Miss World 2008 - MEJOR TOP 15 FAVORITES MEXICO
Dec 14, 2008
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Miss World 2008 - MEJOR TOP 15 FAVORITES MEXICO |
Dec 13, 2008
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Russia wins Miss World 2008 |
Ms Russia is Miss World, Ms India 1st runner up
Miss Russia has been crowned Miss World 2008 at a glittering ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa.Miss India Parvathy Omanakuttan has finished as the first runner up. Miss Trinidad and Tobago is the second runner-up.
Among the other five finalists are Ms Angola, Ms Trinidad and Tobago, Ms Russia and Ms South Africa.
The final round was being held in Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg and the country was said to be expecting one billion-strong TV audience for the event aired on Zee Cafe
Exuding charm in her white gown, Parvathy cat-walked confidently on the stage to answer her question in the final round. She was asked what being in South Africa meant for her. To this she compared the "similarity in the cultures" of India and South Africa and thanked the locals for their hospitality. She also compared legends Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi and how inextricably linked the two countries' fates have been.
Earlier, a collective cheer went up in the audience when Paravathy’s name was announced at the end of a 15-name long list of semi finalists.
Other semi-finalists included Ms Trinidad and Tobago, Ms US, Ms Guatemala, Ms Venezuela, Ms Ukraine, Ms Croatia, Ms Brazil, Ms Angola, Ms Kazakhstan, Ms Puerto Rico, Ms Spain, Ms Russia and Ms South Africa.
Who is Parvathy?
Twenty-one-year-old Parvathy stands tall at 5 feet 9 inches and hails from Kerala.
Two days before the final round, she appeared sure of her victory and said she was confident of carrying forward the legacy of India’s glamour queens Reita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan (1994), Priyanka Chopra (2000), Diana Hayden (1997) and Yukta Mookhey (1999).
"I am very much confident about my victory. Femina Miss India World is not merely a crown of joy for me. With the crown, the responsibility of upholding the name of the country has also fallen on my shoulders," she said in a statement.
Asked on December 11, about her preparations for the pageant, Parvathy said, "Preparations have started ever since I won the Femina Miss India contest in April this year. Apart from just concentrating on my appearance, I am trying to be a stronger person to face the contest." "I'll try my level best to make every Indian all over the world proud," Parvathy said.
Born on July 23, this Cancerian charmer's "never say die" attitude has helped her conquer one beauty pageant after another- be it the Navy Queen contest held in connection with the annual Navy Ball or Femina Miss India, South held in Hyderabad last year.
Dec 12, 2008
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Bollywood Movie 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' Review |
Cast & Crew
Shahrukh Khan - Surinder Sahni and Raj Kapoor
Anushka Sharma - Taani
Anupam Kher
Farida Jalal
Vinay Pathak
Production Credits
Director: Aditya Chopra
Producer: Aditya Chopra , Yash Chopra , Sanjay Shivalkar
Written by: Aditya Chopra
Aditya Chopra's last outing as a director was Mohabbatein. The film, which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, brought Big B back in the reckoning. Eight years later, when it seems like the Chopras themselves could do with some resurrection, who do they turn to, but Shah Rukh Khan!
Khan plays a government servant Surinder Sahni who lives a fairly uneventful life in small-town Amritsar. On his deathbed, Surinder's professor urges him to marry his only daughter Taani (Anushka Sharma) who is yet to recover from her fiancé's death.
Caught in this rather awkward situation, the two people start their newly married life by living in separate bedrooms, hardly speaking and sharing very little in common. While Surinder is head over heels in love with his bride, Taani continues to remain holed up in her room.
Surinder who seems clueless of how to make his wife smile, finds solace in Bollywood cinema. But while watching a film he realises how much Taani loves Hindi films and its heroes. Meanwhile, the once bubbly and cheerful Taani learns of a dance-training programme and asks her husband's permission to participate in it.
Surinder is so desperate to win Taani's heart and see her smile again, he undergoes a complete transformation courtesy his loyal friend Bobby (Vinay Pathak). In his new improved avatar, Surinder sneaks into the dance class just to catch a peek of his wife. As luck would have it, he ends up becoming her dancing partner and introduces himself as Raj.
A complete opposite of Surinder, Raj is an OTT Punjabi boy who wears tight jeans, garish t-shirts and bright sunglasses even when it's not sunny outside. Unlike Surinder, he also goes all out to display his feelings for her and knocks off the power supply of half the town just to say the three words.
And that's when things change for the worse. Despite his assurances, Taani tells him that everything from that point nothing would ever be the same. Because Taani has fallen in love with Raj not knowing that he and her husband are the very same person.
