Monday, February 3, 2014

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman Dead: Drug Overdose?





Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, one of the leading actors of Hollywood is found dead on Sunday in his Greenwich Village apartment . He was found in a non-responsive state on the bathroom floor. This was in response to a 911 call. On arrival, the emergency medical service team found him on the bathroom floor with a syringe in his arm in a comatose condition. On examination he was found dead.

The police investigators found him with two small plastic bags that contains a substance similar to heroin. So, as per the police spokesman, the investigators are examining causes linked to a probable drug overdose. The investigation is already under way.

He spoke in the past of struggling with drugs. In a 2006 interview in which he told CBS he had at times abused "anything I could get my hands on. I liked it all."

He is survived by three children and his partner Mimi O'Donnell. The Hoffman family issued the following statement through their publicist."We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone," and "This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers."

If it is confirmed that the cause of his death is in fact a drug overdose, it would recall the death of actor Heath Ledgerthe in a similar fashion, in 2008. In this case, the cause of death was a combination of lethal drugs, and the location, a similar apartment in the same locality.

Actor Philip Hoffman is damn good as an actor and won the Academy Award for his title role in the 2005 biographical film "Capote." When he played writer Truman Capote, he brought a workmanlike intensity to his roles almost always. "This is a horrible day for those who worked ‎with Philip," Tom Hanks once commented as a compliment to the late actor.

Hoffman appeared last month at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. At the premiere he told something very remarkable to explain "loneliness" in connection with the character he was playing. "I think it'd be hard for anyone not to connect with the loneliness," he told in connection with Gunther's personality, whose character he played in "A Most Wanted Man." It may be easy to play a lonely character, but not that easy to stay lonely and enjoy it.

Perhaps, with great talent comes great loneliness.

Watch the top 10 performances of the late actor. You will know why he is called one of the best actors of his time and is missed so much.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Amazon Drones: New Trends In Product Delivery

The U.S. Government is not the only one using drones any more.

To keep up the demands of  Cristmas sale Amazon.com is using drones for faster product delivery. This news has created quite  a stir. While some see and appreciate the techonology involved some, in the other hand, think this doesn't augur well for the future.

Delivery Drones in action Image from USA Today

This system is called "Prime Air on 60 Minutes" by CEO Jeff Bezos.

These "Drones"  can  deliver packages below five pounds within 30 minutes; straight from Amazon distribution centers to customers' door steps. Amazing!

Is Amazon the only one who is in the pipe line? Heck NO! There's others too. As per media reports "United Parcel Service" is now researching for drone delivery systems  too.

The Negative side


Whether this is good or bad it's difficult to say at this point of time. When human work force is replaced by machine there's always a stir. Loss of jobs is the immediate fear in people's mind whenever there's a technological break-through. New technologies always encroached into the territory of human work force, but this enroachment   is completely unprecedented.

But, we've always moved on.


To get other reports about this story check here.


Friday, November 1, 2013

Lo! Behold the Sand Art For Kali Puja



Sand, as it's found in nature, has been a part of many  processes, both ancient and modern, but hardly it's been used for portraying beauty and art.

You may recall Pythagoras drawing lines on sand with twigs to elucidate obscure mathematical and geometrical formulae in ancient Greece. In the famous Hollywood film "300" Leonydus, the Spartan king explains his battle plan on sand. There may be another thousand of such examples of use of sand, but hardly any for art.

That's until the artist from Odisa, name "Mr. Sudarshan" gave a new meaning to use of sand in the field of art.

Sand Art from an Unknown Artist


Since then many other artists took love for sand art and practised it with much love and dedication.

The photograph you find in this post attracted many people on 31st October 2013, yesterday in front of SBI, Main branch Bhubaneswar. The constant flashing of cameras and a small gathering of people drew my attention enough. In spite of my very busy schedule I was curious enough to find out about the gathering.

I hate to say that I didn't have enough time to meet the artist. He was not around and I didn't have enough time to wait for him. Then I thought, perhaps the best way to appreciate is to know the art better than the artist as they are both one and inseparable.

