Top Masala News

Should Sanya Mirza Play for India or Pakistan ?

2010-04-02T02:05:00.001-07:00

Now that it is known that Sania Mirza is tying a knott with former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik.

Greater interest now revolves around the country the tennis star will represent after her marriage to the cricketer later this month.

Shiv Sena, which opposes sporting and cultural ties with Pakistan, has expressed reservations over Mirza’s decision to play for India despite marrying a Pakistani national. “If Sania marries a Pakistani, she will have to adopt Pakistani nationality. In such a scenario, how can she play for India? She should go to Pakistan and live there peacefully,” Sena leader Sanjay Raut as reported in DNA India

Shiv Sena, which opposes sporting and cultural ties with Pakistan, has expressed reservations over Mirza’s decision to play for India despite marrying a Pakistani national. “If Sania marries a Pakistani, she will have to adopt Pakistani nationality. In such a scenario, how can she play for India? She should go to Pakistan and live there peacefully,” Sena leader Sanjay Raut
“Is India like a tennis ball that is placed in one court one day and in another some other time? She would play for India and her husband against India. We cannot tolerate this,” fumed Raut... reports DNA India

Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) chief Dilawar Abbas went a step further. He said he expects Mirza to follow tradition and represent her husband’s country. Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) chief Dilawar Abbas went a step further. He said he expects Mirza to follow tradition and represent her husband’s country.

What shoud Sanya Mirza Do ?

Should She Play for India ?
or.... Play For Pakistan
or.... Say Bye Bye to Tennis
or ..... Dump Malik and concentrate on her Tennis

What are your views on this ....... Use the Comments links given below to leave your response. ... I am sure it will be interesting to watch what you feel about it

Mohammad Asif fails IPL dope test

2008-07-14T05:26:00.000-07:00

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif has been named by the Indian Premier League as the player who failed a drugs test.

IPL commissioner Lalit Modi confirmed on Sunday that a player tested positive for a banned substance during the first edition of the tournament, but did not reveal who it was.

However, Asif, who played for the Delhi Daredevils, was named in a statement from the IPL on Monday as the player in question.

The statement read: "The Indian Premier League compared the result from the WADA-approved laboratory in Switzerland with the data collected by IDTM, the Sweden-based independent agency which organised the anti-doping testing in accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards, to confirm the player in violation is Mr Mohammad Asif."

The Indian Premier League has found itself in the wrong foot, as it is being rocked by a doping scandal involving an Asian pace bowler. A sample taken during a random dope test in the inaugural edition of the IPL has turned out to be positive. Source TOI and Press Association

Hottest curry in the World

2008-07-12T01:21:00.000-07:00

This is Real Masala News - an Indian chef has created Bollywood Burner –the “hottest curry in the world” – which contains the Dorset Naga, a chilli that is 100 times hotter than a regular jalapeno as well as lamb and other peppers.

The ‘brain storming’ dish has been created by executive chef Vivek Singh, of London’s Cinnamon Club restaurant, for a contest that marks the launch of Virgin Media’s Bollywood Movies on Demand service.

The dish is so hot that it comes with a health warning.

“In my opinion, it is the hottest curry ever. When Virgin Media approached me, I saw it as a challenge,” the Daily Star quoted Singh, as saying.

“Doing research, I was astonished that one of the world’s hottest peppers came from Dorset. It’s a fantastic traditional Indian recipe mixed with something English to create something new.”

Source Sify.com

England planing a rival league to IPL

2008-07-12T01:14:00.000-07:00

In a bid to pose competition to the Indian Premier League, England may "effectively abolish" its traditional county cricket structure and stage a 50 million pound Twenty20 tournament from June 2010.

Although its architects will deny the charge of plagiarism, the similarities between the radical new Twenty20 competition leaked yesterday and the Indian Premier League (IPL) are so clear that it seems the ground-breaking tournament has simply been transported thousands of miles from Bombay to London.

"A blueprint has been prepared for a 50 million pound Twenty20 tournament to be staged in England which will rival the Indian Premier League. The radical proposal would see the county structure replaced by nine franchises based on the grounds that already stage Tests and one-day games," the 'BBC Sport' reported.

For more Info Check out : Inspired by fear of losing out to Indian Premier League riches

England could stage rival league to IPL

SRK to stay away from IPL Matches

2008-05-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

In an emotional outburst, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan today said that he would stay away from the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League till he understood the code of conduct expected of him at the matches, a statement which has the potential to throw the Indian Premier league into a fresh controversy.

Making an oblique reference to his being debarred from the players' dugout at the Eden Gardens by the ICC Anti Corruption officials, Shah Rukh said in a sms to his Kolkata Knight Rider players that he was still trying to understand the code of conduct expected of him at the matches.

"I am still trying to understand the code of conduct expected of me at the matches of the IPL.... ICC... Etc.... After I understand it, I will decide whether to accept it or not. Till such time, I will be with you guys at the hotel, in the meeting etc., but wont come for the matches," he said.