How Taani comes to terms with her feelings and who – Raj or Surinder – walks away with the girl form the climax of the story.
What works:
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi starts off from where most Yash Raj films end. The boy (or in this case the man) and the girl are in fact shown married in the first frame itself. It is how they cope with each other is what the movie is all about.
Rab Ne also moves away from the typical Yash Raj films format in many more ways. It is set entirely in small-town India. So there are no foreign locales or skimpy skirts and definitely no swanky apartments with bathrooms the size of football fields.
In a sense, Anushka Sharma comes across as a perfect choice for such a film. A complete fresher to showbiz, Anushka does a convincing job playing the vivacious girl who has lost her love and her father.
Playing the pretty-looking Taani, Anushka is every middle-class boy's dream partner come true – when she finds her husband's colleagues have invited themselves over, she keeps her sorrow aside and plays the perfect host. She also cooks and cleans for him. And guess what, she's one helluva dancer and can pack a punch on a motorbike too!
Shah Rukh Khan plays a double role of sorts. While on the one hand he is the simpleton working for Punjab Power on the other he is the hero his wife dreams of.
During the day he keeps a nine-to-five job. But once the sun goes down, Surinder becomes Raj who grooves with Taani, engages in a gol-gappa eating competition and doesn't hesitate to show his innermost feelings to her.
The 40-something SRK shows just why he is called King Khan as he carries off the two roles almost effortlessly. What is striking is that each time he changes his attire his body language also undergoes a drastic change.
Dressed in tight clothes, he is the macho Punjabi lad with coloured hair, driving around the latest bikes, confident and always flirtatious. But once he gets into his off-white shirt, cream trousers and specs he slouches, takes hesitant steps first towards the dining room and then to his room upstairs.
Towards the end the two characters appear almost once scene after another. Yet never once do you see Shah Rukh blurring the lines. Surinder's slouch and his subtle ways of showing his love to Taani make your heart go out to the man willing to go to any extent for his wife's happiness.
What doesn't work:
Despite its simple storyline (that seems to be a distant echo of Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Gol Maal and it's moustache plot) Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi fails to hold your attention beyond a point. At about 2 hours and 40 minutes, Rab Ne is far too long for today's short film audience.
Jodhaa Akbar, the other long film of the year, at least had the opulence, a good-looking lead couple and some fantastic music score by AR Rahman to fill up the timeline.
Here the songs – except Haule Haule – slacken the pace further. Then again there are bits, which could have well been done away with. Why for instance do Yash Raj films have the recurring Dhoom theme is beyond me. Roadside Romeo had it so did Bachna Ae Haseeno. We all loved Dhoom and its sequel. But c'mon Adi, don't tell us it's what you associate Yash Raj with the most.
Age has begun to show on Shah Rukh's face and it's evident he has been undergoing something to keep his looks intact. That is probably one of the reasons why close shots of the Khan don't necessarily work.
Verdict:
In troubled times like ours we could all do with a love story like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Agreed, the film could have been far, far shorter and simpler, but watch this solely for Shah Rukh Khan. If you aren't his fan already, chances are you'll become one.
source:buzz18.in.com
Khan plays a government servant Surinder Sahni who lives a fairly uneventful life in small-town Amritsar. On his deathbed, Surinder's professor urges him to marry his only daughter Taani (Anushka Sharma) who is yet to recover from her fiancé's death.
Caught in this rather awkward situation, the two people start their newly married life by living in separate bedrooms, hardly speaking and sharing very little in common. While Surinder is head over heels in love with his bride, Taani continues to remain holed up in her room.
Surinder who seems clueless of how to make his wife smile, finds solace in Bollywood cinema. But while watching a film he realises how much Taani loves Hindi films and its heroes. Meanwhile, the once bubbly and cheerful Taani learns of a dance-training programme and asks her husband's permission to participate in it.
Surinder is so desperate to win Taani's heart and see her smile again, he undergoes a complete transformation courtesy his loyal friend Bobby (Vinay Pathak). In his new improved avatar, Surinder sneaks into the dance class just to catch a peek of his wife. As luck would have it, he ends up becoming her dancing partner and introduces himself as Raj.
A complete opposite of Surinder, Raj is an OTT Punjabi boy who wears tight jeans, garish t-shirts and bright sunglasses even when it's not sunny outside. Unlike Surinder, he also goes all out to display his feelings for her and knocks off the power supply of half the town just to say the three words.
And that's when things change for the worse. Despite his assurances, Taani tells him that everything from that point nothing would ever be the same. Because Taani has fallen in love with Raj not knowing that he and her husband are the very same person.