The photograph is here for you to see for yourself. Either you love it or you hate it, there's no in-between. If you lose the chance to have a glimpse, you lose it for ever expect for a photograph.

Sand art are very transitory, just like life. When things are beautiful as they are perishable we pay more attention because we miss it more when it's gone.

I'm posting this in a hurry, just stealing a few moments in-between tasks I had to complete before I leave Bhubaneswar, but it's a labour of love. I hope you enjoy the shot taken by my HTC mobile which can never compare to a digital SLR.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Pran On Amazon India Best Sellers List




The eponymous ‘bad man’ of Hindi cinema has stirred up the Indian book market, especially Amazon.in within 24 hrs of his passing away. A book titled after the late actor is in the Amazon.in best sellers list as of now rivaling the actor who  now tops in  Google.com's Indian Hot Trends list.

This book is titled "...and Pran A Biography" in a very dramatic way, as Pran's name would appear in the casting of a film in which he acted. This biography is authored by Bunny Reuben, a film journalist  of very high repute. Mr. Reuben also has few more furs in his writing cap- biographies of the great  Mehboob Khan, another legend and of ever great Dilip Kumar, the star legend.

The veteran writer who took to film journalism in late 1940, wrote feature articles for Filmfare, Star & Style, and the Indian Express group. In 1975, he founded and edited Cine Blitz. It's told about Bunny Reuben that he has raised Indian film journalism to the level of literature.

This book on Pran comes from a master about another.

The master portrayed his roles with so much dexterity that for over a span of 30 years after  Independence, no male child (almost) was named after his name. Such was the maliciousness attached with  his name, least to say about his characters. Even after he switched over to character roles in film  "Upkar" with Manoj Kumar, his evil aura hardly faded.

Spanning a career of 60 years in films with almost 400 films to his credit, the masters life is the  history of Indian Hindi cinema for half a century. This biography not only portrays the evil man on  screen, but also the intimate portrait of the lesser known man behind the image. This soft aspect of  Pran has evaded most of all as they hated to know anything about the villain.

This book can be found in Amazon's India store, online. The book is priced at Rs. 399.00







Click here to buy it from Amazon India



The Sher Khan Pran Passes Away




Pran Kishan Sikand, better known as PRAN passes away. The stern villain loses to the hero called "life."

At the ripe age of 93(1920-2013), on July 12, 2013 he breathed his last in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital. This was  preceded by a prolonged spell of illness as the near and dear ones of the legend put it. This is not quite uncommon at an age of 90 or beyond.

Just before a month or so he was conferred with the prestigious "Dadasaheb Phalke Award,"  to be exact in the month of May 2013. This award came too late. He was not even able to take up the journey to New Delhi to receive the award. The award was handed over to him the next day, formally at his home in Mumbai. Why so late? Well...better not to mention.

The Punjabi lad started his career as usually as a "Hero" in Punjabi films. Destined to make it big, he moved to Mumbai, Bombay as it was at that time, with an eye-full of dreams... and succeeded. He has near to 400 films to his credit.

Immortalized as "Sher Khan" of Zanzeer, he touched the heart of the Indian film lovers in many roles. He was voted "Villain of the Millennium." He can be conveniently chosen as the "Grand dad of Villains" of Indian cinema, but his best came in many genres. He has played character roles too in his later years like many other villains. Some Villain-come-character actors are still following his foot steps.

His break through came in the film Ziddi (1948) against Dev Anand. He then rose like a mega star and played the villain opposite all the superstars... that was his stature. However, he broke the stereotype in Upkar, co-starring Manoj Kumar, a hit film of 1967's.

To name few of his hit: Zanjeer, Don, Amar Akbar Anthony, Munimji, Devdas(Old), Madhumati, Ram Aur Shyam, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, and Kaalia e.t.c. In my personal opinion he is going to be best remembered  for his song "Yaari Hai Imaan Meri Yaar Mera Zindagi."

His passing away came as no surprise as he was ailing for quite sometime, but he is going to be ever remembered for his immortal performances. An era comes to an end...as every good thing has an end.

