Less than a fortnight after Myanmar was hit by Cyclone Nargis that claimed the lives of many innocents, China was thrust into the spotlight as it was struck by a destructive earthquake. This calamity has caused 70,000 lives to be lost and many more have not been found due to the natural disaster. As if that is not enough, the host of the Olympic Games 2008 also suffered from terrible snowstorms and fierce floods in southern China. The quake hit the province of Shaanxi and Gansu the hardest but people are slowly picking up their lives where they left off and are beginning to recover from the tragedy. It will take a couple of months before the structures in these areas will be fully rebuilt.

2 May, 2008 was a black letter day for Myanmar as the raging Cyclone Nargis struck the country, leaving a trail of unimaginable devastation. Almost 150,000 dwellers died and that is only a mere estimation. Homes were destroyed, lives were wrecked but most importantly for the already food deprived people, their crops were badly affected. The people of military-ruled Myanmar are feeling the pinch much harder than before and with the advent of the catastrophe, what little food source left has risen astoundingly high in price. Fortunately the United Nations World Food Programme has stepped in to offer much needed aid in the form of rice rations but it is hoped that the junta will relent and cooperate so that more foreign NGOs can enter the country and offer assistance to the victims.

Russia now has a new leader and unlike his predecessor Vladimiar Putin, the new Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has neither ties to any secret organizations nor the Soviet Communist party. The former lawyer still maintains a close relationship with Putin who is a recognized ex-KGB agent. Winning the elections in March 2008, Medvedev quickly refuted rumors that Putin still holds power as president as he reiterates that he will now be responsible in shaping Russia’s home and foreign policies. Prior to being Russia’s president, his previous job posts includes being Putin’s deputy prime minister and CEO of Gazprom, Russia’s premier gas company.

As expected, Yahoo stock fell by more than 20% in opening trade.  While Yahoo rejoiced yesterday as Microsoft withdrew the offer, they will now have to get ready for the next battle.  Many analyst believe that Yahoo will now face plenty of lawsuits from Yahoo stock holders for failing to strike a deal with Microsoft.  Seems Jerry Yang has a pretty rough week ahead of him.

For the first time ever, oil crossed 120$ marked.  Nigerian rebels have again attacked oil wells and pumps. This has raised concern in US and cause oil price to rise.  In Iraq too, Turkish army has started raiding Kudish insurgents. Both these factors have caused Oil price to increase.  For the last few weeks, many traders have moved into commodities trading as the US dollar has weakened.  These traders have started using Oil as a hedging tool.

Worst ever cyclone hit Myanmar this weekend. As per the government’s officla death toll list more than 10000 are feared to be dead. Around 3000 people are also missing.

Lenovo has come with up a great ad against Macbook Air. The advertisment contains the same Manilla envelope that Steve Jobs showed to showcase Macbook Air. It ridicules the “incompletness” ( no optical drive ) of Macbook Air in the ad and displays its own product Lenovo X300 in the ad. It’s very funny. People can just search on youtube for “Lenovo X300 Macbook Air” and they will find the online video I am talking about.

Most of the technology blogs are discussing the same thing “Microsoft-Yahoo” merger and how Microsoft withdrew its bid for acquiring Yahoo yesterday. While Yahoo wanted 37$ per share, Microsoft was willing to give max 34$ per share. Personally, I would have loved if both Microsoft and Yahoo merge and give some kind of competition to Google in online advertising. I do love Google Adwords and spend a lot every month for PPC programs, but more competition in the same field would prove beneficial to all. Don’t you think?

I try to ask this question - “Do you use Facebook for Fun or Networking?” often to people with whom I interact. Most of them replied “For Fun”.

While many posts have been written all over the blogosphere emphasizing how one can use Facebook to increase their reach towards potential customers, clients and increase their profits, revenue.. the truth still remains the same. Facebook is very much a “fun” product.

In fact Flowingdata.com has neatly shown detailed breakup of all the popular applications of facebook. The applications which are fun-based are immensely popular.

Do you know that buying/selling computers was illegal in Cuba? The government had imposed severe restrictions on sale of home computers. Though one might argue that how can Cubans afford a desktop computer of 800$ when the average monthly wage of a Cuban is hardly 20$ a month. But, there are few people in Cuba who can very well afford all luxuries including computers, mobile phones etc. thanks to the money they receive from their relatives staying abroad.

President Raul Castro has finally heeded to demands of Cubans. Many restrictions including sale of desktop computers have now been removed. People who can afford desktop computers, can very well buy them now. However internet access is still banned.