How Taani comes to terms with her feelings and who – Raj or Surinder – walks away with the girl form the climax of the story.
What works:
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi starts off from where most Yash Raj films end. The boy (or in this case the man) and the girl are in fact shown married in the first frame itself. It is how they cope with each other is what the movie is all about.
Rab Ne also moves away from the typical Yash Raj films format in many more ways. It is set entirely in small-town India. So there are no foreign locales or skimpy skirts and definitely no swanky apartments with bathrooms the size of football fields.
In a sense, Anushka Sharma comes across as a perfect choice for such a film. A complete fresher to showbiz, Anushka does a convincing job playing the vivacious girl who has lost her love and her father.
Playing the pretty-looking Taani, Anushka is every middle-class boy's dream partner come true – when she finds her husband's colleagues have invited themselves over, she keeps her sorrow aside and plays the perfect host. She also cooks and cleans for him. And guess what, she's one helluva dancer and can pack a punch on a motorbike too!
Shah Rukh Khan plays a double role of sorts. While on the one hand he is the simpleton working for Punjab Power on the other he is the hero his wife dreams of.
During the day he keeps a nine-to-five job. But once the sun goes down, Surinder becomes Raj who grooves with Taani, engages in a gol-gappa eating competition and doesn't hesitate to show his innermost feelings to her.
The 40-something SRK shows just why he is called King Khan as he carries off the two roles almost effortlessly. What is striking is that each time he changes his attire his body language also undergoes a drastic change.
Dressed in tight clothes, he is the macho Punjabi lad with coloured hair, driving around the latest bikes, confident and always flirtatious. But once he gets into his off-white shirt, cream trousers and specs he slouches, takes hesitant steps first towards the dining room and then to his room upstairs.
Towards the end the two characters appear almost once scene after another. Yet never once do you see Shah Rukh blurring the lines. Surinder's slouch and his subtle ways of showing his love to Taani make your heart go out to the man willing to go to any extent for his wife's happiness.
What doesn't work:
Despite its simple storyline (that seems to be a distant echo of Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Gol Maal and it's moustache plot) Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi fails to hold your attention beyond a point. At about 2 hours and 40 minutes, Rab Ne is far too long for today's short film audience.
Jodhaa Akbar, the other long film of the year, at least had the opulence, a good-looking lead couple and some fantastic music score by AR Rahman to fill up the timeline.
Here the songs – except Haule Haule – slacken the pace further. Then again there are bits, which could have well been done away with. Why for instance do Yash Raj films have the recurring Dhoom theme is beyond me. Roadside Romeo had it so did Bachna Ae Haseeno. We all loved Dhoom and its sequel. But c'mon Adi, don't tell us it's what you associate Yash Raj with the most.
Age has begun to show on Shah Rukh's face and it's evident he has been undergoing something to keep his looks intact. That is probably one of the reasons why close shots of the Khan don't necessarily work.
Verdict:
In troubled times like ours we could all do with a love story like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Agreed, the film could have been far, far shorter and simpler, but watch this solely for Shah Rukh Khan. If you aren't his fan already, chances are you'll become one.
source:buzz18.in.com
Dec 11, 2008
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Katrina Kaif tops the most searched person in Google |
Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif (Interview) has been the most searched person in the world’s leading search engine, Google.
CNN-IBN caught up with Katrina Kaif on phone to know about her reactions.
CNN-IBN: Katrina thanks very much for speaking to us on CNN-IBN, you are the most popular person on Google, most searched for person on the web, what is it that you think makes you so popular?
Katrina Kaif: I have no idea. I don't think one ever knows why or what to expect and think. I think for me the nicest things are basically the fans that support you, the people who love you and go and see your movies, they are interested in you. They just want to know what you are doing, know about your movies, know about your work. So, I think its really a nice thing. It is really sweet.
CNN-IBN:What's interesting about this list is that you are more popular than the Khans - Shah Rukh, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan and more popular than Akshay Kumar, the person you've co-starred with in so many films.
Katrina Kaif: I have no idea what to say. I guess it is a nice change because I think men are very much dominant in the bollywood the film industry and women come far behind. I think it’s a nice change.
CNN-IBN: Finally, I'm sure your fans would want to know this orkut and facebook are among the most popular seaches as well - do you have an orkut or facebook account?
Katrina Kaif: Facebook, I don't use. There was actually a small incident a while ago where I had to clarify that I actually don't have a facebook account. In terms of the internet, I have a basic knowledge of it. I know a few sites. I don't know all that much about it. I have a gmail account but that's just for e-mails. That's pretty much it.
source:ibnlive.in.com
CNN-IBN caught up with Katrina Kaif on phone to know about her reactions.