The poet, hearty, humane and romantic actor-villain of the pre-Mogambo era calls it a day.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Caught Scratching Ball?



The English cricket team is caught scratching ball by none other than both the umpires.

Image courtesy Yahoo.com


During the recent champions trophy one-day international cricket match between England and Sri Lanka at The Oval on Thursday both the umpires noticed something strange. One of the English players was tampering with the cricket ball.

The umpires were Pakistani Aleem Dar and his New Zealand colleague Billy Bowden. As a result of this new observation they ordered to change the ball in use.

Now the English team is in the centre of a new controversy after former captain Bob Willis accused them of scratching the ball. The English team denies the ball tampering claims by former teammate and Captain Bob Willis.

As per the current one-day international rules, two white balls are to be used for each innings. This provision is made to cope up with the forceful heats by one-day batsman which is generally softens and deforms the ball.

During the match on Thursday, Kumara Sangakkara of Sri Lanka complained about the condition of the ball at a score of 119 for two. It was somewhere at the halfway stage of the batting innings.

England at an imposing score of 293 for seven. In the halfway mark, when the ball started to gain reverse swing Kumara Sangakkara asked for a change of ball. This made the English team unhappy.

After the ball was changed there was little swing and Kumara Sangakkara went on to complete his maiden century.

Cook, after the completion of the match, claimed that the ball at chests because it was out of shape. If the umpires made a decision we have to accept it.

However, he didn't mention anything about thereason for the change of the ball.

Funny, isn't it?

Friday, July 20, 2012

One Piano Five Players

This strange but sweet chorus recital of a special instrument built in the shape of a piano has become an instant rage.

The video showing the five guys playing the keys and strings from different positions has gone viral.  It has gone  beyond 1,110,847 views by the time of writing this post. This video originally uploaded in YouTube by the "ThePianoGuys" has become popular in g+ and almost all social media.

The video is titled "One Direction - What makes you Beautiful"...

If you have not already watched it, watch it below, and watch it now!

Happy viewing....











Please leave your comments below...

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Anna's Protest: A Global Phenomenon

Indians Abroad Unite 
And Join Anna's Movement





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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Anna Phenomenon: Sea of People At India Gate

A sea of supporters of Anna Hazare gathered this afternoon 
at the India Gate. 
UPA Government is out of its wit.






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Sri Sri Ravishankar's Views On the Anna Hazare Movement

What Should The Government Do





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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Anna Hazare Speaks to The Nation On His Arrest


Watch Anna Hazare delivering his message  
to the nation 
about the course of action 
after his arrest.






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Sunday, June 26, 2011

People’s Choice Awards 2011

Taylor Swift in People’s Choice Awards 2011

Johny Depp and Kristen Stewart as best actor and actress


The 2011 People’s Choice Awards was hosted by Queen Latifah and featured the biggest and brightest stars in showbiz. Tonight Selena Gomez was also spotted rocking out at the 2011 People’s Choice Awards. Earlier in the evening, Selena was all about hamming it up in the arrivals area with fellow celebrity hottie Ashley Tisdale with also scooping up a trophy for Favorite Breakout Artist.

The theme was "Hollywood chic" on Wednesday night (January 5) at the People's Choice Awards, and all the stars stepped out in their best to celebrate the favorite movies, television shows and musicians of 2010. 

Los Angeles was a bit chilly, but mini-dresses abounded on the sapphire carpet. 

FAVORITE COMEDY STAR: Adam Sandler
FAVORITE COMEDY FILM: “Grown Ups”
FAVORITE TALK SHOW HOST: Conan O’Brien
FAVORITE COUNTRY ARTIST: Taylor Swift
FAVORITE BREAKOUT ARTIST: Selena Gomez
FAVORITE TV COMEDY ACTOR: Neil Patrick Harris
FAVORITE TV COMEDY ACTOR: Jane Lynch
FAVORITE TV COMEDY: “Glee”
FAVORITE VIRAL VIDEO: “Single Ladies Devastation”
FAVORITE TV DRAMA ACTRESS: Lisa Edelstein
FAVORITE TV DRAMA: “House”
FAVORITE MOVIE ACTOR: Johnny Depp
FAVORITE MOVIE STAR UNDER 25: Zac Efron
FAVORITE TV GUILTY PLEASURE: “Keeping Up With the Kardashians”
FAVORITE NEW TV DRAMA: “Hawaii 5-0″
FAVORITE NEW TV COMEDY: “[Bleep] My Dad Says”
FAVORITE MOVIE ACTRESS: Kristen Stewart
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST: Katy Perry
FAVORITE ONLINE SENSATION: Katy Perry
FAVORITE MOVIE: “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”

