Taare Zameen Par Review

Taare Zameen Par is an impressive debut indeed for filmmaker Aamir Khan , and showcases a brilliant performance by the young Darsheel Safary -- one of those child actors you can't possibly resist. More than just dyslexia, the film is a look at childhood dreamers who feel shunted out by the rest of the world, the cruel world that doesn't understand them. At some level, I guess we all relate. And this ends up a nice watch -- sincere, even if somewhat simplistic.

Darsheel is superb in the role as we see him bewildered, then hurt, then frustrated with constant rejection. Khan, who handles the school sections of the film with relatable nostalgia, reels us in with poignant, simple visuals and makes us feel the child's pained confusion. A song bursts onto the scene, cut smartly like an edgy music video, showing Ishaan's father (played by Vipin Sharma) get ready for a business trip, while his harrowed mother (Tisca Chopra) gets eggs and bread ready for first father then each son, in turn. All while Ishaan is blissfully oblivious to the need of the hour, or the hour itself. By this point, we're hooked.

The director himself enters neatly at halftime, shushing us to announce intermission. Aamir plays temporary Art teacher Ramshankar Nikumbh, one who works part-time with a special-needs school, and wants Ishaan and his buddies to open up. Khan plays the role in just the right key, a sympathetic teacher who notices a problem but doesn't want to force himself through the child's shell. It is he who realises Ishaan has dyslexia, and goes to meet the Awasthis.

The songs are good, however, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy do a bang-up job, as does lyricist Prasoon Joshi. Scriptwriter and conceptualiser Amole Gupte has clearly written a heartfelt script, and his imprint lies all over the film, even visually -- outside of the two final paintings painted by Samir Mondal, all of Ishaan's artwork is done either by Gupte or his wife Deepa, who also edited the film. This is clearly a labour of love for them.

Highly watchable and -- again, because of Darsheel and Aamir's knack for sentimental imagery -- warmly likeable, Taare flounders fatally at the end. Sure, it's okay to appease the masses with a tacked-on and cheesy ending, but for a film which stresses that we need to give our kids their space and not force themselves into constant comparisons, a film which asks them to take their time to find their talents, the climax becomes about a competition, about how winning magically makes everything better. And that's a scary thought, in context of what the film tries to say, overall.

Taare Zameen Par is, above all else, an earnest film.

Aamir brings us the debut of both a great child actor and a budding director with a fine eye, though he seems slightly Ashutosh'd in terms of pace. Economy is the one thing this film cries out for. Crisper, tighter, and less repetitive, and we'd have a very good movie on our hands. For now, we have a director with clear potential for solid work. And we need as many of those as we can get.

read the full review of taare zameen pe at rediff.com

Amanda Kimmel third in Survivor China

Amanda Lee Kimmel (born August 3, 1984) is a beauty queen from Billings, Montana who has competed in the Miss USA and Miss Earth pageants.

Kimmel won the Miss Montana USA 2005 title in late 2004 after placing first runner-up in both the 2003 and 2004 pageants. She competed at the Miss USA 2005 pageant held in Baltimore, Maryland in April 2005, but failed to place. The pageant was won by Chelsea Cooley of North Carolina.

In August 2007 it was announced that Kimmel would appear on the reality television show Survivor: China, becoming the fourth Miss USA delegate to compete on Survivor. Amanda ended up coming in third place, with only one vote for the million dollars, behind the winner Todd and Courtney who came in second place.

Todd Herzog triumphs at 'Survivor: China'

All that studying paid off. Todd Herzog, a longtime fan of "Survivor," won the CBS reality show's $1 million prize after 39 days of lying and scheming.

"I wasn't the strongest. I wasn't the smartest," Herzog said during the finale. "But I was definitely the most strategic."

The 22-year-old flight attendant from Pleasant Grove, Utah, bested his "Survivor: China" allies Courtney Yates, a 26-year-old waitress from New York, and Amanda Kimmel, a 23-year-old hiking guide and former beauty queen from Los Angeles.

Herzog won the 15th edition of "Survivor" with four votes against Yates' two and Kimmel's one. He's the youngest winner in the show's history.

"I knew that the second that I got out there that, no matter what it took, I would do everything that I possibly could to be sitting right here," Herzog said after the votes were revealed.

That meant teaming up with Kimmel on the first day of the competition and aligning himself with both weaker and stronger players to deflect any attention away from himself.

"I can't believe it worked," he said.

