Top 10 US Law Schools

They teach you becoming argumentative. They teach you apply the power of logic in a court of law. Their teachings provide you the power to shape public opinion. They are the producers of brightest lawyers. They are the best law schools not only in America but also among the best in world.

However, choosing best among the bests is not an easy thing to do. U.S. News does a marvelous job in listing the best law schools based on their performance in 2008-09. It surveyed 184 accredited programs to get the information used in the ranking of top law schools.

If you are one of those who want to start a career in law, and are looking for a good school for you then this list may be particularly helpful.

1. Yale University | New Haven, CT

2. Harvard University | Cambridge, MA

3. Stanford University | Stanford, CA

4. Columbia University | New York, NY

5. University of California—Berkeley | Berkeley, CA

6. University of Chicago | Chicago, IL

7. University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA

8. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI

9. Duke University | Durham, NC

10. Northwestern University | Chicago, IL

Top 10 Insurance Companies in World

Financial turbulence of 2009 caused many ups and downs in insurance industry. It was not easy to sustain the kind of growth these companies were enjoying prior to recession. But insurance is after all an issue of trust. We all want to invest in a company that stands by us in hard times. Investing in a finance company that has a good brand value and big market share invokes a sense of security in our hearts. Hence, it is always good to know who are the world leaders in the field.

Following is the list of top ten insurance companies according to their market share.

1. American International Group (AIG)

Country: United States

Market Value: $172.24 billion

American International Group, Inc. (AIG), a world leader in insurance and financial services, is the leading international insurance organization with operations in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional and individual customers through the most extensive worldwide property-casualty and life insurance networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of retirement services, financial services and asset management around the world. AIG's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the stock exchanges in Paris and Tokyo.

2. AXA Group

Country: France

Market Value: $66.12 billion

In 1980, AXA did not exist. Over the next 20 years, the Group would grow to become a major international player.AXA pursues successfully its external growth strategy: consolidation of AXA existing activities, with the acquisition of Oyak's 50% stake in AXA Oyak, 2nd Turkish insurer, for 525 million dollars, and penetration of high growth potential markets, with the acquisition of 100% of the 3rd Mexican insurer, ING Seguros (for an amount of 1.5 billion dollars). Today AXA is present in geographically diverse markets, with operations concentrated in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

3. Allianz Worldwide

Country: Germany

Market Value: $65.55 billion

The Allianz Group is one of the leading integrated financial services providers worldwide. With nearly 155,000 employees worldwide, the Allianz Group serves approximately 75 million customers in about 70 countries. On the insurance side, Allianz is the market leader in the German market and has a strong international presence.

4. Manulife Financial

Country: Canada

Market Value: $50.52 billion

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories world-wide. We provide financial protection and wealth management products and services, to individual and group customers in Canada, the United States and Asia. These products and services include individual life insurance, group life and health insurance, long-term care services, pension products, annuities, mutual funds and banking products. We offer reinsurance services, specializing in life retrocession and property and casualty reinsurance and provide investment management services with respect to the Company’s general fund and segregated fund assets and to mutual funds and institutional customers.

5. Generali Group

Country: Italy

Market Value: $45.45 billion

The Generali Group is one of the most significant participants in the global insurance and financial products market. The Group is leader in Italy and Assicurazioni Generali, founded in 1831 in Trieste, is the Group's Parent and principal operating Company.

In recent years, the Group has made a significant return to central-eastern European markets and has set up offices in the principal markets of the Far East, among which China and India.

6. Prudential Financial

Country: United States

Market Value: $39.70 billion

Prudential Financial, Inc (NYSE:PRU), a financial services leader with approximately $580 billion of Assets Under Management as of June 30, 2009, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Leveraging its heritage of life insurance and asset management expertise, Prudential is focused on helping approximately 50 million individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth.

7. MetLife

Country: United States

Market Value: $37.94 billion

MetLife, Inc. is a leading provider of insurance and other financial services to millions of individual and institutional customers throughout the United States. Outside the U.S., MetLife companies have direct insurance operations in Asia Pacific, Latin America and Europe.