Oprah’s Big Secret


Oprah’s big secret will be revealed today on her show.

And the chat rooms and blogs are buzzing over what it might be.

All she's said so far is she "was given some news that literally shook me to my core. … I've been keeping a family secret for months, and you're gonna hear it straight from me.”


Oprah’s  Big  Secret
 
Whatever it is, notes CBS News correspondent Michelle Miller, Winfrey promises it will be a real bombshell. Miller observes, while she's keeping the details a secret, it's sent her fans into a frenzy, with speculation online that Winfrey could be revealing the identity of a long lost family member, or even news about her father.



Some even speculate that Oprah is a Mom and will be revealing about her child. Winfrey even revealed she considered suicide after learning of an unwanted teen pregnancy, telling Piers Morgan, "I was 14 years old and … I thought, before the baby was born, 'I'm gonna have to kill myself." 

Through the years, Winfrey has shared some of her most intimate secrets, ranging from an abusive childhood to drug abuse. Now, with her show in its final season, the Queen of Talk has done a series of high-profile interviews, addressing, among other things, rumors of a lesbian relationship with best friend Gayle King. "She's the friend that everyone deserves," Winfrey told Barbara Walters. " … I'm not even kind of lesbian."

With a life lived openly in the public eye, Winfrey's always had a skill for capturing public attention. Miller says, we'll see if she's still got it.

Oprah’s big secret will be known today only after her show.

Barbara Walters interview with Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey reveals about her friendship with Gayle King to interviewer extraordinaire Barbara Walters in a news special set to be aired on ABC, night at 9PM ET.

"I'm not even kind of a lesbian," she continues. "And the reason why it irritates me is because it means that somebody must think I'm lying. That's number one. Number two, why would you want to hide it? That is not the way I run my life. She is the mother I never had. She is the sister everybody would want. She is the friend that everybody deserves," Winfrey says in the interview. "I don't know a better person. I don't know a better person. It's making me cry because I'm thinking about how much -- I probably have never told her that.”

Winfrey gets choked up and was all emotions discussing how much her friend means to her and  shouts,  “Tissue please. I now need tissue.”

 



Saturday, May 21, 2011

Jeggings: The New Hollywood Rage


Jeggings are exremely skinny jeans that look like leggings and are worn like leggings. 

Steven Ameling, fashion critic, stated that while jeggings are acceptable career wear, the blending of the word 'jeans' with the word 'leggings' is, "...an abomination."  

Jeggings were initiated  by the resurgence in style of skinny jeans in the mid  2000s, when a higher demand for even tighter style of pant came about.  Since jeggings are typically made of a denim/spandex blend, they are often worn on their own as opposed to under a skirt or dress. Some jeggings have faux zip-flies and pockets, while others just have an elastic waistband and no pockets. 

Before two years, those who were hesitating to wear something even close to this are now big fans of the new trend and think can not live without this. The problem with these slim types of bottoms is that they’re  bit hard to put on and these especially, can be a little tricky. But once you are past this, you are on a roll.  

The Dos: 
 
Make sure your jeggings suit your body type.
If you don’t feel comfortable in them, don’t wear them.
   
Select a dark pair that will go with everything from a basic tank to a sweater dress.
Also, black slims you down so that’s always a plus.
If you’re on the short side, you may want to get a petite pair as a regular pair.
There’s nothing worse than two feet of bunched or rolled up jeans at the bottom.  

