Top 10 Largest Universities around the world:

1. Allama Iqbal Open University
in Islamabad, Pakistan with 1,806,214 students.

2. Indira Gandhi National Open University
in New Delhi, India with 1,500,000 students.

3. Islamic Azad University
in Tehran, Iran with 1,300,000.

4. Anadolu University
in  Eski ehir Turkey with 884,081.

5. Bangladesh Open University
in Gazipur, Bangladesh with 600,000 students.

6. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University
in Andhra Pradesh, India with 450,000 students.

7. State University of New York
in New York, USA with 418,000 students.

8. California State University
in California, USA with 417,000 students.

9. Universitas Terbuka
in Jakarta, Indonesia with 350,000 students.

10. Universidad de Buenos Aires
in Buenos Aires, Argentina with 316,050 students.

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1. Booking a wedding hall – the most costly:

For many couples, booking a wedding reception is the most expensive part of their wedding planning. The total cost really depends on the number of your guests and the type and amount of food you choose to serve. However, since there are usually a minimum cost for every wedding venue and a set price for each person, it allows you to calculate the exact amount you will have to spend.

How can you reduce the venue cost for your wedding? Well, there are ways to do this, but you have to be willing to sacrifice a little bit. One way to reduce the cost of your wedding hall is to have your wedding during an off-season; usually between September to end of November. The other way is to have your wedding on a Friday instead of a Saturday or a long weekend Monday. Another option is have an outdoor or a getaway wedding.

2. Paying for a honey moon – the most memorable:

The honey is the calm after the wedding storm. It should let you get all the stress of the bookings, preparation and planning for your wedding out your system. Once your plane (or ship) takes off, you should allow all the headaches fly the opposite direction. This probably is the second most expensive wedding cost after the wedding venue but at least you get a good relaxed time out of it; honeymoon is all about you, that’s why I like it.

We picked to spend 2 weeks at Sandals resort in Bahamas, leaving just a day after the Wedding.

Brows through Sandals’ last minute deals here and book for a warm honeymoon.

3. Deciding on the special wedding ring – something to have with you, always:

Wedding rings are special. I would say after your honeymoon a wedding ring, and of course unlike the other wedding items, keeps both its sentimental and monetary value. When you go shopping for rings, you really start to feel the special day approaching. Shopping for wedding rings could end up being very expensive, however, you can find your rings for much cheaper online. I suggest you start looking for your wedding rings at the local stores, choose the style and the type of ring you prefer – material, size, and weight – and order your rings online to save money.

Here are some of the cheaper places you can find your perfect wedding rings, give them a try:

Get Jewelry at Wholesale prices at GoldenMine.com

Benchmark(r) Wedding Bands

4. Wedding photography and videography – remembering the wedding moments:

Everyone will have photography for their wedding and a good portion of the couples choose to also have videography. Your wedding pictures are the storytellers of your wedding day; some fun and pleasant, others embarrassing; but it’s the collection of all moments that make your pictures and wedding video special. Make sure you pick a good photographer at the very least. Some couples, however, opt out for an amateur photographer, who is their relative or the next-door neighbour. They may save money on their total wedding cost, but when everything is said and done they would rather dump some of the picture than put them in an album or frame one on the wall.

5. Flowers and décor – the scene and scent of your wedding:

Everyone wants have a wedding that is full of flowers and colourful. There is no single wedding that could possibly be missing flowers. It has been the “wedding” signature from ancient times of every culture and still applicable today. Flowers have to be fresh and they will cost you some money, since you will have to get them from a local chain store or a reliable flouriest. I don’t know if there’s any way around it than simply shopping around, but if there’s I’d really like to know about it (share with us in the comment section)

6. Wedding attire – looking like a million dollar couple:

A handsome groom and a beautiful bride are products of a great suit and tie and a studding wedding dress. Enough said!

7. Music DJ and entertainment – get the wedding party started:

This is mostly for your guests than the bride and the groom. Most likely, you will not remember what songs were played at what time, but the crowd likes to have fun. There may be many people in your wedding you do not know you in at a personal level, and really don’t care what you have to say for your speeches, but they do care for a good meal and a night of enjoyable music and entertainment.

8. Your comfortable bridal transportation – a private wedding limousine:

Photo source

You will want to be picked up from your homes like real a groom and a bride along with your bridesmaids and groomsmen. You will probably need to take some pictures outside in a beautiful park or an old building; your daddy or little brother should not be driving you around with a school bus, you will need proper wedding transportation.

9. Invitations and wedding gifts – Let them know of the important date:

These including wedding invites, wedding gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen and gift (bomboniere) for your guests. To reduce the cost, you can try to buy invitation package and put it together yourself. Another way to reduce the cost is to actually hand deliver the invitations to your guests; not only does this save you the postage costs, but your wedding guests will feel important and special to have been personally invited by the groom and bride themselves.