None of the opposing Zhan Hu tribe members was able to penetrate Herzog's alliance with Kimmel, Yates and fourth-place finisher Denise Martin, a 40-year-old janitor from Douglas, Mass.

Earlier in the season, the quartet turned on fellow original Fei Long tribe members Jean-Robert Bellande and James Clement, who possessed but didn't use either of the game's two Hidden Immunity Idols. "Survivor" host Jeff Probst called that move the "biggest blunder in the history of this game."

Despite his misstep, gravedigger Clement was selected by viewers to win $100,000 from Sprint.

Herzog and Clement weren't the only players awarded money. Probst announced that "Survivor" executive producer Mark Burnett would give $50,000 to Martin, who said she lost her job as a lunch lady as a result of being on the show.

Todd Herzog

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Dolce Vita Paris Black Peep Toe Pumps

Greg Norman and Chris Evert

HE IS one of the world's most recognised sportsmen, and she was supposed to be his "very, very close friend". But yesterday Greg Norman and his Chris Evert made their relationship public, holding hands and dining out in Sydney's Watsons Bay for all to see.

After months of denying their budding romance, the former world number one golfer and US tennis champion stepped out together in public yesterday for a romantic lunch.

Since Norman's break-up from his wife of 25 years, Laura, in May, and Evert's divorce in October, the couple have been seen together at charity events and sporting tournaments. But the game

was up yesterday as the high-profile couple, wearing matching outfits of jeans, black tops and dark sunglasses, enjoyed a meal of prawns and lobster at an outside table by the water at Doyles restaurant.

The couple held hands for most of the meal.

At one point Norman, 51, put his hand protectively on 52-year-old Evert's arm and she rested her hand on his shoulder.

After wining and dining, the couple enjoyed a stroll through the park next to the restaurant.

They held hands the whole time.

One diner at the restaurant said: "They looked very much in love. They seemed very happy and relaxed in each other's company."

Claiming to have been friends for 25 years, the former sports champions have denied rumours of a partnership for much of this year.

The Queensland-born Norman has been living in Hobe Sound, Florida, and announced his separation from Laura in May, after 25 years of marriage and two children, Morgan-Leigh, 24, and Greg, 21.

Having won more than 70 golf tournaments since turning professional in 1976, Norman is considered to be worth $278 million, thanks to his sizeable business interests.

These include Great White Shark Enterprises (involved in golf and the golfing lifestyle), Medallist Developments (a joint venture between Norman and Macquarie Bank), Greg Norman Turf Company, Greg Norman Collection (apparel and sportswear), Greg Norman's Grille (outdoor dining furniture), Greg Norman Interactive (e-commerce) and Greg Norman Estates (wine).

Although details of the divorce are not yet known, Norman is believed to have forked out almost $10 million last month for a five-bedroom home in Boca Raton, Florida, around the corner from Evert, who also lives there.

Evert, who recently divorced her second husband of 18 years, the former champion skier Andy Mill, kept the couple's $4 million Boca Raton property.

Norman's new pad is set to replace the $27 million marital mansion, which included a helipad and boat ramp.

The home is expected to be awarded to Mrs Norman in the divorce settlement, and the ownership of other assets including a ranch in Colorado, a home in the Bahamas, a helicopter and private jet is yet to be determined.

Dark Knight trailer

Dark Knight
Genre:Action and Adventure
Dark Knight In Theatres: July 18th, 2008


Dark Knight Teaser trailer I



Dark Knight Teaser trailer II




Official Dark Knight site

Dyson DC14 Animal Upright Vacuum

Dyson DC14 Animal Upright Vacuum

Product Features
The first vacuum cleaner that doesn't lose suction. Others clog and lose suction- Dyson suction stays constant
Instant stair and high reach cleaning. Wand releases and expands 17ft at the touch of a button
Wide channel for large pieces. Picks up bigger pieces that others can leave behind
Easy to carry ergonomic design: Low handle feels lighter to carry; No extra costs. Lifetime filters that don't clog, no bags to buy
Factory-Reconditioned to "like-new" condition; Includes 6 month warranty



Named for its power and uncompromising approach to pet hair, the Dyson DC14 Animal upright vacuum cleaner is skillfully engineered by James Dyson, inventor of the world's first cyclonic bagless vacuum cleaner. Unlike bag or bagless systems that often lose suction power from dust clogging the bag or filter, there is nothing to obstruct the airflow of this unit. Its Root8Cyclone technology features conical chambers that generate 150,000 g's of centrifugal force, pushing dust and dirt out of the airflow into the vacuum's 5/7-gallon collection cup. With no bag to clog, the vacuum's 250 air watts of suction power remain steady.