Denying suggestions in a section of the media that his absence from the field had something to do with the team's poor performance, he said "please dont ever feel it is anything to do with us as a team.... I am as dedicated to my Knights as I am to my kids.... Only, I wont be coming to the class room till the headmasters rules are understood by me.... I am a bit anti-Establishment kind of a guy, so I apologise for this quirk to u all." Shah Rukh, who owns the Kolkata Knight Riders team, also denied any rift involving him, captain Sourav Ganguly and coach John Buchanan saying such things are normal when the scale is not tilted in one's favour. ...PTI

Priyanka Chopra is the New Face of Pond's

2008-05-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Tuesday, May 06, 2008 -- (Business Wire India) -- Amidst much excitement and anticipation, Pond's, one of the worlds leading and most respected skincare brands today announced its new brand ambassador, the beautiful Bollywood actress Ms. Priyanka Chopra as the new face of Pond's across all the brand's ranges in India.

From her stunning dimpled smile to her immaculate skin, the former Miss World personifies everything that Pond's stands for - sophisticated beauty and charming ...something that everyone loves to love.. This stunner, who represents the hope of love and romance in our lives, will now embrace the hopes and aspirations of thousands of Indian women across the country through her association with Pond's.

As brand ambassador, Priyanka Chopra will play a key role in brand and product communication across various platforms on television, in print and outdoor media. Commenting on Priyanka Chopra as brand ambassador for Pond's, Mr. Venkat Sridhar General Manager, Skin Care, Hindustan Unilever Limited expressed, "There is a perfect fit between Priyanka Chopra and Ponds - their timelessness and their ability to touch the lives of millions of women which makes this an ideal association. Moreover, Priyanka has an international appeal that extends to women across all age groups, just as our skincare solutions do. The gorgeous Priyanka seems like the perfect ambadassor for Pond's, the brand that stands for beauty and romance. We are privileged to have Priyanka Chopra, one of India's most beautiful woman endorse our brand.

Commenting on her association with Ponds, Brand Ambassador Priyanka Chopra said "Being the face of Pond's is a big honour for me. It makes me nostalgic, as I have used Pond's as a child. The brand has become extremely international; these are international range of products being offered to you. They not only look different they feel different on your skin. They are top of the line quality products catering to every age group, weather it is an anti ageing cream, skin lightening cream or a face wash. They all say love is what makes the world go around and Pond's is Love's helping hand. It is all about romance and making you feel lovely." The association with Priyanka Chopra is just the beginning of bigger and better things to come for the brand as it globally relaunches itself in a brand new avatar with superior and holistic face care solutions. Over the years ,Pond's has gained the reputation of a brand synonymous with skincare the world over owing to its pioneering leadership in skincare technology and commitment to providing women the world over with innovative breakthrough in skincare solutions and delivering superior products.

ABOUT POND'S: Pond's is a global face care expert that has a presence in 58 countries and strong presence in the three top face care countries - Japan, Korea and the US - making it a skin care brand to reckon with. The Pond's International skincare range is already a confidante and advisor of women who are in control of their lives, looks and environment. The brand boasts of state-of-the-art R&D facilities led from New York, Tokyo, Madrid and Mumbai helping it create international beauty solutions for the discerning woman. The Pond's philosophy is based on the application of leading-edge technology to face care. By combining this with an intimate understanding of the woman's skin care needs and requirements, Pond's delivers results women can see and feel.

The Great Indian Premier League (IPL) - Dates

2008-04-18T02:31:00.000-07:00

Schedule of Indian Premier League (IPL)

IPL kicks off today - Check out the IPL Match Schedule:

April 19 : Delhi v Jaipur at Delhi
April 20: Mumbai v Bangalore at Mumbai;Kolkata v Hyderabad at Kolkata
April 21: Jaipur v Mohali at Jaipur
April 22: Hyderabad v Delhi at Hyderabad
April 23: Chennai v Mumbai at Chennai
April 24: Hyderabad v Jaipur at Hyderabad
April 25: Mohali v Mumbai at Mohali
April 26: Bangalore v Jaipur at Bangalore; Chennai v Kolkata at Chennai
April 27: Mumbai v Hyderabad at Mumbai;Mohali v Delhi at Mohali
April 28: Bangalore v Chennai at Bangalore
April 29: Kolkata v Mumbai at Kolkata
April 30: Delhi v Bangalore at Delhi.
May 1: Hyderabad v Mohali at Hyderabad; Jaipur v Kolkata at Jaipur
May 2: Chennai v Delhi at Chennai.
May 3: Hyderabad at Bangalore at Hyderabad; Mohali v Kolkata at Mohali
May 4: Mumbai v Delhi at Mumbai; Jaipur v Chennai at Jaipur
May 5: Bangalore v Mohali at Bangalore
May 6: Chennai v Hyderabad at Chennai
May 7: Mumbai v Jaipur at Mumbai
May 8: Delhi v Chennai at Delhi; Kolkata v Bangalore at Kolkata
May 9: Jaipur v Hyderabad at Jaipur
May 10: Bangalore v Mumbai at Bangalore; Chennai v Mohali at Chennai
May 11: Hyderabad v Kolkata at Hyderabad; Jaipur v Delhi at Jaipur
May 12: Mohali v Bangalore at Mohali
May 13: Kolkata v Delhi at Kolkata
May 14: Mumbai v Chennai at Mumbai;Mohali v Jaipur at Mohali
May 15: Delhi v Hyderabad at Delhi
May 16: Mumbai v Kolkata at Mumbai
May 17: Delhi v Mohali at Delhi; Jaipur v Bangalore at Jaipur
May 18: Hyderabad v Mumbai at Hyderabad; Kolkata v Chenna at Kolkata
May 19: Bangalore v Delhi at Bangalore
May 20: Kolkata v Jaipur at Kolkata
May 21: Mumbai v Mohali at Mumbai; Chennai v Bangalore at Chennai
May 22: Delhi v Kolkata at Delhi
May 23: Mohali v Hyderabad at Mohali.
May 24: Delhi v Mumbai at Delhi; Chennai v Jaipur at Chennai
May 25: Bangalore v Hyderabad at Bangalore; Kolkata v Mohali at Kolkata
May 26: Jaipur v Mumbai at Jaipur
May 27: Hyderabad v Chennai at Hyderabad
May 28 and 29: Rest days
May 30: First semi-final at Mumbai
May 31: Second semi-final at Mumbai
June 1: Final at Mumbai