8. Aviva

Country: United Kingdom

Market value: $33.10 billion

Aviva is one of the leading providers of life and pension products in Europe and are actively growing our long-term savings businesses in Asia Pacific and the USA. Their main activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance

9. Munich Re Group

Country: Germany

Market Value: $30.99 billion

The Munich Re Group is one of the world’s leading risk carriers. It's business covers the whole value chain in insurance and reinsurance.

10. AEGON

Counry: Netherlands

Market Value: $26.40 billion

AEGON is an international business, providing life insurance, pensions and other long-term savings and investment products to millions of customers around the world. The company has major operations in the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom as well as other businesses in Asia, the Americas and elsewhere in Europe. AEGON is listed on the stock exchanges of Amsterdam, London, New York and Tokyo.

Making green jobs good jobs

Right on time for the 2009 Green Jobs Conference, this week Change to Win released a report titled High Road or Low Road?  Job Quality in the New Green Economy.  The report looks at wages and conditions for jobs in a variety of green workplaces, and finds that not all is well in the green collar economy.

The bad news is that some green jobs are low-paying and subject to union-busting and off-shoring, just like jobs anywhere else.  The report cites wages as low as $8.25 / hour in a recycling plant and $11 / hour in renewable energy manufacturing.  Like other manufacturing jobs, green manufacturing for products like windmills can be offshored, and that is already happening.  And jobs everywhere are subject to aggressive anti-union activities - in fact, the head of the National Green Building Committee (an initiative of Associated Builders and Contractors) is W. Brewster Earle, president of Comfort Systems USA Energy Services, a large heating, ventilation, and cooling systems company which has sought to undermine union activity in its workforce for years.

There is, on the hand, plenty of good news to go around too.  That includes reports of stellar green employers, like wind energy manufacturerGamesa, and examples of good municipal initiatives to give workers good, green jobs, like the LA Clean Trucks program and the Newark weatherization training program.

As Tod wrote yesterday, it now appears that the stimulus package will be passed by the Senate within a few days.  Despite the out-of-whack priority given to tax cuts over spending, the stimulus should still include a good chunk of change for green spending.  The question now is, how much of that spending will support good jobs?  There is some language in the bill for enforcing wage protection laws, but that's about it in terms of worker protection.

While I'd ideally like to see stronger worker protection languge in the bill - for example, language which allows workers at any company which receives stimulus spending money to organize by card-check - it looks like that is unlikely to happen.  I think it will be incumbent on the Obama administration, as well as any local and state agencies to which the funds are distributed, to attach reasonable regulations to this money.  At a bare minimum, companies which receive stimulus spending should be paying a living wage.  More than that, they should not be allowed to engage in union-busting, and should be compelled to remain neutral in the face of union organizing drives (it also follows that they should also contract in good faith with their workers, although I'm not sure how easily good-faith bargaining requirements could be written into regulation.)  Such requirements will not water-down the green nature of the stimulus; on the contrary, they will make the green collar economy more attractive to workers, and will incentivize more and more people to enter this workforce and become available for the massive task of greening the economy.

Top 10 Greatest Speeches of All Times

Words, if chosen wisely - can be divine. When they are written in religious texts, they become deity. When they are written in a nation’s rulebook, they become law. When they go along with a musical composition, they become songs. And when they are delivered in style for a cause, with lot of passion - they become great speeches. Out of those great speeches, some become immortal. They change the course of history. They have long lasting impact on listeners psyche. Not only this, but they also inspire the generations to come. They are timeless jewels. People of any age and in any era are moved by listening or reading them.

However, it is not easy to decide upon the top 10 list of all time great speeches. We know any such list would be subjected to debate. But healthy debates are always good. If you think the list missed on any speech, please feel free to mention in comments.

The list consists of greatest political speeches of all times. We have chosen the speeches that are rich in style, content and left an overwhelming impact on people. The winners are….

10. Duty, Honor, Country - General Douglas MacArthur

May 12, 1962; New York

General Douglas MacArthur, General of the Army and a man who fought in three wars, knew something of “Duty, Honor, Country.” In 1962, MacArthur was in the twilight of his life and came to West Point to accept the Sylvanus Thayer Award and participate in his final cadet roll call.