CNN-IBN: Katrina thanks very much for speaking to us on CNN-IBN, you are the most popular person on Google, most searched for person on the web, what is it that you think makes you so popular?
Katrina Kaif: I have no idea. I don't think one ever knows why or what to expect and think. I think for me the nicest things are basically the fans that support you, the people who love you and go and see your movies, they are interested in you. They just want to know what you are doing, know about your movies, know about your work. So, I think its really a nice thing. It is really sweet.
CNN-IBN:What's interesting about this list is that you are more popular than the Khans - Shah Rukh, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan and more popular than Akshay Kumar, the person you've co-starred with in so many films.
Katrina Kaif: I have no idea what to say. I guess it is a nice change because I think men are very much dominant in the bollywood the film industry and women come far behind. I think it’s a nice change.
CNN-IBN: Finally, I'm sure your fans would want to know this orkut and facebook are among the most popular seaches as well - do you have an orkut or facebook account?
Katrina Kaif: Facebook, I don't use. There was actually a small incident a while ago where I had to clarify that I actually don't have a facebook account. In terms of the internet, I have a basic knowledge of it. I know a few sites. I don't know all that much about it. I have a gmail account but that's just for e-mails. That's pretty much it.
source:ibnlive.in.com
Dec 10, 2008
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US governor charged in Obama successor probe |
The governor of Illinois was roused from bed and arrested after prosecutors said he was caught on wiretaps audaciously scheming to sell Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat for cash or a job
for himself in the new administration.
FBI agents arrested Gov Rod Blagojevich before daybreak at his Chicago home yesterday and took him away while his family was still asleep, saying the wiretaps convinced them that Blagojevich's "political corruption crime spree" had to be stopped before it was too late.
"The Senate seat, as recently as days ago, seemed to be on the verge of being auctioned off," US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said.
Prosecutors did not accuse Obama himself of any wrongdoing or even knowing about the matter. The president-elect said: "I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so I was not aware of what was happening."
Federal investigators bugged the governor's campaign offices and tapped his home phone, capturing conversations laced with profanity and tough-guy talk from the governor.
"I've got this thing and it's (expletive) golden," Blagojevich, a 51-year-old Democrat, said of his authority to appoint Obama's replacement, "and I'm just not giving it up for (expletive) nothing. I'm not gonna do it."
Chicago FBI chief Robert Grant said even seasoned investigators were stunned by what they heard, particularly since the governor had known for at least three years he was under investigation for alleged hiring fraud and clearly realised agents might be listening in.
The FBI said in court papers that the governor was overheard conspiring to sell the Senate seat for campaign cash or lucrative jobs for himself or his wife, Patti, a real estate agent.
He was released on his own recognisance.
for himself in the new administration.
FBI agents arrested Gov Rod Blagojevich before daybreak at his Chicago home yesterday and took him away while his family was still asleep, saying the wiretaps convinced them that Blagojevich's "political corruption crime spree" had to be stopped before it was too late.
"The Senate seat, as recently as days ago, seemed to be on the verge of being auctioned off," US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said.
Prosecutors did not accuse Obama himself of any wrongdoing or even knowing about the matter. The president-elect said: "I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so I was not aware of what was happening."
Federal investigators bugged the governor's campaign offices and tapped his home phone, capturing conversations laced with profanity and tough-guy talk from the governor.
"I've got this thing and it's (expletive) golden," Blagojevich, a 51-year-old Democrat, said of his authority to appoint Obama's replacement, "and I'm just not giving it up for (expletive) nothing. I'm not gonna do it."
Chicago FBI chief Robert Grant said even seasoned investigators were stunned by what they heard, particularly since the governor had known for at least three years he was under investigation for alleged hiring fraud and clearly realised agents might be listening in.
The FBI said in court papers that the governor was overheard conspiring to sell the Senate seat for campaign cash or lucrative jobs for himself or his wife, Patti, a real estate agent.
He was released on his own recognisance.
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Bollywood Stars to let their hair down |
All roads leading to Versova will be jam packed on Thursday.
Reason? All the hunks of Bollywood — Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Ajay Devgan, Ranbir Kapoor — will be steering their wheels towards their fave hairstylist Aalim’s new salon that opens up on that day.
The celebrity hairstylist already runs a salon in Bandra but his hi-fi clients find the drive too long. So, by popular demand, Aalim decided to open one in Versova, where most of the stars live. Another of his clients Abhishek Bachchan won’t be there for the opening but that’s not an issue at all, as Aalim will be flying to the south where the actor is shooting for Raavana, style his hair and fly back for the opening of his salon. It’s so much more easier for these hunks to let their hair down now, isn’t it?
