Unlike Harry Potter’s one-of-a-kind invisibility cloak, the real deal will likely be cheap and easily reproducible.

Researchers have created an invisibility cloak of sorts, though it looks more like a yellow bathmat than Harry Potter’s famous cloth. The cloak is shown lying over a bump on a flat surface. Both the bump and surface are covered in a reflective coating. The cloak makes it appear that microwaves hitting the bump are actually reflecting off a flat surface.

An invisibility cloak for visible light could be made within six months, say scientists from Duke University, who, in a new paper published in Science, explain how to hide objects from a dramatically extended range of wave lengths.

A “metamaterial” is a material with unique properties that derive from its physical structure, not its chemical make up. To manipulate light the microscopic surface of a material must be much smaller than that of the wave length of light being used.

Smith’s (David Smith, a professor at Duke University and author of the Science paper) original 2006 invisibility cloak provided invisibility to longer microwaves, letting them flow around the object and regroup on the other side. As you move through microwaves and into the infrared (and soon, visible light) wavelengths become shorter, so the microscopic structure of the material has to get even smaller. Smith said, advances in nanotechnology are making it easier to create ever smaller structures that can manipulate ever smaller wavelengths.

To conduct the experiment, the scientists assembled a roughly 20- by 4-inch platform and covered it with the mirror-like metamaterial. Then they covered a roughly 1-square-inch rounded bump in the same metamaterial, placed it on the other surface, and shined infrared light on the set up. Any normal curved material would scatter the light at a variety of different angles. The metamaterial covered bump instead reflected light back towards the source like a flat surface would do, hiding the bump underneath.

The Duke cloak does have its limitations. It only works in two dimensions. Both the background and the hidden object must also both be wrapped in the metamaterial.

Hiding a small bump is great for science, and for hiding things in general, but invisibility technology has a much wider range of uses besides mere concealment. Just as one example of many, Smith says that cloaking technology could remove cell-phone interference in buildings, letting people have clear conversations even inside an elevator.

It took Smith and his colleagues about nine days to design and implement the experiment.

Source: Discovery Channel

Motorola’s said its new W233 Renew phone, unveiled in advance of the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, is the world’s first carbon neutral phone.

Motorola unveiled a cell phone made of recycled water bottles hoping to cash in on the trend for environmentally friendly products.

The company, which dropped to No. 4 in the global handset market in the most recently reported quarter due to a weak product line-up, said the W233 Renew eco-friendly phone would be sold by Deutsche Telekom’s T-Mobile USA in the current quarter.

It did not disclose pricing for the phone. Motorola said it was the world’s first carbon neutral phone. As well as using recycled materials for the plastic casing, the company also pledged to offset the carbon dioxide used in manufacturing, distribution and operation of the phone through investments in renewable energy sources and reforestation.

‘StarCraft II,’ ‘Final Fantasy XIII’ top the list of can’t-wait-to-play titles. Here are some most anticipated video games of 2009.

Resident Evil 5

Given the pedigree of the series, not to mention the innovative enhancements of the last game, the sequel to ‘Resident Evil 4′ was a shoo-in on the list this year. Early previews suggests ‘5′ is more of the same, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Final Fantasy XIII

Widely regarded as the most influential role-playing franchise on consoles, the latest ‘Final Fantasy’ is scheduled to arrive on PS3 this year and later on Xbox 360. But don’t let the ridiculously high sequel number dash your hopes for originality, though. Developer Square Enix has a history of perfecting and evolving the art of the RPG, as they’ll likely do with this one.

StarCraft II

This 10-year-old game is still being played – a lot – so you’ve gotta figure that die-hard fans are beyond excited for this one. Like a real-time version of ‘Risk’ set in space and running at 80 miles per hour, it’s no wonder ‘StarCraft’ is one of the best-selling PC games of all time. And South Korea where ‘Starcraft’ tournaments are televised live is sure to implode once the game drops. (Also consider Diablo 2)

Wheelman

Made by the same studio that produced 2004’s critically-acclaimed ‘Chronicles of Riddick,’ the quick-hit missions, variety of tasks and just plain driving around never fail to entertain. The vehicular combat is so fun it will make you rethink the role of automobiles in open world games.

Punch-Out!!

Nintendo fans flipped in October when the company announced the first proper update to ‘Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!’ since 1994. And rightfully so: The requisite timing and pattern recognition to play the game, in addition to its humor, always arouses a smile. It won’t be easy revitalizing the 8-bit classic, but since the game is being handled by the developers of ‘Mario Strikers Charged’. (Also consider Wii Sports Resort).

A research indicates that drinking coffee lowers the risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity or throat, at least in the general population of Japan.

The consumption of coffee in Japan is relatively high, as is the rate of cancer of the esophagus in men. To look into any protective effect of coffee drinking, Dr. Toru Naganuma of Tohoku University, Sendai, and colleagues, analysed data from the population-based Miyagi Cohort Study in Japan.

