Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tendulkar misses out
Melbourne: Sachin Tendulkar's latest setback within sight of his elusive 100th international century may have dismayed fans at the first Melbourne Test on Tuesday, but not his Indian team-mates.
Peter Siddle celebrates the dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar in Melbourne.
Test cricket's greatest run-getter was bowled for 73 by paceman Peter Siddle with just three balls left on the second day of the opening Test against Australia. The wicket sent groans around the vast Melbourne Cricket Ground from the sizeable Indian contingent in the 53,000 crowd, denied the chance of seeing the "Little Master" reach the landmark on Wednesday.
India reached the close in a commanding position at 214 for three, trailing Australia's first innings 333 by 119 runs with Rahul Dravid, second only to Tendulkar for most Test runs, unbeaten on 68.
"It's going to eventually happen," team-mate Ravi Ashwin said after the day's play. "No point in bothering about it. We're very happy to be in the position we are presently. "Probably one wicket less would have been nice. He played very well but eventually he got a good ball."
Tendulkar, who has been on 99 Test and ODI centuries since scoring 111 against South Africa in the World Cup in March, looked in vintage touch before he lost his stumps in an inspired final over from Siddle.
India would have to rebuild before the second new ball, "stick our heads out and bat really well tomorrow", Ashwin said.
"We know how Rahul and Sachin could really stack it up. That didn't happen, hopefully someone else, we know (VVS) Laxman is there."
India, chasing their first-ever series win in Australia for 64 years, have the opportunity to press on for victory over the concluding three days of the opening Test.
"It's too far ahead to think about it, honestly," Ashwin said. "If sun beats down and wicket eases more and more, we need to bat as much possible and get as much as lead as possible.Read more...
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
‘Don 2’ Review
Remaking the Amitabh Bachchan classic ‘Don’ was a risk in itself. Not only because it is one of Bachchan's most iconic characters, but also because films like ‘Sholay’, ‘Don’, ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, ‘Deewar’, ‘Trishul’, ‘Muqaddar Ka Sikander’ [and many, many more] redefined the cinema of 1970s and 1980s. Farhan Akhtar accepted the challenge and attempted a successful remake of ‘Don’ with SRK.
Paanch saal baad, Farhan and his team of writers decide to carry the concept frontward with 'Don 2'. I genuinely feel that sequels shouldn't be attempted if you don't have an enthralling story to narrate. This time, Farhan chooses an entirely new concept, garnishes it with classic action, stunning visuals, giving it an international look and feel... the intention is to make the second part superior and enhanced than the first. Also, the fascination for thrillers such as 'M.I.', 'Bourne' and 'Bond' series is pretty evident.
While one was abundantly aware of what the first part had to offer [since it was a remake], one is completely oblivious about what the sequel has in store. And it is this facet of the film that kindles colossal interest. You cannot tell what Don's next move would be. As the reels unfold, you realize that he's cold blooded. You can't mess with him. He's dangerous to deal with. He has an agenda. Ditto for Roma [Priyanka Chopra], who shares a tumultuous relationship with Don. It's a cat and mouse chase
When viewed in isolation, 'Don 2' looks like the right package to woo the movie-going junta -- SRK in top form, a stylishly crafted story, pulsating and invigorating action and stunts. But it's not without its share of hiccups. In fact, the first hour and the post-interval portions of the film are akin to the two sides of the same coin. The first hour is bland, the second is energetic. The first hour is deficient in thrills; the second keeps you on the edge. The first hour disentangles at a languid pace, the second is feverish with several adrenaline rush moments.
'Don 2' begins in Thailand and moves to Malaysia. Don [SRK] surrenders himself to the cops [Om Puri, Priyanka Chopra] and is sent to a Malaysian prison. There, he meets his old foe Vardhan [Boman Irani]. Don hatches a conspiracy to escape with Vardhan and they succeed as well. They reach Zurich, then Berlin. The motive is to rob the currency plates. It's an unfeasible task, but Don takes the help of a hacker [Kunal Kapoor] to accomplish his plans.