What You Wear Jeggings With:  

These are quite versatile, and do a better job than skinny jeans or leggings would. They’re denim material, you don’t have to cover your butt, but they’re so slim and skin-tight like leggings that you can wear a dress, a long sweater or tee, or just throw a long cardigan over. A  scarf will go well with a long sweater and a pair of chunky heels.  

These jeggings are great value for money. Very jean look alike and very very comfortable.  They fit beautifully and look just like the tightest jeans ever, even down to button, pocket and crease.details. I am sure, with  these on, most men will acknowledge your fashion know-how.    



Thursday, March 31, 2011

Why Pakistan lost to India in WC 2011 Semifinals?

India-Pakistan World Cup 2011 Semifinal Mohali


The Indian fan hysteria is yet to die down though the match is over. It will soon ride over another media hyped hysteria, the moment the Indian team reaches Mumbai. India has convincingly out-bowled the Pakistan team with a ball to spare. But the real match is not limited to only what meets the eyes or ears.

The Pakistan fan depression is about to start with the Pakistan media trial and experts’ opinions of its team’s short-comings that led to the defeat at Mohali.

Pakistan has risen like a Phoenix from its ashes in the coming months which was quite heartening for the people of Pakistan in particular and for the well wishers in general. The team which looked so formidable, which had beaten the Australian team with so much ease, fell to a team which lost to South Africa so easily and could not win against England in spite of a formidable score. 

India-Pakistan World Cup 2011 Semifinal Mohali
Team Pakistan was thus far known to be with the best bowling combination and Team India was known to be with the weakest of bowling attacks. The result at Mohali demonstrated something contrary to what the experts boasted of. Pakistan, with all its bowling might, failed to bowl out India, who in past were bowled out by teams with far weaker bowling attacks. Not only that, India bowled out Pakistan with the same weaker bowling combination.

What went wrong?  Why did Pakistan the seemingly invincible side lost to its arch rivals?

The answers are simple to comprehend. As Saurav Ganguly has put in simple words, Pakistan lacked class in its batting. I want to add something to this. It is not alone the lack of class in batting it is the lack of class in general.

When there is an earth quake, the structure with the stronger cores stand and the ones with the weaker cores collapse even if they look formidable from outside.

 Matches are not a clash between batting and bowling or between forehand shots and backhand shots; matches are a clash between personalities. Matches are trials of habits acquired by these personalities under most trying conditions. The ones with the toughest winning mindsets out perform the other.

That is what always happens and that is what happened at Mohalli.

Some may come out with reasons such as the advantages of Toss, turning pitch, weather factors such dew etc.  but  as champions are we not supposed perform in spite of all that?

India-Pakistan World Cup 2011 Semifinal Mohali
I do not agree with the hind sight of the experts that Pakistan dropped catches. They have tried their best. The players out there were far superior and far committed than the best critic at the stand or in front of a TV. If you had watched the match closely, you will understand the Indian players dropped quite a number of catches. Remember the deflection from Miswah’s bat dropped by Yuvraj from Bhajji’s bowling? Yuvraj failed to judge the spin, that’s what Miswah also did!

India, under the able guidance of Garry Kristen, had burned much mid-night oil or shed much mid-day sweat. They  have toiled much to achieve what they are now. They are an evolving side. They are in a path to winning big, there is no doubt.

What Pakistan should do from now?

There is no dearth of cricketers in Pakistan. They should look at their great history and start laying out a foundation strong enough to face the mightiest of sides.

Pakistan, had already started the journey, but much have to be done. Afridi has come out a winner with the attitude he has shown. He deserves a far superior place than many of his compatriots for the grace he has shown after loosing to a side against whom he has only one option, to win. He might have failed the expectation of his countrymen but he has shown the qualities of a winner.

It is shameful to deny due credit to a worthwhile opponent, but there is no shame in loosing to a better side and acknowledging the quality of one's opponent.


It will be wonderful to have your valuable comments.




Monday, January 24, 2011

Steve Harvey







Steve Harvey is the best-selling author behind "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man" and a new self-help book, "Straight Talk, No Chaser."