Notable Excerpts:

Duty, Honor, Country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.

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9. Apology – Socrates

4th century B.C. Athens, Ancient Greece

Socrates, a great scholar and teacher in Athens, was facing the charges of corruption and misleading the people. People, especially youngsters were greatly influenced by his words and ideas. The rulers found him threatening to their throne. Socrates was arrested and put on trial. Court was set and he was asked to say something in his defense. ‘The Apology’ is what Socrates said in his defense. Instead of pleading for guilty, he chose to die with dignity.

Notable Excerpt:

Wherefore, O judges, be of good cheer about death, and know this of a truth -- that no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death. He and his are not neglected by the gods; nor has my own approaching end happened by mere chance. But I see clearly that to die and be released was better for me; and therefore the oracle gave no sign. For which reason also, I am not angry with my accusers, or my condemners; they have done me no harm, although neither of them meant to do me any good; and for this I may gently blame them.

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8. Give me Liberty or Give me Death – Patrick Henry

March 23, 1775; Virginia, United States

Patrick Henry made this famous speech before the Virginia House of Burgesses at St. John's Church. After the speech, his resolution to organize the militia of Virginia and to put the colony of Virginia on a war footing was unanimously adopted in that colony.

Notable Excerpt:

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! -- I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

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7. Tryst with Destiny – Jawaharlal Nehru

August 15, 1947; New Delhi, India

After more than 200 years of British rule, India got independence on 15th August 1947. Jawaharlal Nehru became the first prime minister of independent India. He delivered this speech on the stroke of midnight before the constituent assembly. The speech became famous for its ‘tryst with destiny’ remark.

Notable Excerpt:

Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity.

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6. Ask What You Can Do For Your Country - John F. Kennedy

January 20, 1961;Washington D.C.

This speech was made by John F. Kennedy as inaugural address on January 20, 1961. In this speech he asks all Americans to unite against common enemies of tyranny, poverty, disease, and war.

Notable Excerpt:

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

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5. Their Finest Hour - Winston Churchill

June 18, 1940; House of Commons, London

On May 10, 1940, the Germans attacked France and on June 14 Paris fell. As France surrendered, Germans next target was England. But Great Britain refused to bow in front of Fascism and Nazism. At this critical juncture Churchill gave this third and final speech to bring hope to his people in these dark hours.

Notable Excerpt:

Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, “This was their finest hour.”

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4. Gettysburg Address - Abraham Lincoln

November 19, 1863 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

On June 1, 1865, Senator Charles Sumner commented on what is now considered the most famous speech by President Abraham Lincoln. It is perhaps the most quoted speech in the history of United States.

Notable Excerpt:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war.

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3. I am prepared to die – Nelson Mandela

April 20, 1964; Pretoria, South Africa

This speech was made from the dock at the opening of Mandela's trial on charges of sabotage, Supreme Court of South Africa, Pretoria, April 20 1964.

Notable Excerpt:

During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.

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2. We shall Fight on the Beaches - Winston Churchill

4 June, 1940; House of Commons, London

This speech was given shortly after Winston Churchill became Prime Minister. It was second of the three well known speeches given by Churchill during the Battle of France. Others are, “Blood, toil, tears, and sweat”, and “This was their finest hour”.

Notable Excerpt:

We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.

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1. I have a Dream - Martin Luther King Jr.

August 28, 1963; Washington D.C.

"I Have a Dream" is one of the most popular speeches in the history, delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr., in which he called for racial equality and an end to discrimination. Delivered to over 200,000 civil rights supporters, the speech is often considered to be one of the greatest and most notable speeches in human history and was ranked the top American speech of the 20th century by a 1999 poll of scholars of public address.

Notable Excerpt:

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

Top 10 Global Brands 2009

Brands are not created overnight. They are result of vision, single minded devotion, strong work ethics, innovation, out of box marketing strategies, and business acumen. Strong brands have magic-like power. They can intoxicate masses. They create a sense of trust among consumers and fear among competitors. They have a certain edge over their competitors. Their new products ease into the market with a low entry cost. They reduce business risk and help attract and retain talented staff.