The study included information about diet, including coffee consumption. Among more than 38,000 study participants aged 40 to 64 years with no prior history of cancer, 157 cases of cancer of the mouth, pharynx and esophagus occurred during 13 years of follow up. Compared with people who did not drink coffee, those who drank one or more cups per day had half the risk of developing these cancers, Naganuma’s group reports in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

They note that the reduction in risk included people who are at high risk for these cancers, namely, those who were current drinkers and/or smokers at the start of the study.

The researchers conclude in their article, “Although cessation of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking is currently the best known way to help reduce the risk of developing these cancers, coffee could be a preventive factor in both low-risk and high-risk populations.”

Source: American Journal of Epidemiology

A Bangladeshi gaming portal named 2funmail.com has just been launched for all the online gamers. That’s great news, isn’t it?

There are lots of games you can play on this site. The games have been classified into six different categories — action, arcade, sports, racing, strategy and puzzle. Within these six categories there are 120 highest-rated games you can play with your counter-part over the internet.

The site is not only a gaming portal, but also you can get all the latest and hottest news of the gaming world. You can get all the game-related updates and features in this site.

Some Quick links are also available where you can get all the news and reviews of the recent popular games. The information about the latest and upcoming games is also available in the “Hot Games” section. While playing you can also enjoy all the latest music of Bangladesh and the rest of the world through “2fun Pod” anytime you log on to this site.

Moreover, the site has opened a window of opportunity for the game-creators” as you can upload your own games on this website.
There is also a forum for the users where you can share your views with other gamers around the globe. At the same time, you can also rate the games you played.

But remember, whatever you do you have got to register and become a member, before you can make the most of this experience. So, enjoy….

New is the year, new are the hopes and aspirations, new is the resolution, new are the spirits…..

May the day-break of this new year be the beginning of many beautiful moments….. that gives us endless reason to smile always. Happy New Year to all!

HAPPY 2009!!

2008 is on its way to dissolve into the past; nonetheless, the events that occurred during this year will surely be remembered in the future. In terms of music, it is somehow more special. And this year, 2008, has given us a brilliant array of Brit-pop albums. Some of these albums must need to be mentioned.
Spirit (Leona Lewis):
British pop star Leona Lewis has broken Billboard records in the United States to become the first female British pop star to reach a number one spot on the music charts in over 20 years and became the third solo British artist ever to reach the top charts. Spirit is the debut album by British singer, Leona Lewis, released by Syco Music in November 2007 in the British Isles and worldwide during early 2008. The release of the album marks Lewis as the first winner of a major television talent show in both the UK and USA to be given a major global launch with a debut album. Lewis has made history by becoming the first female Brit to top the US charts in two decades, and denied speculation about the state of her voice. Lewis made the number one spot with her new hit single Bleeding Love. On December 3, 2008 it was announced that the album had been nominated for Best Pop Album at the Grammy Awards.

Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (Coldplay):
Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (also simply known as Viva la Vida) is the fourth studio album by English alternative rock band Coldplay. It was released on 12 June 2008 in the United Kingdom and on 17 June 2008 in North America. “Viva la Vida” was the band’s first song to reach number one in the United States and the United Kingdom. After their successful songs like Clocks, Speed of Sound or Yellow, Viva la Vida and Violet Hill seemed really promising from this album.

Rockferry (Duffy):
Rockferry is the debut studio album by Welsh Soul singer Duffy, first released on March 3, 2008 by Mercury Records in the US and Polydor Records in the UK. Prior to releasing the album, Duffy appeared twice on Jools Holland’s music show, performing the tracks “Mercy”, “Warwick Avenue” and her version of “The First Cut Is the Deepest”. Rockferry sold 3,758,000 copies worldwide.

Ode to J. Smith (Travis):
Ode to J. Smith is the sixth studio album by Scottish alternative rock band Travis, released on 29 September 2008 in the United Kingdom and received generally positive reviews. Ode to J. Smith entered the UK Album Chart at #20, lower than many people’s expectations, who expected the album to make the top 10. The following week, probably due to a continued lack of promotion, the album fell 23 places to #43. By week 3, the album had dropped to #87 and by week 4, Ode to J Smith had left the top #100. Quite disappointing!

Dig Out Your Soul (Oasis):
Some may argue whether their genre should be included into the Brit-pop culture, however, Oasis brought out this half-Rock ‘n’ Roll, half-Psychedelic album under Brit-pop banner. This is their seventh studio album which has been released on 6 October, 2008. In the UK, the album sold 90,000 copies on its first day of release, making it the second fastest selling album of 2008, behind Coldplay’s Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends.

Perfect Symmetry (Keane):
Perfect Symmetry is the third studio album by English piano rock band Keane, released on 13 October 2008 in the United Kingdom. The album’s title was released on 31 July 2008. Coldplay aren’t the only dreamy British pop-rock band with an experimental streak. On album three, Keane trick out their pretty piano melodies with tasty synths (”The Lovers Are Losing”), booming rap beats (”Spiralling”), and fuzzy new-wave guitars (”You Haven’t Told Me Anything”). The band had completely transformed their look and their new album was said to be also very unexpected! Keane performed the song live to an audience for the first time at the 2008 GQ Awards on September 2, 2008. The song won Best Track at the Q Awards on 6 October 2008, with the members of the band present at the ceremony to accept the award.

