Arctic warms as tundra shrubs grow upto trees

We have always known Tundra as a cold, treeless region in the Arctic. Due to the harsh weather at the region, tree growth is stunted. But in the recent decade, scientists have observed shrubs and willows in some part of the region, some of them even growing upwards to the height of a tree. As per the scientists, the growth of these shrubs is really linked to temperatures. Therefore they are considering the sudden growth of trees in this treeless region as an indication of warming climate in such regions. This change first came to the attention of scientists, when nomadic reindeer herdsmen, the indigenous Nenets, said they were losing sight of their reindeer in the new trees.

Roughly 30 years ago, trees were nearly unknown in the region, but about 10 per cent to 15 per cent of the land in the southern part of the north-western Eurasian tundra, which stretches between Finland and western Siberia, is now covered by new tree-size shrubs, which stand higher than 6.6 feet, new research has found. These shrubs are even growing further responding to the rise in temperature due to global warming.

To better understand the climate dynamics associated with the increase in growth in the north-western Eurasian tundra, Macias-Fauria and team studied information from the herdsmen’s observations, temperature data, growth rings in the wood of shrubs and satellite data, including observations of how much green covers the landscape during the growing season. The researchers, who detailed their work in the journal Nature Climate Change, found that the shrubs grew most in years with warm Julys.

This a clear indication and a warning note for all of us towards the rate at which global warming is booming across the globe.

Selecting the right job to start off a successful career

In this present scenario, when you have numerous MNCs offering competitive packages, selecting the right job is always a difficult, but at the same time, very important task, specially for a fresher whose career begins with his/her first job selection.

Let us first be clear about what is job and what is career. A lot of people look at a job and a career as the same thing, but they aren’t. A job is usually where you work, such as “I work at Google,” whereas a career is your profession such as “I am an engineer.” 

Chances are, you will not have your ideal job right away because you are probably looking for a job that will bring tons of money, happiness, and power. If you are one of those people who is looking for a successful career, here is what you should be looking for in your first few jobs:

Size – you may like working for a small company, but it’s in your best interest to work for large companies with thousands of employees. Think of it as a networking opportunity because the more people you get to know on a personal level, the better chances you have for success in the future. If you decide to work for a large company at first one of the easiest ways you can network is to get to know one new person a day.

Title – instead of taking a job based on pay, you should think about taking a job based on your title. You may get paid more as a mid level engineer at Boeing, but it is probably better to take a management position at Exxon even if it pays a bit less. In the future you are more likely to get better jobs if you are an engineer and had a management position compared to if you were just an engineer.

Opportunities – your potential isn’t unlimited, it is actually limited by your job. Some companies will not allow you to go to industry conferences or even create your own blog, which will hinder the growth of your personal brand. The last thing you want to do is take a job that will hinder your future and limit your options.

Flexibility – some companies only allow you to work on specific things while others like Google let you do whatever you want 20% of the time. If you can find a firm that is flexible enough to take in your creativity and let you do whatever you want 20% of the time it can tremendously help your career. Wouldn’t it be great to say that you created X for company Y on your resume?

People – let’s face it, you are whom you surround yourself with. If you surround yourself with successful entrepreneurs then hopefully one day you will be a successful entrepreneur. It is easier said then done to surround yourself with great people, so make sure you get a job that is filled with tons of smart and talented individuals.

Environment – the atmosphere at your work place will affect how you perform. Working in a fun and entertaining environment will probably make you more productive compared to working in a dull environment. This may not make sense, but you are more likely to work harder and longer when you are having fun.

Management – hopefully your boss will not be a pain in the ass. It is important to work for someone who is fun, encouraging, and most importantly still gets the job done. There will be times when you need something from upper management and the only way you will be able to get it is by going through the chain of command.

These are just some of the things that should affect which job you take in the short term because it will have a big impact on your career and your future goals. Whatever your career goals may be, don’t get lured by the lucrative offers of various companies at present, instead look for your career path in near and far future.

An amazing experince with a moral of anti-corruption

This is a great experience one of my friend had today which started day before on a traffic signal. Below here is the experience as stated by him :

Yesterday, on the way to office, I was stopped by traffic policemen, and asked to show relevant documents of my bike. I told them that -

1. pollution certificate has expired and 
2. Insurance copy that I was carrying is also outdated (although I have the renewed Insurance policy but was not carrying at that time). 