Millward Brown came up with new rankings of global brands measured by their dollar value. Follow the list below.

1 .

Brand value: $100,039 million

As expected, Google is the king of brands. What Google has achieved in a decade is something that others could not even get in a century. With a massive brand value of $100,039, it is far ahead than its closest rival Microsoft in terms of brand value. In 2008 brand Google was valued at $86,057 million.

2.

Brand value: $76,249 million

The personal computers giant Microsoft is second only to Google and it is not surprise to see this name in the list of most powerful brands. Microsoft in a way has become the synonym of personal computer. It has also improved its position from its last year’s standing. In 2008 Microsoft was at third position.

3.

Brand value: $67,625 million

Coca Cola, as it claims is sold in more than 200 countries. Originally intended as a patent medicine when it was invented in the late 19th century by John Pemberton, Coca-Cola was bought out by businessman Asa Griggs Candler, whose marketing tactics led Coke to its dominance of the world soft-drink market throughout the 20th century. Today, it is one of the most well known brands internationally. It was at 4th position in global brands standings in 2008. In 2009 it is firmly placed at third.

4.

Brand Value: $66,622 million

IBM is one of those oldest IT companies that are still flourishing. IBM manufacturers hardware and develop software, though its specialization is the former. It is well known for its researches and has eight laboratories around the world. With a brand value of $66,622 million, it is at third position in global brands standings. It was no. 6 in 2008.

5.

Brand value: $66,575 million

McDonald’s is perhaps the most popular chain of fast food restaurants in the world. It has improved by 3 from its 2008 standing to secure 5th spot in 2009.

6.

Apple

Brand value: $63,113 million

Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs and manufactures consumer electronics and computer software products. The company is best-known for hardware products such as Macintosh computers, the iPod, and the iPhone. Apple is also one spot advanced to its last year’s standing.

7.

Brand Value: $61,283 million

China Mobile, a state-owned enterprise is world’s largest mobile network. China Mobile has also the greatest number of mobile subscribers. As of 2009, it is the world's largest mobile phone operator, with more than 508 million subscribers. But it seems losing its grip in the global brand value. In 2009, it is 2 positions below its last year’s ranking. In 2008, China Mobile was at 5th spot.

8.

Brand value: $59,793 million

GE or General Electric had been ranked the world’s largest company in the world by Forbes with a strength of 3, 23,000 employees. But in the rankings of global brands, it is the biggest loser. GE is 6 positions below by its last year’s rank.

9.

Brand value: $53,727 million

Vodafone, a British multinational mobile network operator is the world's largest mobile telecommunication network company, based on revenue. It currently has operations in 31 countries and partner networks in a further 40 countries. It advanced by 2 spots from last year’s standing.

10.

Brand Value: $49,460 million

Marlboro, major cigarettes brand has retained its position and is firmly stands on 10th.

Top 10 Countries to Live in 2010

China might be emerging super power, countries in Middle East might have petro-dollars and Brazil and India might be emerging economies; but this is not enough to be the greatest places to live in. Quality of life is not only about GDP or military power. It is about cost of living, culture and leisure, economy, environment, freedom, health, infrastructure, safety and risk, and climate.

Travel magazine International Living published its annual Quality of Life Index for year 2010. Below is the list of top ten countries.

#1. France

France topped the list for the fifth time in a row with a bang. It has scored brilliantly in most categories. France has the best public healthcare system in the world. However, the soul of this great country lies in its culture, leisure and architecture. It is also one of the most visited countries in the world.

#2. Australia

Australia is not known as “sporting nation” because of its people love for sports. It is also famous for its large beaches and moderate climate. Cost of living in its biggest cities such as Melbourne and Sydney is lesser than other great cities in the world. The Australian economy is driven by agricultural, mineral, and energy exports.

#3. Switzerland

The greenest country in the world has also made it to the top three of quality of life index. Switzerland has once again proved that it has much more than the famous lakes and mountains. It is the brightest example of how good governance and smart policies can turned the natural disadvantages of a country into advantages. Its economy is not dependent on tourism anymore. It is now also known for its watches, secretive banks and technology.