PS: Aalim’s father Hakim used to style Amitabh Bachchan’s hair. His look in films like Don, Kabhi Kabhi, Natwarlal was done by Hakim and now Aalim continues to style Abhishek Bachchan. It’s ‘hair’editary!
The celebrity hairstylist already runs a salon in Bandra but his hi-fi clients find the drive too long. So, by popular demand, Aalim decided to open one in Versova, where most of the stars live. Another of his clients Abhishek Bachchan won’t be there for the opening but that’s not an issue at all, as Aalim will be flying to the south where the actor is shooting for Raavana, style his hair and fly back for the opening of his salon. It’s so much more easier for these hunks to let their hair down now, isn’t it?
PS: Aalim’s father Hakim used to style Amitabh Bachchan’s hair. His look in films like Don, Kabhi Kabhi, Natwarlal was done by Hakim and now Aalim continues to style Abhishek Bachchan. It’s ‘hair’editary!
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Bush greets 2 Marines, gives them kisses |
President George W. Bush, center, kisses Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Marc E. Olson, right, of Coal City, Ill., after talking to Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Patrick Paul Pittman Jr., left, of Savannah, Ga., after arriving on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, after returning from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Olson and Pittman were injured when a suicide bomber attacked their entry control point in Ramadi, Iraq. The two were serving with Company A, 2nd Amphibious Assault Battalion attached with the 2nd Batallion, 9th Marines.
President Bush stopped on the White House South Lawn to pose for a photograph with two Marines who served in Iraq — and planted a kiss on the head of each.
After climbing down from his Marine One helicopter, Bush walked toward the White House, then stopped and approached the Marines, one of whom was in a wheelchair. The president greeted Lance Cpl. Patrick Pittman Jr., of Savannah, Ga., and Lance Cpl. Marc Olson, of Coal City, Ill.
Bush directed aides to turn Pittman's wheelchair around. Instead, Pittman stood next to the president for the photograph. They were joined by Olson's mother, Pinky Kloski.
Bush had a few words for the two Marines as they stood on either side, then kissed each on the top of the head.
Kloski said the two were injured while serving in Ramadi.
Earlier in the day, the president had traveled to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to speak about the military and strategy during his tenure as commander in chief.
source:(AP)
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Akshay kumar's Bollywood Movie Everything Gonna Be Right (Jumbo) |
Everything Gonna Be Right (Jumbo) akshay kumar songs
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Bollywood Movie Chandni Chowk To China - Trailer 1 |
Chandni Chowk To China - Trailer 1
Cast and Crew
Director
Nikhil Advani
Producer
Nikhil Advani, Ramesh Sippy, Rohan Sippy, Mukesh Talreja
Screenwriter
Shridhar Raghavan
Starring
* Akshay Kumar
* Deepika Padukone
* Mithun Chakraborty
* Gordon Liu
* Ranvir Shorey
* Roger Yuan
Dec 9, 2008
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Sheila Dikshit..Chief Minister of Delhi.. Biography |
Sheila Dikshit (born March 31, 1938) is the Chief Minister of Delhi since 1998. She is from the Indian National Congress. Smt. Sheila Dikshit was sworn-in as the Chief Minister for a second consecutive term of the Government of the state of Delhi on December 15, 2003. She is the second woman Chief Minister of Delhi. She represents New Delhi Constituency in the Legislative Assembly.
As of Dec 8, 2008, Sheila Dixit and her Congress Party have been elected to serve an unprecedented third consecutive term as Chief Minister of Delhi. She was re-elected as the Chief Minister of Delhi on December 8, 2008.
Early life
Smt. Sheila Dikshit was born on March 31, 1938. Holder of Master of Arts degree, she received her education at Convent of Jesus and Mary School, New Delhi and later in Miranda House, Delhi University. She was married into the family of Shri Umashankar Dikshit, noted freedom fighter and a former Governor and Union Cabinet Minister. Her late husband Shri Vinod Dikshit was a widely respected member of the Indian Administrative Service.She has two children, son Sandeep Dikshit who is a member of parliament and daughter Latika Dikshit Syed.