The senior Inspector told me to that this will reach to a heavy penalty amt. So he offered me to SETTLE DOWN the matter then n there. (A thought ran in my mind, asking myself: I was the part of people supporting "Anti-Corruption" movement lead by ANNA HAZARE, just a month back, and the practical situation was in front of me, n how to deal with that). Suddenly, I got my answer, and I refused them to pay anything, and asked them to issue a CHALLAN. Hence, they issued the same with 2 offenses viz. 

1. Expired Pollution and 
2. Expired Insurance and retained bike's RC (Registration Certificate). 

To pay the penalty I was to appear at Karkardooma Court (room no. 30) by 4pm today. So, I went there, at the scheduled time. The moment I parked my bike, a bunch of people called Agents approached me and started querying about the matter, and were assuring to do the job done in 15 min. and were telling me that for both the offenses I 'll be charged about Rs. 2000/-, and if I had the Insurance then Rs 1100/- at least, but they can settle the matter within 500-600 rupees (including their commission worth Rs. 100). From parking up to Room no. 30, some dozens of Agents approached me and delivered the same damn story. I told them "listen, If I were to pay You people then I would have paid the policemen and need not come here".

I submitted the copy of CHALLAN and waited for my turn in Room no. 30. The (Lady)Judge appeared in the court and began hearings... after 5-7 minutes my name was called and was asked to present the valid Insurance doc. I presented the Original doc. and in fraction of seconds she announced the PENALTY AMOUNT, paid the amount immediately, collected my RC and the Amount Receipt later after the rest of hearings. HMMM... I know, u all are interested in the Penalty Amount, to my SURPRISE!! as well, it came to just Rs 100/-, nothing else. I was getting a feeling of Satisfaction and Proud, in the sense that, ATLEAST I TRIED to live up to the Ideology of 'ANNA's Movement' against Corruption, in real sense.

MORAL: Never hesitate to approach the officials directly to resolve our personal matters. This way, we will get to know the actual rules n regulations and could contribute in removing CORRUPTION

What's the best you can get in your life?

Throughout our life, we keep chasing success no mater who we are. An established businessman who plays in millions of dollars is worried about his next big contract and a penurious beggar is worried for his next piece of bread.

Right from the inception, the competition remains up till the time we die - the competition to top the studies, to excel in games, to be a lovable person, to get a good job, to own a property, to own a car blah blah... The wishlist never ends, that's the human nature and with every wish there is a chase there is a competition. This whole endless series of competition is all about to get the best out of your life.

The quest is why every human being lives for the same reason? Because the society we live in actuates us for this - to study, to get good marks, to become an engineer, a doctor, to get a high paid jobs, to raise a good family. But for all of us following a more or less similar pattern of life, do we have a common interest? NO. How many software engineers you have seen who were real computer geeks from their childhood? The fact is they ended up with this not because of their personal interest but because of following the trend mimicking others. Hold on, its just an example not like blaming all software engineers alone, the story is more or less similar in all the professions.

The point is that we kill our interest to stay in this race, to compete with others and in this chase we strangle our happiness, our spirit, our desires with our own hands. The aim we all have to get the best out of our lives is 100% correct but we need to be on right track to achieve this. Earning bundles of money or being on a dignified post does not get you the best. Mimicking other may give you instant pleasure, a handsome salary, respect in society but ultimately when you will get old, you will realize what you have done throughout your life. Without living your dreams, you have lived a life led by other, fulfilling others' dream and cheating yourself.

 

You will get your best when you become the one you always dreamed to be since your early days. That is place where your efficacy will be to its fullest, you will be all-time energetic, happy with what you are, will never get bored of your work and above all this you will accomplish your dreams.

Love is no more blind...

About a year back, we saw a movie LOVE AAJ KAL starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone showing the meaning of love in these days and comparing it with the love of yores.The movie shows that, even though, people these days try to make themselves believe that love is just an infatuation that goes away with time and that there is no such thing as true love or soulmate, in their hearts they still love each other with that passion.

Years back when the typical hindi love stories started in Bollywood, lovers were true and honest and at that time love was to give. Love was blind that time, it never asked anything in return. But these days, love is not blind. It has got eyes, ears and brain as well. It sees, analyzes, compares and then makes the wisest decision better call it the best deal.

I am not saying all modern lovers are the same but ya most of them are. Very rare and lucky people are fortunate enough to get a true lover or soul-mate these days. These days, love stories start in colleges or  schools and ends up when you get married with someone else or you look after your career and break up or most commonly when you find a better option. :)

People say they are in love because having a boy friend or a girl friend has become a fashion these days. And here is where everything gets spoiled.