Mary Harvey, his ex-wife of 16 years,  has taken to YouTube to warn those reading Harvey's tomes about the man to whom they are listening, after the bitter divorce. She says Steve cheated on her multiple times, including once with a woman who actually told Mary the sex had been unprotected.

She also claims Steve has turned the couple's son, Wynton, against her. Steve, meanwhile, has filed a defamation suit against his ex because he says these allegations cost him a talk show on OWN. Sit back and decide for yourself if Mary Harvey makes a credible case in these videos:
Highlights Of The Video:
  • Steve moved on to Marjorie in a disturbingly quick fashion, never gave an explanation or apology to Mary.
  • Steve had an apartment in New York that he neevr let Mary see, but Marjorie joined him there.
  • Steve didn’t show up to divorce hearing so Mary never had closure.
  • Steve took their son, Wynton, from her and turned Wynton against her.
  • Mary was evicted and thrown out of their home and left with NO money. He took everything from her.
  • Mary claims Steve lied under oath saying he built his empire alone in order for her not to get a dime from him.
  • She can’t put this behind her because Steve is now suing her. He says MARY is the reason he did not get a show on Oprah’s new OWN network.
  • Mary is coming out with all of this now because Steve is dragging her name through the mud in the media and constantly brings her name up in interviews.
  • Steve’s lawyer prepared a letter of apology that he wanted her to sign saying she was responsible for anything bad about him and their marriage that ended up in the media.  She had to take the blame for it.









Jack Lalanne Died

Jack Lalanne


Sad news to report Jack Lalane has died at age 96. He espoused bodybuilding and the virtues of lifting weights, at a time when few had access to them. 

The cause, said Hersh, was respiratory failure due to pneumonia. LaLanne had been ill for the past week.  His wife, Elaine, was at his side, along with his family and friends, Hersh said.

His physical feats included completing 1,000 push-ups and 1,000 chin-ups in 86 minutes in 1959, and in 1984, when aged 70, towing 70 boats 1.5 miles in Long Beach harbour, while he was shackled and handcuffed. Nearly 30 years earlier he swam from Alcatraz island to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, also in handcuffs.

At 21, he opened his first gym in Oakland, California. It was 1936, and most doctors at the time warned against working out with weights, believing it could cause a heart attack or ruin a man’s sex drive. Considered a crackpot at the time, La Lanne eventually became America’s foremost authority on fitness. His gym grew into a chain of fitness clubs, with no reports of members dying or losing interest in sex. To add variety to his customers’ workouts, he devised such now-standard equipment as leg-extension machines and weights on pulleys for lifting. Over subsequent years, La Lanne was among the first to produce protein supplements and nutrition bars.



Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Food Corporation of India Recruitment 2011


Food Corporation of India Recruitment 2011 : Food Corporation of India has published latest recruitment notification for following jobs vacancies. Online applications invites by FCI from Indian Nationals who fulfill the prescribed qualifications, experience and age etc. for the posts indicated below:

More details about Food Corporation of India Recruitment 2011
  1. Deputy General Manager( Accounts) - 03 Posts
  2. Deputy General Manager (General Admin.) - 26 Posts
  3. Deputy General Manager (Electrical /Mechanical) - 01 Post
  4. Assistant General Manager (Accounts) - 21 Posts
  5. Assistant General Manager (Movement) - 09 Posts
  6. Assistant General Manager (Technical) - 40 Posts
  7. Assistant General Manager (Legal) - 07 Posts
  8. Assistant General Manager (General Admin.) - 58 Posts
  9.  Medical Officer - 03 Posts
Salary Pay Scales : For S.No. 1 to 3 : Rs. 24900- 50500 , For S.No. 4 to 8 : Rs. 20600- 46500 , For S.No. 9 : Rs. 9700-280-15860
 
Age as on 01.01.2011 For S.No. 1 , 2, 6, 9 : 35 years , For 4, 5, 8 : 30 Years , For S.No. 7 : 30-40 Years

Last Date
for receipt of online application : 07.02.2011

To see  the Ad click Here