The Indian Premier League has launched its website iplt20.com, developed by Live Current Media (LCM), a Canadian company which bought the portal rights for the next ten years

Sania Mirza moves up in singles and doubles WTA rankings

2008-03-31T06:10:00.000-07:00

Sania Mirza, struggling to recover from a wrist injury, moved one place up to 31 in singles and gained three spots in doubles to be 22 in the latest WTA tennis rankings.

Sania, who withdrew from the on-going Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, made the singles pre-quarterfinal at the Pacific Life open and reached doubles semi-finals with American partner Bethanie Mattek at the same event.

In men's section, Mahesh Bhupathi continued his rise in the ATP ranking charts and stands 13th with a gain of four spots while his estranged partner Leander Paes dropped to 19, losing two positions (Source sports.indiatimes.com)

Akshay Kumar is Delhi Daredevil's brand ambassador

2008-03-31T06:07:00.001-07:00

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was on Monday ropped in as brand ambassador of the Indian Premier League's 'Delhi Daredevils' team.

Akshay, born and brought up in the capital's Chandni Chowk area, surprised a packed room at a five star hotel when he emerged in dim light making a batting gesture with helmets and a willow in Daredevils' red and black shirt.

"My heart beats for Delhi. I consider myself a pucca Dilliwalah. I would like to thank the GMR Group (team owners) for choosing me as the first fan of Delhi Daredevils. I hope I become a lucky mascot for the team," the actor said with his trademark mischievous smile.

The actor, who gave to big hits recently, advised probing journalists not to think of his involvement in IPL as taking on fellow actor Shah Rukh Khan and think of him as a Delhiite, who wish to bring success to the team.

SC dismisses case against Amitabh Bachchan

2008-03-31T06:02:00.000-07:00

Supreme Court of India on Monday threw out a case against Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who stood accused of illegally buying farmland by falsely declaring he was a farmer, a report said.

Bachchan's ownership of land in Uttar Pradesh state -- which his wife represents in parliament -- came under scrutiny after claims he had used his political connections to be designated as a farmer.

In December, the state's high court dismissed the case, citing a lack of evidence, but the state's government appealed to the Supreme Court.

The country's top court rejected the appeal on Monday, the Press Trust of India news agency said, without giving further details.

Many Indian states allow only farmers to purchase agricultural land.

Australian Cricket now wants BCCI to discipline Harbhajan

2008-03-08T06:28:00.000-08:00

CRICKET Australia has finally abandoned diplomacy and demanded that India discipline Harbhajan Singh for his latest outburst in an increasingly tiresome feud, after the spinner questioned the credibility of Matthew Hayden and the ethics of Adam Gilchrist.

CA chief executive James Sutherland yesterday wrote to Indian board secretary Niranjan Shah expressing exasperation with the controversial spinner.

"Enough is enough," Sutherland wrote. "Despite assurances that you have instructed him not to fuel this issue any more, Harbhajan continues to say whatever he wants. When will it ever end? Could you please deal with your player in regard to these comments." reports Sydney Morning Herald, Australia >> Read More

Times Now Video accuses Aussies of cheating

2008-03-04T05:51:00.000-08:00

IndiaTimes video accuses Andrew Symonds of cheating

A VIDEO on Indiatimes Online makes an extraordinary attack on Andrew Symonds and accuses the Australian cricket team of cheating. The video, produced by Indiatimes online & TimesNow , says Symonds knew the ball had touched the ground when he claimed a catch in a recent one-day match in the tri-series involving India, Australia and Sri Lanka.

The commentator, Boria Majumbar, says of Symonds: "The controversial Andrew Symonds is at it again ... once unethical, always unethical."

And he says of the Australian team: "Sport ceases to be sport when its very essence, sportsmanship, is taken away from it. And the Aussies, its seems, to me, are doing exactly that.

"Their win-at-all-costs mentality is robbing cricket of its very charm."

click here to see the video

Source : www.news.com.au

TCS asks 500 to resign - More layoffs at TCS shortly

2008-02-05T19:08:00.000-08:00

India’s leading software services company, TCS, have announced that around 500 employees have been asked to resign due to their poor performance.

With the American economy in deep trouble, Indian IT sector is in trouble. It has been speculated that IT companies have started actually tough regarding employee productivity as a result of the rupee rising against the dollar.

