CELEBRITY: DIANA MARIAM KURIEN

HELLO READERS!!!

Nayantara back

   

Diana Mariam Kurien, popularly known by her stage name Nayanthara (Malayalam, is a South Indian actress, who has acted in many Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu movies. After several commercial successes such as Chandramukhi, Ghajini, Billa and Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Nayanthara has established herself as one of the most promising, sought-after actresses of South India.

Nayanthara was born into a Orthodox Syrian Christian family, in Tiruvalla, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.

She did her schooling at various parts of India (Kerala and Tamil Nadu), as her father was an Air Force Official. She joined Balikamadom High School, Thiruvalla for +2, then joined Marthoma college in Thiruvalla for her Bachelor's degree (English Literature).

Nayan Tara who was Diana Mariyam Kurien then was chosen 1st runner up in Best model Kerala 2003 which was conducted by Thrissur Advertising Club. This gave her few opportunities in modelling for adverisements. While at college, she was spotted by director Satyan Anthikkad and cast opposite Jayaram in Mansinakkare.

Afterwards, she co-starred alongside Mohanlal in Naatturajaavu and in Fazil's Vismayathumbathu. She was also cast with Mammootty in Thaskaraveeran (Dubbed into Tamil as Yuvaraj) and Raapakal.

She has also starred in several Tamil and Telugu movies. She was cast opposite Sarath Kumar in Ayya and with Rajnikanth in Chandramukhi. Her later films are Vallavan (Tamil), Gajini (Tamil), Yogi (Telugu) etc. flopped except Ghajini. She regained her throne in Kollywood through Billa in 2007. Her next movie Yaaradi Nee Mohini was a stupendous success.

Nayantara is very generous person, who has contributed to several causes. While working with Rajini, who is known for giving away gifts such as chains to people on the sets to celebrate a movie's success or to reward his coworkers, she became intrigued by his kind gestures. Inspired by this, she also started to reward her co-workers in her other movies by giving away gifts such as bicycles.

She is a down to earth and a darling among technicians for the exemplary camaraderie she exhibits with them. During shoots Nayan always stays at the floor, unlike other stars, who shut themselves up in the vanity vans. She contributed INR 5,00,000 (5 lakhs) to TN Chief Minister as relief aid for displaced Sri Lankan Tamils, at a celebrity fast arranged in solidarity with the Tamils of Sri Lanka. Her donation was the heftiest sum given by an actress, this despite the fact that Nayanthara is not a Tamil herself.

Nayantara created headlines when publicity posters of her movie Vallavan sprung up around Chennai showing her Vallavan co-star, Silambarasan and her kissing, who she was rumoured as involved with at the time. However, the pair broke up citing differences soon after the film was released. Further controversy was created when rumours leaked out that the plot of Silambarasan's film, Kettavan, was based on the couple's true love story.

The most exciting news is Producer AM Rathnam announced that Vishnuvardhan will be making a film with Ajith, Arya and Nayanthara in the lead roles. The director has worked with Ajith and Nayanthara for Billa and with Arya, he has done memorable films like Arindhum Ariyamalum, Pattiyal and Sarwam.

All concerned could not be happier. Ajith had said on record that he wants to work with Vishnuvardhan again and Arya is excited about teaming up with his friend, Ajith and Nayan with whom he delivered the hit film, Boss Engira Baskaran. Nayan meanwhile is delighted as she could not have asked for a better comeback than an Ajith film. Vishnuvardhan and Arya of course are the icing on the cake for her.

Regards,

Surendran R

EVENT: THE STAR EDUCATION FAIR 2012

HELLO READERS!!!

The Star Education Fair 2012, the country's premier education fair, will return in 2012 for the 25th
consecutive year! This premier exhibition will provide the ideal platform for students to explore education
and career options, both locally and abroad.

The Star Education Fair 2012 will continue to be a one-stop education exhibition with both local
and foreign institutions offering undergraduate, postgraduate, twinning, diploma, certificates
and distance learning programmes. Get education and career guidance from the industry's experts at the
career talks. Come and speak with The Star Education Fund personnel and many others on various
scholarship and financial assistance available to students.

Kuala Lumpur

Date: 15th & 16th December 2012(Saturday & Sunday)
Time: 11.00am - 7.00pm
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

Regards,
Surendran R

PLACE: REDANG ISLAND

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Relax on undefiled and soft white sands, shaded by beautiful palms, overlooking the crystal blue waters of the shimmering Redang Island, is indeed a paradise for total relaxation.

Redang Island together with its 8 neighboring islands (Lima Island, Paku Besar Island, Paku Kecil Island, Kerengga Besar Island, Kerengga Kecil Island, Ekor Tebu Island, Ling Island, Pinang Island) are known as the Asia paradise in the South China Sea regions. Being the main island of the Archipelago, Redang Island offers nature lovers an adventure holiday to get away and relax in the solitude and serene beauty of our tropical isles. Nature is at its best here - fresh air, gleaming soft white sand and crystal clear water.