Potato bean and tomato salad

Ingredients:
2 kg small potatoes, peeled and diced
500g green beans, sliced diagonally
2 red capsicums, sliced
6 egg tomatoes, sliced thickly
Mustard dressing:
½ cup (125 ml) virgin olive oil
2 tbsp white vinegar
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp mustard
1 tsp crushed sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste

Method:
Boil potatoes until tender and then drain. Meanwhile, combine all ingredients of the mustard dressing in a bowl and mix well.
Boil or steam beans. Let the vegetables cool. Now arrange potatoes, beans, capsicum and tomatoes, and mix well with the mustard dressing. Serve cold.

Spicy Thai beef salad

Ingredients:
700g rump steak, trimmed
Chilli lime Dressing:
½ cup limejuice
1 tbsp fish sauce
3-4 Thai red chillies, sliced thinly
2/3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander root
? cup firmly packed coriander leaves
½ cup firmly packed fresh mint leaves
4 small onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp white sugar or to taste
Salt to taste
1 tbsp oil

Method:
Boil the rump steak with salt and pepper. After it is done and cooled, then slice up the beef thinly.
Now take all the ingredients of the chilli lime dressing and mix well. Mix with beef and serve cold.

Grilled Portuguese chicken

Ingredients:
1 cup lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red chilli powder
2 tsp dried oregano leaves (optional)
1 tsp salt
2 tsp green or red chilli, seeded and chopped finely
2 clove garlic, crushed
1 whole chicken (approx. 1 kg)

Method:
Combine the juice, oil, chilli powder, oreganos, salt, garlic and chicken in a large bowl. Mix well. Preferably marinate the chicken overnight. Cook chicken in medium heat in the oven till browned on both sides and cooked thoroughly. Serve it with some homemade tomato chutney.

Mutton devil fry

Ingredients:
½ kg mutton
12 flakes of garlic
5cm piece ginger
5cm piece cinnamon
2 cloves
2 cardamoms
3 large tomatoes, chopped
4 tsp plums or aloo bukhara
2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
3 onions chopped
2 tbsp vinegar
Salt to taste
3 cups of water

Method:
Blend garlic, ginger, clove, cardamom, cinnamon, tomatoes and plums to a paste. Heat ghee and fry onions till brown. Add mutton, vinegar and salt to taste. Mix well in medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Add water. Cook on low heat till meat is done. Gravy will be thick.

(Collected from The Daily Star)

Save water.
Shower with your girl friend.

——————————————–

The wise never marry.
And when they marry they become Otherwise.

——————————————–

I was born intelligent.
Education ruined me.

——————————————–

A bus station is where a bus stops.
A train station is where train stops.
On my desk, I have a Work station….
what more can I say….

——————————————–

If it’s true that we are here to help others, then,
what exactly are the others here for?

——————————————–

Since light travels faster than sound, people appear bright until you hear them speak.

——————————————–

Money is not everything.
There’s Visa and Mastercard.

——————————————–

One should love animals.
They are so tasty.

——————————————–

Love your neighbor.
But don’t get caught.

——————————————–

Success is a relative term.
It brings so many relatives.

——————————————–

Love is photogenic. It needs darkness to develop.

——————————————–

Children in backseats cause accidents,
Accidents in backseats cause children.

——————————————–

“Hard work never killed anybody”,
But why take the risk!

——————————————–

“Work fascinates me”,
I can look at it for hours…..

It is very necessary to know the exact reason for the hair loss, for treating the problem as well as to make sure that there is no serious illness of which it is a symptom. Hair loss is a problem that affects people all around the globe, be it males or females, young or aged. The reasons for hair loss are many, like hormonal imbalance, ageing, hereditary factors, diseases, stress, improper diet, injury, ingestion of contaminated products, etc. For treating the problem, you need to know the specific cause and then diagnose it. Most of the people concentrate on what to do when losing hair. In this article, we have tried to go on the less-treaded path and tried to explore common mistakes people do when losing hair.

What Not To Do When Losing Your Hair

· Take Stress
Stress is one of the main reasons of hair loss. If you are already losing hair, please don’t speed up the process it by taking more tension. Rather, try your hands at meditation. It might help slow down the hair loss and will also help keep your blood pressure under check.

· Brush Too Much & Too Vigorously
Brushing your hair, too much and too vigorously, leads to breakage of hair and thus, only contributes to your hair loss. It is better to avoid frequent and forceful brushing of your hair. At the same time, make use of a wide-toothed comb. It leads to less breakage of hair.

· Using Hair Dryer Frequently
Using hair dryer, curling iron or electric rollers not only damage your hair, but also make them very brittle and dry. If you are already losing too much of your hair, such products will only worsen the situation. It is better to minimize the use of such products. In case you have to use them, keep them on low heat.

· Use Chemical-based Products
Hair products such as dyes, colors, styling gels, mousse, etc contain chemicals that are harmful for your hair. If you are already suffering from hair loss, avoid these products altogether. If this is not possible, atleast keep their use to a minimum.