Thanks for your support and co-ordination

Hi All,

This post is intended to all you visitors who contributed their valuable time and effort to Info-Zephyr.

I, take this very moment thanking you all for your support and co-ordination to Info-Zephyr, which has played a vital role in making the site globally recognized with a global blog ranking of 167 and keeping it updated with the latest picks from every corner of the world. It would have never been possible without all of you.

The day is special as we have crossed together the milestone of 1000 visitors today and i expect even better contribution from you all. Share your ideas, mail me your suggestions and post your views regularly to make Info-Zephyr a global footmark.

Thanks all of you...

Hindi Poetry : The best way of expressing the deepest feelings of heart

I have always been a great fan of poetry since childhood, and Hindi poetry has a very special place in my heart. Though I accept that I ignored a lot of it when it was a part of my curriculum in school but later in life I actually realized the depth and the relish it can cause to my soul. I can say that have become a great admirer of Hindi poetry myself. Hindi poems can best express the deepest feelings of heart in an effective manner. One of the best poems i have ever read is "Pushp ki Abhilasha" written by one of the most famous hindi poets "Shri Makhanlal chaturvedi ji" who was not only a great poet but a freedom stuggler too who shared idiology of mahatma gandhi.Fav lines from pushp ki abhilasha would definitely be:

'mujhe tod lena banmali us path par dena tum fenk,
matri-bhoomi par sheesh chadhane jis path jayen veer anek...'

I had ignored the beautiful creation of Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan; Madhushala; in my school days. at that time, this poem was just another segment of lines in my Hindi text book. The book has verses with power of teaching you the way of living life and they also have the power to heal. Its quite possible that after reading and understanding them, you may find a new way to look upon your own life. The poet tries to explain the complexity of life with his four instruments, which appear in almost every verse: madhu, madira or haala (wine), saaki (server), pyaala (cup or glass) and of course madhushala, madiralaya (pub/bar). I could not realize how beautiful this poem was untill i bought a copy of "Madhushala" in a book fair at my college last month. If we consider the most important creations in Hindi Literature then the precious poetry in “Madhushala” should be one of the first on your must read list. The lines i like most from madhushala:

'Likhi bhagya me jitni bas utni payega haala, likha bhagya me jaise bas waisa payega pyala,
lakh patak tu hath-paon par isse kab kuch hone ka, likhi bhagya me jo tere bas wahi milegi madhushala..!'

A must read for those who haven't read the complete book yet. people loving poetry must already have gone through it, people not liking poetry would definitely like starting if they read and understand it once!

I am also a very big admirer of Kabir, and I think he is the only man, the philosopher who taught reaching God through pure devotion. His great love and devotion towards the supreme cleary reflects in his poetry. Best example of this is the following two DOHAS:

'Guru govid dou khare , kake lagon payn..
Balihari Guru Aapne Govid Diyo Batay..'

which means, 'GOD and my teacher, both are standing in front of me, i am undecided to whome shall i worship, yet, I am very thankfull to my teacher that he has shown me

the god' ..

another one from Kabir is:

'Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura naa milya koye,
jo mann dekha apnaa, mujhse bura naa koye' 

which means 'I searched for the crooked, met not a single one, When searched myself, "I" found the crooked one.

I have been personally very deeply influenced by reading Kabir's dohas. Reason be the simplicity of his poetry, the mysticism and his unbending love for the Supreme. His teachings would purely give knowledge and a positive thinking to all.

Getting a train ticket in India

India is a growing country where train is still the most common and for some of the people the only mode of travel. India is such a big country that Indian railways is the largest in almost all the aspects in the world. Be it total length of tracks or the total employee or number of running trains, everywhere we stood first.

But recently i had to visit to my native from Mumbai and when i looked for availability on the irctc website availing online tickets, i had no seats available till end of the month. But, i was not surprised since this has become a very common issue in last few years. When you look for tickets, you dont get one and when you go for tatkal, you get a non ending long queue on stations and non-functional website in the morning. In short, all your effort to get a confirmed ticket goes waste. What you end up with is a frustrated mood. The only way out for we Indians is to consult a broker. Such is the case of world number one railway - Indian Railway.