Tata Consultancy Services, which employs over 100,000 workers, has said it would cut 1.5 per cent from employees' salaries in the fourth quarter, as it fell short of certain financial targets following a sharp rise in the value of rupee against dollar and the slowdown in the US economy.

TCS' decision comes on the heels of global IT major IBM getting rid of a large number of its entry-level trainee programmers across major offices in the country on the grounds of performance.

Sania Mirza ranked No.1 in Asia

2008-01-28T03:59:00.000-08:00

India's Sania Mirza on Monday climbed three places to 29 on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour and now she is Asia Number One for the first time.

The WTA website shows Sania, ranked 32nd before the Australian Open, has 931 points. This is, however, not the 21-year-old player's career-best ranking as she was 27th in August.

Na Li of China at 32nd is the second best Asian on the WTA ranking list with 882 points.

Sania, who was seeded No. 31 at the just-concluded Australian Open, lost to eighth seed Venus Williams in the third round of the singles competition in Melbourne. Venus Williams won 7-6 (0), 6-4, but not before Sania led 5-3 in the first set.

Sania, who has a forceful forehand, and Mahesh Bhupathi then reached the mixed doubles final. The Indians lost to Tiantian Sun of China and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia 6-7, 4-6 in the final Sunday.

The Hyderabad-based Sania, who is also a member of the Indian Fed Cup team, turned professional in 2003 and has earned $1,045,416 in prize money so far.

Sania reached quarter-finals of the Hobart tournament this month, going into the Australian Open.

In 2006, Sania won the WTA Newcomer of the Year Award.

Indian Premier League (IPL) Teams Auction Results

2008-01-24T05:05:00.000-08:00

BCCI vice-president and chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council Lalit Modi disclosed the names of the winning bidders of IPL Teams

Mukesh Ambani wins the bid for the Mumbai team for $111.9 million.

Vijay Mallya gets Bangalore team, for US $111.6 million.

Shah Rukh Khan, joining hands with Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, won the bid for the Kolkata team, for US $75.09 million.

Preity Zinta and her boy friend Ness Wadia won the bid for the Mohali team for $76 million.

Deccan Chronicle won the bid for the Hyderabad team for US $107.01 million

GMR Holdings was successful in bidding for the Delhi team 4 US $84 million

India Cements gets the Chennai team for US $91 million

Emerging Media won the bid for the Jaipur team for $67 million.

TATA Motors One Lakh Car - "NANO"

2008-01-10T00:25:00.000-08:00

India's Tata Motors on Thursday unveiled its much anticipated Rs. 100,000 ( US$2,500) car, an ultracheap price tag that suddenly brings car ownership into the reach of tens of millions of people across the world. While the price has created a buzz, critics say the vehicle, called the Tata Nano, will lead to possibly.

While critics had been skeptical throughout about the car meeting safety and emission norms, coming as it is at that price, Mr Tata said he was happy to announce that Nano meets all norms, as would a modern car....Dispelling myths that the car was not safe enough Tata said, 'The car has passed the full-frontal crash and the side impact crash''. He also side stepped emission concerns and said the car will meet Euro IV norms

The car is eight per cent shorter than Maruti 800 on bumper-to-bumper length, but is 21 per cent more spacious, claimed Mr Tata.

The Nano is spare, with many features shaved off: there's no radio, no air conditioning, no passenger-side mirror, and only one windshield wiper.

The company has said they expect the car to revolutionize the auto industry, and analysts believe the Nano may force other auto manufacturers to lower their own pricing.

The TATA Nano will come in three variants -- standard and two deluxe models with AC. The standard car would be available for Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom), while VAT and transportation costs are extra.

Steve Bucknor removed as umpire for Perth Test

2008-01-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor has been replaced for next week's third Test between Australia and India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Tuesday.

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) had requested that the Jamaican umpire be replaced after a series of poor decisions in the controversial second Test in Sydney.

ICC president Mal Speed told a news conference that New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden would stand in his place.

Earlier too there were reports that the controversial umpire is most likely to sit out of the third Test at Perth after a livid Indian team went public with their grouse against the veteran West Indian.

It is learnt that ICC is favorably inclined to agree with the request of the Indian team that Bucknor does not stand in any other match of the ongoing series.

SWIFT SEDAN coming soon

2008-01-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

Bye, Bye Esteem - Welcome Swift Sedan - Maruti Udyog is all set to launch a new sedan based on the Swift platform shortly - "Swift Sedan", to replace one of its most successful models - Esteem.

The company has already halted production of the car model - Esteem, and will be shortly replacing it with a sedan version of its run away success, the Swift.

The new Swift sedan would most probably be seen on Indian roads by March 2008, powered by a 1.3 litre petrol engine just as the Esteem was. Later in the year, the diesel version will also come to market.

With the increasing dieselisation of the Indian small cars, Suzuki is already witnessing a demand for its Swift diesel far outstrip what it can supply. Reasonably, the company would not like to cannibalise its sales pipeline for the diesel Swift by bringing out a diesel Swift sedan at this time, industry sources said.

The company would initially launch a petrol variant of the Swift sedan sporting a 1.3 litre engine and is likely to introduce a diesel version later in the year.

