming]," his father said, soon after arriving at the Gaddafi stadium.

"Kabhi nahi socha tha ki masjid ki galli mein khelte khelte ye kabhi international cricket khelega [I never imagined that playing in the by-lanes near the mosque would lead to Irfan playing international cricket]," he said.

"Mere abba, mere dada bhi muezzin they. Irfan bhi masjid mein jhadoo deta tha, safai karta tha. Un nekiyo ke liye Allah ne ussey nawaza hai [My father and grandfather were also muezzins (those who give the call for prayer). Irfan used to sweep the mosque and clean it. Allah has rewarded him for those good deeds]."

His mother, wearing a black burqa, also cheered her son on.

"Bahut accha lag raha hai. Bus aasu nikal rahe hai mere. Mere bacche ko uski mehnat ka fal mila hai [I am feeling so happy that I am unable to hold back tears. My son has been rewarded for his hard work," she said.

"Aur kitne chahiye [How much more is needed]?" asked Irfan Pathan's mother, her face veiled, fingers fidgeting with every passing second as her son batted gallantly on day one of the second Test against Pakistan.

"Bus ek aur chahiye [Only one more]," replied his father, a strapping man in his fifties, with a golden beard, matching Jinnah cap and sky blue shirt, buttoned up to the collar.

Also Read Second Test - Day 1 images Testing time for Test cricket Pathan could be the next Akram: Sarfraz Nawaz

Irfan, on 49, was closing in on his first Test half-century when he offered the simplest of catches to leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.

His mother's hands froze as they shaped to applaud her son's feat; his father shuffled in his seat, his smile dissolving into a grimace.

Collecting themselves again, the proud parents clapped, and clapped loud, as Irfan made his way back to the pavilion after stitching a century stand for the eighth wicket. His partnership with Yuvraj Singh pulled India out of the doldrums and also made his parents' trip worthwhile.

Seated in the front row of the chairman's box, Mehmood Khan and Shamim Bano were cheered by Pakistan Cricket Board CEO Rameez Raja, VVS Laxman's parents and wife, and the wives of Rahul Dravid, Murali Kartik and Ajit Agarkar.

Irfan's parents have had a whirlwind three days in Lahore. From the masjid of Mandavi Gate area in Baroda to an airplane and a five-star hotel, it's been an unforgettable experience. It is the first time they are staying in a five-star hotel, flew in an aircraft and traveled abroad.

"Aisa lag raha hai khwaab dekh raha hu [It seems like I am dreaming]," his father said, soon after arriving at the Gaddafi stadium.

"Kabhi nahi socha tha ki masjid ki galli mein khelte khelte ye kabhi international cricket khelega [I never imagined that playing in the by-lanes near the mosque would lead to Irfan playing international cricket]," he said.

"Mere abba, mere dada bhi muezzin they. Irfan bhi masjid mein jhadoo deta tha, safai karta tha. Un nekiyo ke liye Allah ne ussey nawaza hai [My father and grandfather were also muezzins (those who give the call for prayer). Irfan used to sweep the mosque and clean it. Allah has rewarded him for those good deeds]."

His mother, wearing a black burqa, also cheered her son on.

"Bahut accha lag raha hai. Bus aasu nikal rahe hai mere. Mere bacche ko uski mehnat ka fal mila hai [I am feeling so happy that I am unable to hold back tears. My son has been rewarded for his hard work," she said.

Reminded that Irfan has eyes like hers, she replied: "Mera baccha hai meri jaisi ankhen nahi hongi to kiski hongi [If my son doesn't have eyes like mine then who will?"

She also clarified that her son's name is Irfan Khan and not Irfan Pathan.

"Tum logo ne uska naam badal diya hai [You people (the media) have changed his name]," she says.

Her husband complains that life has changed radically ever since Irfan played for India.

"Bahut taqleef hoti hai ki aadha ghanta bhi nahi milta uske saath baat karne ka. Wanda nahi hai, khushi hoti hai ki wohn tarakki kar raha hai [I feel bad that I don't even get half an hour to talk to Irfan. But it's okay; am happy he is doing well]," he says.

There is a connecting door between Irfan's room and his parents' in the team hotel. This evening and for the rest of the Test one can be sure Mahmood Khan and Shamim Bano will spend most of their time in their son's room.

Pathan's Profile

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Irfan Khan Pathan,wallpapers

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Dravid dropped for first two Pakistan ODIs

Rahul Dravid [Images] was dropped from the 15-member Indian one-day squad for the first two matches of the upcoming home series against Pakistan.

Virender Sehwag [Images], who had been on the sidelines for quite sometime, has been recalled into the team announced by the BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah after a meeting of the selection committee in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

Uttar Pradesh paceman Praveen Kumar was the lone new face in the team which also sees the return of opener Gautam Gambhir [Images] in place of Subramaniam Badrinath.

Dravid, 34, averages less than 10 in his last 10 one-day matches and was dropped for the final one-dayer against Australia earlier this month.

"We wanted to give him a break for a while," chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar said.

"He is a great player. He will be back very soon."

Vengsarkar also said the selection committee had consulted captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni [Images] over telephone before finalising the squad

"We have consulted Mahendra Singh Dhoni over phone," Vengsarkar said adding that "those who have not been picked definitely have a chance to make a comeback".

On Sehwag, Vengsarkar said he had performed well in the current Challenger series and in the past against Pakistan.

"Sehwag has played a fine innings today and he has also performed well in the past. He is an experienced player," Vengsarkar said referring to Sehwag's 57-ball 75 in the third match of the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy om Ahmedabad on Saturday.

The chairman of selectors said pacer Praveen Kumar, who picked a five-wicket haul on Friday, gave option to the team.

"Praveen has also done well for India A team and he gives the team options," he said.

Vengsarkar said "Badrinath's name was discussed" but he could pick only 15 fine players.

"Badrinath is a fine player but we could pick only 15 fine players. We have picked a winning team. There is a role for everyone who does well," he said.

The first two matches will be played at Guwahati on November 5 and at Mohali on November 8.

The BCCI also announced that Lalchand Rajput will continue as interim cricket manager for the ODI series against Pakistan.

Team: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Yuvraj Singh [Images], Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly [Images], Sachin Tendulkar [Images], Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh [Images], Murali Kartik, Zaheer Khan [Images], R P Singh, Irfan Pathan [Images], S Sreesanth [Images], Praveen Kumar.