Political career
During the period between 1984 and 1989, she represented Kannauj Parliamentary Constituency of Uttar Pradesh. As a member of Parliament, she served on the Estimates Committee of Lok Sabha. Dikshit also chaired the Implementation Committee for Commemoration of Forty Years of India's Independence and Jawaharlal Nehru centenary. She represented India at United Nations Commission on Status of Women for five years (1984-1989). Smt.Sheila Dikshit brings to the administration vast experience in Administrative and Parliamentary matters. She served as a Minister in the Union Government during 1986 - 89, first as the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and later as a Minister of State in the Prime Minister's office. During 1984 - 89 she represented Kannauj Parliamentary Constituency of Uttar Pradesh. As a member of Parliament, she served on the Estimates Committee of Lok Sabha. She also Chaired the Implementation Committee for Commemoration of Forty Years of India's Independence and Jawaharlal Nehru centenary. As President of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee, she led her party to a sweeping victory in the Assembly elections in 1998.
She has also served as a Union Minister during 1986-1989, first as the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and later as a Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office. She is longlisted for the 2008 World Mayor award. As Chief Minister of Delhi Sheila Dikshit was awarded the Best Chief Minister of India, by Journalist Association of India on 12th of July, 2008 by H.K.Sethi Secrtrary General of Organisation.
Contributions
Smt. Sheila Dikshit has championed the cause of women at various fora and in various capacities. She has also been a leading figure in the movement for granting of equal rights to women. She represented India on the U.N. Commission on Status of Women for five years (1984 - 89). In Uttar Pradesh, she along with her 82 colleagues were jailed in August 1990 for 23 days by the state government when she led a movement against the atrocities being committed on women. Electrified by this, lakhs of citizens all over UP joined the movement and coured arrest. Earlier, in the early 1970s, she was chairperson of the Young Women's Association and was instrumental in the setting up two of most successful hostels for working women in Delhi.
She is also the Secretary of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust. The trust has come to play a leading role in promotion of international understanding. It presents the Indira Gandhi Award for Peace, Disarmament and Development and Organises conferences on issues of the global concern. Under her aegis an Environmental Center has been setup at the trust.
Departments Held
(i) Administrative Reforms (ii) General Administration Department (iii) Home Department (iv) Law & Justice and Legislative Affairs (v) Public Relations (vi) Services Department (vii) Vigilance Department (viii) Water (ix) Higher Education (x) Training & Technical Education (xi) Art & Culture (xiii) Environment, Forest & Wild Life Department (xiv) All other Departments not allocated elsewhere.
Dec 8, 2008
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Obama says he won't be smoking in White House |
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama failed to give a straight answer when asked on a U.S. talkshow on Sunday whether he had managed to quit smoking.
In a country where cigarettes are responsible for one in five deaths and smoking costs tens of billions of dollars in health care, Obama has been under pressure to set an example by giving up his reported two-decade-old habit.
Appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press" program, interviewer Tom Brokaw told Obama he had ducked answering the question during an interview last month with ABC's Barbara Walters.
Noting that the White House was a no-smoking zone, Brokaw asked Obama, "Have you stopped smoking?"
"I have," Obama replied, smiling broadly. "What I said was that there are times where I have fallen off the wagon."
"Wait a minute," Brokaw interjected, "that means you haven't stopped."
"Fair enough," Obama said. "What I would say is that I have done a terrific job under the circumstances of making myself much healthier. You will not see any violations of these rules in the White House."
Obama was often observed on the presidential campaign trail chewing Nicorette gum, which helps ease the craving for nicotine. He has tried several times to quit.
The 47-year-old president-elect, who takes office on January 20, works out daily at the gym and sometimes plays basketball. His doctor said in May he was in excellent health, often jogged 3 miles a day and was fit to serve as U.S. president.
Website www.cigaraficionado.com says Gerald Ford, who served from 1974-77, was the last U.S. president to use tobacco on a regular basis. The White House no-smoking rule was imposed by former First Lady Hillary Clinton, now Obama's nominee for secretary of state.
In a country where cigarettes are responsible for one in five deaths and smoking costs tens of billions of dollars in health care, Obama has been under pressure to set an example by giving up his reported two-decade-old habit.
Appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press" program, interviewer Tom Brokaw told Obama he had ducked answering the question during an interview last month with ABC's Barbara Walters.
Noting that the White House was a no-smoking zone, Brokaw asked Obama, "Have you stopped smoking?"
"I have," Obama replied, smiling broadly. "What I said was that there are times where I have fallen off the wagon."
"Wait a minute," Brokaw interjected, "that means you haven't stopped."
"Fair enough," Obama said. "What I would say is that I have done a terrific job under the circumstances of making myself much healthier. You will not see any violations of these rules in the White House."
Obama was often observed on the presidential campaign trail chewing Nicorette gum, which helps ease the craving for nicotine. He has tried several times to quit.