Ramesh Bhatkar accused in Rape Charges

2007-12-26T04:14:00.000-08:00

A leading Marathi actor, Congressman and four others were booked by the Wanowrie police. They have allegedly been named in the rape of a 17-year-old girl.ccording to the Pune police, with whom the girl's mother lodged a complaint Tuesday night, Naidu lured the girl by promising her a break in the movies and raped her at his farmhouse last March. She was taken, it was alleged, to Bhatkar's residence in Kothrud area of Pune in August, where the actor solicited sexual favours.

The girl was let off from the flat after she raised an alarm, the complaint said. Ramesh Bhatkar has been booked under IPC 354, police added.

Wanna Stop Smoking - Here are a few tips to help U Quit

2007-12-24T07:59:00.000-08:00

Here a few tips that might Help you to Quit Smoking

Make a list. Write down why you want to stop smoking.
Pick a good time to quit. Avoid times when you will be under a lot of stress, especially holidays.
Throw out all cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters from your home and car.
Consider changing your daily routine. For example, take a different route to work or school.
Drink lots of water, eat a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol.
Get support. Tell family, friends and coworkers that you are going to quit. Ask that they not smoke around you or
leave cigarettes out where you can see them. Maybe even get one of them to quit with you.
Be aware that you may not quit on the first try. Most smokers need a few practice runs to quit for good. Be patient,........but persistent.
Be prepared for difficult situations and side effects. Some may experience depression, irritability and headaches.
Talk with your health care provider. Consider getting help by attending cessation classes and using medications.
Keep busy! Exercise every day, even if it’s just going for a walk. Make a list of what you are going to do instead of smoke. Do something you enjoy!

Some Good Articles on the Net on Tips to Quit Smoking

12 Ways To Quit Smoking- Health- >>
Today renew your pledge to quit smoking...If you have tried to quit smoking and failed before, take comfort in the fact that most smokers fail several times ...>> Indiatimes

Quit Smoking - How to stop smoking
The health benefits when you quit smoking are immediate and substantial. Almost immediately, a person's circulation begins to improve and the level >> Vibranthealthnow.com

Don (Telugu) Movie Review

2007-12-21T05:48:00.000-08:00

Oniondosa Reports : Below average,not a film expected from Nagarjuna. Story,screenplay,choreography,music,direction,acting chesina Lawrence majority of the departments lo fail ayyadu.Story is routine.Screenplay is predictable.Style undhi kani substance takkuva.Quantity undhi kani quality ledhu. Asalu comedy ledhu,okka comedian kuda e cinema lo kanipinchadu.

"Don lives up to its expectations. The hard work of the hero, director and the heroine and the entire crew has paid off. This Don is different from expectations and has some refreshing story twists and taking.

On the whole this is a neat and full family entertainer which can be watched with the entire family except for two scenes where Anushka is Sexplosive." >> TeluguPoint

Well, it does come with a glossy package, but the content unfortunately is surely to disappoint even Nagarjuna’s hardcore fans. However, Nagarjuna still makes his fashion statement by wearing pristine white chikan kurta pyjamas. But we would vote for the golden paisley patch on his jeans in Mudde pettu song to be the most copied style, this clubbing season! >> IndiaGlitz

Deepika Padukone and Yuvraj Singh

2007-12-14T05:01:00.000-08:00

The heat is on between Deepika and Yuvi! reports HTTabloid - Exerpts:

Now, it can be confirmed . Deepika Padukone and Yuvraj Singh are happening BIG-time. Dhoni and Ranbir are out of the race. Yuvi threw his 26th birthday bash on Wednesday at the Enigma disco in Marriott. Deepika and Yuvraj were stuck like Siamese twins. And when it came to cutting the birthday cake.. Deepika was still glued to our cricketer.

Yuvi fed the first piece of cake to her. Then she fed the first piece of the cake to him. Seems, nothing remains to be disclosed now....

Meanwhile in another news Timesnow.tv reports "Actress Deepika Padukone on Thursday denied the rumours of engagement with Yuvraj Singh, the cricketing hero and a left-handed batsman in the Indian cricket team at an event in Delhi.

While the entire film and cricketing world has been busy speculating the man in tinsel town’s newest queen Deepika Padukone's life, the lady has gone out and clearly stated her single status.

Sania Mirza's Ad. in Mosque evokes protest

2007-12-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

Hyderabad, Dec 11 The shooting of a commercial advertisement featuring tennis star Sania Mirza at the historic Mecca Masjid here has sparked a row with the minorities welfare department seeking a report from the mosque officials.

The ad was shot Monday without the permission of the department, which is responsible for the upkeep of the 17th century mosque. The shooting also evoked protest from the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM), a powerful Muslim political party in the Muslim-majority old city.

MIM and some locals objected to the shooting and Sania Mirza's participation in it.

The advertisers had informed the police about the shooting and Sania's arrival but did not bother to take permission from the minorities welfare department. The police reportedly used mild force twice to disperse locals objecting to the shooting.

The mosque employees said the attitude of some of the members of shooting unit was also objectionable. They were reportedly wearing shoes when they entered the mosque and pushed away a mosque watchman who tried to stop them.