Billa Review

To remake a hit film in another language is always tricky. Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan tasted success with their respective versions of Don. Rajnikanth's Tamil remake of the film, Billa (1980), was also a huge hit.

So Ajith's Billa should have followed the same path. But then, in showbiz, two plus two does not make four.

Director Vishnuvardhan seems to have been in a dilemma as to whether to focus on Ajith or give the film well-etched characters. There are too many diversions in the form of female cleavages in the rain forests of Malaysia and garish sets.

So the megaphone wielder snipped off some of the supporting characters -- especially the trapeze artiste-cum-safe-breaker (played by Pran, 'Thengai' Srinivasan and Arjun Rampal in the earlier three versions) -- substituted a pen-drive in the place of a red-coloured diary and expected Ajith to bear the entire burden of carrying Billa on his shoulders.

To expect the slightly pot-bellied Ajith to work a miracle which even Rajnikanth wasn't expected to do is probably asking for too much.

The story begins with a sadistic underworld don Billa (Ajith) being killed in a police chase. An officer Jai Prakash (Prabhu, wasted) substitutes a look alike wastrel Velu (Ajith again) in his place to net the whole gang, whose boss masquerades as an Interpol agent (Rahuman, average). An avenging belle (Nayantara [Images], adequate) and an itinerant cop help in nailing the baddies...

Yuvan Shankar Raja's tunes and music are pulsating -- especially the pan-song and the praise for Lord Murugan (filmed excellently around the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur).

Ajith has tried his best under the circumstances -- in the absence of other props -- purely with the help of motorcar chases and fisticuffs.

The audience expects one last twist to the tale as the villain is shot down but it doesn't come.

Modern Love Lyrics by David Bowie

Modern Love Lyrics by David Bowie

I know when to go out
And when to stay in
Get things done [spoken]

I catch a paper boy
But things don't really change
I'm standing in the wind
But I never wave bye-bye

But I try
I try

There's no sign of life
It's just the power to charm
I'm lying in the rain
But I never wave bye-bye

But I try
I try

Never gonna fall for
Modern Love walks beside me
Modern Love walks on by
Modern Love gets me to the Church on Time
Church on Time terrifies me
Church on Time makes me party
Church on Time puts my trust in God and Man
God and Man no confessions
God and Man no religion
God and Man don't believe
in Modern Love

Now that you know the lyrics of modern love enjoy the video


about modern love at wikipedia

17th Century Wreckage of Captain Kidd ship found

The wreckage of a pirate ship abandoned by Captain Kidd in the 17th century has been found by divers in shallow waters off the Dominican Republic, a research team claims.

The underwater archaeology team, from Indiana University, says they have found the remains of Quedagh Merchant, actively sought by treasure hunters for years.

Charles Beeker of IU said his team has been licensed to study the wreckage and convert the site into an underwater preserve for the public.

Resting in less than 10 feet of Caribbean seawater, the wreckage of Quedagh Merchant, the ship abandoned by the scandalous 17th century pirate Captain William Kidd as he raced to New York in an ill-fated attempt to clear his name, has escaped discovery — until now.

An underwater archaeology team from Indiana University announced today the discovery of the remnants. IU marine protection authority Charles Beeker said his team has been licensed to study the wreckage and to convert the site into an underwater preserve, where it will be accessible to the public.

Alexandra Paressant says she had affair with Tony Parker

Model Alexandra Paressant has gone public with an accusation that she has been going at it with Tony Parker all while he was married to Eva Longoria. She has filled the World Wide Web with lots of quotes about her alleged affair with the star of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs.

Us Weekly Magazine reports sometime around September 29 that Paressant claims she and Parker began exchanging sexually explicit text messages and phone calls while Parker was in Paris at the Park Hyatt Hotel.

They then slept together, she said, and continued seeing each other night after night in Paris until he left to San Antonio a short time later.
"We had room service. He said that Eva, sexually speaking, does not want to do certain things," she said. "She does not want to make love in front of a mirror, does not like certain position and thinks that sperm gives acne."

So - did he cheat? He says no. So does Eva. Longoria's rep Liza Anderson had called the allegations "completely, 100 percent false and untrue." People Magazine also reported that Parker said, "I love my wife. She's the best thing in my life, and I have never been happier."

Longoria, who took Parker's name this year after their July nuptials, added, "Tony has been nothing short of the perfect husband."

According to Alexandra Paressant’s myspace page, she was born in Baule France in 1981. She is of French and Italian heritage.