The 47-year-old president-elect, who takes office on January 20, works out daily at the gym and sometimes plays basketball. His doctor said in May he was in excellent health, often jogged 3 miles a day and was fit to serve as U.S. president.
Website www.cigaraficionado.com says Gerald Ford, who served from 1974-77, was the last U.S. president to use tobacco on a regular basis. The White House no-smoking rule was imposed by former First Lady Hillary Clinton, now Obama's nominee for secretary of state.
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Bollywood Actors Protest Against Terrorist ATTACK |
PREITY, SHAH RUKH & NOW SAIF, KAREENA PROTEST AGAINST ATTACK
‘We are disgusted with politicians who provide no leadership,’ the actors say
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are the latest Bollywood stars to criticise the government for failing to tackle terrorism and protect citizens. Both said they were "disgusted" with politicians "who provide no leadership" while arming themselves "with so many security guards".
The actors were busy shooting for Renzil D'Silva's untitled project in Philadelphia when the mayhem broke loose in Mumbai on November 26.
"The government has failed us again. The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is advertising for votes while the bodies of the dead have not yet been cremated. Modi had offered Rs 10 million to the widow of Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare. The news has shaken the foundations of our city and destroyed our already shaky belief in our government's ability to protect us," Saif wrote in a statement circulated to the media and signed by both.
Added Kareena, "I am disgusted with the so-called political leaders who provide no leadership and ironically surround themselves with so many security guards while doing little or nothing for the security of the people who have voted them to power.
Saif also slammed the terrorists for killing "innocent people" in the name of "God" or "religion".
"As an Indian and a Muslim, I feel like expressing my condemnation and outright disgust toward any party killing innocent people in the name of God, Allah or whatever we choose to call him.
"I am so worried that the whole religion (Islam) will be judged and condemned. There are strong communal feelings running through all stratas of our society and I find it hard to defend the fact that there seems to be a Muslim hand behind every detonator. I feel a little scared as a Muslim now," explained the actor.
IANS Work should be the new religion
I've tried to keep away from commenting on this as there are no words to express a situation like this because our feelings are mixed with anger, disbelief and sadness. Being Muslim myself, I believe youngsters need to understand Islam and respect the religion in the right way. I think no agenda should be attached to any kind of religion.The religion our children are born with should be something they practice as a discipline and work should be developed as the new religion. SRK in an interview The youth... should start a political party
What I would really like to see emerge from all this is the youth of this country starting a political party.A group that stands for strong, clean,honest and fresh leadership.A group that we can all support. And finally,if we really want to make sure that terrorists fail in achieving their end then these terror attacks should not take us towards hate but instead towards love.If we react with hate we are succumbing to these terror attacks,and if we react with increasing love and peace in our hearts then we squarely defeat the terrorists. AAMIR KHAN on his blog I am shocked at what has been done in the name of my faith
As a Muslim, I am shocked at what has been done in the name of my faith.As an Indian, I am determined to keep these terrorists from tearing our nation apart.As a human being, I join with the entire world in condemning this horrific violence.
SOHA ALI KHAN, in a letter If our soldiers are treated the way they are...People come here as guests, and this is how they are treated ––with terror attacks... we will not be quiet. I speak as an individual. I am the daughter of an army officer and my brother is in the Army too. But if our soldiers are treated the way they are (referring to poor infrastructure) then which family will send their children to the Police or Army. PREITY ZINTA.
The actors were busy shooting for Renzil D'Silva's untitled project in Philadelphia when the mayhem broke loose in Mumbai on November 26.
"The government has failed us again. The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is advertising for votes while the bodies of the dead have not yet been cremated. Modi had offered Rs 10 million to the widow of Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare. The news has shaken the foundations of our city and destroyed our already shaky belief in our government's ability to protect us," Saif wrote in a statement circulated to the media and signed by both.
Added Kareena, "I am disgusted with the so-called political leaders who provide no leadership and ironically surround themselves with so many security guards while doing little or nothing for the security of the people who have voted them to power.
Saif also slammed the terrorists for killing "innocent people" in the name of "God" or "religion".
"As an Indian and a Muslim, I feel like expressing my condemnation and outright disgust toward any party killing innocent people in the name of God, Allah or whatever we choose to call him.
"I am so worried that the whole religion (Islam) will be judged and condemned. There are strong communal feelings running through all stratas of our society and I find it hard to defend the fact that there seems to be a Muslim hand behind every detonator. I feel a little scared as a Muslim now," explained the actor.