10. Wedding cake – a wedding tradition:

Although, most likely the least expensive all other wedding costs, wedding cakes are part of almost every wedding celebration. I don’t think you can miss it and I’m sure neither do you.

In the main:

Weddings are extremely expensive these days. The internal competition between families to have a better wedding than the first cousin Jackie or the next-door neighbor John as well as the pressure exerted by the media have risen the standards of an acceptable wedding. These in return put tremendous stress and financial burden on couples who look to say their vows. However, with proper planning, budgeting and looking for alternative ways for wedding planning, it is still possible to reduce the costs significantly and celebrate that special day with joyfully and peacefully.

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Dealing with ignorance

1. If an ignorant and foolish person questions you, stay quiet:

Sometimes “silence speak louder than words” and seems to be the best option; staying quite and just plainly looking at the ignorant individual usually works well. If you have to put up with people like that, the trick is that you should stay quite as long as possible until they end they vain rant or move to another subject. Don’t forget to nod your head and roll your eyes once in a while.

2. Answer the ignorant question while facing another person:

If an ignorant person is not necessarily a talkative person but only asks very foolish questions without paying proper attention to your responses, answer them facing a third person who is hopefully a bit more wiser. Once the response is not directed to them they usually feel intellectually challenged and try harder in understanding them.

3. Offer the Ignorant external sources of knowledge and references:

Most ignorant people also happen to be the most arrogant ones. A lot of the times arrogance and ignorance go hand in hand, so try not to step on their ego. If you truly want to educate a fool about the reality of a subject, offer them choices of information to review. Use terms like “I can’t explain this subject that well but try reading such and such book or watching such and such documentary” or “I really don’t have all the answer but look take a look at…”. Your aim is no to make it a personal challenge but make it seem that you really care about correcting their false point of view; don’t sound like the I-know-it-all type of person.

4. Listen to their stupid and ignorant remarks, remember them and answer later:

Ignorant people usually spew out words without having any clear proof or regard about their implications. They claim that things are as they say because, well because they think things truly are as they say they are. However, they are the type of people who tend to contradict themselves on many issues and on different occasions. So take their point of view – with a nod and a pair of pressed lips – but remember them and exercise option 1 in staying quiet for a while. Upon another meeting if they bring forth a different point of view on the same subject, remind them of their previous outlook on the issue; “Gotcha!”

5. Say peace to the ignorant and walk away:

This is the best last resort. If the person is vulgar, disrespectful or completely illogical and foolish, just say “peace” or “peace to you my dear friend!” and leave, as if you do not even want to consider listening to their hellos and goodbyes. Leave and save yourself before you waste another precious minute of your time.

In any event always remember that the wise learns from the fool (and the ignorant) more than the fool learns from the wise, because otherwise the fool would kill the wise in his ignorance.

Your thoughts!? Share with us below.

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Don't get out of the car when a cop pulls you over

Here are the top ways that you should react when a police officer pulls you over:

1- Pull over as quickly as you can when flashing light is behind you

Of course you look at your mirrors, put your signal on and carefully pullover to the nearest and safest corner. If an officer is on foot he usually gives the hand signal as to where you should pullover. Do this carefully and quickly.

2- Do not get out of your car when the cops stop you

The worst thing people can do when they are pulled over by a police officer is to quickly get out of their cars, slam their door and start arguing. This happens way too often and should definitely be avoided. If you get out of your car, you could be identified as a threat, a potentially armed person; or plainly as someone who is aggressive and disobedient towards the law. If you are pulled over by a cop, stay in your car, put both hands on your steering wheel and wait for the officer to come to you.

3- Stay calm and do as the officer commands you

Have your window rolled down and have your radio or your music completely turned off. Let the officer speak before you say anything. Listen to his questions and try to answer them only and accordingly. Remember that first impression is very important, so try to keep your answers very short; the best is “Yes, officer” and “No, officer”.

4- Accept what the police officer accuses you of

If the cop says you went 100 in a 50 zone, he is right. If the says you ran a red light, he is right. Yes! He is right at the time.

Take the blame, take the ticket, take the points and fight them in court if you think you have been wronged or if you have done all the above right, he might forgive you this time.

5- And of course, don’t forget to thank the officer for correcting your mistake.

Yes it burns and this is the hardest part, wouldn’t you agree?

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Wanna find the best way to call in sick?

1. “Hi (your boss’s name), won’t be in today, I am not feeling well at all.”

2. “Good Morning (your boss’s name), I’m not feeling well this morning.  I was up all last night sick. My stomach feels terrible.”