Sen. George Mitchell report findings

Former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell unveiled the final report of his 20-month steroid investigation in Major League Baseball on Thursday.

Mitchell's 20-month investigation is said to conclude that as many as 60 professional baseball players used steroids. Various sources said that the individuals named in the report include 2005 National League Most Valuable Player Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox captain Jason Varitek, as well as Johnny Damon, Nomar Garciaparra, Miguel Tejada and Kerry Wood, and among others.

The report is said to point the finger at Major League Baseball and the league's Players Association union for creating what is being called "a serious drug culture within baseball, from top to bottom."

Free agent Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees, Miguel Tejada of the Houston Astros, Eric Gagne of the Milwaukee Brewers and Paul Lo Duca of the Washington Nationals were among the most prominent former and current All-Stars to be mentioned in the lengthy report.

Mitchell, a former federal prosecutor, is a director of the Boston Red Sox, and was chairman of The Walt Disney Co., the parent of ESPN, at the time Selig established the committee on March 30, 2006, charging it with leaving "no stone unturned" in its quest to determine what happened in baseball's so-called steroid era.


If you wish to read the 409 pages of Mitchell report, click here

Michael Jordan wins against Karla Knafel

A state Appellate Court ruled Wednesday in favor of Michael Jordan in his dispute with a former lover who contends that the retired superstar owes her $5 million.

Karla Knafel said Jordan promised her the money for remaining silent and agreeing not to file a paternity suit after she learned she was pregnant in 1991.

Jordan denied making the promise and sued Knafel in 2002, alleging that she was trying to extort money from him. DNA tests later showed that Jordan was not the father of the child.

Larissa Schuster gets life for acid death

A guilty verdict comes more than four years after Timothy Schuster's death and two days after the start of deliberations.

Tim Schuster's wife Larissa was convicted this morning of first degree murder with a special circumstance.

That makes her eligible for life in prison without parole.
Jurors deliberated two and half days before they found Larissa Schuster guilty.

Her parents and the victim's mother sat just one row behind the defendant.
The judge warned people not to show outward expressions of emotion as Larissa Schuster learned the verdict.

More information
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22920701-5012748,00.html

"w00t" Named Word of the Year 2007

'w00t', has been named Word of the Year for 2007 by dictionary gurus Merriam-Webster. Visitors to the Merriam-Webster website were asked to vote for one of 20 commonly searched words and phrases. Facebook was the runner-up. Previously honored geek words include google (runner-up in 2006) and blog (winner in 2004)."

The word, which is typically spelled with two zeros in the middle, is the equivalent of "yay." It's an expression of joy. The origin of the word is debated - some say it's derived from a sound made in the game Quake III. Others say it came from Dungeons and Dragons, and is shorthand for "Wow, loot!" Still others attribute it to hackers, calling it code for root access to a computer.

Fire Hits Downtown New Haven

A massive fire that started at a bar Wednesday morning spread through 14 buildings, shut a section of downtown and led to apartment evacuations before it was contained.

The blaze began about 6:30 a.m., apparently at the back of the Brass Monkey bar, a few blocks from Yale University, fire officials said.

At least five retail businesses, including clothing shops, a furniture store, a gift shop and the bar were destroyed, city officials said. No injuries were reported, but residents of about 100 apartments were ordered to evacuate, Mayor John DeStefano said.

Other buildings had been undergoing renovations and were empty. The smoke could be seen for miles.

The city's building inspector was working Wednesday afternoon to determine the integrity of the buildings.

The Brass Monkey opened last month, catering to the city's business crowd.

"I will rebuild. I love downtown," co-owner Mark McKinley told WTNH-TV.

Sixty-six firefighters from 11 of the city's 12 engine companies battled the blaze, which was brought under control a little before 10 a.m.

The cause of the fire had not been determined Wednesday afternoon. Much of the area was expected to remain closed to traffic all day.


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Tony Lepore - Dancing Cop

Christmas is a time for celebrating a religious festival, giving and receiving presents, and consuming lots of food and drink at parties.

Residents in Rhode Island have an additional treat to put smiles on their faces at this time of year – a dancing policeman.

Tony 'The Dancing Cop' Lepore comes out of retirement every year, where he hits the streets to direct traffic.

As cars pass him by, Lepore breaks out some moves to grab the attention of drivers and pedestrians alike.

The breakdancing and body popping cop has gained worldwide recognition for his antics as he entertains the public and adds some Christmas spirit to their lives.