IANS Work should be the new religion
I've tried to keep away from commenting on this as there are no words to express a situation like this because our feelings are mixed with anger, disbelief and sadness. Being Muslim myself, I believe youngsters need to understand Islam and respect the religion in the right way. I think no agenda should be attached to any kind of religion.The religion our children are born with should be something they practice as a discipline and work should be developed as the new religion. SRK in an interview The youth... should start a political party
What I would really like to see emerge from all this is the youth of this country starting a political party.A group that stands for strong, clean,honest and fresh leadership.A group that we can all support. And finally,if we really want to make sure that terrorists fail in achieving their end then these terror attacks should not take us towards hate but instead towards love.If we react with hate we are succumbing to these terror attacks,and if we react with increasing love and peace in our hearts then we squarely defeat the terrorists. AAMIR KHAN on his blog I am shocked at what has been done in the name of my faith
As a Muslim, I am shocked at what has been done in the name of my faith.As an Indian, I am determined to keep these terrorists from tearing our nation apart.As a human being, I join with the entire world in condemning this horrific violence.
SOHA ALI KHAN, in a letter If our soldiers are treated the way they are...People come here as guests, and this is how they are treated ––with terror attacks... we will not be quiet. I speak as an individual. I am the daughter of an army officer and my brother is in the Army too. But if our soldiers are treated the way they are (referring to poor infrastructure) then which family will send their children to the Police or Army. PREITY ZINTA.
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Bollywood Actress Hansika Motwani becomes a graduate |
Hansika becomes a graduate
The pretty young thing has been in tremendous pain. Hansika has a broken ligament, and while on bed rest, the girl looked forward to one of her most important days – her G-Day! Determined not to let the injury pin her down, this seventeen-year-old put on her blue graduation gown and hat and celebrated her achievement! “Mom allowed me to become an actor on the condition that I continue my studies. So that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m only too happy to be a ‘graduate’ now!” says a delighted Hansika. But life’s lessons will always be on-going dearie... there’s just no graduating from that!
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Bollywood Actor Shah Rukh Khan Honoured |
SHAH RUKH HONOURED
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, left, receives the title of "Datuk" from Malacca state Governor Mohammad Khalil Yaakob in Malacca, 148 km south of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, December 6, 2008
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL
Malaysians are hopeful that a visit by Shah Rukh Khan will boost the country's tourism industry that has been badly hit by the current global economic crisis.
NO CHILD'S PLAY
Shah Rukh responded by announcing that he would shoot an entire film, tentatively titled Happy New Year, in Malaysia next year.
ANOTHER FIRST
Shah Rukh Khan is the first foreign actor to be conferred the title of Datuk
CONTROVERSIAL AWARD
Shah Rukh Khan was conferred a Malaysian honorary title equivalent to a British knighthood despite claims by some Malaysians that it is wrong to honor a foreigner
Shah Rukh 'Knighted' in Malaysia
WHEN IN MALAYSIA...
Shah Rukh Khan in a traditional official black Malay costume and songkok cap poses after he received the title of Datuk
source:ibnlive.in.com
Dec 7, 2008
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Hollywood Reporter's list of highest-earning actresses |
Hollywood highest paid actresses
SPOONSFUL OF SUGAR
Reese Witherspoon, 32, who topped the female list last year after winning an Oscar for her role in the 2005 movie Walk the Line dropped to No 3. She earned $14 million for appearing in the comedy hit Four Christmases that opened last week. In the picture, Witherspoon arrives at The Hollywood Reporter's annual "Women in Entertainment Power 100" breakfast in Beverly Hills December 6, 2005
HAPPY AS CAN BE
Oscar winner Julia Roberts, 41, claimed the No 2 spot after a long absence from the screen, making more than $15 million for Duplicity which comes out next year.
JOLIE FINE
Angelina Jolie, 33, is the highest-earning Hollywood actress, earning a whooping $15 million for the action movie Wanted this year and she could make $20 million to star in a possible sequel, said Hollywood Reporter. Jolie played dramatic roles in 2007's A Mighty Heart and in this year's Changeling. The mother of six and partner of actor Brad Pitt last month talked about eventually fading away from acting to spend more time with her family.
ANY WHICH WAY
There's something about Mary star Cameron Diaz is among the list of highest-earning actresses of Hollywood.
SISTER GOLDEN HAIR
Kate Hudson who has started in films like the Bride Wars alongside Anne Hathaway is also among the highest-earning actresses.
FORTUNATE ONE
Brokeback Mountain costar Anne Hathaway is also among the highest-earning actresses of Hollywood.
GOOD ' RICH' GIRL
Thirty-year-old Friends star Jennifer Aniston earned more than $8 million for the comedy Marley & Me opening on Christmas Day.
source:ibnlive.in.com
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