With 'Don 2', Farhan Akhtar reasserts himself as one of Hindi cinema's stylish storytellers. It wouldn't be erroneous to state that 'Don 2' redefines slick in Bollywood. But the film could've done with a tighter script. Besides, the writing is urban-centric and those with an appetite for international thrillers may take to the film instantly, especially the twists and turns in the second hour. Again, the conclusion to the story could've been simplified for the average viewer to decipher. Yet, all said and done, 'Don 2' mirrors the changing trends in Hindi cinema. Those with the conventional attitude or tilting towards the conservative form of cinema may find it difficult to absorb.
'Don' is also acknowledged for its vibrant and eminent dialogue. One can conjure up the lines from the original Bachchan starrer and in 'Don 2'; the lines are in sync with the various guises and situations of the Don. The dialogues are masterly and the flamboyance with which SRK delivers the lines is what makes it exceptional. The lines are cooler, hip, zany, witty and at the same time, easy on the lips. They're sure to become the new catchphrases in times to come, like the one you recall even today: 'Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahin, na-mumkin hain'.
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, the trusted and prominent names in Excel's movies, dishearten this time around. In fact, the music is the sole sore point of the film. Sure, it has vigour and spice, but the wow factor is amiss. The film deserved a much, much superior score to match up to the standards set by Farhan Akhtar. Jason West's cinematography is dazzling. Filmed in Germany, Switzerland, Malaysia and Thailand, the film is visually enchanting. The action and stunts are spectacular.
'Don 2' marks SRK's return to anti-hero roles after enacting such roles with flourish so early in his career. Recall 'Baazigar', 'Darr' and 'Anjaam'. He plays a wicked, debonair anti-hero in 'Don 2'. The character he portrays is iniquitous and sinful, but attractive at the same time and SRK lives it up with gusto.
Besides, SRK has also experimented with varied looks in the film, from a debonair looking guy to a person with unkempt hair and stubble. Without doubt, 'Don 2' is SRK's best action movie to date.
Priyanka revisits her character of Roma in the film. Not only is the character more evolved, even her performance is of a high order. In fact, she enacts the role of an angry, tough lady who means business with a vengeance. Lara Dutta looks glamorous and alluring, but her character lacks meat.
Kunal Kapoor is decent, though he doesn't really get the scenes to prove his credentials. An actor of Om Puri's Calibre is wasted this time. Boman Irani lends the right texture to his character. He excels yet again. Nawab Shah should hit big league with this film. He plays one of the baddies with conviction.
Alyy Khan is natural, enacting his part with ease. Sahil Shroff has screen presence and stands out in a brief role. Hrithik Roshan appears in a cameo.
On the whole, DON 2 rides on star power and brand value. The tremendous hype, star power and the lucrative period [Christmas and New Year celebrations] will make its investors reap a harvest.
Read more...
First statue of Steve Jobs unveiled
A larger-than-life bronze statue of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was unveiled in a Budapest science park Wednesday, two months after his death.
A Hungarian software company unveiled what it said was the world's first bronze statue of Apple Inc co-founder Steve Jobs, calling him one of the greatest personalities of the modern age.
Jobs died on October 5 of pancreatic cancer at the age of 56.
The bronze work by sculptor Erno Toth stands in the Budapest campus of architectural software maker Graphisoft.
"He was one of the greatest (personalities) in our era, that's what we wanted to express with this sculpture here," Graphisoft Chairman Gabor Bojar told.
Bojar said Jobs gave cash and computers to Graphisoft, helping it to become a global leader in architecture software from humble roots as a tiny firm in the 1980s in then-communist Hungary.
Steve Jobs represented a technological revolution which can be compared only to the discovery of writing, Bojar said.
"We have felt his spirit every day and now it is embodied," he said. "We hope that we can deserve with our entrepreneurial culture in Hungary what this sculpture expresses as a message."
An assistant of Hungarian sculptor Erno Toth moves his latest work, a bronze statue of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
The head of a new bronze statue of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs awaits the finishing touches in Budapest.
Read more...
Friday, December 23, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Mahek Chahal to return on Bigg Boss
This season's Bigg Boss has seen many twists and turns and as we get close to Christmas, one last bomb is yet to explode. Mahek Chahal, whose eviction received a lot of mixed reactions, has been approached to re-enter the house again as a wild card contestant
But Mahek will have to compete with Shonali and Laxmi to win this chance to re-enter the show. The person who receives the maximum votes by the audience will enter the house
When contacted, Mahek confirmed the news, “I have been out for more than a week and in this time all that I have done is viewed the episodes of the 10 weeks that I was in the house. I was quite shocked at most of the footage that I saw and I now know the realities of so many people who are still in the house.”