3. “I’ve been feeling horrible during the past 12 hours. I’m sorry but I won’t be able to make it to work today.”

4. “Good morning (your boss’s name), my son has been sick , coughing, all night, I have to take him to the clinic today.”

5. “(your boss’s name), it’s John, I am not going to make it to work today, I have come down with the flu over the weekend.”

6. “Good morning, it’s John, I’m in terrible shape, and it’s not a good idea for me to come to work today – I’d be pretty useless like this.”

7. ” Hi (your boss’s name), if it’s OK I’m using a sick day today.”

8. “Hi, this is John, I don’t think I’m going to be able to make it in today. I’ve been up since 2:00 am with extreme coughing.”

9. “Hi (your boss’s name),hope you are doing better than I am, feeling really down and sick this morning, can’t make it, hope to see you tomorrow.”

10. “Hello, (your boss’s name), just calling to let you know my whole back is killing me, I don’t think I can make it to work today.”

You know of any other (possibly) better excuses to call-in sick? please share with us bellow.

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Job Review Process

Photo source

How to Prepare for Job Performance Review:

1. Start with your last year’s review

Most employees prepare their review documents (i.e. personal management progress) in a yearly fashion. This may be a long time to remember the details of the documentation process. Start with what you had prepared for the previous year. Take a good look through it and write down how you have improved on the areas that was previously emphasized on.

2. Prepare supporting documentation for your performance review

I personally take out all reports, supporting research or even my emails and file them according to each of the improvement plans agreed upon previously. Doing this not only gives you confidence in what you have done but also helps you prepare the details if asked for. If someone, who is in a higher rank than your position, complements you about your work, ask him or her for a letter stating their particular point of satisfaction with your job. You can then add it to your review file.

Organize your notes and have them with you at job review. Avoid walking in with a stack of detailed papers. Pick the top five supporting documents and have reference for the rest of the good work you have done throughout the year.

3. Keep next year’s job performance review in mind

In some companies this is called Development Objectives or Action Plans. When you go over your work for your Development Objectives, with your manager or boss, spend roughly 10 % of your time discussing your future plans and how you want to build on your work. This includes how you would contribute to your team as well as what tools you require to adequately perform your job. You may need new training, a new software or additional office space to work in.

Remember that you have to justify your needs according to the work you are assigned to; be sensible and rational.

4. Avoid direct argument with your job appraiser

You should definitely avoid a direct disagreement, especially when it comes to the way you may want to discuss the negatives of your performance appraisal. Whether you agree with your executive’s perceptions or not try to respond with a statement like “I understand how you might have viewed it this way.

Next time, I will handle or improve on it by doing such and such.” Or “I want to do whatever I can to strengthen our working relationship. I consider us a team.” A constructive approach to your performance job review shows that you are willing to adapt to an ever-changing work environment and shows that you are a person who is constantly challenging himself or herself.

5. Know your bosses approach and style when it comes to Job Performance Reviews

Pay attention! Its not about how you want to do your merit review, it’s all about how your boss likes it done. Remember that he or she does the personal performance review of more than just one person (you!), so he has a plan and an approach that he likes to follow.

This is kind of like your first interview. Remember that fine line between asking too many questions, making too many comments and staying quiet until you are asked! Well neither of them is good. But at your personal review secession, with your supervisor, you have more room to be friendly but know your bosses approach and do not cross the lines.

Keep it professional but do not shy away from comments

6. Go over the general topics of your job review with a coworker

It’s always good to ask about your collogues yearly review but keep it general. Most people do not like answering details.

Begin collecting supporting information immediately after your last review.

Remember that preparing for your job performance review is not a one-day thing, it takes the whole year to be conscious of this review. Collect supporting documents and save it in a place easily remembered.

Here are more points to keep in mind while doing your job performance review

7. Focus on ways that you have gone above and beyond your job definition

Keep putting the attention on your strength. Repeat your strengths and parts of your job, which have really affected the organization in a positive way.

8. Show how you have saved the company money or provided a unique contribution

Most companies have a “cost saving” or “productivity” chart, which over the fiscal year, employees can mark the amount of money they have saved or the revenue they have contributed in. This is a good source to add up all your coins you have helped you company save. If this does not exist in your organization, then ensure to keep a summary of the savings you have managed for your work.

9. Tell your boss how you’re planning to improve on tasks and the way you approach your job

Supervisors and managers always and always like to see improvement, or looking to improve from their employees. If you are active in addressing your plans on how you are looking to improved on your tasks, then you are actually helping to secure you boss’s satisfaction.

10. Discuss your future professional goals on how you want to advance through positions

Remember to listen to your boss’s comments without interrupting and hold your questions until he is finished.

Do you know other important factors? please share your thought bellow.