Sheikh Karmeeullah, the district minority welfare officer, Hyderabad, has sought a report from the superintendent and manager of the mosque on the incident.

Khaja Nayeemuddin, superintendent of the mosque, said he had no information about the film shooting. The two-hour shooting was over before the mosque custodians could reach the spot.

The mosque officials pointed out that the shooting of films and commercials was not permitted in the mosque premises.

MIM has protested to the minorities welfare department. "This is an attack on the sanctity of the mosque and it has hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims," said MIM legislator from Charminar Ahmed Pasha Khadri.

He said while Sania was free to act in any commercial, the mosque could not be used for such activities.

The mosque, located in the heart of the city, is a major tourist centre. Tight security is in place at the mosque since the May 18 bomb blast that killed nine people. Muslims constitute 40 percent of the city's seven million population.

Kingfisher Calendar 2008 is out

2007-12-10T18:36:00.000-08:00

MUMBAI: The Sixth edition of the award winning 'Kingfisher Swimsuit Special' (2008) was unveiled by Bollywood actor John Abraham along with UB Ltd Chairman Dr Vijay Mallya amidst a host of celebrities from the world of fashion, business and celluloid here on Sunday. Shot by ace photographer Atul Kasbekar, the calendar features seven models.

This year's swimsuit special has some of the finest and most luxurious brands in the world including La Perla swimwear from their special 'India inspired line', shoes by Jimmy Choo, sunglasses by Roberto Cavalli, watches by Watches of Switzerland and accessories by Christian Dior.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mallya said this year's calendar has been shot against splendid landscapes in India. With locales ranging from mysterious land of Ladakh to the emerald isles of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, from the magnificient palaces of Udaipur to the sandy beaches of Goa, the calendar 0encapsulates the ethereal Indian beauty.>> More

Fried food may increase cancer risk in women

2007-12-03T23:19:00.000-08:00

London, Dec 4 Consumption of fried, grilled or roasted food may double the chances of women getting cancer, a study by Dutch researchers has found.

The study found that women who ate more acrylamide - a chemical produced when the food if fried, grilled or roasted - appeared to be more at risk of cancer, reports the online edition of BBC News.

The experts added that other factors could also be to blame but advised people to avoid overcooking when baking, frying or toasting carbohydrate-rich foods.

The scientists said those who ate 40 micrograms of acrylamide a day - equivalent to half a pack of biscuits, a portion of chips, or a single packet of crisps - were twice as likely to fall prey to cancer as compared with those who ate much less acrylamide. source IANS

One Laptop per Child date extended upto Dec. 31

2007-12-03T00:14:00.000-08:00

One Laptop per Child Give One Get One Program extended to Dec. 31

One Laptop per Child (OLPC), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing every child in the world access to new channels of learning, sharing and self-expression, is extending its recently launched Give One Get One program beyond the initial two-week limited time offer through December 31, 2007, in the USA and Canada. The extended period gives people more time to participate in this unique giving program and support the mission of One Laptop per Child.

On November 12, OLPC launched the Give One Get One program for individuals in the USA and Canada to support the OLPC Foundation by paying US$399 for two XO children’s laptops – the buyer gets one laptop and the other is given to a child in the developing world. The donated laptops will go to children in such countries as Afghanistan, Cambodia, Haiti, Mongolia and Rwanda.

“In the past 10 days, we’ve experienced an outpouring of support from the public that is truly gratifying and encouraging,” said Nicholas Negroponte, founder and chairman of One Laptop per Child. “Because so many people have asked for more time to participate either individually or in order to organize local and national groups to which they belong, we have decided to extend Give One Get One through the end of this year. During this extended period we will solicit input and transition to a program of giving only at the beginning of 2008. We want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to act upon the giving spirit of the holiday season.”

$200 of the Give One Get One contribution is tax deductible as a charitable donation. Give One Get One donors also get access to one year of complimentary T-Mobile HotSpot Wi-Fi access, which is available at more than 8,500 locations throughout the United States.

In addition, XO laptops can be purchased for educational purposes and in quantities of 100-999 at $299 each, 1000-9999 at $249 each, and 10,000 and up at $199 each.

To date, donations to the Give One Get One program have averaged US$2 million per day.

To learn more and participate in the Give One Get One program, go now to http://www.laptopgiving.org or call 1-877-70-LAPTOP (1-877-705-2786).

About One Laptop per Child

One Laptop per Child (OLPC at http://www.laptop.org) is a non-profit organization created by Nicholas Negroponte and others from the MIT Media Lab to design, manufacture and distribute laptop computers that are sufficiently inexpensive to provide every child in the world access to knowledge and modern forms of education. The XO laptops are rugged, open source, and so energy efficient that they can be powered by a child manually. Mesh networking will give many machines Internet access from one connection. The pricing goal is $100.

Source : PR-USA.net

One Laptop per Child - Recent Head Lines

Orders to One Laptop surge (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
Despite slower-than-expected sales and tough competition from commercial rivals, the One Laptop Per Child Foundation is enjoying a surge of new orders.