You check for availability on any popular route in India specially involving metro cities, you get a three digit frustrating waiting list. Though wait listed passengers are still allowed in sleeper coach, think about the passenger for ACs who are not even allowed to enter with a waiting ticket. 

In short, even we are number one in all aspects, we cant get a single confirmed reservation ticket. So, whats the way out? Are these number of trains not enough or is it the population again to blame upon?

Tragic story of an engineer

With time, the value and dignity of an engineering degree has degraded. Being a BE or BTech no more assures you a bright future or even a reputed job.
 
Ten years back, when i was in my SSC about to appear for 10th board, I was determined to get into a good engineering college if not IITs. After a few years, the craze of being an engineer was over almost all science students and they were ready to invest lacs of money for an engineering degree.
 
In the present scenario, there are uncountable engineering colleges across the country and even more are opening every month. Most of them taking admissions from back-door to get their seats filled keeping aside the education and facilities offered to students. Education has become a business in India resulting in a number of unemployed engineers every year which is causing a great loss to the country.
 
The back-door entries with donations and the outnumbered colleges with no standard facilities and education level must be stopped immediately to maintain the quality of Indian engineers and bring back BE/BTech course to a reputed level again.

Valentine Day : The Story Behind

All of u, excited and overwhelmed about the upcoming Valentine Day to spent the most beautiful moment with their love of life. Here is the true story behind 14th Feb : The VDay.

Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine specially from Rome and Terni. There are varioius distinct stories behind of these Valentines but no romantic elements are present in the original early medieval biographies of any of these martyrs. By the time a Saint Valentine became linked to romance in the 14th century, who was buried on 14th February.

According to Legenda Aurea, the Roman Emperor Claudius II forced the men to remain single to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men against the Emperor. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail. Before his execution, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer.

As per sayings : On the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he had written the first "valentine" card himself, addressed to a young girl variously identified as his beloved, as the jailer's daughter whom he had befriended and healed or both. It was a note that read "From your Valentine". 

Since then, Valentine's Day is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions.

Late night talks with girl friend

When you talk about girl friend to a current age youth, a cute smile spread over his face showing the happiness bundled with her memory deep inside his heart.

When i was graduating in college i saw guys who talk for hours on phone, sitting on stairs inside the hostel, roaming on the roads and gardens keeping all their tension and works aside. RIM has been an amazing supporter and one of its kind for these love-birds with a full unlimited support enabling remote love.

I used to get surprised with these sessions in my early college days when they end up with their talks at around 4 AM in the morning and then get a mere sleep of 3-4 hours, that too thinking of there GFs, before they get up and rush for their classes and even bunked most of the time.

By the last year of my college, i also become one of them and found a lovely, caring and beautiful girlfriend worth keeping for lifetime. Then i experienced the pleasure of late night talks over the phone and the energy that gets transfered over the phone which keeps you alive and active whole day even if you dont sleep for 4 hours a day.

Cheers to all lovers and Reliance for their unlimited night and whole day pack supports!

Always allow the boss to speak first. WHY???

Junior engineer, a Design engineer and their Project Manager are on their way to a meeting. On their way through a park, they come across a wonder lamp. They rub the lamp and a ghost appears.

The ghost says, "Normally, one is granted three wishes but as you are three, "I will allow one wish each".

So the eager Junior Software engineer shouted, I want the first wish. "I want to be in the Bahamas, on a fast boat and have no worries."
"Pfufffff" and he was gone.

Now the Senior Software engineer could not keep quiet and shouted " I want to be in Florida with beautiful girls, plenty of food and cocktails. "
"Pfufffff" and he was also gone.

The Project Manager calmly said," I want these two idiots back in the office after lunch at 1.30pm"

Moral of the story is: "Always allow the boss to speak first".

Welcome to Info-Zephyr

Dear All,

Warm Greetings!

Before you all shoot at me the question What this blog is all about? Let me explain. 

Info-Zephyr is meant to sneak you through the informations all around you with a amusing experience. Ever worried about whats the next level technology about to arrive or the new social networking sensation among youths or what the world wide web is talking about. This is the perfect place to put all these together at your fingertips.

Of course, i wont be able to cover all your area of interest without your initiatives. Hereon, i welcome all your feedback and suggestions to improve this effort so that we can come up with the best extract of informations be it technical, political, entertainment, sports, cultural or simply anything of interest. Please text me on fb.infozep@gmail.com on regular basis to make this approach reach its goal.

Thanks all of you.. 
Awaiting for your mails.