U.S. tosses immigrant visas lottery results after computer glitch

The State Department apologized for a computer glitch that invalidated results for thousands who thought they were chosen in the most recent green card visa lottery.

Millions of people worldwide apply for the 50,000 permanent resident visas issued a year to relocate to the U.S.

A computer randomly picks would-be immigrants who then undergo interviews, background checks and medical exams before visas can be issued.

"Due to a computer programming problem, the results of the 2012 diversity lottery that were previously posted on this website have been voided," the State Department said in a statement Friday. "We regret any inconvenience this might have caused."

The results of lottery were not valid, and the drawing will be redone.

"They did not represent a fair random selection of the entrants, which is required by U.S. law," said David Donahue, a deputy assistant for the State Department.


US Apologizes for Visa Lottery Error..


The State Department is apologizing for a computer error that led thousands of people to believe they had been selected as finalists in a U.S. immigrant visa lottery. The selection process, involving nearly 15 million visa applicants, will be re-run.

The State Department is making a rare public apology for an embarrassing computer error that has prompted it to re-do its 2012 diversity immigrant visa lottery.

The diversity visa lottery was established by the Congress in 1994 to increase the number of immigrants coming to the country from developing states and other countries with traditionally low rates of immigration to the United States.

Nearly 15 million people, representing about 20 million with family members included, registered late last year for the 2012 computerized lottery under which 50,000 visa winners were to be selected.

State Department officials say the error caused 90 percent of the people selected as visa finalists to have been drawn from applications received on the first two days of the month-long entry process that began last October.

When the error was discovered in recent days, officials decided that the selection was neither random nor fair and would have to be done again.

But they estimate that in the meantime more than 20,000 applicants had been informed erroneously that they had been chosen to move ahead in the process.

In a message posted Friday on the State Department's visa website, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Donahue explained and apologized.

Brain chemical memory link found

Memory maker

Scientists believe that periods of sleep called short-wave sleep are important for the consolidation of "memories" acquired during the day.

Just before going to bed, some of the volunteers were given a drug designed to increase levels of acetylcholine, which is a chemical neurotransmitter found in the brain and central nervous system.

The others were left with normal levels of acetylcholine.

In the middle of the night, they were re-tested on a list of words they had been asked to memorise the previous day.

Those with high acetylcholine levels did worse than those who had not been given the drug.

Researchers from a German University found that volunteers with boosted levels of acetylcholine performed less well in night-time memory tests.

The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is intriguing for experts interested in Alzheimer's disease.

A lack of the chemical is currently thought to play a role in the illness.

The small study at the University of Lubeck focuses on healthy young men - rather than older subjects or Alzheimer's patients.

The researchers wanted to test the relationship between levels of the brain chemical to their ability to lay down new memories during the night.

Alzheimer's question

While the aim of the study was primarily to test the mechanisms of memory storage, the authors said it might suggest ways of improving the treatment of some Alzheimer's patients.

Many take drugs that boost acetylcholine levels before going to bed because they will then sleep through any unpleasant side-effects.

However, the researchers wrote: "The finding implies that the administration of cholinesterase inhibitors before sleep in Alzheimer's patients should be reconsidered."

India brings luxury lifestyle title Robb

India brings luxury lifestyle title Robb; The new emerging destination of luxury .

India has witnessed the launch of its very own edition of Robb Report. The premiere issue of Robb Report India reached the country’s most affluent readers on 5th May, 2011. CurtCo Media, the publishers of Robb Report across China, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Spain, and Middle East has partnered with India Today Group to present the international luxury lifestyle in India.


Aimed at the country’s most wealthy individuals, India’s richest connoisseurs, gourmands, thrill seekers and treasure hunters can now turn to the pages of Robb Report India to discover how to spend their money on the finer things in life. From art, watches, yachts, private jets, wine, haute cuisine, travel, style and sport, Robb Report India will define elegance and distinction for India’s discerning luxury consumers.Robb Report India will focus on luxury goods and services offered both internationally and in India. It will be a guide to the best-in-class the world has to offer including some of the finest experiences and must-haves from the Indian subcontinent.


The 8th international edition, Robb Report India will match the exacting standards set by its cousins around the world.


“India is fast becoming a hub of luxury, with its growing clan of über-rich billionaires and booming businesses. For connoisseurs seeking the very best that life has to offer, Robb Report remains the essential luxury resource. We are therefore pleased to add Robb Report to our stable of market-leading brands, and to growing our relationship with the wealthiest homes in India.” said India Today Group Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, Aroon Purie.


Robb Report India will publish 12 issues every year and will be available only by invitation to a restricted list of readers. With an initial print run of 35,000 copies, the magazine will reach out to high net worth individuals and connoisseurs across India. The inaugural issue will showcase the products and services available from the most prestigious luxury brands around the globe, and will also provide its sophisticated readership with detailed insight into a range of these subjects, which include antique and luxury automobiles, yachts, real estate, destinations, exquisite real estate, private aircraft, fashion, fine jewellery and watches, art, wine, state-of-the-art home décor and much more.


Govind Dhar has been appointed as the Executive Editor of Robb Report India. Govind has extensive experience in the field of lifestyle luxury journalism and has lent his expertise to some of the most respected media houses and publications.