Nigerian keyboard firm sues One Laptop per Child (The Register)
No hugs and kisses for XO Laptop The One Laptop Per Child foundation is being sued over its XO laptop keyboard design by the Nigerian-owned, Massachusetts-based firm, Lagos Analysis Corp.â€¦

One Laptop Per Child facing Patent Lawsuit (Addict 3D)
One Laptop Per Child facing Patent LawsuitOne Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Association has been sued by a company based in Massachusetts which is claiming that their Laptop is infringing on their patented technology.Lagos Analysis Corp.

One Laptop Per Child orders surge (Boston Globe)
Despite slower-than-expected sales and tough competition from commercial rivals, the One Laptop Per Child Foundation of Cambridge is enjoying a surge of new orders.

BCCI's IPL creates furor in Cricket Australia

2007-12-02T01:53:00.000-08:00

AUSTRALIAN cricket is on the verge of the game's biggest split since Kerry Packer launched World Series Cricket 30 years ago.

Cricket Australia (CA) has responded angrily to 11 of the nation's top players - including captain Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee and Adam Gilchrist - signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to play in the Indian Premier League's Twenty20 tournament in April and May. A letter signed by chief executive James Sutherland warned the players that he will not grant consent for them to play in the ICC-sanctioned competition. He also claims that they signed the agreement without consulting their employer, Cricket Australia. >>> Read Complete news

In another news by Sydney Morning Herald, Adam Gilchrist insists Australia's cricketers are not trying to be "rebels" and will toe the company line when it comes to playing in the Indian Premier League.

The Test vice-captain confirmed today he was one of about a dozen top-level players to receive a letter from Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland warning them against playing in next year's lucrative IPL Twenty20 tournament without CA's consent.

Gilchrist denied he or any other player was trying to bend the rules of their CA contract by signing a memorandum of understanding with the IPL, and insisted any such tournament would always come second to playing international cricket. Read complete news

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Jessica Sierra arrested - Jailed again

2007-12-02T00:49:00.000-08:00

Former "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sierra was arrested in Tampa today after a drunken confrontation with police and onlookers.

Recent Head lines on "Jessica Sierra"

Detienen a Jessica Sierra, ex finalista de American Idol (El Paso Times) TAMPA, Florida, EE.UU.â€”Jessica Sierra, ex finalista del programa televisivo de concurso American Idol, fue encarcelada el sÃ¡bado en la maÃ±ana despuÃ©s de enfrentarse ebria con policÃas y peatones, dijeron las autoridades.

Not Celebrity Relapse? Sin... (Akron Beacon Journal) Not Celebrity Relapse? Singer Jessica Sierra, who was one of the finalists on American Idol the year that Carrie Underwood won, is among the participants in Celebrity Rehab, a VH1 show depicting various semi-stars undergoing detox and treatment.

Former Idol finalist jailed after dispute with police (Sun-Sentinel) Former American Idol finalist Jessica Sierra was jailed early Saturday and held without bond after a drunken confrontation with police and onlookers, Tampa police reported.

Former American Idol finalist Jessica Sierra jailed in Tampa, Fla. (Canadian Press via Yahoo! News) TAMPA, Fla. - Former "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sierra was jailed early Saturday after a drunken confrontation with police and onlookers, authorities said.

TAMPA, Fla. - Former "American Idol" finalist Jessica Sierra was jailed early Saturday after a drunken confrontation ... (WIBW-TV Topeka) The arrest comes less than two weeks after she pleaded no contest to charges of battery and possession of cocaine. Sierra, 22, was charged Saturday with disorderly intoxication, resisting arrest and violating conditions of her parole on earlier felony battery and possession charges.

Former American Idol finalist Jessica Sierra jailed (WINK TV Southwest Florida) 'American Idol' Finalist Jessica Sierra Jailed Again (Gay Wired) By L. A. Vess Former top-10 American Idol finalist Jessica Sierra is back in jail again this weekend after another run in with police. The 22-year-old was arrested on Saturday on charges of disorderly intoxication, resisting arrest and violating her parole.

Kirsten joining India team for last two Tests in Australia

2007-11-30T21:24:00.000-08:00

Melbourne, Dec 1 India's new cricket coach Gary Kirsten will be effectively taking over the job from March though he will lead the Indians to Australia later this month.

He, however, will leave them for the first two Tests owing to existing commitments in South Africa before rejoining the team for the final two Tests. India's interim coach, Lalchand Rajput, is tipped to coach the side in Kirsten's absence on the tour of Australia.

Speaking to the Australian daily The Age, the former South African opening batsman said he did not want to impose his ideas on the team and would like to help the players on the tour Down Under. "The last thing you want to do is come in and be a distraction, but I have spoken to Indian captain Anil Kumble about my situation, and he is comfortable with me joining the tour again later," Kirsten said. "I will not be coming in and imposing my ideas on them. That would be wrong. Instead, I will try and blend in and help any way I can.

Kirsten explained that he could not have taken up the job straightaway because of his commitments as the Indian cricket board approached him quite late. "The reality is that I was approached quite late by the Indian board, and in accepting the job, I told them that I had commitments over Christmas and New Year. But it looks like we are close to resolving that issue now, and I will join the team for the last two Tests."

On the surface, Kirsten seems an unusual appointment for the Indians. With no head-coaching experience at any level, but with a two-year stint as Cricket South Africa's high-performance-manager, he is still confident of making a positive impact in what is widely regarded as one of the most high-pressure jobs in international sport. "I take plenty of confidence from the fact they approached me, and obviously believe in what I can bring to the team," he said.