Mahek added, “I very seriously want to enter the house and teach them a lesson for back-stabbing especially since I considered them to be my friends. Moreover I want to settle scores with Sky and make sure the audience knows about the plotting that Pooja Bedi and Sky have done against me to get me out of the house.”
Mahek also pointed out, “Each week I fought for my position and I was falsely implicated of being close to Mr Khan just because I have done two films with him and merely knowing him was my crime. Also I have got so much support from people outside that I want the world to know that it was my fans (who call themselves Mahekians) and not a pull that was saving me.”
Since Shonali and Laxmi have not really added any spice to the show, we hope that Mahek does come back on the show as the fireworks that would follow would surely be really worth watching
Read more...
Monday, December 19, 2011
Shahrukh is bobbleheaded!
After immortalising himself in the miniature toy form of superhero G.One, Shahrukh Khan will now be seen in a bobbleheaded avatar inspired from his character in Don 2
As Shahrukh Khan’s all set to display some kick-ass gun totting action on screen with Don 2, you can bring home his head bobbling toy avatar! Yes, this is the first time that India will see official licensed bobble headed memorabilia attached to a film. Just a few months ago SRK was busy selling his blue-eyed superhero G.One’s toy avatars and yet again he’s banking on a similar strategy to promote Don 2. Well, we wonder if merchandise has really helped promote a Bollywood film? Hrithik Roshan was one of the first stars to come out with the toy form of his superhero in India, in the form of Krrish. And the film’s popularity amongst kids did help sell the toy. Guess B-town toys can never really compete with Hollywood superheroes like Batman and Spiderman? Anyway, there’s enough hype around the Don sequel and we don’t really know if the bobblehead is going to make a big difference. But SRK can sell anything, can’t he? So we wouldn’t be surprised if he actually finds takers for this. And we think SRK looks quite cute and funny in this avatar. What do you think?
Read more...
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
World's cheapest tablet goes on sale
Students' version of Aakash will be available for Rs 2,500 and will be delivered in seven days. The commercial version, UbiSlate 7 is priced at Rs 2,999. The payment mode for both the tablets is cash on delivery.
The commercial version of Aakash tablet will be powered by Android 2.3 and will have a resistive touchscreen, Cortex A8-700 MHz processor and graphics accelerator HD video processor, 256 MB of RAM and 2 GB of internal memory.
Other specifications are a one standard USB port, 3.5 mm audio jack, a 7 inch display with 800 x 480 pixel resolution, resistive touchscreen, GPRS and WiFi support.
"The improved version of Aakash tablet will be available in retail outlets by January end," a spokesperson of DataWind told The Mobile Indian.
The tablet was to be made available in retail stores by the end of November. "The delay in the availability of the tablet has been due to upgradation in the tablet and some unforeseen delay in manufacturing," the spokesperson said.
To book and prebook student and commercial versions respectively of Aakash tablet, users have to visit DataWind's website and fill up the required form. In case of booking they will get a booking ID and a message which will state, "You will shortly receive an email confirmation from our support team with further details."
In case of pre booking users will get a confirmation message which will state, "The commercial version of the Akash UbiSlate 7 would be launched in early weeks of December. After the commercial launch we would get in touch with you to deliver your device as soon possible."
As a matter of fact, the confirmation message a reader will see is factually incorrect as The mobile Indian had reported earlier the Aakash tablet will be available only by January end.
Datawind has however not cleared how it is going to establish the identity of students who will book the cheapest version of Aakash tablet. When The Mobile Indian contacted spokesperson of Datwind he said, "Anyone can book the student version of Aakash tablet."
This defeats the purpose of providing students an affordable tablet as now anyone can place an order to get the tablet. Interestingly, now it has been revealed that the government has procured only 10,000 Aakash tablets for distribution in schools and colleges of the initial 1 lakh proposed.
It looks like the company was in a hurry to start the online booking process and has not done not proper homework before staring it.
Read more...
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Legendary actor Dev Anand passes away
London, 4 Dec: Dev Anand, the 'Evergreen Romantic Superstar' of Indian cinema, has passed away in London on Saturday night following cardiac arrest. He was 88.