Redang Island, locally known as Pulau Redang or just "Redang" is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Malaysia. It is one of nine islands, which form a marine park, and which offer snorkeling and diving opportunities. Access is from Merang or Kuala Terengganu on boats operated by the resorts. Redang Airport is a small airport with services operated by Berjaya Air from Singapore (Changi Airport) and Kuala Lumpur (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport).

The island is also an important conservation site for sea turtles. Previously, the indiscriminate economic exploitation of turtle eggs had caused fewer turtles returning to nest on the island. This has led the Terengganu state government to set up the Koperasi Setiajaya Pulau Redang in 1989, a cooperative aiming to develop and manage socio-economic programmes that could improve the livelihood of Pulau Redang locals without endangering its natural resources.

The Pulau Redang archipelago comprises Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Ling and Pulau Pinang. Pulau Redang is the biggest of all the islands in the Marine Park, measuring about 7 km long and 6 km wide. Its highest peak is Bukit Besar at 359 metres above sea level. The boundary of the Pulau Redang Marine Park is established by a line linking all points 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) from the shores of Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Ekor Tebu and Pulau Pinang. The other nearby islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Susu Dara are also gazetted and protected as Marine Parks. Today, only the bigger islands like Redang, Lang Tengah, Perhentian and Kapas have resort facilities for visitors. The management of Marine Parks primarily involves protection of the sensitive marine and terrestrial ecosystems by controlling the impact from human activities. These include waste & pollution management and conservation of coral reefs and terrestrial habitats.

Regards,

Surendran R

ARTICLE: HIGHER EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA

HELLO READERS!!!

The higher education sector is responsible for the operation of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia and is under the jurisdiction symbolises the commitment of the Malaysian government towards education. Malaysia's HEIs (i.e. public universities, private higher educational institutions, polytechnics and community colleges) housed more than a million students in 2011, of which about 93,000 were international students from more than 100 countries. In contrast, there were about 89,686 Malaysian students (27,003 receiving sponsorship and 62,683 self-funded) who were studying overseas in 2011.

of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). The education sector has always enjoyed the highest national development budget which

With a multi-ethnic population of about 28.3 million, Malaysia had 20 public universities, 53 private universities and six foreign university branch campuses; 403 active private colleges, 30 polytechnics and3 public community colleges in 2011. These HEIs offer a wide range of tertiary qualifications at affordable prices. There are also various HEIs from the UK, the US, Australia, Canada,

France, and New Zealand which offer twinning and '3+0' degree

programmes through partnerships with Malaysian private higher

as RMIT University, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

education institutions. At present, some world-class universities such

and the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland have established their

Collaboration with the local PHEIs.

Five of the 20 public universities in Malaysia have been assigned research university status with additional funding for R&D and commercialisation of research. The remaining 15 public universities have been categorised as either comprehensive or focus universities. In the 2012 new year's speech, the Minister of Higher Education announced that five public universities have been given autonomy in administration, human resources, financial and academic management and student intake. They are Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Putra
Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. This move is aimed at encouraging excellence among local institutions of higher learning. The quality of higher education is assured through the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) which undertakes the implementation of the Malaysian Qualifications Framework. MQA is also responsible for quality assurance and the accreditation of courses and other
related functions, covering both public and private higher educational institutions.

Regards,

Surendran R

ARTICLE: FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN CONSOLIDATION FAIL

HELLO READERS!!!

Today’s dwindling economy, lots of college graduates (and college drop puts, for that matter) have fallen or are currently falling behind their scholar mortgage bills. In 2011 alone, the Department of Education declared that the percentage of defaults on federal college student loans to be up to 6.9% (2012 was listed as having 5.2%).

It’s popular knowledge that defaulting on scholar lending options is a serious matter. A federal college student loan defaults in status if a college student fails to make every month payments for 270 days. For those who don’t frequently make payments, a federal university student mortgage becomes defaulted if payments weren’t produced for 330 days. Either way, the federal government reserves the perfect to take your tax refund check or to bring 15% from your spend to collect on the defaulted federal university student financial loans. Add the reality that having a defaulted federal university student loan creates such a negative impact on your credit score.

There are a couple of possibilities that you simply can do in order to obtain away from a defaulted federal scholar loan. Number one particular, you are able to pay off the loan or lending options absolutely; or quantity two; you are able to test to consolidate your federal scholar loans. Now because the initial one is hardly realistic (contemplating that you just aren’t in a position to make typical per month obligations, much more pay the financial loans in complete), you’ll likely have to go with alternative quantity two. And that is to consolidate your federal university student lending options.