"Over time, I will look to put some new ideas to the players, but I will not be doing that midway through the tour of Australia. "It will be a transition period. There might be a bit of media around me leaving, but after speaking with Anil, we don't think it will be a distraction." The Indians will also feature a relatively new captain in Kumble, who is making his leadership debut in the current series against Pakistan.

With inputs from Sify.com

ICL Cricket starts with Big Bang

2007-11-30T18:19:00.000-08:00

Cricket in India had new live action to choose from as the first Twenty20 Indian championship organised by the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) got underway in Panchkula on Friday in a carnival-like atmosphere at the Tau Devi Lal sports complex cricket stadium, 15 kms from Chandigarh.

Local team Chandigarh Lions led by former New Zealander Chris Cairns took on the Delhi Jets led by former Sri Lankan skipper Marvan Atapattu in the opening match of the championship in Panchkula. Chandigarh Lions clinch ICL opener. Daryl Tuffey claimed three wickets and Andrew Hall two, apart from bowling a tight final over to kick off the Indian Cricket League in Panchkula. In a match where Indian cricketers matched their skills with international ones, the 'home team', Chandigarh Lions prevailed over Delhi Jets by eight runs.

The inaugural ceremony and the match was a star-studded affair with not only the 30-odd international stars - including the likes of Brian Lara and Inzamam-ul-Haq - but also Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor leading the glamour brigade and railways minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and Essel group chairman, the promoter company of ICL, Subhash Chandra, ICL executive board chairman Kapil Dev and Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda adding to the list of VIPs present on the occasion.

While Kareena set the specially erected stage on fire with her performance on a few popular Bollywood numbers, other fireworks lit up the sky as the championship started.

A capacity crowd of nearly 7,000 filled up the newly erected stands on the occasion and cheered almost everything.

An excited Kapil could not hide his happiness as the event started.

"I am happy and excited the way our hard work has borne fruit. We have come this far because we believe in what we have set out for - to change the face of domestic cricket in India," Kapil said.

ICL has announced the highest ever prize money for any domestic championship - a total of $ 4 million - with the winner of the six team event alone pocketing $ 1 million (Rs 39 million).

Davis Cup Finals - US one up as Roddick Wins

2007-11-30T18:02:00.000-08:00

Nov. 30 - United States now has a 1-0 lead over Russia in the Davis Cup tennis finals. Andy Roddick got the United States off to a fast start in the Davis Cup final, beating Russia's Dmitry Tursunov 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in the first match Friday.

Roddick, ranked No. 6 by the ATP, improved to 6-0 in Davis Cup play this year. Roddick took the first set after he hit an 235 kph (146 mph) serve that No. 34 Tursunov returned long, ending a game that went to deuce four times. Roddick let out a growl after holding serve, and the U.S. fans went wild.

Both Davis Cup teams include the same players from the semifinals, when the United States beat Sweden 4-1 and Russia defeated Germany 3-2.

Source : Sports.aol.com

Aaja Nachle Movie Review

2007-11-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

Aaja Nachle Review - Top Stories on the Net

View Aaja Nachle Movie Stills (Glamsham.com) How do you describe AAJA NACHLE? Good, bad, average?? It i s a difficult task. But there is that little extra something that has worked in the favour of this Anil Mehta directed, Yash Raj film. And that extra something happens to be Madhuri Dixit. Take off Madhuri and this movie falls flat.

First Verdict: Madhuri Dixit sizzles her way back (IBN live) With Aaja Nachle Madhuri proves a point that she never really 'left'.

View Aaja Nachle Movie Stills (Glamsham.com) After nearly a decade, an unexpected phone call shakes Dia (Madhuri Dixit) out of her dance rehearsal in New York. Makarand (Darshan Zariwala), her teacher, her guru, is dying and she must return to Shamli town. The town where she grew up, the town where she learnt to live and to dance.

ICL Cricket Leauge - Big Money for Crickters

2007-11-30T04:36:00.000-08:00

The ICL top brass finally disclosed Thursday they were spending up to $25 million for the inaugural Twenty20 championship to be played between six teams.

Bosses of the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) are unwilling to disclose how much they are paying the big names of international cricket -- the likes of Brian Lara and Inzamam-ul-Haq -- despite their boast that the new body would be absolutely transparent.

"I cannot give you the break up of this," said Himanshu Modi, CEO of Zee Sports, a TV channel of Essel group -- the promoter of ICL. Before that, Essel group's executive vice president Ashish Kaul had refused to share the budget of the event, particularly the moolah offered to top players.

The ICL has announced total prize money of $4 million (Rs.150 million), with the winner's purse being $1 million (Rs.39 mn). while the runners-up will be richer by 1.9 crore. The remaining four teams will walk away with Rs 1.5 crore, Rs 1.25 crore, Rs 1 crore and Rs 85 lakh.

Who is Vanisha Mittal ?

2007-11-29T22:20:00.000-08:00

Vanisha Mittal is Daughter of Indian-born, London-based steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, Forbes estimates his net worth at $51 billion. Like her brother, Vanisha is active in her father's industrial empire, holding a seat on Mittal Steel's