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Transportaion by train has always been popular

1. China at 606,200,000,000 passengers per Km every year
   
2. India at 575,700,000,000 passengers per Km every year
   
3. Japan at 245,960,000,000 passengers per Km every year
   
4. Russia at 170,900,000,000 passengers per Km every year
   
5. France at 79,400,000,000 passengers per Km every year
   
6. Germany at 74,300,000,000 passengers per Km every year
   
7. Ukraine at 52,660,000,000 passengers per Km every year
   
8. UK at 46,760,000,000 passengers per Km every year
   
9. Italy at 46,200,000,000 passengers per Km every year
   
10. Egypt at 40,840,000,000 passengers per Km every year

Source: UIC Railisa Database

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Olympics Ice Hockey

1.  Russia (USSR) with 7 gold medals

2. United States (USA) with 3 gold medals

2. Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic) with 3 gold medals

3. Canada with 2 gold medals

4. Great Britain (UK) with 1 gold medal

4.   Sweden with 1 gold medal

4.   Unified Team with 1 gold medal

Data provided up to and including the 2006 Turin, Italy winter Olympics.

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I, too, was recently among the first time Canadian homebuyers.

In this article I will, from my experience, try to point out the top 10 important points to keep in mind when buying a home in Canada.

1. Determining Your Home Budget and Down-payment

Look into your pocket! See how much cash you can afford for your down payment. Your down payment should be at least 5% of the house price, although it is recommended to come up with 20% of the house price, in order to avoid the CMHC (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation) insurance costs added to your mortgage.

2. Put Aside additional $8k

There are a number of additional costs that could and will come along the way when purchasing a new home. These vary according to the province and the city of residence and the price of the house of your interest. However, you should budget for, approximately an additional $8,000 over your down-payment..

This money should be put aside for costs such as; lawyer, inspector and land transfer fees an possible minor repairs of the house.

3. Mortgage Pre-approval: See a Bank for

Having your finances assessed and an amount of mortgage pre-approved is an important step. You should get pre-approved for a mortgage amount before looking for the houses of your ineterst.

The amount of mortgage, which any bank would be willing to lend you, is the determining factor for the type of house you would be able to afford.

See here for mortgage rates:

4. Consider Property Tax

Once you have calculated the amount you can afford for your home and know the amount your mortgage pre-approval, you should look into the property tax at different locations. For example, property tax in Ontario, Canada could vary somewhere between 2000 to $4000, for a mid size house.

Do your research and add an estimated monthly cost of your property tax to your monthly mortgage payment.

5. Pick a Trustworthy Realtor

A Realtor whom you can trusted is a blessing. I personally went someone who my family had dealt with previously, and they were relatively satisfied with him.

Your realtor will have to know everything about your finances and your house needs, having someone you can be open with and trust is very important.

Moreover, he will do the offers and bargaining on your behalf when the time for picking a home of your interest comes. Here you want to trust that he will not compromise on the price of the house or bargaining solely for his/her commission.

Remember, if you are not comfortable with your realtor or real estate agent , do not be afraid to change.

6. Do Not be Deceived by Furniture and Decoration

When looking at homes, try and do your best to picture each house without all its furniture, without decoration and that wall colour. Remember that the furniture will go and the walls will be most likely re-painted according to your likes Look carefully at the layout, its appliances, and its neighbourhood.

7. Prepare a Checklist to Rate Each House

It is always a good idea to prepare a list of important criteria, which you expect for your future house and jot down or rate each house accordingly. This will greatly help you remember the details, lets you see past house decoration as well as simplifying your final decision.

Your list could be similar to the following

What is the visible condition of the exterior and interrior?

What are the visible conditions of the neighbours’ homes?

Is the area mostly consisted of townhouses, semis or single homes?

Do the neighbours take care of their lawn ?

What are the permanent and architectural features, like crown-moulding or California shutters.

How is the size of the lot?

How close is the house to shopping and schools?

What kinds of services are closely available?

8. Do Not Fall into Biding Wars

After seeing each house, determine the amount you would like to buy the house as well as the maximum amount you would pay for it. Once you start bidding for each house, avoid going over you top price and keep your bids below it.

This will help you manage your bids and help you avoid falling into bidding wars.

9. Once Closed, Do Not Regret: Stop Looking at Homes

After all is set and done,  avoid looking at the ads and real estate websites as you have been doing for sometime. It is almost inevitable that you will find something better; there is no end to that.

10. Enjoy Your New Home

Come out of your buyer’s shoes and be a “home owner”: enjoy your new home!

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Top winter Olympics medal winners in history.

The above winter Olympics data has been gathered up to and including the 2006 Turin Games.

Olympics Speed Skate

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