But even just before you possibly can consolidate, you’ll must carry your mortgage or loans – out of its default status. How will you do this? You are able to do it by generating three consecutive per month bills on time and in the amount that you just and your creditors have agreed upon. You’ll be able to try to contact and get in touch with a person from the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Information Center or you’ll be able to go to their web internet site and uncover out if you’d probably qualify for loan consolidation. Whenever you call their offices, there can be people who would give you details concerning your month-to-month payments during the first three months that would be needed to take your mortgage out of default status. The only point about consolidating your loans is that your credit standing remains tarnished and that it would bring some time to fully clear the record – seven years, the truth is. This is even though you have entirely paid off your financial loans and even if your loan can be listed as paid in complete for the credit report.

Regards,

Surendran R

FOOD: MALAYSIAN INDIAN CUISINE

HELLO READERS!!!

Malaysian Indian cuisine of the ethnic Indians in Malaysiais similar to its roots in India, especially South India although there are many notable foods with influences from North India too. Before the meal it is customary to wash hands as cutlery is often not used while eating, with the exception of a serving spoon for each respective dish. This cuisine consists of curries which uses a lot of spices, coconut milk, and curry leaves. Some of the most popular curries include chicken curry, fish curry, and squid curry.

  

  

In banana leaf rice, white rice (or parboiled rice in authentic South Indian restaurants) is served on a banana leaf with an assortment of vegetables,curried meat or fish, pickles, and/or papadum. To show your appreciation after a satisfying meal, fold the banana leaf towards you (i.e. inwards) to signify that the meal was good. Folding the opposite direction (i.e. upwards/away from you) signifies that the meal was not satisfying and Chapati is a type of bread originated from Punjab. It is made from a dough of
atta flour (whole grain durum wheat), water and salt by rolling the dough out into discs of approximately twelve centimeters in diameter and browning the discs on both sides on a very hot, dry tava or frying pan (preferably not one coated with Teflon or other nonstick material). Chapatis are usually eaten with vegetable curry dishes, and pieces of the chapati are used to wrap around and pick up each bite of the cooked dish.

Indian influence in Malaysian cuisine started in the 19th century when large arrivals of Indian migrants were brought into the country as contract laborers to work in rubber estates and on the railways. Some did take the opportunity to set up trade in the textile and
food industry. Indian cuisine can be divided into two mainstreams, Northern and Southern Indian cuisine.North Indian cuisine boasts of a diet rich in meat and uses spices and ingredients such as yogurt and ghee in dishes that are elaborate without being overly
spicy. Here, bread and chapati (wheat-flour pancakes) replaces rice, which is the center of most South Indian meals. Coconut milk, mustard seeds, and chilies are also widely used in the Southern province.Spices are the heart and soul of Indian cooking. But the quantity and proportions vary with the geographical boundaries. Curry powder is almost never used. Spices are freshly grounded and added in many different combinations. Spices commonly used are coriander, turmeric, cumin, chilies, fennel, and fenugreek
. Other fragrant spices added are cardamom, clove, cinnamon and star aniseed.In Malaysia, there is an abundant of Indian restaurants and food stalls to wet your appetite. They are traditionally served on a thali, a circular metal tray on which a number of small
bowls called katori, also made from metal, are placed. Eaten with fingers, rice or bread are placed directly on the thali while curries and other dishes are served in the bowls. For South Indian cuisine, banana leaves are often used as plates where rice is served in
the center, followed by various curries and accompaniments around it. These include dried fish, pappadams (lentil wafers), fresh chutneys made from herbs, coconut, and acid fruits among others.Local Indian hawkers have created unique versions of local dishes, which are not found in India. For example, "mee goreng" is a combination of fresh Chinese yellow noodles, tofu, bean-sprouts, and dried shrimp paste. Malaysia also abounds with shops offering "Nasi Kandar", which is basically a combination of Malay and
Indian cuisine - hence very Malaysian - although the taste is

most meals in North Indian cuisine. Therefore, a wide variety of bread is offered at these restaurants. Nann (leavened bread with poppy seeds) is a popular choice. The bread dough is rolled out and then slapped on the inside of the tandoori, near the top where it
cooks very quickly in the fierce heat. It is then flavored with onion or garlic. Paratha or it's localized version of Roti Canai, meanwhile, is rich, flaky, and flavored with ghee. It can be eaten as an accompaniment or by itself, filled with potatoes and peas. Chapati is
another leavened bread. It resembles flat discs and has a delightful flavor and chewy texture. Murtabak is stuffed Paratha based dough, which has a Meat, vegetables and egg in it. Tandoori dishes are the most popular main courses in North Indian restaurants.
Tandoori chicken is always a favorite, where a whole baby chicken or chicken quarters are roasted in the clay oven for several hours in advance and then finished off on the barbecue.

Regards,

Surendran R