#4. Germany

With relatively stable economy, Germany is 4th best place to live in. It is one of the biggest exporters in the world. It is also fifth largest in purchasing power. The country has also developed a high standard of living.

#5. New Zealand

Like Switzerland, New Zealand is also famous for its natural beauty. From Auckland's waterfront to the Southern Alps, it has some of the cleanest landscapes on earth. Its citizens have a great emphasis on sports, beach-life, and healthy lifestyles.

#6. Luxembourg

With per capita GDP of $88,000, Luxembourg is one of the world's richest countries. With only 51 miles long and 35 miles wide, it is relatively unknown to the people in rest of the world but it always performs great when it comes to quality of life index. It is also famous for its great restaurants.

#7. United States

United States is undoubtedly one of the most influential and powerful countries in the world. It has something to offer for everyone. It is the land of opportunities and convenience. It is clean, efficient, innovative, famous, democratic, rich and powerful. What else needed?

#8. Belgium

Belgium’s capital Brussels is the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. Brussels can also be termed as the greenest city in Europe.

#9. Canada

Canada is another name of natural beauty and resources. Islands of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia are very popular among tourists. Health care and living standards in Canada are among the highest in the world. Canada's economy is based on huge natural resources, financial industry and innovative manufacturing industry.

#10. Italy

Italy is famous for its food and lifestyle. Its economy is largely driven by the manufacture of high-quality consumer goods produced by small and medium-sized enterprises.

Top 5 Job Search Engines

Last year had been like a nightmare for job seekers as well as job doers. Millions of jobs were drowned worldwide in the financial tsunami. This was the worst recession in decades and the fallout of the crisis was felt almost everywhere in the world. Otherwise established professionals were handed over pink slips and young job seekers found it almost impossible to find jobs.

Image Courtesy: ww.bc.edu

But as the months passed on, the financial demon started losing teeth and now the situation is heading toward normalcy. Companies have started hiring again. However, finding a good job is not child’s play as it needs its share of planning - which starts with a good platform to find a job.

Job search engines are relatively new concept in job finding business but it has already made a mark. These websites allow users to search the major job sites, company sites, associations, news papers and other online job sites by keyword and location. No matter you are a fresher or a professional, these sites may help you a lot in finding your dream job.

Indeed.com

Whether you are employed, unemployed or just trying to build your career, this job search engine can make your job a bit easier. The idea behind the search engine is - “one search. all jobs.” and it fulfills its promise to the fullest. It includes job listings from all other search engines in its search results. It is easy to use and has plenty of tips and tutorials. Its search results include millions of jobs from thousands of web sites that include company career pages, job boards, newspaper classifieds, associations, and blogs. It also provides facility to search job trends and salaries, read and take part in discussion forums, research companies and even find people working for companies of interest through their online social networks.

Monster.com

Monster is the biggest job website and has its pros and cons. Monster offers valuable information in form of tips and tricks about resumes, interviewing and salary negotiation. Its “privacy plus” feature allows you to block specified companies from viewing your resume. It especially helps you to keep your resume confidential in the eyes of your current employer. Yahoo Hot Jobs was the first to implement this feature.

Hotjobs.yahoo.com

Other than job searching features, the most attractive feature of Yahoo’s hot jobs is its “status” feature that allows you to view how many times your resume has been viewed. It also allows you to block your resume from being viewed by certain companies. Like other job search engines it also has multiple search options.

Simplyhired.com

Simplyhired.com combines results from other job sites, newspapers, company websites, associations and other online sources and offers multiple search options. Users can search jobs by occupation, job title or location, and results can be filtered by job type, education, work experience, company revenue, company size or other characteristics. The site is strictly for job seekers and employers can’t post jobs here. You can’t post your resume directly to this site but there is a feature that allows you to send your resume to other web sites.

Careerbuilder.com

CareerBuilder.com fetches job listings not from other job sites, but from the pages of major newspapers - so a job search on this site might turn up something new, especially if you are looking for work in a metro city served by one of these newspaper chains.