Dev Anand, who had come to London for medical check up, was not keeping well for the last few days, family sources said. His son Sunil was with him when he breathed last.
Dev Anand made his debut as an actor in 1946 in Hum Ek Hain. By the time his Ziddi was released in 1947 he was a superstar and has never looked back.
Versatile Dev Anand has given countless hits like Paying Guest, Baazi, Jewel Thief, CID, Johny Mera Naam, Amir Garib, Warrant, Hare Rama Hare Krishna and Des Pardes.
For his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, Dev Anand was honoured with the prestigious the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 2002.
He established his film production company Navketan International Films in 1949 and has produced more than 35 movies.
Dev Anand has won two Filmfare Awards - India's equivalent of the Oscars - in 1958 for his performance in the film Kala Paani (Black Water) and in 1966 for his performance in Guide.
Guide went on to win Filmfare Awards in five other categories including Best Film and Best Director and was sent as India's entry for the Oscars in the foreign film category that year.
He co-produced the English Version of "Guide" with the Nobel Laureate Pearl S Buck (The Good Earth).
In 1993, he received a Filmfare "Lifetime Achievement Award" and in 1996 he received a Screen Videocon Lifetime Achievement Award.
Of late he was involved in the direction of a new all American film Project Song Of Life - a musical love story which was to be shot in the United States.
He was to play the central character in the film which was to have a predominantly American star cast.
Dev Anand is the second of three brothers who were active in Hindi Cinema. His brothers are Chetan Anand and Vijay Anand. Their sister, Sheel Kanta Kapur, is the mother of renowned film director Shekhar Kapur.
Read more...
Navy Day Celebrations Set to Begin
Vizag: The Navy Day celebrations would be
held by Eastern Naval Command on 4
December in Visakhapatnam. It was on this
day in 1971 that the Missile Boats of the
Indian Navy carried out a deadly attack on
Karachi Harbour during the Indo-Pak War.
Three functions are scheduled on Sunday, 04
Dec 11, to commemorate the Event. The first
activity is the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the
War Memorial on the RK Beach by Vice
Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer
Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval
Command.
This will be followed by an Operational
Display that showcases the capability and
versatility of Naval ships, submarines, Aircraft
and the Special Forces, to be held in the
evening. His Excellency Shri Murali
Chandrakant Bhandare, Honourable Governor
of Odisha will be the Chief Guest on the
Occasion.
The Vizagites can view from RK beach, the manoeuvres by Destroyers, Corvettes, Fast attack craft and Landing Ships,
Beach assault by Marine Commandos, Sky Diving, Close Range Ant-aircraft Firing, Band performance, Formation
Anchoring and a host of other exercises. A total of 20 Ships, six types of Aircraft and a Submarine are scheduled to
take part in this years Demonstration. The Op-Demo would be followed by an At Home Function, being held for
invitees at the Navy House, the residence of Vice Admiral Anil Chopra.
Read more...
Friday, December 2, 2011
December 3 -World Disabled Day
World Disabled Day is observed every year on 3 December. Also known as “International Day of Persons with Disabilities”, the day aims to promote an awareness of disability issues and the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities. It is important to integrate disabled persons in the main stream of society. Disabled persons are often discriminated against and that is never an ideal condition. Society must take adequate steps to involve persons with disabilities in the main stream of each aspect of the social, political, economic and cultural status of their communities.
Several activities are conducted on World Disabled Day. Campaigns by human rights agencies and voluntary organizations are organized to raise awareness on the theme of right to act. Rallies are conducted to demand the right to select helps on their own free will for the disabled persons. The day seeks measures to assist physically handicapped persons in their own decision making. The year 1981 was proclaimed as “International Year of Disabled Persons”. Several plans were launched with a mission of providing similar opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities. These campaigns were launched at national, international and regional levels
Several activities are conducted on World Disabled Day. Campaigns by human rights agencies and voluntary organizations are organized to raise awareness on the theme of right to act. Rallies are conducted to demand the right to select helps on their own free will for the disabled persons. The day seeks measures to assist physically handicapped persons in their own decision making. The year 1981 was proclaimed as “International Year of Disabled Persons”. Several plans were launched with a mission of providing similar opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities. These campaigns were launched at national, international and regional levels
Read more...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)